The Only Woman Among 68 Directors: The Inspiring Story of Klara Sokolova from O-I Glassworks

The WIN project (Women in Innovation) is dedicated to empowering women in peripheral industrial regions by sharing their stories, fostering opportunities, and supporting their professional growth. Through podcasts, events, and training, WIN highlights inspiring career paths that demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and leadership. In one episode of the INION talk podcast, created in collaboration with WIN, we spoke with Klara Sokolova, director of the O-I plant in Nové Sedlo. Her journey demonstrates that a successful career can take unexpected paths – from quality management to leading an industrial plant with a 145-year tradition.

From Quality Expert to First Female Director

Klara started at the company right after university in the quality department, never imagining she would one day lead an entire plant. For nineteen years, she built her expertise and learned production down to the smallest details. The breakthrough moment came during training at the American headquarters: "It actually never occurred to me in my life to be a plant director. Only when I heard about that woman in Peru, I thought to myself: if it worked there, why not here?"

Thanks to the employee development system, she had the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures: "It enriches you as a person, you have to look at it openly." These experiences opened her eyes to new possibilities.

Key Decision and Management Support

The turning point came during a development interview with HR. "I admit that I honestly said that if I were a guy, my next position would probably be plant director. I was also surprised that I said it out loud."

The company's management surprised her with their reaction: "There was a quick round where everyone perked up - aha, okay then. We talked about whether this was the path, whether I would be afraid."

Unique Position in a Male-Dominated World

Today she is the only woman among 68 plant directors in the entire international O-I group. Instead of seeing it as a burden, she views it as an opportunity to bring a different approach: "I think women have a slightly different approach to things. There's no ego and testosterone, where men sometimes compete with each other. For me, it's important to respect everyone, because they're there to do their job the best they can."

Colleagues from regional positions welcomed her: "They came to me saying: hey, this is great, finally one of us. That surprised and pleased me."

Tradition and Modern Challenges

The Nové Sedlo plant has a remarkable 145-year history. "The entire town was built for the plant and glass bottles have been manufactured there ever since." Today it produces an average of 1.3 million bottles daily in continuous 24/7 operation.

"When there's a big problem, we call each other. Otherwise, we have people on each shift who should handle it," Klara describes the specifics of managing non-stop operations.

Fair Conditions for Everyone

O-I has addressed gender pay gaps: "They evaluate a skill matrix - what you can handle, where you're progressing. That's excellent." The system works based on clear and measurable criteria according to qualifications and abilities.

Unconventional Educational Path

Klara's journey was diverse - she started studying non-woven textiles in Liberec, continued with economics in Prague, and culminated with Erasmus in Berlin. "People shouldn't set barriers for themselves and say 'never'. Because you never know where life will take you."

The international experience changed her perspective: "I started being proud of being Czech. I realized that we're not as bad as we think we are. Czechs really underestimate themselves."

Fighting Against Prejudices

Klara criticizes outdated approaches in education. When a teacher told children during a plant tour: "If you don't study well, you'll end up in a factory too," she responded firmly: "That's a wrong perspective. These are professionals who are very well paid for their work."

Advice for the Younger Generation

For young women considering a career in industry, she has a clear message: "They definitely shouldn't be afraid. Every day is different, every day you learn something new and you produce something that has value. Don't listen to others, especially when you feel you're technical types."

"When you're afraid, you can't do it. You have to feel that you can handle it," she adds with conviction.

Faith in the Future of Glassmaking

Klara believes in the future of the industry: "It's important to stay unique, maintain excellent quality. I believe we can do it, but you have to want it."

Conclusion

Klara Sokolova's story shows that courage to cross boundaries and faith in one’s own abilities can open doors even in the most traditional industries. Her journey demonstrates that perseverance, openness to learning, and readiness to seize opportunities are key to professional success.

In collaboration with which this podcast was created, the WIN project co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Interreg Danube program, aims to improve the position of women in the labor market in peripheral industrial regions. By sharing stories like Klara’s, WIN inspires women across the Danube region to embrace their potential and pursue fulfilling careers.

Stay tuned to the WIN platform for more stories, insights, and opportunities that support women in transforming challenges into strengths and building inclusive, innovative futures.