5 Questions with Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness: Zsofia Komaromi

As part of Publicis Groupe Central & Eastern Europe (CEE)’s 'Embrace Gender Equity' initiative that was launched during this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8th, the company created a special series 'Publicis Groupe CEE Lioness' designed to showcase and spotlight its many female talent and leaders across the CEE region, celebrating their experiences and important roles they play within the company. Get to know the Publicis Groupe CEE Lionesses through their stories in this series.

1. Can you share your story with us, how have you gotten to where you are today in your profession? 

Zsofia> My current profession has never been what I planned initially, and my journey (I believe) has always been a blend of curiosity, hard work, and a pinch of luck. Right after high school (where I was preparing to be a literature teacher), I unintentionally landed a receptionist job at an international executive recruitment firm as a side job beside my studies. A month in, they offered me a role in recruitment. At that time, I had no clue what the word recruitment meant in English, I even had to Google it - obviously after I said yes to the role. 😊 I spent more than three years there headhunting executives across various markets, from CEE to the Benelux and the United States.

My career took another turn when I decided to transition into an in-house HR role, and with each step in my career, I became more curious and ambitious, eager to learn more and challenge myself. This led me to where I am today. Always ready to learn something new.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in your career so far? 

Zsofia> My most unforgettable experience in my career has undoubtedly been my time at Publicis Groupe, working closely with my exceptional team. To me, success is synonymous with great teamwork, and over the past 2.5 years, we've achieved some remarkable milestones. Among many other things, this includes winning awards in Hungary for our work in diversity initiatives as well as creating something together or constantly learning from each other. What makes my team truly special is that they’re not only dedicated and highly skilled professionals in their fields, but they also embody empathy, openness, and humility, making them truly exceptional human beings. I’m fortunate to lead and be part of this team.

3. Similarly, what was the most challenging moment and how did you overcome it?

Zsofia> One of the most significant challenges I've faced in my career is a bit personal as it is closely tied to my age. Starting my career at a very young age, I quickly climbed the professional ladder. However, this often meant that I’ve been always the youngest person at the table. Early in my career, I struggled with the feeling that I didn't have the right to voice my opinions and, on many occasions, people would make comments once they learned how "young" I was. There had been many moments that underscored this challenge. For example, I first became HR leader for a company of 300 employees at the age of 24 and when I met the global head of HR for the first time, upon learning my age, he asked, "Who hired you?". Such comments were common, and looking back now, they served as stark reminders of the age-related (and often gender-related) biases I faced.

Still, over time, I learned to value my contributions and the perspective my 'youthful' opinion brought to the table. I stopped trying to prove my worth by pretending to be older or more experienced than I was in professional spaces and stopped being terribly afraid to make mistakes or fail sometimes. This has also been one of the most important lessons in my career journey - learning to embrace the diversity of thought that my age brought and recognizing the strength in my own perspective. Also, this has taught me the importance of resilience, authenticity, and the ability to value one's own worth, regardless of age, gender, or any preconceived notions. And most importantly, this is also why I am truly happy where I am today, working at Publicis Groupe, because I genuinely feel valued for who I am.

4. What are your most important tips on achieving success?

Zsofia> My most important tips on achieving success are connected to my previous answer and rooted in valuing authenticity and embracing uniqueness. As I mentioned before, I've learned the significance of not trying to conform or imitate certain patterns, but rather embracing the distinct qualities and perspectives we each bring to the table. Many of us often attempt to fit into predefined moulds or follow established patterns, yet the real power lies in connecting our individual uniqueness to the core values of the organisation.

In a nutshell, success is not about conforming but about celebrating and leveraging the unique qualities that make us who we are. 

5. What are your tips for younger female talent embarking on the journey you’re already on?

Zsofia> I feel that I’ve already shared plenty of advice 😊, I would just reiterate that in today's business world that often follows traditional patterns, it's up to us to break those norms by embracing our individuality. Authenticity and valuing the unique strengths that women bring are crucial and beside this, I would also highlight the importance of advocating for yourself. Be confident about what you know, what you’ve achieved and what you aspire to. Don't be afraid to speak up about it. This self-advocacy can bring recognition, opportunities, career growth, and all in all, boost your confidence.