Meet the team: Jana Kulhánková

Published on 20 September 2023

Meet the team: Jana Kulhánková

Meet Jana Kulhánková, an Office Manager of 45 with an inspiring journey from motherhood to a thriving career in international logistics. Discover her passion for pastry, love for sports, and her vibrant role at Voerman Group.

A journey from motherhood to Office Manager

At the age of 45, Jana’s career path took an unconventional turn. After dedicating several years to motherhood and spending invaluable time on maternity leave with her three children, Jana decided to embark on a new and exciting adventure in the international logistics sector. She joined DPD as a specialist in the customer care center, where she was thrust into the intricate world of back-office operations. It was a transformative experience, one that would forge her into a professional with an unyielding spirit. ‘It made me steel,’ she remarks, reflecting on the grit and determination she developed during this phase of her career.

A sweet side turn

Jana’s journey took an unexpected twist when she decided to temporarily step away from her professional life for four months. Her aspiration was to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a pastry chef. Enrolling in a pastry course, she dedicated herself to hone her culinary skills, experimenting with gluten-free baking, and exploring the use of healthy alternative ingredients. What sets Jana apart is her unwavering commitment to perfecting her craft, often treating her colleagues at the office to the fruits of her labor.

A sporty pastry chef

Beyond her culinary prowess, Jana is a dedicated athlete who embraces an active and health-conscious lifestyle. Her athletic pursuits include swimming, practicing the Wim Hof method, and indulging her love for hiking and mountain climbing in the great outdoors. Perhaps most endearing is her approach to running; she humorously admits to ‘running to eat’ all those sweet desserts guilt-free.

Voerman Group as a place of growth

For the past four years, Jana has been an integral part of the Voerman Group. Her decision to join the company was motivated by a strong desire to work in an international environment and leverage her considerable skills. The challenge of transitioning to working entirely in English, though initially daunting, was embraced with unshakable determination. Her team’s motto during this transformative period? ‘It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak English perfectly; just bake!’ And so she does…

A colleague’s perspective

Colleagues describe Jana as a vibrant presence in the workplace, a perpetual motion of positivity who brightens the office with her infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm. Her open-mindedness and eagerness to collaborate make her an invaluable team player. Jana is the kind of colleague who listens attentively to everyone’s concerns and never hesitates to extend a helping hand.

Jana: ‘You can see me running around the offices. Hopefully, I bring positive vibes with my daily smiling and enthusiasm.’

Voerman Group is more than an employer

Jana underscores that Voerman Group distinguishes itself as an employer by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages new ideas to flourish. The fact that managers and employees interact on an equal footing creates a unique workplace culture. For Jana, colleagues at Voerman aren’t just coworkers; they’re friends who share common interests both inside and outside of work. From CrossFit lessons to various team activities, the bond among Voerman employees extends beyond the office walls!

‘At Voerman is a very welcoming, friendly environment, open to all ideas and with a supporting attitude,’ Jana explains, and ‘I am proud that we have yoga lessons and regular massages in the office.’