Meet Jana and her adventure at Mondelēz International

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Describe your career path with us. What were your beginnings at Mondelēz, and what led you to move into different positions?

I joined Mondelēz International in 2016. It was my very first job after finishing school, and I was grateful to be given the opportunity even without previous experience. Over time, I developed my skills and gained valuable experience, which opened doors to new career opportunities within the company. I saw these as a great way to grow both personally and professionally—and every move I’ve made so far has proven to be a good decision.

Manufacturing is sometimes seen as a male-dominated field. Have you ever encountered any obstacles or stereotypes?

Not at all. I’ve always felt that men and women are equally represented at all levels of management in our company. I haven’t experienced any gender-based differences or obstacles. In fact, according to our internal data, there are actually slightly more women working at our plant — #girlpower!

As the Cluster Productivity Lead, what does your role entail and what do you enjoy most?

In this role, I oversee all productivity projects across the cluster—making sure they run on time and deliver the expected outcomes. I also facilitate workshops and benchmarking sessions and support various departments and teams in identifying opportunities and transforming them into actionable projects. Regular communication and reporting with both plant and regional management is a big part of the job. What I enjoy most is the variety—the chance to work with different teams and the constant learning that comes with it.

What challenges have you faced along your career journey, and how did you overcome them?

Every role comes with its own set of challenges and a certain level of stress, especially at the beginning when you're still learning the ropes. Luckily, I’ve always had people around me willing to offer advice, guidance, and mentorship. That kind of support, combined with a willingness to invest extra time and effort at the start, helped me overcome those hurdles.

You’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years. How do you unwind and recharge?

Taking time to relax is essential for recharging both mentally and physically. My favorite way to unwind is to escape everyday routines—going on a short trip or vacation with my boyfriend, our dog, and friends. I love discovering new places, enjoying good food, and just soaking in the moment. When travel isn’t possible, my go-to relaxation lately has been gardening. (Yes, I might be leaning into a midlife crisis—but I’m embracing it!)

What advice would you give to colleagues who want to grow in their careers?

Be open to change and ready to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes the best opportunities come from taking that leap.