Embracing Growth and Joy, A Journey of Leadership and Innovation at MDLZ
"I believe that new experiences can offer three key benefits: networking opportunities, increased visibility, and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. I highly encourage everyone to try!"
Maria Kombarova, Marketing Director, Eurasia
Friday, December 6, 2024
What attracted you to joining Mondelēz?
I believe my journey has been shaped by a combination of steps I have taken. I always strive to embrace new experiences. Throughout each assignment, I volunteered to take on additional responsibilities and projects:
- While I was a Brand Marketing Manager in Eastern Europe, I had the valuable opportunity to drive the “Great Place to Work” agenda alongside my HR and CGA colleagues.
- During my Milka Equity assignment in Zurich, I served as the Choco Sustainability Lead for the MEU region.
- Currently, I act as a “Well-being” ambassador in Eurasia.
I believe that new experiences can offer three key benefits: networking opportunities, increased visibility, and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. I highly encourage everyone to try!
What has been your most challenging role at Mondelēz International?
I spent nearly 15 years in Brand Marketing at Mondelēz International, during which I took on a one-year temporary assignment as a Transformation Manager. In this role, I was responsible for leading initiatives to harmonize the marketing team within a newly created region that combined Europe and Eastern Europe. It was a significant challenge for a creative and passionate marketer to navigate team structures, protocols, processes, and systems. However, this experience allowed me to develop new skills in a variety of areas.
What is the best advice a manager has shared with you during your time at Mondelēz International?
“Work hard and party harder.” This isn’t just a joke 😊. One of my first managers at Mondelēz International transformed my approach to work. I now firmly believe that results should lead to happiness, while the process should be enjoyable. I always try to prioritize small celebrations, team gatherings, and foster a friendly atmosphere within the team.