Matěj Žák

Energy & Strategy Leader | Innovation, Transformation & Human-Centric Cultures | Sport-Powered Discipline | Resilient Mindset | NEWTON University Ambassador

Czechia

About

I am an enthusiastic and optimistic manager with a strong conviction that people are, have always been, and will always remain the top priority. With extensive experience in the energy sector, I have led large-scale investment projects, fostered a strong safety culture, and ensured effective risk management. My expertise lies in leadership, personal and professional development, and mental coaching — with a focus on long-term results and sustainable growth. 📌 Key Milestones - 09/2023 – Successfully defended my thesis Leadership and Personal Development of Leaders - 09/2024 – Defended my thesis Coaching for Personal and Managerial Practice in Relation to Corporate Culture Development - 09/2025 – MSc in Mental Coaching in Sport and Business, thesis: Self-Coaching and Meditation Techniques for Mindset Reset (in collaboration with former psychologists of the Czech Army) - 2025 – Admitted to Ph.D. studies at Comenius University in Bratislava. Doctoral research focus: Psychological Resilience of Leaders – Effectiveness of Training Programs in Crisis Management I believe that true results are achieved when the entire team pulls together in the same direction. My guiding motto is: “I for us.” I do things wholeheartedly, with a strong emphasis on values, people development, and shared success 🚀

Experience

  • ČEZ (Full-time · 8 yrs 8 mos)
    • Quality Manager
      May 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

      • Leading Risk Management • Driving Safety Culture • Collaboration on major projects within the energy sector • Experience with continuous improvement tools such as PDCA, Kaizen, Six Sigma, etc

    • Project Manager
      Nov 2017 - May 2024 · 6 yrs 7 mos

      • Led large-scale investment projects in the electrical scope (worth hundreds of millions CZK) from early preparation through to successful execution. Full responsibility for planning, budgeting, contracts, risk, quality, and compliance in a highly regulated nuclear environment. • Directed contract preparation, negotiation, and administration with contractors and suppliers • Participated in tendering procedures and evaluation of prospective contractors • Managed construction, modifications, and reconstructions of systems, including those critical to nuclear safety, with supplier acceptance oversight • Accountable for investment and operational budgets, cost control, and cash flow, ensuring compliance with approved project objectives • Oversaw scheduling, risk management, and mitigation strategies to keep projects on track and aligned with requirements • Supervised preparation and approval of technical documentation and quality assurance programs • Managed licensing processes, permits, and regulatory approvals with state authorities and municipalities • Ensured compliance with zoning, building, and occupancy proceedings • Directed commissioning activities including testing, complex trials, and required documentation for project handover • Led acceptance processes, occupancy approvals, and defect resolution • Provided leadership to multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and delivery of project goals

  • Rodinná firma Žák (Self-employed · 14 yrs 1 mo)
    • Technical Director
      Feb 2019 - Jan 2025 · 6 yrs

      • Full responsibility for project management – from design and engineering to execution • Development and management of project schedules, coordination of internal teams • Accountability for project financial management, budgets, and cost control • Preparation, negotiation, and administration of contracts with business partners • Implementation of tailored security and surveillance solutions • Process management – designing and optimizing internal processes

    • Project Manager
      Jan 2011 - Jan 2019 · 8 yrs 1 mo

      • Leading electrical projects • Responsibility for project schedules and cash flow management • Reporting to senior management • Handover of completed works

  • Project Manager at AGRO 2000, S.R.O.
    Sep 2017 - Oct 2017 · 2 mos

    • Comprehensive management of grant programs • End-to-end management of grant programs