Pavol Pravňanský
Since 2013, Pavol has been a manager at PwC’s Shared Services Centre. He leads teams that primarily provide non-financial services. He enjoys finding ways to do things better and more efficiently.
Introducing Pavol Pravňanský
Hi Pali, please tell us a bit about yourself. What might people not know about you?
I’m a person who likes order in everything. In work tasks and at home, and with two small children and two cats I often cannot put the vacuum cleaner down. I love nature and mountains. When I have time, I enjoy long hikes. I am a big fan of ridge trails and endurance events. (Anyone who knows the Trnavská stovka knows what I mean).
A large part of my life has been connected to folklore. This brought me countless experiences, many countries visited and most importantly friendships for life. I enjoy travelling, discovering new places, cultures and local food, so you would rarely find me sitting by a hotel pool. I have a soft spot for Asia, and I love preparing food from there, especially sushi.
How did you get into this job? What did you want to do before?
Originally, I wanted to be an archaeologist. Life took me far from excavation sites and eventually brought me to a desk and a computer.
You are a manager in the non-financial part of the Shared Services Centre. How do you explain your work to friends?
We provide various client services in our region that make work easier for other colleagues and help build value and shared benefit. Even though our SSC was created as part of the financial sector, my current teams mainly provide non-financial services, such as data support, transaction support and risk management.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The variety of tasks, the freedom in decision making and leadership, working with people and working on projects. It’s a bit of everything and that’s what makes my job interesting and diverse.
People sometimes say SSCs are like factories, but I find that very short sighted. If someone shows effort and willingness, they can build many opportunities for self-development. My role is to ensure balance and satisfaction in four directions. Clients, colleagues and my team. And of course my own.
How do you keep your work interesting? What has kept you at PwC for eight years?
Sometimes I feel like a robot vacuum cleaner. When I hit an obstacle, I try to climb over it. If that does not work, I change direction and look for another way. I have taken on many roles and tasks in this department, and I always look for ways to do things better. I come up with new projects that I later improve, reshape or let go of. As we provide services to colleagues across many areas, there is never a chance to get bored.
Consulting companies are often seen as workplaces where private life suffers. How do you balance work and family?
I have never really had a problem with this. Even though I sometimes work or think about tasks during weekends or holidays, I always saw myself as someone who manages to keep a good work and life balance. Recent changes made us rethink how we function at home and while working remotely, so a lot has changed. But I still manage to get enough time with my family.
What helps you stay effective and function at 100%? Do you have favourite activities? #bewellworkwell
Whenever possible, I take the kids out to the forest near our home or to our cottage in the mountains or I go cycling to clear my head. When we used to go to the office regularly, I rode my bike most of the year and I miss that a lot now.
What about working from home? Has anything changed or do you focus more on certain activities?
Just the opposite. I feel that some restrictions grounded me a bit. I used to play football in the gym regularly and ride my bike to work. Now things are different. But I try to see the positives. This situation made many people rethink how they function within the community and their families. By working almost entirely from home, I am constantly in contact with my family which gives me a great opportunity to work on relationships and myself.
How do you spend your free time during the week and on weekends?
I somehow stopped perceiving free time as a separate concept. When I am not working, I’m with the kids or helping clean up at home. These days my free time usually begins when the house finally gets quiet at night, the mess is under control and sometimes I sit on the couch at ten o’clock, and fall asleep five seconds later.
How do you relax?
I love rock music. At work, I mostly listen to film music and soundtracks. With the kids we enjoy audio fairy tales, especially original Slovak recordings. I often catch myself singing along to them.
| Cardio or strength training? | Cardio |
| Book or film? | Film |
| Meeting friends or a film at home? | Friends |
| Sea or mountains? | Mountains |
| Salad or burger? | Burger |
| Winter or summer? | Summer |
| Home office or office? | Office |
| Stairs or lift? | Stairs |
| Tea or coffee? | Coffee |
| Sweet or salty? | Salty |
Favourite character from a book or film and why?
Dory from Finding Nemo. She’s incredibly positive and full of energy and joy.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I love travelling, but I suffer on the way home when it takes too long.
One book that changed your perspective?
A children’s primer.
Best advice you have received?
Be part of the solution. Otherwise you’re part of the problem.
Many young people dream of a successful career. What would you recommend to them?
Dream, but stay realistic. Don’t only focus on yourself. Try to also look at situations through the eyes of others.
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