In a role that spans countries, clients and constant change, excellence isn’t a finish line but a mindset. For Paulina Vaňková, Senior Project Manager at Accace Circle, it means being thoughtful, reliable and fully present, especially when things get complicated. In the final part of our mini-series on excellence, Paulina shares how she brings structure to her work, builds trust across borders and quietly raises the bar through consistency, care and collaboration.
What does “excellence” mean to you in your role?
For me, excellence means doing my job with care, responsibility and a desire to help others succeed. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about making sure things run smoothly, people feel supported and clients trust us. I always try to be reliable, kind and clear in everything I do.
Can you share an example where striving for excellence made a big difference for a client or a community member?
There was one situation that really stands out. We had a client who was being supported by one of our external partners and unfortunately, the service was facing ongoing challenges for quite a while.
But instead of giving up or pointing fingers, we stayed close to the partner, offered support, guidance and a lot of patience. We kept regular contact with both sides, helped clarify expectations and made sure our internal team was ready to jump in whenever needed.
It took time, but thanks to teamwork and persistence, we finally reached a point where the client was satisfied. That moment reminded me how important it is to stay committed, even when things are tough. Excellence for me isn’t about perfection, but about supporting others and doing what’s needed to make things right.
How do you ensure consistency and quality when working across so many locations?
I rely on checklists, templates, trackers, but also on communication. I make sure everyone knows what’s expected and feels comfortable asking questions. I also try to be available and responsive, so if something goes off track, we catch it early. It’s about balancing process with people.
What are some behind-the-scenes routines or habits that support high standards?
I’m a big fan of daily planning. I try each morning to reviewing priorities. I also keep detailed notes and follow-ups, so nothing gets lost. I always try to reflect what went well, what could be better, so I can keep improving.
Paulina Vaňková
Senior Project Manager at Accace Circle
How do you inspire others in the community or in your team to keep raising the bar?
I think the best way to inspire is to be supportive and positive. I celebrate wins, even small ones and I always show appreciation. I also encourage people to speak up, share ideas and take ownership. When people feel trusted and valued, they naturally want to do their best.
A final word
Excellence isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet consistency, care and clarity that keeps everything moving forward. Paulina shows us how much impact that kind of excellence can have.
