BBJ: Coca-Cola has a long history and strong corporate culture. How do you balance staying true to its legacy while bringing your vision and leadership approach to the role?

Ewelina Zawadzka: There are many things I love about Coca-Cola. The positive approach of our corporate culture is something that resonates so well with me. I genuinely believe that this kind of “can-do” attitude can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. The multicultural environment is another huge draw for me. These diverse teams foster growth and innovation; it is a source of strength that we have a small but very well-trained team of professionals in our Hungarian office. 

We constantly challenge ourselves to do our job even better. By doing so, we can achieve amazing things. We support a collaborative work environment through a network of global connections, insights and experiences. These all make it easier for me to navigate my role as a leader, as I am naturally drawn to the company’s commitment to excellence and leadership, which are central to Coca-Cola’s strategy. Additionally, I believe in the power of collaboration and consider myself a team player, working to build strong, inclusive teams that help drive success while staying true to the company’s legacy.

BBJ: What leadership values do you consider essential for success in today’s fast-changing business environment?

EZ: I would define my core values as authenticity, inclusivity and agility. I’m delighted I found that place in Coca-Cola. Staying true to myself and being honest is an integral part of my personality. Being inclusive and approachable is very important to me. I pay attention to building good relationships with everybody in the organization. I love working with talented and passionate people. I have a lot of trust in my team, and I want them to be part of the decision-making process. Lastly, the world is changing so rapidly around us that I believe agility is a must-have for a modern leader. I always focus on “controlling the controllable” while embracing the changes I have no impact on. When faced with change, my usual routine is to list risks and opportunities and then develop actionable scenarios to tackle the situation effectively.

I would also advise everyone in business leadership to stay curious and open-minded and prioritize learning and development. It’s essential to embrace new experiences and be willing to learn and unlearn along the way. I also believe that “magic happens outside of your comfort zone,” so I would encourage people to embrace new experiences and dive into the business environment, even if it seems challenging.

BBJ: Have you had mentors or role models who inspired you along the way? If so, what were the most valuable lessons you learned from them?

EZ: I’ve been very privileged to work at The Coca-Cola Company for more than 12 years now, and during this time, I had many great bosses and mentors, both male and female. They helped me to shape my leadership style. But the true role models for me are women in my family. My grandma became a widow at a very young age, and she raised six kids by herself. My mum finished agriculture school, but her dream was always to cook; she started washing dishes in one of the small local restaurants, and by the time she retired a few years ago, she had become a well-recognized chef with many years of experience. They taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of focusing on long-term goals, and I carry these notions with me every day. Coca-Cola is committed to providing opportunities for employees to grow and develop, and I am grateful for the support and guidance I have received throughout my career here.

BBJ: People can often face the challenge of balancing their professional and personal lives. What advice would you give to aspiring leaders navigating this path?

EZ: I wish I had a golden recipe for balancing personal and professional life, but I don’t, and I wouldn’t be my honest self if I claimed otherwise. Based just on my personal experience, self-awareness helps a lot. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your life priorities and what drives you: for some people, it might be money; for others, family, status or personal development. Only in our own heads can we decide whether some things are worth fighting for or sacrificing. That clarity helps us make decisions and maintain balance authentically. But one thing is for sure: an inclusive culture that fosters belonging and provides access to equal opportunities is key to being able to achieve this balance. I am lucky that these are all among the key principles at Coca-Cola.

Ewelina Zawadzka is an experienced FMCG leader with over 15 years in management, covering areas such as media and digital, brand marketing, business development, and commercial operations. Before becoming the general manager for The Coca-Cola Company in Hungary, Zawadzka led the company’s operations in Norway and Iceland for more than two years, where she drove strategy and commercial initiatives. Her diverse career also includes roles at major companies like L’Oréal and Nivea.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of March 7, 2025.