Why Leadership in Finance Begins with Responsibility?

Nikola Blašková’s professional journey reflects both technical excellence and strategic thinking. She joined the KKCG Group from the consulting sector, where she worked as a Corporate Tax Consultant at Deloitte. As a part of her career, she also specialized in international holding structures and collaborated closely with clients across multiple jurisdictions. These experiences continue to shape her approach to tax, which she considers a strategic component of long-term decision making.

In the interview, Nikola reflects on the fact that behind numbers and legal provisions are real human stories. She shares her perspective on working in an international environment, the value of strategic insight in complex financial matters, and the importance of staying authentic within the demanding setting of a large technology and investment group. Her story offers an honest and thoughtful look at leadership in finance today, built on expertise, curiosity, and the courage to remain true to oneself.

What first drew you to finance?

I have always felt more drawn to numbers than to humanities. What I like about numbers is that if you know how to read them, they can tell the story of an entire company and reveal reality without any filters. Finance requires the ability to see things in context, and that is what I enjoy most about it. The field of tax, which is where I work today, connects all of this with the legal environment, which is constantly evolving and always offers something new to learn.

Was there a moment when you realized you wanted to move into a leadership role?

I have probably always been ambitious in my career, but over time I realized that what matters most to me is enjoying my work. Once I started working on more demanding projects and collaborating with experts across different disciplines, I discovered that I truly enjoy having the ability to influence direction, decision making, and the overall team environment. At a certain point, I understood that leadership comes when you are not afraid to take responsibility for your decisions.

Which experiences shaped you the most professionally?

Making decisions in situations where there is no ideal solution. These moments teach you how to take responsibility, work with risk, stand by your decisions, and defend them. In tax and finance, very little is black and white. It is often about finding the best possible path within given constraints. For me, a real professional shift came when I learned to stay calm in these situations.

Which skills do you consider most important?

One of the most important skills for me is the ability to explain a complex tax issue in a clear and understandable way, even to people who do not work in this field. For tax to truly support the business, it is essential to clearly explain to leadership how their decisions will affect the tax position, what options are available, and which risks need to be considered. The ability to simplify complex topics without losing their core meaning is, in my view, the greatest value of my role.

What habits or routines help you when facing daily challenges?

Planning and anticipating future developments are very important to me because they help eliminate many unpleasant surprises that would otherwise need to be handled quickly and under pressure. Some situations cannot be avoided, and in those moments, it is crucial to set clear priorities. One of the most important factors is surrounding yourself with the right people, because in a well-functioning team with strong relationships, almost anything can be resolved. Equally important is rest. For me, active rest works best, especially time spent in nature, where I can truly clear my mind.

What does success mean to you?

I do not see success as a single moment, but as a long-term state of fulfillment. It is the feeling that you are moving in the right direction professionally, personally, and as a person, while still being able to remain true to yourself.

This interview is part of Leading Finance with Courage, learn more about the series here.