By presenting a single success story, this article aims to help build a culture of female leadership in Eastern Europe and Central Asia by inspiring female executives to pursue further career achievement.
Founded by Redzo Bekto in 2005, Bekto Precisa supplies molding tools used in European automotive, electrical, and ski industries. The company has a firmly established regional reputation, along with 450 employees, 40 percent of whom are female.
Enisa Bekto, Redzo's daughter, is the CEO and Bekto Precisa’s driving force. Before joining the management team, Enisa worked in every single department in the company, including assembly hall, quality control, and administration.
A mother of three, Enisa views her family as her backbone, giving her strength to persevere. Her father has long been her mentor, and passed on his business philosophy: devotion, love for the work, and commitment to customers, who deserve the best. "It’s a deep commitment, "she says. “Our business is very specific and highly technical, and we can only satisfy our customers if we provide the highest quality and creative solutions.”
Being a female manager in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not easy. In BiH less than 14 percent of top managers are women, which is below the regional average of 20 percent. It is difficult for women to move into managerial positions, despite the value they often bring.
In Enisa's experience, the most successful managers in her company have been women, mainly because of their creativity and sensitivity to interpersonal relationships. Bringing these qualities into the company’s leadership team has had a positive impact on decision-making and growth.
At a recent IFC regional conference on women in boards and leadership, Enisa described how she recognized this talent pool and its impact on business results. She provided opportunities in the company’s managerial functions for successful women.
With 30 percent annual growth, Bekto Precisa plans to expand its operations and create 100 jobs in the next three years. Many of those new positions will likely be taken by very capable women.
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