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Ludmila Šmerdová: technical knowledge and diplomatic skills

How does an innovation manager work? Ludmila Šmerdová, Product & Innovation Manager at Xella Czech Republic, knows all about it because it's her job. With a big-picture view and an eye for detail, she drives new products and technologies forward. 

24 May, 2023

Ludmila Šmerdová is not someone who answers immediately when you ask her something. The engineer takes her time. "I want to change things for the better," she says when questioned why she is involved in innovation management. For the better, because it's not good enough that things just work".

Ludmila is an engineer at heart. "I'm happy to work for Xella, which has prioritized environmental responsibility in recent years, because I've identified with environmental issues since my school days and here, I have the opportunity to contribute directly to innovations for environmental projects.

Keeping track of things

Today, her work is characterized by large and small, but always innovative projects. "Some projects I manage completely, some more, some less and some only marginally. But I monitor, record, and evaluate them," she says. About 30 per cent of her time is spent on innovation issues, and 70 per cent on product and technical administration. She has the core skills of an innovation manager: Identifying and supporting ideas, bringing people together, motivating them and, of course, keeping them on track.

Another one is to co-operate with other departments at Xella. As a rule, a team of at least two people is in charge of an innovation project. These colleagues usually come from different departments, such as engineering, production, sales, purchasing or marketing. Ludmila Šmerdová leads these teams. "It motivates me to see how committed each team member is to the realization of a good idea. I'm proud of every project that is completed and delivers the expected results". You can see the joy in her eyes. For example, when she talks about the new concrete-AAC window lintels.  "There was no technical solution on the market, but we found it. “

Using digitalization

Innovation is almost unthinkable without digitalization. But it is important for Xella Czech Republic and Slovakia not only on the product side. Ludmila Šmerdová is pleased: „Our virtual film studio, which we also use for training, is one of the proofs that Xella is the market leader and trendsetter in digitalization in these two countries. During the COVID pandemic, we also became a pioneer in online conferencing.“

This project was also shortlisted for the internal Xella Innovation Award. Since 2007, this competition has honored the most promising innovations. Every two years, fresh, creative and novel solutions from employees are awarded. An internal jury gives the prize to the most convincing ideas in various categories.

The pandemic was also a difficult time professionally for Ludmila Šmerdová. One of the most important tasks of the innovation manager is time management and planning. "Each sub-activity has to be carried out and reviewed by several people, so no matter what the situation, I have to keep track of the time frame for each project." At its best, these steps work in tandem. "It's quite a challenge and I'm constantly learning with each new project." Ludmila Šmerdová adds: "If one day it's the handling of prefabricated concrete lintels in AAC U profiles, tomorrow it's the recycling of plastic foil, and the next day it's the digitalization of the procurement system. Or all at the same time.”

BIM, Building Information Modelling, has also become indispensable for many working steps.  "This also applies to our sales team," says Ludmila Šmerdová. "Today, we can't imagine working with customers, usually large construction companies, without mapping the project in BIM. Our BIM department consists of six people, a very dynamic team. As well as attending international conferences, we are hosting the Xella Group's international BIM meeting in Prague this June.

Sharing knowledge

The Xella Innovation Platform has equally become indispensable. "Without it, we wouldn't be able to be at the forefront of new products so quickly. We would fall behind the competition and the market," Ludmila Šmerdová points out.

This shows how important internal and external cooperation is for innovative thinking. That's why the innovation managers in Xella's national organizations also work closely together. They share their knowledge on a day-to-day basis, but also at regular innovation meetings. "If we are interested in a project in another country, we contact the relevant colleagues and share our ideas and knowledge. After all, we're all in this together.“

This also applies to the exchange with Xella's research and technology team. "They support us with their knowledge in development and we report on our practical experience in the projects. It is a win-win situation.”

Being diplomatic

Innovation managers face more than just technical challenges. They must also be good psychologists and diplomats.
Psychologists, because they must give their teams the mental security to come up with new ideas – even if not all of them can be realized. "In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, we are very open to people and ideas. I really appreciate this atmosphere in our country – as well as constructive feedback," says the engineer.

This is not the only reason why innovation managers need diplomatic skills. Daily, they must balance the differing interests of engineers, salespeople, and corporate strategy. "This is also a challenge," says Ludmila Šmerdová. "This position teaches me a lot. It's about creating a balance between people, dealing with everyone and being able to motivate everyone for change and new ideas.”

Being a role model

Through her work as Innovation Manager, she is also a role model for other committed women at Xella. "Although the construction industry in general is still more male-dominated, Xella gives everyone a chance, regardless of whether they are male or female. It's more about what a person can do, what skills they have and where they want to go," she says.
She appreciates all her colleagues for the friendly environment they create at Xella, both at Xella CZ and in the whole Xella Group. That's one of the reasons why she has been working here for almost 10 years.
Sometimes it can be a challenge for everyone to find a balance between different working styles. Ludmila Šmerdová's advice to all women: "Don't be afraid of technology. If you are passionate about technology, the whole world of industry is open to you."

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