The transfer of intergenerational behavior patterns—especially in terms of risk, responsibility, and attitudes toward the future—is one of the greatest challenges we face as a society.
Czechoslovakia, a country with a strong industrial and entrepreneurial tradition, underwent dramatic changes in the 20th century that fundamentally influenced how we perceive business today.
40 years of communism – a change in mindset
The period from 1948 to 1989 brought a fundamental change. The communist regime systematically suppressed private ownership, eliminated entrepreneurial initiative, and created a rigid, centralized economy. Business became synonymous with speculation and moral failure.
Those who had ambitions to build and create were labeled enemies of the regime and forced to hand over their companies to the state or emigrate. The result was the phenomenon of the "forgotten entrepreneur" – generations grew up without entrepreneurial role models, without experience of the market, competition or responsibility for decisions.
This state of affairs became deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness, and its consequences are still felt today. The mentality formed over four decades was passed down from generation to generation, whether through family attitudes or the education system.
In many cases, caution, distrust of the state, and aversion to risk and profit remain. Entrepreneurship is often still viewed with suspicion.
At the same time, many people still carry the burden of the past. People who lost their businesses or were economically ruined by the change of regime carry these traumas not only within themselves, but also pass them on to their generation and families.
The transmission of intergenerational behavior patterns – especially in terms of risk, responsibility, and attitudes toward the future – is one of the greatest challenges we face as a society.
Changing this intergenerational pattern of behavior is essential, and it starts with educating children. From an early age, it is necessary to build responsibility, independence, and a healthy relationship with risk as a natural part of life and business.
Only then can we break the chain of historical conditioning and create a new generation of leaders and innovators.
Multiculturalism and historical openness in Czechoslovakia
Although communism closed its borders, Czechoslovakia was historically quite multicultural. Before World War II, there were strong Jewish, German, Hungarian, and Ruthenian communities living here.
These groups contributed significantly to the commercial spirit of the region—the Jewish community was known for trade, the Germans brought technical precision, and the Hungarians and Slovaks from the south were engaged in agriculture.
Multiculturalism in Czechoslovakia therefore had a fundamental impact on the mutual enrichment of society as a whole. The intermingling of languages, cultures, and business models created an innovative environment and naturally broadened horizons.
After the war, however, and especially after the communist coup, this diversity was largely suppressed. The result was cultural homogenization—a nation that had once benefited from its diversity became closed in on itself.
Czechoslovaks as a phenomenon: between skill and passivity
Czechoslovaks – especially in the eyes of foreigners – were long perceived as hard-working, technically skilled, but also cautious, skeptical, often cynical, and distrustful of authority.
The combination of a historical tradition of craftsmanship, high-quality education, and experience under communism created a specific type of person – a skilled "handyman" who knows how to get things done but is afraid of big ambitions.
Changing this mindset is only possible through long-term work on values and education. It is essential to highlight truly successful people who have achieved their success through hard work, honesty, and creativity.
We need more authentic role models who prove that success is not a coincidence or a scam, but the result of long-term effort.
Baťa – an icon ahead of his time
The opposite of this mentality is Tomáš Baťa, an entrepreneur whose philosophy was based on innovation, social responsibility, local patriotism, and a global outlook.
Baťa did not just build factories, but entire cities, educational systems, and a corporate culture. He was convinced that an entrepreneur should be a servant of society – not just a producer of goods, but also a shaper of people's character.
We apply elements of Baťa's philosophy in our company – an emphasis on quality, education, community, and long-term value. His principles are timeless and inspiring even in the digital age.
And what about today? Expectations from the current mindset
Today's business environment is changing faster than ever before. In times of global crises, technological leaps and generational shifts, it is no longer enough to have a good product or service.
What separates the average from the exceptional is the way of thinking – how a company (and the people in it) responds to change, uncertainty and pressure.
Today, entrepreneurs, managers and employees are expected to offer more than technical expertise. They are expected to demonstrate personal maturity and the ability to take responsibility and lead – not authoritatively, but based on values.
Successful leaders are no longer just those who have a plan. They are those who know how to inspire, collaborate, and adapt. It is not enough to know what to do. It is important to be clear about why you are doing it – and to be able to convince your team and your customers of this.
At the same time, attitudes toward failure are changing. Whereas in the past, a mistake was the end, today it is part of growth. The ability to learn on the fly, adapt, and not stop at the first failure is now a necessity.
At the forefront is the so-called "growth mindset," which emphasizes continuous improvement rather than the desire for perfection on the first try.
Openness – to cooperation, new cultures, and different perspectives – is also an essential part of the modern entrepreneurial mindset. The world is too interconnected for us to be satisfied with a local perspective.
Today, success comes where people are able to overcome individual isolation and engage in teamwork, partnerships, and international initiatives. Thinking in an international context is no longer above and beyond – it is the new standard. Today, a relevant product must be scalable and ready to expand abroad.
Entrepreneurial spirit will flourish if it is given certainty. Certainty of a stable legislative environment where changes take place over decades, not months. Where politics is not focused on illusory social stability, but on stability of rules, predictability, and a long-term vision for the future.
