The Power of Collaboration and Connections featuring Marianna

Friday, March 7, 2025

Please introduce yourself and your role at Mondelēz International.

My name is Marianna Cizmarova. I lead the Global Assistants Community within the Mondelez Digital Services (MDS) Global Business Services, which is based in Bratislava.

In my dual role, I provide administrative support to a member of the Leadership Team and oversee a team of assistants who support many Senior Directors, Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, and often their respective teams.

In this position, it is critical to establish strong relationships and foster effective communication, both of which are fundamental to our organizational success. I am dedicated to empowering our team members by strengthening their expertise and professional competencies while offering a positive and friendly work environment that promotes collaboration. I advocate for a culture where every team member feels valued and is encouraged to share insights and experiences. By facilitating networking opportunities, I aim to enrich their professional trajectories and care for a supportive community. To achieve these objectives, I assign tasks that challenge our team members and promote skill development, creating avenues for personal and professional growth.

These experiences benefit not only the individuals involved but also enhance the overall capabilities of our team. Furthermore, I recognize the significance of motivating each team member to explore their career progression actively. I engage closely with them to identify their unique strengths and aspirations, assisting them in discovering their growth trajectories within the organization and in their broader careers. I aim to ensure everyone possesses the tools, support, and encouragement to excel and realize their full potential.

How would you describe your career path?

Almost eight years ago, I embarked on my journey as a Management Administration Assistant when I joined the "Mondelēz Family." At that time, I must admit I had limited experience as a remote assistant, and my overall background in administrative support was not extensive. My previous professional journey had been rooted in customer service, with years spent working in various capacities within travel agencies, hotels, and cruise lines—both ocean and river.

These experiences provided me with a solid foundation in leadership and service, as I learned to navigate the complexities of customer relations. What has always driven me in every role is my passion for helping others. I take great joy in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and I value the enriching conversations that come with working with people of all ages and experiences.

Two years ago, I transitioned into a leadership role, accepting the challenge of managing a team of assistants. Initially, I felt some apprehension, but I recognized this as an opportunity for growth and transformation for myself and the team.

What are your conquered challenges/or proud moments while leading a team?

Since our role is service-oriented and often operates behind the scenes, I believe I have successfully increased our team's visibility. I have encouraged team members to use their voices, take up space, and clearly articulate our contributions to the company, our team, and our relationships with executives—all while maintaining a positive attitude and an open mind. I set out to increase our visibility within the organization, encouraging team members to express their ideas confidently and showcase their contributions.

How would you describe Mondelēz International’s culture?

The principles of trust, care, loyalty, respect, and a genuine interest in people, have been foundational to my experiences with Mondelēz since my initial engagement. From the moment I encountered the hiring advertisement to the interview process, these values resonated with me and continue to guide my professional performance. It feels like home at Mondelēz.

What is your message for those building a career in a fast-moving environment like Mondelēz?

When deciding on your career path, it's important to understand your motivations. Mondelēz offers numerous opportunities to find your ideal job, but it is ultimately up to you to seize them. Stay true to yourself, be honest with yourself and others, avoid pretending to be someone you’re not, and embrace new experiences. Finally, I encourage everyone to start each day with a smile; this simple gesture elevates your mood and positively influences everyone you interact with throughout the day. :)