How A Category Planning & Activation Professional Drives Success in MDLZ Eurasia

Friday, December 6, 2024

What attracted you to joining Mondelēz?

“If you get all tangled up, just tango on.” Working in CP&A is like dancing the tango. Collaboration is essential; success cannot be achieved alone. This role requires patience, determination, and flexibility to navigate various challenges effectively.

CP&A connects different functions within Mondelēz and plays a crucial role in linking the company with its customers and buyers. Like in tango, maintaining the right pace is vital for ensuring sustainable growth for our company and partners. The rhythm of collaboration is key to achieving our shared goals.

To succeed in CP&A, it's essential to understand the overall business needs and objectives. Staying calm in a fast-paced and often chaotic environment is critical. Effective communication and negotiation with various stakeholders, including sales and finance teams and customers, are also essential.

Making quick decisions and taking responsibility for them, even if they aren't perfect, is a priority. Acting swiftly and in the best interest of the business is imperative. Additionally, strong technical skills and attention to detail are necessary to support ongoing business processes.

How has your experience as a CP&A Specialist contributed to your professional skill development?

In today’s fast-changing market, it's essential to continuously improve your skills to stay ahead. As I engaged in my daily tasks, I realized that Excel alone wasn't sufficient for the in-depth data analysis I required. That's when I decided to take Power BI and Power Query courses. Since I began these courses, I have already noticed a significant improvement in my data-handling abilities. These tools have made my work more accessible and more efficient. There is something genuinely satisfying about learning something new and applying it immediately - especially when you can see the positive impact on your day-to-day activities.

Why is taking on challenges and stretching yourself important for you?

Challenge yourself and try something new. Don't hesitate to knock on closed doors. This approach has always worked for me. As the saying goes, “There are no mistakes in tango,” and life operates under the same principle. Growth occurs when you step out of your comfort zone.

Currently, my challenge is to standardize forms and simplify processes. Looking ahead to 2025, my goal is clear: I aim to take on more projects and develop my skills as a project owner and leader. This involves implementing best practices, exploring new ideas, and preparing myself for future challenges. I focus on achieving stable and sustainable growth in my current role while continually striving for improvement.