The Bulldog Mentality: How Andrea Prazakova Navigates Challenges in Her Career
“Be more patient and listen more. I’ll admit, listening is not my strongest skill. I usually want to solve things quickly instead of getting other people’s thoughts. But, when I slow down, it always enables me to get everyone’s perspective. My advice to other women would be different.”
Mastercard executive Andrea Prazakova shared this advice after traveling from her home in Dubai to NYC for our photoshoot.
“I would tell other women to be bold & courageous. I feel like women are full of so many doubts. Just go for it, don’t be scared. Keep your curiosity and be bold. I wouldn’t have been here today if I had let fear keep me from trying new things.”
“When I was 19, I was one of the first 5 people to work for an Austrian bank at their first branch in the Czech Republic after the revolution. I got sent to what was essentially a boarding school for finance in Austria because Austria has a very interesting system for finance management. I spent a couple months in school & a couple of the months on the job training working in a bank.”
“In rural Austria at that time (early 90s), where there too many rules & I shared a room with 5 people. There was a curfew. I hated it so much. I told my parents that it wasn’t for me. My mom was crying on the phone. My dad took the phone from her and said ‘I’ll see you in 3 months’ and hung up.”
“I am so grateful he didn’t take me home. I stayed at the bank for 10 years and had incredible growth & fantastic memories. Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet—just because you don't like it at that moment, doesn’t mean you should give up. Just step back and look at what would happen if you don’t follow through. Or if you quit. What are you giving up?”
“From then on, I never gave up. I’ve been described as a “bulldog” – give me something & I’ll run with it. You have to have the commitment, energy, & curiosity to just go through things. They won't all be easy.”
“Curiosity is key. Ask questions. Find a solution. Don’t give up. Pave a new path. For me now, it’s learning and testing generative AI plugins with my son. You can’t stop learning and evolving. You can reinvent yourself at any point in time. As you grow in your career you should constantly grow, evolve and change.”
"I never had a really good headshot. And then somehow I saw someone post their photos on LinkedIn. I thought they were beautiful, but so far away.”
“Then I was going to NYC & Alissa had an opening. And it was absolutely awesome. I loved the whole experience. I loved the style consultation before, she wanted to capture who I am & not change me. She didn't push me to do things I wasn’t comfortable with. I really felt very beautiful in the shots. And I learned how to pose, even if it felt awkward at the time. Alissa makes you look great without forcing you to change. She brings out confidence during the shoot. She has a great gift. All around she’s awesome.”
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your story & traveling so far to get your headshots done!