Find a way that’s not only useful but also enjoyable: Meet our Head of Advisory | People of Accace

Meet Petr Neškrábal, our Head of Advisory, whose leadership is shaped by curiosity, structure and a deep appreciation for both people and ideas.

He’s someone who plans family trips down to the last detail, finds joy in discovering places he’s never been and listens to history audiobooks with one eye on the future. Whether hiking in the mountains, running a marathon, or diving into a complex project, Petr brings the same steady focus and drive to see things through.

In this interview, we explore how his personal passions (from travel and games to philosophy and sport) influence the way he builds strategies, connects with people and keeps learning as a leader.

What’s something you enjoy doing outside of work that helps you reset or get a fresh perspective?

My favorite activity outside of work is traveling with my family. It’s my greatest pleasure (and also my biggest expense). I plan our trips in advance to find the best accommodation and locations, typically somewhere in the countryside or mountains, and I often choose places I’ve never visited before. Our last trip was to Iceland, for example.

When I come home from work and need a quick break with my kids, I enjoy playing games on Xbox or mobile, especially the ones we can play together, like Fortnite or Brawl Stars.

On weekends, I like to spend time outdoors, particularly biking and hiking in the mountains. One of my biggest achievements in this area was completing a marathon.

I also love books, although I don’t technically read them. Instead, I listen to audiobooks, mostly about history, ideally with a future-oriented perspective. My favorite author is Yuval Harari.

You seem to enjoy exploring new places and ideas. Has that curiosity helped you in your professional role as well?

I have a strong inner drive that tells me if I can do more, I should. That mindset led me to expand beyond tax advisory into legal and financial services, and more recently into RPA and other IT-based solutions. It also motivated me to travel more and support the development and expansion of advisory teams in other countries.

Whether it’s running a marathon or solving a challenge in advisory, what keeps you motivated when the path ahead is long or uncertain?

Whether it’s a marathon or any long-term goal, the key is to break it down into smaller steps and focus on the next one ahead. Unlike a marathon, in business it’s quite common to reach a destination different from the one you originally planned. Still, without the initial commitment and energy, you wouldn’t get anywhere at all.

In advisory, you often work with complex information and long-term strategies. How do you balance big-picture thinking with everyday decisions?

We are all faced with a constant stream of operational tasks that could easily consume all our time. The real differentiator of success (not only in business) is the ability to deliberately create space for strategic thinking and execution despite that pressure. I’ve built my own system to protect that time: the best planning space for me is in the car when I drive to work.

Do you think how we approach our free time says something about how we lead, whether in work, in the team or in life?

First of all, I’m happy that thanks to Accace’s culture, I feel free at work too. And sometimes busy at home, but that’s not because of Accace. It’s because I want to invest enough energy into my family to have a great time with my wife and kids.

The way we spend our free time says a lot about who we are. Our natural approach to people tends to be consistent, whether at work or outside of it. Some people are fulfilled by helping others; some seek to prove they are better, and so on, and you can usually see the same patterns reflected in their close relationships. That’s why my first criteria in an interview is whether someone belongs to the first group; otherwise, there’s no chance of hiring them.

There are many other parallels too: planning skills, willingness to contribute beyond formal responsibilities and the ability to prioritize.

You’re working with international clients, different mindsets and changing environments. What helps you stay open-minded and adaptive in your leadership?

I like meeting different people and listening to different podcasts. It’s especially inspiring when you manage to step outside of your own “bubble” and seek perspectives from diverse sources, even those you may not agree with on many points.

Is there anything from your personal life (whether travel, games or listening to audiobooks) that surprisingly shaped how you work or lead today?

I’ve learned that it’s always best to find a way that’s not only useful but also enjoyable. You can travel, spend time with your family and discover new places. You can play games, relax and stay connected with your children. You can go running and think through strategy. You can meet people, enjoy a shared lunch and learn something new. And you can build a company while surrounding yourself with inspiring people who give you energy.