Part 2: Reflections, Life Lessons, and Entrepreneurship This section begins with the interviewer noting the transition from Zuzana's athletic story to discussions of philosophy and mentorship. Zuzana reflects on her Olympic race in Beijing at 21, where despite a personal best, she felt like a failure due to her coach's negativity and her own high expectations. This contrasts with her European U23 Championships where she won silver and felt genuine pride. She reveals that her motivation often stemmed from proving people wrong, particularly a youth coach who told her she'd never make it to the Olympics.
A pivotal moment for Zuzana was her hitchhiking trip through England and Scotland at 16, which fostered her independence, ignited her desire to learn English, and broadened her worldview beyond her small hometown. She emphasizes the importance of this independence, and how she strives to pass it on to her children, encouraging them to explore and make their own choices.
After retiring from sport at 25, Zuzana found a new challenge in business, opening her first coffee shop in Canberra with her husband, Evan, 11 years ago. Despite being told they were "crazy" and had no experience, their first coffee shop, "Super Fine Coffee," is still successful today. She advises aspiring business owners to thoroughly consider the commitment required, highlighting that it's a 24/7 responsibility, not a 9-to-5 job. What makes it worthwhile for her is the opportunity to connect with people and build community, seeing her coffee shop as a hub for human connection and positive daily impact.
Zuzana's current passion revolves around her family and raising "good humans," a desire that led her and Evan to live in the Czech Republic for four years to be near her supportive family, despite Evan's "hidden agenda" of pursuing bobsledding. She views her family as "the most beautiful in the world," providing unconditional love and support. The interview concludes with a philosophical question about "who you are when no one's watching," which Zuzana answers by expressing her core desire for happiness, positivity, and ensuring the happiness of those around her, valuing connections and simple joys over material possessions.
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