Andrea Gontkovicova On Leadership, Purpose, and Empowering Women Through Balance

At the third edition of the Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit in Riyadh, Andrea Gontkovicova, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for SSEA, CIS & MEA at Philip Morris International (PMI), shared powerful reflections on leadership, purpose, and what true empowerment means for women in business today

Speaking about a defining moment early in her career, Andrea recalled how support and flexibility from a senior leader reshaped her view of leadership. “He told me, ‘Stay home as long as you wish, this is a special moment in your life,’” she said, describing how trust during her maternity leave allowed her to find harmony between personal and professional life.

“It created such a commitment in myself, and it showed me that balance and empowerment can go hand in hand.”

For Andrea, the foundation of effective leadership starts with knowing your why

 “When you understand why you do what you do, everything else becomes secondary,” she explained. She emphasized that sustainable leadership is built on balance — between work, family, and self. “We women want it all. It’s about creating harmony, even if it means making compromises sometimes.”

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On the topic of mentorship, she said it is as needed, as the blood in our veins

According to Andrea, mentorship is essential for those moments of doubt that all leaders face. “To have someone remind you that you’re capable, that you can make it, that’s what keeps us going.”

“It’s not about balance, it’s about embodiment”

When asked how she integrates women’s empowerment into her work, Andrea’s answer was simple: it’s not a balancing act, it’s a way of being. “I’m constantly asking — can we consider a female candidate? Do women realize they’re just as capable as their male peers? It’s about embodying advocacy every day.”

Her final advice to young female professionals? “Appreciate your success. Learn from your mistakes. Grow and love yourself. You will make it.”