Being an industrialist is a bit like being a mother

Zeynep Bodur Okyay, a member of the second generation Bodur family, transformed the family company into a global player. The Group recently acquired Fincuoghit, one of the largest ceramic tile companies in Italy. With approximately 5000 employees, the Group manufactures in Çanakkale and exports to 100 countries in five continents. CEO of the Group, Ms Bodur Okyay says, her line of business requires much attention and a high level of commitment, “a bit like motherhood”. Ms Bodur Okyay answered İstanbul Commerce’s questions.

THE TOWN OF ÇAN WAS LIKE OUR FAMILY

You are among the most successful businesswomen in Turkey. How was your childhood, how were you raised?
I am an only child but we were lucky to have a large family - The whole town of Çan was like our family. I grew up in our plant in Çan, playing with the children of the employees, the whole factory grounds were our play area. I went to the state school in Çan and then continued onto the Italian Lycée in İstanbul. I spent a lot of time with my dad in his office and many hours in the factory itself. I really liked being there, in the garden, among the kilns; that was like my natural habitat. I got to know many of my dad’s colleagues, the families got together socially too. When I was old enough, my father allowed me to join his meetings.

What are your memories with your father?
İbrahim Bodur was a blessing, he was the best father ever. He was also a great teacher - taught his values to us not only by words, but also by being a great role model. My passion for business is a part of my DNA, passed on from my father to me. I strongly believe that industrial production has so much to offer for Turkish economy as a main point of leverage and that local and national manufacturers will add significant value to Turkey’s growth story.

STRIKING A BALANCE

You are a very busy businesswoman, a prominent industrialist, and a mother. How do you strike the balance?
I am involved in many charitable foundations and NGOs in addition to my role at Kale Group - time management is a major issue. Like any other mother,
I want to be there for my son İbrahim, and not miss him growing up. Therefore, I make an effort to take him along when I travel, which is sometimes quite tolling and cumbersome as we have a very busy schedule of meetings, but I try to do my best.

What suggestions would you have for businesswomen wanting to invest in Turkey?
Kale Group has business experience in Russia and Italy. Our products are available at 400 points of sale in more than 100 countries. In defence and aviation, we have partnerships with some of the most prominent companies in the world. None of this was achieved overnight of course. This is a culmination of years of hard work. Turkey has a lot of potential to offer for international capital. The need for higher technology provides immense opportunity for strategic investments. On the other hand, Turkey’s 80 mln population is very dynamic and predominantly urban. This potential is a reality that no investor with ambitions at global scale can afford to ignore.

PROGRESS CAN ONLY HAPPEN WITH, BY AND THROUGH WOMEN

Do you think your perspective and decision making style are different from your male counterparts? How do you make your important decisions?
I don’t quite know whether I can say either yes or no to the first question. I am against all gender discrimination yet unfortunately there are are many barriers inhibiting women’s entry and participation to the workforce. Many of these obstacles are a result of the culturally defined gender roles. Yet we know for a fact that progress in any society can only happen with, by and through women.

You are fortunate to have such a family…
Yes I am very fortunate to have been raised in a family which worked relentlessly to ensure the country benefited from the culture of industrialism I belong to a a school of thought that believes trade will make people richer while the industry will enrich the whole society. It is for this reason that I draw a similarity between motherhood and being an industrialist; they are both very tolling and challenging, but you have to do your best, all the time.

MIDDLE EAST IS A STRATEGIC MARKET

Could you please tell us about your plans for overseas investments?
Our Kale branded products are available in 400 points of sale in 100 countries over five continents. We have ceramic manufacturing in Italy, where we acquired
Fincuoghi in 2013 and continue operating under Kale Italia Srl. Our targets are predominantly in emerging markets, Turkey’s neighbouring countries are of strategic importance to us, including the Middle East.

MY FATHER TAUGHT ME TO LOVE WHAT I DO

Your father İbrahim Bodur was a pioneer in many areas, you now carry the flag after the him. Have you ever considered doing a different job?
My father never told me to do this or that. I acquinted familiarity with many tasks during my younger years. He wanted me to love what I did and I did so. I grew up with the work we do. We had many opportunities for quick wins in the past, however we were determined to stick and grow in industrial operations. I never thought to do anything else, I don’t think I can.

14 Haziran 2017 Çarşamba

Etiketler : English