We are so thankful for all the great encounters we experience in Purple Foundation - not only with organizations, but with their individual members, too, who oftentimes become our PuFo friends. One of them is definitely Mr Michal Odstrčil who had spent over a decade directing the amazing ParaCENTRUM Fenix. We were surprised to learn he decided to pass over the baton to Mr Houšť and stay in Fenix as a board member - what inspired this change? Where did his steps take him next? Is he staying in the non-profit sector? Find out below!

Mr Odstrčil, how long were you the director of ParaCENTRUM Fenix and what was your journey to this position like?

I was the director of the organization from June 2012 to May 2023, exactly 11 years. My journey to the position was a bit of an American dream – I joined Fenix in 2007 as a part-time personal assistant while still studying. At the time, the social worker and I were the first two paid employees. And as Fenix grew, I got opportunities to learn new things in various job positions (I was involved in social work, service management, human resources, PR, and more). In 2012, the then-chairman Vojta Vašíček needed help managing the organization. He approached
me and I couldn’t refuse.

You resigned from this position at the beginning of 2024. I have no doubt that this step was preceded by a long period of evaluation and reflection. Can you tell us what the main reason for your decision was?

I probably don’t have a very straightforward answer for you. I think I had just seen my "best before" date approaching. Due to the long years spent in FENIX, both the problems that I have and have not overcome, and all the stress, I suddenly felt that enough was enough and that it was time to make a change. If I didn’t, it wouldn’t have been good for me or for Fenix.

Have you completely cut yourself off from PC Fenix, or do you still work together?

There will always be a piece of my heart in Fenix. I have met many friends there. One of the first clients is my daughter's godfather. I love attending Fenix events. And
I'm also a member of the FENIX Association and Board.

What does this role entail?

The Board drives the strategic direction of Fenix, makes long-term decisions, and ensures that Fenix continues to fulfill its mission of helping people with spinal cord injuries. We meet once a month and the Board has 7 members. I focus on issues that are outside of the day-to-day operations and that often affect Fenix’s future long-term.

If you could name the three most important lessons you learned from your time at Fenix, what would they be?

1) With enthusiasm and sincere passion for the cause, every job is easier, and every hardship is more bearable.

2) When you work with people who share your values, it's ok if you sometimes don't share the same opinion.

3) I've discovered that I need to work in a team where people are kind to each other and help each other. That's how I like it, and that’s a way that works for me. 

What will you miss the most about Fenix and what are some things you are not too sad to leave behind?

I have been in the “business world” for a while now and when I compare it to working in Fenix, I miss the feeling of having a second family at work, it was exceptional. On the other hand, in social services, decision-making is more complicated (and slower) – or maybe I didn’t know how to set it up more effectively and less democratically. And you are constantly being checked on by the authorities and told how to do your job, and I don’t really miss that.

Can you tell us a bit about how you chose your successor on the post of Fenix’s director and why Mr Petr Houšť was the chosen one?

I involved Fenix employees into the selection process, too – I think it would not have been right to decide without them. And if I remember correctly, the final decision was unanimous. We agreed that he was the most qualified candidate.

How did you enjoy your first weeks or months of rest after leaving Fenix? Was there anything on your bucket list you finally found time for?

I took two months off, and it was a great time to relax, read books, and travel. I was also able to spend more time with my family - I still owe a lot to my wife and children in this department. And we also got a dog, a border collie named Nina – that is one of the tangible results of my vacation.

Where will your next steps take you?

I went on to manage design and business for an architecture studio. Turns out, I wasn't really good at managing construction projects, I lacked a bit of knowledge base, and, above all, I was too nice (as the company owner said). I do enjoy the sales, though, and I must be showing some great results if they are keeping me there. I did find out, though, that I miss the non-profit environment, so when I got an offer to start fundraising in quite a significant organization, which they hadn't done systematically there before, I couldn't resist.

You have been a fundraiser at Rytmus for 5 months now. Can you tell us briefly what Rytmus does, how you feel as part of the team, and what challenges await you in this new position?

Rytmus helps people with intellectual and combined disabilities live normal lives. It supports them to be independent at school, at work, and at home. It encourages them to be active and participate in the life of society at large.

I really appreciate my kind and helpful colleagues. I like the emphasis on people and the team spirit: "every person is different, all people are important," which is truly alive at Rytmus.

I am presented with a lot of challenges, and I enjoy every single one of them. I feel right in place at my fundraising position. Sometimes, though, I struggle when I must
prioritize and postpone tasks that I am eager to complete. My strategic task is developing Rytmus's fundraising in a way that makes it a well-organized
integral part of the organization, spreading its good name and bringing Rytmus support that will strengthen it and provide it with greater stability and freedom in fulfilling its mission.

We wish Mr Odstrčil much success in his new position as a fundraiser at Rytmus. We will stay in touch with him through his position on the board of directors of PC Fenix and we will certainly closely follow his further journey in the non-profit sector - good luck!