Škoda Auto on Mars
At a time when the automotive industry is at a crossroads between tradition and radical change, we are heading to Mars with the leaders of Škoda Auto. Not to look for quick solutions, but to take a step back and look at the company’s future from a distance. What do we, as leaders, really need to do today for Škoda Auto to be successful tomorrow? Using the Systemic Play method, we will turn questions into a live game that reveals which decisions have a long-term impact, what real strategy is, and where we are simply repeating established patterns of thinking.
26. 8. 2026
Time: 9:00 - 12:00
Location: Penzion Statek 1738
Captain: Ondřej Čtvrtečka
Facilitator: Milan Šemelák
Dresscode: Dress to Play
Registration
Who is flying to Mars?
Michal Maruška
Jan Frydrych
Lukáš Kendík
Ina Offergeld
Martin Soukup
Vojtěch Rousek
Ota Koldinsky
Jan Burič
Lars Bürger
Jens Drescher
Stefanie Kerschensteiner
Jan Kotík
Oliver Manicke
Lara Karrenbrock
Libor
Katrin Hohmann
Michal Zajíc
Your Questions
How we are getting the loyal, effective and true specialist in their branches to lead us to stars and then how to keep them on spaceship called Škoda Auto.
Before we have a successful future, we must first achieve it. How do we create an agile HR policy, with real product and customer responsibility also in HR? Or will we fly to Mars without HR?
How to change the products to fulfill actual expectations of customers and keep the original VW group values?
How can we turn our seeming disadvantage of having too much headcount into advantage? Seek the talents, the drivers of change and giving them more possibilities to shape the company.
How to adapt & live our proven brand values in changing environment. Within the teams, the company and especially towards our customers. Our customers‘ needs, wishes and satisfaction must serve across the teams and company as the North Star of all what we do OR ELIMINATE. Martians or Earthlings, everyone is paid by our customers and everyone must be led to a sense of individual responsibility towards 1 common goal of Skoda Auto – our profit.
How much of our leadership time should be spent solving today's problems versus creating tomorrow's opportunities?
Facing the fierce chinese BEV high-tech newcomers in Europe, how do we transform us to a quick-to-act decision body, getting rid off processing bureaucracy and sustaining necessary invest for improved vehicle technology to remain also tommorrow an attractive brand choice ?
How can we synchronize KPIs across all business units to avoid contradicting goals (e.g. E vs B with respect to dvp. supplier selection)?
How do we help Škoda Auto employees develop a truly global mindset and become more open to learning, diverse perspectives, and disruptive change?
Which business KPIs need to be tracked in the future in order for us to maintain a pragmatic approach to our business?
How do we ensure successful transformation of our company in the new era?
Besides the high cost pressure from Chinese OEMs, we have a significant disadvantage in time to market. We are responding to the former with cost-cutting programs. What are appropriate measures for faster decision-making within the complex group structure?
How do we become a story teller and teamleader across hierarchy and domains within the company specifically with a skillset to support our teams to loose the fear on loosing their career, work or competency.
How can we continuously challenge ourselves: to constantly improve, to get out of our comfort zones - not to get stuck in what we know, but to set the framework for the company to evolve?
“How can we transform the pressure of an increasingly competitive environment into an opportunity to build a stronger organization — one that develops people based on their strengths and remains an attractive employer in the long term?
Is flying only to Mars enough ?
Process
SEND YOUR QUESTION
We don’t fly without a question. Every expedition participant must submit their question. The question can be deeply personal or seemingly nonsensical. The rule is simple: Better question = better game = better perspective.
WE TURN QUESTIONS INTO A GAME
Together, we turn selected questions into a game. Why? So we don’t just talk and keep repeating the same worn-out truths. The safe chaos of collective play opens access to perspectives and ideas you won’t find on conference slides.
EXCHANGE OF PERSPECTIVES
After each game, we discuss and share what we actually saw. On the stage. This is where individual perspectives expand collectively. This is where you decide what you’ll take back to Earth and apply in your life or business.
Rules of Mars
FREEDOM
This experience gives you absolute freedom of expression. It is essentially a hole in reality. You can ask anything, create anything, share and express yourself exactly as you feel. No one will judge you here. Enjoy it fully.
Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. At Stage on Mars you have space to express yourself, to be seen, to create. At the same time, your boundaries are yours alone and they matter. You do not have to accept any idea, role, or direction that does not resonate with you. You can say no. You can step back. You can change your mind at any time. We are in this together.
RESPONSIBILITY
During the experience, alcohol and other psychoactive substances are not permitted. If you want to be high, immersion in the game will be more than enough.
ALCOHOL
DRESS CODE
Dress comfortably. Wear whatever you feel good playing in. If you arrive in a pink dinosaur costume yes it has happened we will be delighted.
PLAY TO PLAY
This is not a performance. There is no audience. You are doing this only for yourself. How you choose to express yourself is entirely up to you. You can stay silent. You can sing opera, dance, recite, mumble, or simply speak like a human being. Play for the sake of the game itself.
OWN TRUTH
A lot happens on Mars. Emotions. Thoughts. Observations. New angles of view. What does not happen on Mars is universal truth. We do not come here to agree. We come here to expand our horizons. And when we leave, each of us takes away something different. Our own truth.
CONFIDENTIALITY
What happens on Mars stays on Mars. We are here to play, explore, and push boundaries together. And that means trust is essential. Everything we create, share, and experience here stays within this space. If there is anything you are unsure about or want to keep private, let us know. This is a space of respect, safety, and openness.
QUESTIONS
Not every question will turn into a game. There will not be time for all of them. But everyone will have the opportunity to share their question and invite others to step into it.
PUNCTUALITY
It is important to arrive on time. The introduction and the pre-flight briefing are an essential part of the entire experience.