There are people who adjust their voice to the room they are standing in. And then there are people who bring their own, natural harmony into the space. Šárka Heyna Fuchsová definitely belongs to the latter group. Authenticity, clarity, consistency – these are not just empty words from corporate manuals for her, but the rules by which she lives her life. We invited her for an interview about values, finding beauty in the everyday, and the art of being oneself.
Women’s wide-leg organic cotton sweatpants
When work makes sense and life has its order
Looking back at your professional journey – was there a moment when you said to yourself: "This is where I belong"?
Yes. And it was surprisingly early – at the beginning of my career at Volvo, twenty-six years ago. At that time, one car manufacturer had achieved a full star rating in the NCAP test and was using it heavily in advertising, even though it didn't quite comply with the NCAP code. I wrote to headquarters with a question about what we were going to do about it, and whether we shouldn't remind people of our own result.
I remember the answer to this day:
"That’s actually good. Thanks to that, the world will be a bit safer again."
And that was when it hit me. That safety is not marketing for Volvo, but a real mission. And that I align with this in terms of values.
I said to myself: "Yes. I'm home here."
What does success mean to you today? And has that changed since the beginning of your career?
It hasn't. For me, success has always been tied to respect.
Not admiration, not applause – but respect for how I do my job. How we do it as a team. And how it all works together when we are consistent, clear, and authentic.
Volvo is a brand built on values, calm, and trust. What values are most important to you personally?
Authenticity, hard work, consistency, and clarity. I simply need to be the same at home, at work, in meetings, and among friends. And I need others to know that what I say, I really mean.
What is your relationship with dressing?
I really enjoy fashion.
I used to follow trends more, but today I choose more based on the quality of materials and how long the item will last and how many times I will wear that piece. Quiet elegance – that’s it. And I respect that I have to pay more for quality. And above all, no visible branding!
I like stories in clothing. And also design that respects the female figure. That is the reason why I am not a fan of the oversized trend for women and why I love Italian fashion so much.
And their shoes? Nobody can beat them. Italians are simply masters of "lasts" and craftsmanship.
Is dressing intuitive for you, or is it a ritual that puts you in a good mood?
It depends a lot on the mood.
Sometimes I want to be seen, sometimes I hide behind simplicity and minimalism instead. Clothing is a way for me to express how I am feeling at that moment.
Are there colors or cuts you return to?
We return to each other – I to them, they to me.
I love earthy tones, but black is an absolute certainty for me. Elegance and minimalism in one.
I am keen on trousers. I look for cuts that have personality and fit me well – cigarette cuts, various lengths, delicate details like slits, zippers, etc.
And blazers are my weakness. Sometimes I look for a good blazer for years. But then I wear it for a long time. Classics and quality don't age.
Where do you think best and where do you draw inspiration?
In the car.
Really. I love driving, and when I drive a long route, my thoughts run beautifully.
Most of my good ideas were born somewhere on the road.
What does your work-life balance look like? Do you have rituals you protect?
I have them, and I need them.
I am from the Šumava region, so nature is an absolute foundation for me. I spend weekends among the trees because life in the center of Prague is beautiful, but intense.
I love the moment when I lie down in the moss, look up, and perceive the sounds of the forest. That is my therapy.
And then it’s the car again. When I drive the same route, I often look for other ways. And then I just look around and tell myself how beautiful the world is. Even in places I would otherwise just pass by.
If you had to describe yourself in three words – what would they be? And why?
Positive, talkative, and consistent.
Positive – when I have a problem, I immediately evaluate the worst-case scenario in my head. And usually, I find out that it’s not a matter of life and death. So I just close it and move on.
Talkative – when I enjoy something, I speak. When I am silent, I am listening, thinking, or the topic is simply not worth the energy.
Consistent – people around me know what to expect from me. I often hear that I haven’t changed over those years of career growth. I haven’t become arrogant. And that my values have remained the same. That is a huge compliment for me.
Women’s wool high neck sweater
In harmony with yourself
Twenty-six years of loyalty to one brand, earthy tones and black as an absolute certainty, a blazer searched for years, and then worn with love for a long time. In the case of Šárka Heyna Fuchsová, it is no coincidence. It is about a deep personal approach to work, to the wardrobe, and to people. Her life philosophy reminds us that quality always wins over quantity, story over fleeting trend, and consistency over compromise. Her calm is the loudest proof that we don't need grand gestures to leave a deep mark.
