Groupon Employee Spotlight:
Jakub Kerestes

🌟 Meet Jakub: Groupon's Transformation Trailblazer! 🌟

Read about Jakub, our Procurement Analyst who joined Groupon a year ago from the Czech office in Prague 🇨🇿
With a background in banking, HR, marketing, and automotive, Jakub has quickly made his mark by navigating complex processes and driving global transformation. Learn about his strategies for success, passion for tabletop RPGs, and how he balances work with life. Dive into Jakub's journey and see how he's shaping Groupon's future!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Groupon.

Hey, I’m Jakub and it’s a year now since I’ve joined Groupon from the Czech office as part of the transformation effort. My role is a Procurement Analyst and over this year, I’ve had the opportunity to really delve into the processes surrounding many topics, such as Coupa as a Procurement platform, business travel transformation, corporate credit cards and more. While initially difficult to navigate, I believe it’s been great especially since I got to work with “Grouponers” from all over the world in an effort to make their work life a little easier.

How did you get started in your career, and what brought you to  Groupon?

I began my career in the banking industry, starting as a Sales Representative and then transitioning into HR Recruitment. Over time, I expanded my experience by exploring the marketing world at an agency and later delving into the automotive industry with Nissan. My journey eventually led me to Groupon, thanks to a recommendation from my dear friend Katerina Santrucek, who was also just joining the Procurement team at the time.

In your opinion, what are the key elements necessary for individuals and teams to excel and achieve high performance in a dynamic environment like Groupon?

Upon my own joining, the main struggle has definitely been understanding all the nuances and impact on other teams. As people left without proper handovers and processes were lost, it was at times difficult to really dig deep enough to find out how a certain thing was historically done and who all was involved in any and all parts of it. So to be able to deliver on what’s needed for us to thrive into the future, I’d definitely say that would be primarily patience and everyone’s ability and willingness to investigate what was and what’s really needed moving forward.

What strategies or approaches do you employ to consistently deliver exceptional results in your work? 

It’s more of an approach than a strategy for sure, but simply being able to form or bend myself to fit the situation and adapt to all that’s needed at the moment is definitely what has helped me here. One definitely needs to change their expectations and perspective, especially when coming from a bigger corporation.

How do you balance the pursuit of high performance with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

This one is a bit difficult, as the work week can certainly be overwhelming - however, I believe that allowing yourself time to properly turn off and occupy yourself with your hobbies is key for this. Which is why I try to keep the weekends as far from the work laptop and work thoughts as possible. 

Can you describe a time when you faced a significant challenge or setback in achieving your goals, and how you overcame it to deliver successful outcomes? 

I believe that we are all still facing a significant challenge with the Groupon transformation - some tasks might seem particularly demanding, but in the end it all comes down to breaking it down into steps that are achievable and making sure to keep moving forward. 

As Groupon undergoes transformational changes, how do you adapt your approach to ensure continued success and contribute to the company's growth objectives? 

Simply being there and offering to help even outside of “my own bubble”. As we still undergo transformation, I believe it’s important to help out (when possible) even beyond what the initial role is. Sometimes being able to forward someone to the correct business owner or even just sharing partial findings can be very beneficial. 

 👀 Behind The Scenes 👀 

What is one non-work activity or hobby that you're into? 

This one will have to be tabletop RPGs (the most known example being DnD, even from series like Stranger Things, etc.) - being able to meet up with friends and have a good laugh while playing fictional characters and trying to work together is the best, especially after a tough week!  

What’s one thing about you that surprises people?

I can recall the most random and insignificant moments in absolutely full detail from years back, but when I’m meeting someone new, I might need a few times before I’m able to remember their name. 

Rapid and Fire Questions

If you could swap lives with any fictional character for a day, who would you choose and why?

That would be Kruppe from Malazan Book of the Fallen (the ultimate fantasy book series, btw) - simply because of how he manages to navigate the rough world around him and always finds a moment to nab and enjoy a good pastry. 

What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done, and would you do it again? 

It’s going to be a pattern at this point, but that would be most definitely joining Groupon - it’s been an experience like no other, but I would do it again for sure. 

If you could have a dinner party with any historical figure, dead or alive, who would you invite and what would you all talk about?

I have a deep interest in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, particularly in his ability to create richly detailed worlds and captivating characters. His storytelling, exploration of themes like heroism, friendship, and the battle between good and evil, as well as his masterful use of language. 

If you could instantly master any skill or talent, what would it be and why?

Definitely Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) - because swords are cool. 😅

What's the most embarrassing song on your playlist that you secretly love?

I know a surprisingly big amount of “embarrassing songs”, but for example Little Big - Faradenza.