Klaus Zellmer: Curiosity is the driving force in my life
In a personal interview, Klaus Zellmer shows a different side of himself, not just as the head of a carmaker. He talks about the energy he draws from exercise, his family and life in the Czech Republic and praises the local “we can do it” attitude, which he believes is still alive at Škoda Auto. He also reveals which Škoda car he drives and which podcasts he listens to.
Klaus Zellmer
My Czech Story
The boss as you’ve not seen him before. That is how Dominika Králová, editor-in-chief of Škoda Mobil, envisioned her interview with the Chairman of the Board. They spoke about his personal life and how he has settled into life in the Czech Republic while leading the company.
What have you been up to this week, and how are you feeling today?
It was a very busy week. The kind where your body doesn’t need much sleep because your mind is working at full speed. We had our usual Škoda board and design meetings, the Brand Group Core management meeting, the Supervisory Board meeting, as well as the Green Forward media event, we opened the new M8 hall... a lot has happened.
But you seem relaxed.
It wouldn’t be possible without positive energy and an excellent team.
Describe your typical day.
It usually starts between five and six in the morning. There’s something special about those quiet moments before the world wakes up. Coffee tastes better, ideas come more easily, and the day seems full of promise. It’s my favourite time to stretch, breathe and prepare for what lies ahead.
Curiosity is what drives me in life. It’s the key. If you’re not curious, you lack energy and results. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a doctor, a carpenter or an economist; what’s important is that your life fulfils you and brings you positive energy.
Do you have any regular rituals that help you manage stress?
For example, breathing and fresh air help me in the office. A deep breath helps you to calm down and reset. And then, of course, a cup of good coffee, NO – I don’t lie down for a midday snooze, even though longevity experts recommend it. Sometimes freshly squeezed orange juice from our café, Klement in the LKK works too. All of this gives me energy.
How do you stay in shape?
The foundation is exercise: I start in the morning with yoga to find inner peace, and I also run. That’s how I clear my mind, and I often get new ideas while running.
Is there any anti-stress activity you would still like to try?
If there were, I would have done it already.
When do you decide you need a digital detox?
When I sleep. I’ve been monitoring my sleep quality using the Sleep Cycle app for over five years. I set my phone to airplane mode and the app tracks my breathing and movement. My wife criticises me for using digital devices too much, but I don’t really do anything about it. I check them almost constantly when I’m awake. It’s probably a bad habit.
Who has taught you the most in life?
Life itself has taught me the best lessons; sometimes gently, other times the hard way. Life has taught me that doing things well doesn’t mean being perfect, but being careful and consistent. You must strive to do your best, even when no one is watching.
Tell us about your life in the Czech Republic. Can we meet you at the supermarket, for example?
Now my wife has moved to Prague, so we spend more time together during the week. When I’m in Prague alone, I often go to Poké Bowl in Vinohrady. They know me there. They have no idea what I do for a living, but they know exactly what I eat and that I want it extra spicy with extra fried onions. Of course, I go to supermarkets just like everyone else.
You spent five years in the US. Was it very different from life in the Czech Republic?
People in the United States are different. They communicate much more openly than Europeans and respect your personal space. Often, they will just ask you at the checkout: How was your day today? European and Czech culture are different in this respect, which is due to history. But I would like to experience this here too.
What surprised you most about the Czech Republic?
I like the “we can do it” attitude that is so prominent at Škoda Auto. Employees always find a way to get things done. It’s very pragmatic. On top of that, Czechs are still hungry, in the best sense of the word. They want to achieve a better standard of living, earn more, travel, treat themselves to a bigger house or a better school for their children. It’s a healthy and driven attitude that I appreciate.
My story is similar to that of the Škoda brand. It is about curiosity, craftsmanship and a touch of adventure.
Do you have a favourite place you like to return to?
In Prague, I like to run from Vinohrady to Karlin alongside a pedestrian path and next to the railway tracks. It’s a route along vineyards, past people with dogs and on bikes. I also love Prague Castle. It’s a magical place with enormous charm.
Yes, Czech history naturally intertwines with modern life in Prague...
Oh, I love that. Prague is a city that never stops telling stories. After reading Dan Brown’s book “The Secret of Secrets”, I began to appreciate it even more. Once, I was invited to ring the bells by hand in the tower of the cathedral at Prague Castle on Sunday at noon. Standing up there, pulling on the ropes and listening to the sound echo across the rooftops. I felt like I was part of something timeless.
You are married and have one daughter. How important is spending time with your family to you?
We have a shared ritual: breakfast or dinner together. It’s not about the food but about talking and spending time together. Shared activities are also important; my wife and I go running, go for walks, and do yoga. And – as a family – we love travelling together.
You have completed the Škoda Classic Tour several times in your own 1960 Felicia. Do you own any other similar cars?
Yes. I also have a 1967 VW bus with 23 windows and a classic Porsche because I worked there for 23 years.
Which historic Škoda car do you like best and why?
That’s a very difficult question. Škoda has produced so many beautiful cars over the years. But if I had to choose, here are my three favourites: the Škoda Felicia, a convertible that is pure joy on four wheels, especially with the top down and in sunny weather; the Popular Monte Carlo, a stylish, confident car full of character that still attracts attention today; and the Škoda 1100 OHC, a legend showing that even dreams that fall short of their goal can inspire entire generations.
Although you have a personal driver, you also enjoy driving and sometimes take on the role of test driver. Which current car is your favourite?
I currently drive an Elroq RS. It’s one of the best modern cars I’ve ever had. It’s beautiful, comfortable, fast, sporty. It has everything you need.
Do you listen to music or podcasts while driving?
Mainly podcasts, often from Deutschlandfunk... I recently listened to Peter Thiel’s story and podcasts about tech leaders. I also find podcasts interesting where AI has summarised things like the briefing materials for board meetings for me. It’s fascinating what AI can do today.
What’s Up, Boss?