S P E C I A L F E ATURE Men and women get involved in building houses for disadvantaged people, as part of a LACMA Techo initiative ITS A MANS WORLD OR IS IT? FIDI Focus editor Dominic Weaver speaks to three industry leaders working in family firms about gender parity, the role of the next generation, and their own approaches to managing a modern moving business JUTTA SOBOLAK, OF SOBOLAK INTERNATIONAL JUTTA SOBOLAK, OF SOBOLAK INTERNATIONAL We need to create dialogue and find solutions that satisfy both sides Jutta Sobolak developed a passion for moving at a young age. As she grew up, her mother and father were building the family moving business, known as Sobolak International today. While her brother may have been the familys traditional first-choice successor to the business, he was not interested, she says, and after graduating from school at the age of 19 she began to work for the family business, forging her career by gaining experience in different departments of the company. From learning how to deal properly with trucks by getting her truck drivers licence, to knowing the ins and outs of containers, customs and sales, and, finally, 32 FF307 September-November 22 pp32-35 Gender parity interviews.indd 32 gaining other important qualifications. Being part of a family business has given her rapid opportunities for advancement that may not have been available to other women, says Sobolak. However, as a result, she feels she has more to prove to the world. Expectations for women are different, she says. I really have to show my best. Sobolak has two children at home, who are now both in their early twenties. Her daughter is a full-time student and her son has a severe disability. Like many women, Sobolak has faced the challenge of finding a balance between home and work. I got myself so organised to do this. The notion that women cant handle the combined responsibility that comes with having a career and WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 05/09/2022 17:41