Careers sometimes begin in the playroom. Carina Borzek traded dolls for building blocks at an early age—and in doing so, unknowingly laid the foundation for her rise in the plumbing fixtures industry. What looked like childish curiosity back then turned out to be the unplanned path to a remarkable career. Once an apprentice at ADAMS Armaturen, now a member of the executive board. With dedication and perseverance, Carina Borzek has evolved from an apprentice into a pillar of the company. In our interview, she talks about building blocks and her career. About technology and team spirit, support and perseverance. An inspiration for aspiring female leaders.
Ms. Borzek, your career began in business—today you’re fully at home in a technical world. When did you realize that this industry was the right fit for you?
Carina Borzek: Actually, it wasn’t my original plan to work in a “technical” field. My professional career has clearly been shaped by business. I often built Lego Technic sets with my brother, and I enjoyed seeing how individual parts came together to form a functioning system. That way of thinking still influences me in my work today. So the fascination with structures and how things work was definitely there. I started my business training at ADAMS about 19 years ago—deliberately choosing a technical environment. Even back then, it quickly became clear to me that this was exactly the right path for me: working with business expertise in an industry shaped by technology.
How did your career path unfold from your apprenticeship to your current position?
Carina Borzek: I chose to train as an industrial clerk—not least because my parents had trained in the same profession. After completing my apprenticeship, I gained valuable professional experience at ADAMS, continuously developed my skills, earned my bachelor’s degree while working, and gradually took on more responsible roles. Today, I work at the intersection of commercial processes and the technical industry. This path was the result of hard work, initiative, and clear goals. That’s why I appreciate all the more the trust and support of the shareholders, who gave me the freedom to act at crucial moments.
What is it that particularly fascinates you about the industrial sector—the technology, the products, or the processes in between?
Carina Borzek: I’m inspired by the fact that industry creates something tangible. You’re not working on abstract ideas, but on products and solutions that are truly needed. The processes are complex and exciting because you deal with many interfaces—from production and sales all the way to international markets.
How did you acquire the technical knowledge you need in your current role?
Carina Borzek: Partly through hands-on experience, and partly through close collaboration with technical colleagues who taught me a great deal. I’m the kind of person who learns best “on the job”—by asking questions, listening carefully, and understanding how things fit together.
What does a typical workday look like for you—if such a thing even exists?
Carina Borzek: My daily routine is very diverse. It ranges from traditional business management and process optimization to coordinating with technical departments. Sometimes it’s about numbers, sometimes about strategies, and sometimes about solving very practical challenges. No two days are alike, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
For a long time, the industry was male-dominated. How do you experience that today—and what obstacles do you see for women in this industry?
Carina Borzek: The industry is still male-dominated. I don’t see it as an obstacle. Rather, I see it as an opportunity to be perceived from a different perspective and to help shape structures. And yes, sometimes women do fail in this industry. In my experience, it was rarely due to a lack of ability, but rather a lack of support—whether due to inflexible structures within the company or a lack of support in their personal lives. This shows how important it is to have the right conditions in place.
Personal life—an important factor. How have you managed it?
Carina Borzek: My family has always been supportive. My job wouldn’t be possible without that support. My husband takes on many tasks that are traditionally seen as the mother’s responsibility. On top of that, my mother and my sister-in-law—actually, the whole family—are heavily involved in childcare.
What goals drive you today—both professionally and personally?
Carina Borzek: It’s important to me to create structures that are sustainable in the long term. Professionally, I want to design processes that are efficient and future-proof. Personally, my goal is to balance work and family life so that my children can say later on, “Mom was there”—while also being proud of what I’ve achieved.
How do you balance your intense professional life?
Carina Borzek: My free time belongs first and foremost to my family. I enjoy the time with my children, and I do so very consciously. I try to leave work-related topics out of it.
And finally, we’d like to ask you for a few tips for women out there who are interested in technology. What advice would you give them?
Carina Borzek: Be aware of your own strengths—and bring them to the table with confidence. You don’t have to be able to answer every technical detail to be successful. It’s important to know your own role, to keep learning, and to build a strong network at the same time. The key is to follow your own path and stay true to yourself—instead of trying to copy someone else. Having the courage to try new things and gain experience is often the key to success. Mistakes aren’t setbacks; they’re opportunities to grow and do better next time.
