With Warmth and Care: How the Karavai Team Works
As part of the International Leadership Academy, organized by the Kazakh-American Free University in partnership with Co-Serve International (Portland, Oregon, USA), participants of the Academy visited “Karavai Bread Factory” LLP on June 4, 2025 — one of the region’s key enterprises in the field of bakery production.
The factory employs about 200 people, who work daily to supply the city and surrounding area with fresh bread and a wide variety of baked goods. The management team welcomed the delegation warmly, and the factory’s director, Nurzhan Zhanabayev, shared the history of the company’s development and his experience in organizational transformation. Members of his team led the participants on a detailed tour of the production facilities.
Particular attention was drawn to Mr. Zhanabayev’s story about implementing the “lean manufacturing” philosophy based on the principles of 5S and Kaizen. This approach helped the company overcome difficult times and establish an efficient, organized, and safe production environment. The Academy participants observed with great interest how cleanliness, order, and standardization became a part of the company’s everyday culture.
But it wasn’t just the management system that left a strong impression. Across all departments, there was a clear atmosphere of trust, mutual respect, and support. The company actively applies the principles of servant leadership — where each employee feels valued, is empowered to speak openly about ideas and mistakes, and responsibility for improvements is entrusted to those closest to the processes. People here are not just doing their jobs — they take pride in their work and truly love what they do.
LLP “Karavai Bread Factory” served as an inspiring example of how leadership based on care, respect, and a commitment to growth can strengthen a team and bring value both to employees and customers. This visit served as a powerful reminder that the true strength of a business comes from love for people and passion for the work.
