What was your career path at CIIB like?

The decision to join CIIB during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in my professional development, considering I came from an entirely different industry. I believed in the startup concept and evolved alongside the company.

Step by step, with dedication and effort, I progressed from an agent to a senior role, and eventually into a managerial position. Each phase was intriguing in its own way, pushing me out of my comfort zone and teaching me many new things through challenging situations. Of course, there were also very enjoyable moments, such as business trips and team gatherings.

This dynamic development was unimaginable to me initially. This is the risk and advantage of working in a small company, as CIIB was two years ago, with just around 20 employees. I found myself in the right place at the right time, with people who recognized my potential and gave me the opportunity to continue growing.

How do you spend your free time? Hobbies, etc.

I enjoy spending my free time in nature, with family and friends, or traveling. I value social gatherings and make an effort to always find time for my friends and loved ones because I believe that friendships need to be nurtured, regardless of work and daily responsibilities.

Recently, I started recreational training, but I wouldn’t say it’s something I particularly enjoy. 😀

Do you prefer working from home or from the office?

I like to strike a balance, a hybrid work model, combining work from home and from the office. Both ways of working have their benefits. When my schedule is full of meetings, I prefer to stay at home and focus more on work.

There are also days when I miss my colleagues, jokes, ordering food, and wearing a good “office outfit” :D, and I gladly come to the office.

In CIIB, there’s a practice of Swiss clients visiting Serbia and Serbian teams going to Switzerland for the exchange of ideas and experiences. What does this mean to you, and can you highlight a particular situation?

I had the chance to travel to a country I had never been to before and meet colleagues in person, experiencing their culture. After each visit, our collaboration became stronger and more intensive. We managed to break down the strictly business relationship and create shared memories and connections.

We were thrilled by Swiss cheese and sweets, and they loved our homemade coffee and food. I’ll long remember my second trip to Switzerland when my colleagues welcomed me with a greeting written in Serbian and my favorite box of chocolates. 😊

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 😊

(This question, often asked in job interviews, wasn’t asked when you joined CIIB almost 3 years ago. Can you tell us where you see yourself now after nearly 3 years with the company?)

Uh, this question isn’t among my favorite questions. 😀 I love to plan, but life is very unpredictable and full of surprises; sometimes, you just need to go with the flow.

In 10 years, I’d like to still be successful in my work, to learn new things and skills, but not to stop enjoying the little things and challenges that this job brings.