Meet the Team: Jovana Radotić
Jovana Radotić, Senior Human Resource and Administration Manager
In today's episode of "Who's Who at Base58," you'll learn more about the one who puts the "human" in our human resources.
Hi, Jovana!
Since you are in charge of sprinkling HR magic on the team, I was wondering: What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned from working with your colleagues?
Each of us is different (avoid identifying with yourself) - approach each person individually to get the best out of them.
As Lady Gaga would say: “Baby, I was born this way.” So, basically, you are trying to walk in someone else's shoes before making any conclusions. Is there any special aspect of that process you like particularly?
My job is dynamic and never boring, and that’s why I like it. The best part of my job is the opportunity to work with people and communicate with them. It feels good to help someone achieve their goals.
Yesss, communication is key. I presume this made you grow professionally since you joined the team. What else helped?
It was a baptism of fire when I first arrived in this company as I was immediately exposed to new experiences, and there were constantly new responsibilities to carry out that pushed me to work outside of my comfort zone. Although it was stressful, it was also a great challenge that powered my growth.
It sounds like a quite flaming initiation. :) Can’t say I am a fan but as long as one has access to all needed information and support through the process, it can be a useful experience, like yours. Speaking of fire, which project ignited your passion, and which one pushed your limits the most during your time in Base58?
The new Base58 web page is the most interesting since it was the most creative project I have worked on and presented a new challenge to me, as I had not previously worked on such projects. The implementation of the ISO certificate was the most challenging because it required extensive research, the preparation of comprehensive documentation, and compliance with strictly prescribed rules.
But when the going gets tough, it helps to be a part of a company that aligns with your preferences on multiple fronts. What aspects of Base58 are your personal favorites?
The relaxed atmosphere, the freedom to set your own working hours and schedule, the collegiality, the equal opportunities for all of us, and the family care – everyone here values family.
Is this close to your ideal work environment? How would you describe it?
Pretty close. But it's hard to say what is ideal work environment in general because, unfortunately, people always desire something new and better once they reach that ideal level. For me, the ideal work environment is one where you feel secure, where you have the opportunity to learn and grow, and where you have a team with whom you can share both the good and the bad. What matters the most, in my view, is how you feel every Sunday when you know you must go to work in the morning. People are everything, yet again! They make up the ideal work environment.
I agree. Having good company within a company is important. Comfortable work setting leads to contented employees, which ultimately has a positive ripple effect on productivity. So, how do you kickstart your productive workday at the office?
I check all my emails first thing in the morning and sort them by relevance. After that, I enjoy a coffee with my colleagues before everyone gets down to their tasks.
Ah yes, fine coffee also helps. It’s a software development company, after all. :) Tell us how you ended up in the world of IT.
My first job in IT was mainly travel organization because my colleagues worked all over the world. Then I worked as an office manager, and after that, I worked in accounting and finance.
Quite a progress. And you’ve probably picked up many career lessons along the way. List 3 of them.
- I have mentioned this one earlier - each of us is different.
- Not everyone is honest and fair.
- Resourcefulness is essential.
I know you’ve already mentioned upsides and favorites about our job but there’s probably an HR task you enjoy the most.
I like performance reviews because we have the same goal, i.e., to give honest feedback in all directions, to correct what is not right, and to maintain what is good. Most of all, I like it when I talk to people to find out what they would like to do or learn, and then do my best to make it happen of cours, if it is within reason.
If your friends had to sum you up in just three words, what do you think they'd say?
I asked my friends, and the first one said I have three R’s: reliable, righteous, and realistic. The other one added W to the equation – workaholic. And the third one said mini-Hitler; she doesn't seem to like me that much. LOL
:D Well, fingers crossed that the nickname doesn’t stick.
If you had the chance to snag any superpower, which one would you go for, and what's the intriguing reason behind your choice?
The superpower of healing, because if the healing power existed and I had it, the world would be a much nicer place.
By the sound of your answer, I think mini-Hitler was a bit too harsh, after all. :)
Here’s one more personal question: What's the one nugget of wisdom you'd pass on to your younger self if you could hop into a time machine and have a chat?
Don't worry so much! There are certain circumstances and situations that you are unable to change.
I am totally on board with that. One Cornell University study showed that 85% of what people worried about never happened. Did you ever worry that you’ve chosen a career that is not right for you? Ever thought about doing something totally different from your current job, or are you all in with what you're doing now?
I can imagine myself doing a lot of other interesting things, but on the other hand, it’s hard for me to imagine working in a different company... interesting.
Okay, so no regrets. Cool. :) As for the future plans, what's on your list of must-do things before you kick the bucket?
So many beautiful places to visit…
Based on this, I have a hunch what the next answer will be but I’m going to ask the question anyway: If you had a whole year off with your full salary in your pocket, what's the first thing you'd do with all that free time?
Your hunch was on point. :) Traveling around the world with family.
If you could paint a picture of your ideal weekend, what would it include?
A weekend getaway somewhere with family or friends. Anywhere just to go somewhere.
And how do you usually spend your weekends?
I always start the weekend with mingling and relaxing, having a drink or dinner. Saturday mornings are reserved for coffee with friends, that's our little ritual. The rest of the weekend I like to enjoy and relax with my family. Movies, walks, hanging out, reading…
Close to perfection. Any interesting books you've dived into lately that left an impression?
I am currently reading two books; Atomic Habits and A Journey Called a Game. Both are great, yet so different.
Time flies. We’ve already reached the last question: What are your TOP 3 most used emojis?
