“A successful leader is someone who can see several years ahead while creating an environment where their people feel safe and motivated. They don’t focus on micromanagement but on developing people and the business. Trust is the foundation of everything. without it, there’s no stable team or long-term vision.”
With over a decade of experience, Saša Stanković, Digital Manager Europe at
Versuni, has learned that true leaders build authority not through control but through
trust. His professional journey, from marketing to strategic leadership, demonstrates
what it means to grow alongside your team.
A Shift in Perspective: From Marketing to a Broader Business View
Saša reflects on how his professional path before the COTRUGLI program was
focused on specific areas of marketing. He was dedicated to training and upskilling
in topics relevant to the industry at the time. However, during his MBA studies,
modules like Operations Management and Financial Management opened his eyes
to a new way of thinking about business: “Some modules, like Operations
Management or Financial Management, literally opened my eyes. It was a
completely new experience—not just in terms of knowledge but also in mindset. I
realized how important it is to understand the bigger picture of business, not just your
own segment.”
That moment, he says, was a turning point. After completing the program, he
committed to further development by reading professional literature, attending
informal training sessions, and participating in workshops. “Some modules deepened
my existing knowledge, while others pushed me to seriously explore new areas.
Today, I see how much that has helped me better understand corporate processes
and team communication.”
Balancing Change and Responsibility
In his career, Saša has learned that leadership is not measured solely by knowledge
or experience but also by the ability to adapt to change. “No year is the same. The
biggest challenge is balancing all the changes that come your way. Over the past
five years, each year has brought new crises and uncertainties, and that forces you
to develop resilience and flexibility.”
Speaking about leadership development, Saša highlights the importance of
preparing for different stages of leadership. “Transitions are often the hardest—from
operational roles to managerial ones, and then from managerial to director-level
positions. That’s where you truly learn the essence of leadership: how to lead
people, not just work alongside them.” He believes that programs like COTRUGLI
could further support this process by offering practical tools for those encountering
leadership responsibilities for the first time.
The Power of Mentorship and Learning from Others
When asked about mentorship, Saša sees knowledge sharing as one of the most
important aspects of professional growth. “I don’t see mentorship as a rigid
relationship but as a two-way communication. If I can help someone with my
experience, I’m sure I’ll also learn something new from them. It’s always a win-win
situation.”
Leadership Lessons
Over the years, Saša has been shaped by a variety of experiences, both good and
bad. “I had the opportunity to work with a true leader who knew how to
recognize potential in people and support them. That taught me how important
trust is and how much it motivates a team.”
On the other hand, some situations taught him what he doesn’t want in his own
leadership style. “Working in a micromanagement environment was exhausting. I
realized I don’t want to be a leader who stifles the team with details. Trust in the
people you hire is the foundation of everything.”
Saša would advise his younger self to step out of his comfort zone earlier and start
with training, workshops, or an MBA program to discover his interests and goals
more quickly: “Start developing yourself as early as possible, whether through
workshops, additional training, or programs like an MBA. The earlier you start, the
sooner you’ll figure out what truly interests you and where you want to go. If I had a
mentor who told me this ten years ago, I probably would have made some decisions
differently.”
Looking Ahead to the Future of Leadership
Today, after years of experience, Saša’s view on leadership is clear: “A successful
leader is someone who can see several years ahead while creating an environment
where their people feel safe and motivated. They don’t focus on micromanagement
but on developing people and the business. Trust is the foundation of everything.
without it, there’s no stable team or long-term vision.”
In a world that is rapidly changing and where challenges arise year after year, Saša
remains steadfast in his approach: leadership begins with trust; first in yourself, and
then in your team.