Women in Business

The business magazine Lider, for the fourth time gathered the business women of the region, in order to highlight their successful experiences, motivate them for new undertakings and support the initiative to increase the number of women in the leading positions in all society segments. A traditional Lider annual list of 300 leading women in Croatian business was presented, and the President of Ericsson Nikola Tesla was highly ranked as second.

The business magazine Lider, for the fourth time gathered the business women of the region, in order to highlight their successful experiences, motivate them for new undertakings and support the initiative to increase the number of women in the leading positions in all society segments. A traditional Lider annual list of 300 leading women in Croatian business was presented, and the President of Ericsson Nikola Tesla was highly ranked as second.

This year, a special highlight was given to education and using modern ICT technologies as a prerequisite to all activities, especially when we talk about business performance, research and development and innovations.  

After the panel, during which modern ICT technologies were detected as development driver for other industries, and innovation culture and motivated experts as the basis for success, a so called, “one to one” interview followed, led by the Lider journalist,  Gordana Gelenčer, who interviewed  Gordana Kovačević, the President of Ericsson Nikola Tesla.  

In a dynamic conversation that addressed many topics, regarding Mrs. Kovačević career, but also her leadership style, way of issue solving, her values and the demands she has for herself and her associates, the President of Ericsson Nikola Tesla was very clear. Considering the environment’s dynamics, fast and numerous changes and great expectations, she emphasized that her leadership style corresponds with the demanding situation, as well as the organization she leads. Of course, core values – professionalism, respect and perseverance – are the prerequisite for quality company culture, in which innovativeness is encouraged, and everyone’s contribution is appreciated. Furthermore, the President proudly commented that in the company she leads, there are no differences between genders, when it comes to career development, advancing or salary, which is mentioned as a problem in Croatia, as well as some other EU countries.

Addressing the way of working in our industry, and especially in Ericsson, and the privilege to participate in the development of Networked Society, G. Kovačević highlighted:  “When you work in such an interesting segment as ICT, than you are motivated to constantly change something. You have a feeling that by your contribution, you can change the world.  Of course, at the same time you are aware that the foundation for this is team work, empathy towards other people, an open and an honest approach to your employees and colleagues, and, finally, you must remain true to yourself.  Also, it is very important that there is a variety of opinions and ideas, because the creative conflict between team members is sometimes the greatest value you have, when facing the biggest challenges.”

Commenting on the development of the industry and the need for the greater number of experts, who will be working in the ICT industry in the future, of course, both women and men, the President of Ericsson Nikola Tesla called young women to more enroll technical faculties, which can only happen if we, as society focus girls, as well as boys, to like engineering from an early age. 

Showing that even during crisis and recession one can have quality business performance, Mrs. Kovačević presented through the work of the company she leads, and which, in the last few years, during which the crisis has been fierce, employed a great number of new experts. “It would be excellent if other companies did something similar, especially when we are talking about opening new R&D centers in which young people find their workplaces and become global citizens. This kind of strategic things, one needs to know how to lead, and not just follow.  “- emphasized Mrs.Kovačević.

In the end, she sent a message to all women, as well as men, saying: “Let us all try to view the crises as a challenge for some crucial changes.  Believe in yourself, be yourself, have integrity. Show that you can have quality teams, make quality decisions. Believe in your dreams, and achieve them.”  

Ericsson Nikola Tesla Communication