Much like stepping into a DeLorean and charting a course for the future, Mirjana Kolarov’s career at Levi9 has been a journey of exploration, discovery, and progress. As the Delivery Director at the Novi Sad/Zrenjanin Delivery Center, she has spent 15 years growing alongside the company, embracing challenges, and shaping her career. We sat down with Mirjana to talk about her incredible path, the lessons she’s learned, and what makes Levi9 a truly unique place to work.
From the very beginning, Mirjana was drawn to the company’s values and the variety of roles it offered, as recommended by friends. She found the interview process particularly pleasant: “I was interviewed by Viktor, who, interestingly, became my manager again after more than a decade. Isn’t that truly inspiring?” she recalls. Over the years, her perception of the company has only strengthened. She has witnessed Levi9’s unwavering commitment to professional growth and a culture of support, making it a place where she feels valued and continuously motivated.
Milestones, Challenges and Innovation
Reflecting on her time at the company, Mirjana highlights several defining moments. Her first project going live was a true testament to the team’s commitment to a common goal. Taking on the role of Department Manager and mentoring others in their careers was another significant milestone. Additionally, being promoted to Test Architect, and later to Delivery Director, were moments of pride.
“Each position has built me into the professional I am today, enhancing my technical, soft, and organizational skills. Additionally, the variety of projects I’ve worked on has significantly contributed to my growth. Personally, I’ve become more strategic and insightful, which has helped me navigate complex challenges effectively”, Mirjana concludes. Beyond professional achievements, she cherishes the memories made through team-building activities and various company events that have fostered strong connections among colleagues.
Over the 15 years Mirjana has seen Levi9 embrace change and innovation. The company has kept pace with evolving technologies, such as the rise of cloud computing, AI, and data engineering.
The company's proactive approach to adopting these innovations has not only enhanced our technical capabilities but also fostered a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. This environment has allowed me to grow professionally, stay ahead of industry trends, and contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking team. Additionally, the company's agility during global challenges, like the pandemic, has reinforced its reputation for innovation and resilience.
A Brief Departure and a Meaningful Return
Mirjana’s return to Levi9 after spending a year outside the company is also one of the interesting aspects of her story. “I started my career at Levi9 straight out of university. After six years, I wanted to explore new opportunities. It was a fruitful journey; I learned a lot and discovered passions like speaking at conferences and co-founding Serbia’s first Testing Community. However, I realized I missed Levi9’s special connection with people, well-organized processes, clear lines of communication, and strong vision for the future. That’s what brought me back, and now I’ve been with Levi9 for over 15 years cumulatively. The supportive and innovative culture here is truly unparalleled, and I knew this was the best place for my professional and personal growth.”
Levi9’s People and Culture That Make a Difference
What makes Levi9 truly special, in her view, first and foremost is the people. She has always had the opportunity to work with highly skilled and motivating managers who create a fail-safe environment where innovation is encouraged. The dynamic nature of projects, combined with the company’s culture of continuous learning, has kept her engaged and excited about her work. “At Levi9, we believe that to learn, we must constantly try new things. If you’re afraid of failure, you won’t prosper,” she says.
“Even if it might sound like the perfect answer, balancing work and life at Levi9 hasn’t been difficult. If you have clear goals, a supportive environment and family, everything falls into place. Frequent travel and some overtime become manageable when you know your purpose. Over the years, I’ve learned techniques to maintain balance in a way that works best for me”, Mirjana concluded this chapter with a story about the importance of work-life balance.
Straight to the Future
Looking ahead, Mirjana is most excited about Levi9’s continued commitment to innovation and growth. She sees herself playing a key role in driving these advancements and supporting talented teams. Her goal is to leverage her experience to mentor others, foster a culture of continuous learning, and contribute to Levi9’s success in delivering cutting-edge solutions to clients. With her deep connection to the company and its people, she remains committed to shaping the future of Levi9 for years to come.
Her Advice for Newcomers?
“Patience is crucial. You need to be patient but proactive at the same time. Look for opportunities, seize the moment, and make the best out of every situation. Not every project will be your dream one with the newest technology and the best possible team. Things are not always ideal. If you learn to grow and improve from any situation, both at work and in personal life, you’ll progress much faster.”
