In the ever-evolving world of technology, few experiences are as enriching as a long-term journey with a forward-thinking company. Petar Damjanović, a Data Architect at Levi9, shares his story of growth, innovation, and the unique culture that has kept him motivated over the past nine years.
Past 9 Years
His journey with Levi9 began with a student campaign that painted a picture of a haven for future professionals. “I got to know Levi9 through campaigns aimed at students which gave out an impression of a safe place to seize the opportunity of working on interesting projects and getting the scholarship before even starting,” he recalls.
What he didn’t anticipate was the wealth of friendships and professional relationships he would build over the years. “It’s an experience I would not regret going through again, if I was just starting. I still keep the screenshot of the e-mail where the HR told me I was accepted as one of the first-ever scholarship students in Levi9,” he adds with a smile.
The Most Memorable Moments at Levi9
“The moments when we accomplished complex projects and felt the ultimate pleasure of fulfilling a challenging task,” he says. These achievements were made even more special by working on it with friendly and result-oriented colleagues.
Another standout moment for Petar was speaking at the Arch9 conference. “Public speaking was something I wasn’t so brave to do but always hoped to try – it came as a true test to me personally and it provided me with confidence to even go to external conferences and share the knowledge we gained over the years along with opinions and current tech and business trends.”
Petar emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset throughout one’s career. “I tend to emphasize the importance of having a growth mindset – not only at the beginning of the career, but even after 9 years of work,” he explains. He views the ever-evolving nature of his job as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
“My overall feeling is that there is no more comfort zone and growing professionally and personally is a never-ending process with mini cycles in it, as long as there is a motivation for it.”
Projects and Achievements to Be Proud Of
Among his many achievements, Petar is particularly proud of his work on the data & analytics and cloud initiatives at Levi9. “Learning new technologies, getting certified, and contributing to the success of related projects is an experience which shines brightly in my portfolio,” he says with pride.
Petar has witnessed significant technological advancements at Levi9.
Following the trends in technology has always been a virtue of Levi9. I was fortunate enough to be included in the initiatives for data & analytics expertise, as well as cloud. Being one of the first certified people in Levi9 on professional and specialty levels leads me to believe we are on the right track when it comes to orienting towards cutting-edge tools and platforms.
The continuous opportunities for growth keep Petar motivated. “Whether it’s a new tool we learn and experience or the soft and leadership skills trained and benefited from in my role as the department manager,” he says.
He embraces the motto from Lead9: “A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” and strives to empower himself and his colleagues.
What Makes Levi9 a Special Place to Work For?
For Petar, it’s the combination of engaging projects and exceptional colleagues that sets Levi9 apart. “I believe it is the mix of working on interesting projects along with wonderful people. Growing and excelling at what we do is in our culture and I’m more than happy to have a feeling we build the experts and make everyone feel welcome.”
Balancing professional and personal life has been a journey for him, especially after becoming a father and a manager around the same time. “The balance was extremely challenging at the beginning, but I managed to overcome it with the help of others,” he shares. Advice on prioritization and the support of his colleagues have been crucial in maintaining this balance.
Looking Ahead…
Petar is excited about the rapid evolution of software development and the role of AI. “We are witnessing paradigms shift as AI gets better and better in code assistance and delivering business value. As data is the nutrition of AI, I am aiming to be the nutritionist and make our future AI projects fully fit, emphasizing the phrase ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’” he concludes with a smile.
Petar Damjanović’s journey at Levi9 is a testament to the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and a supportive work environment. His experiences highlight the importance of a growth mindset, the value of teamwork, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.
As Levi9 continues to evolve, Petar’s story serves as an inspiration for both current and future employees, showcasing the endless possibilities that come with dedication and a passion for technology.
