When someone sticks around for nearly a decade in the fast-paced IT world, you know there’s a good story behind it. We sat down with Sofija Jovanović, our Talent Manager covering Belgrade and Zrenjanin, to hear about her journey at Levi9.
Celebrating Milestones: The Day 100 Muffins Marked a Big Moment
Ask Sofija about memorable moments, and she’ll take you back to a sweet celebration. “Out of many memorable moments over the years, one that comes to my mind is the day we celebrated hiring the 100th levi niner in Belgrade,” she recalls.
But this wasn’t just about cutting a cake and calling it a day. The team ordered exactly one hundred muffins (because why settle for 99 or 101?) and organized an interactive game matching names with photos of fellow Niners. The mission? Help everyone get to know each other faster and build that sense of community we all love.
For Sofija, it was more than a party. “This wasn’t just a celebration; it was a reminder of what growth means for HR. Every new hire brings new dynamics, new challenges, and new opportunities to keep our culture alive.”
From Quick Wins to Long-Term Impact: Role Transformation
Nine years is a long time to grow, and Sofija’s journey reflects exactly that. “I’ve had the chance to take on exciting challenges and explore new opportunities, supported by trust and a safe space to learn and experiment,” she shares.
Working in our fast-paced IT environment brought plenty of challenges, each of which taught me something valuable.
But what really shaped her path?
Working with amazing colleagues and learning from them has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Over time, my approach to work has evolved: it’s now more strategic and facilitative, focused on enabling others and making impact through collaboration.
Add in her deep dive into coaching and data, and you’ve got someone who’s not just managing talent, Sofija is architecting it.
Transforming HR: The Systems Implementation That Redefined Processes
When we asked about achievements she’s particularly proud of, Sofija pointed to something that might sound technical but had a very human impact: implementing HR software systems.
“I had the chance to make a meaningful impact as part of a team driving the implementation of HR software, both core HR and recruitment systems. The relevance of this initiative made it special. It wasn’t just about introducing new tools but about elevating our HR processes to a higher level and creating a foundation for structured, reliable data. This project gave us both the efficiency and the ability to make better decisions based on accurate insights, while significantly contributing to better candidate and employee experience,” she explains.
This journey started with a team formed from our Belgrade and Novi Sad Delivery Centers, working hand in hand with representatives across all locations. Sofija was the HR subject matter expert, guiding decisions from an HR perspective, and she is proud to say she played a part in getting this project prioritized on our company agenda.
Fast forward five years? “We’re still using these systems. For me, that’s the best measure of success and the proof that the decisions we made were the right ones, while the project delivered lasting value.”
When Teams Grow, Perspectives Grow Too
As our Delivery center in Belgrade expanded, new people, bigger space, evolving challenges, one thing remained constant. “The culture of constructive relationships, which I truly value, remained unchanged. That culture is what makes all these challenges easier and more enjoyable to overcome.”
For Sofija, this growth was transformative. “It pushed me to adapt quickly, rethink processes, and introduce more structured approaches to support a larger, more complex organization. It strengthened my ability to balance strategic priorities with maintaining the positive culture that defines who we are.“
Tips for Starting Strong: Advice to Joiners
What would Sofija tell someone just starting at Levi9? “Stay curious, learn from those around you, and never lose that habit of sharing and collaborating.”
She’s quick to point out that some of her biggest lessons came from informal moments. “When I look back, some of my biggest lessons didn’t come only from formal training but also from conversations and collaboration with colleagues.”
Her recipe for growth? Mix continuous learning from colleagues with formal development programs and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Oh, and give mentoring and coaching a try, they’ve been game-changers for her.
Nurturing Culture in a Future-Focused Levi9
As for what’s next? Sofija’s excited about continuing to nurture the great culture we have, even in challenging times, and watching Levi9 “keep learning and innovating with the newest technologies.”
And HR’s role in all this?
“HR will remain a key partner in this journey, ensuring that as we evolve technologically, we also strengthen collaboration, trust, and the sense of belonging that makes Levi9 special.”
