When Marija Radović first heard about Levi9 a decade ago from colleagues working in the Novi Sad office, their enthusiastic impressions sparked her interest. Shortly after the Belgrade office opened its doors, she decided to take the leap and apply. Nine years later, she’s still here, a testament to a company that has consistently lived up to its reputation.
“In a short time, all the compliments about the company proved to be true,” Marija recalls with a smile. “To this day, the company has lived up to its good reputation, and that’s why I’ve been here for 9 years already.”
Professional Growth and Leadership
Over nine years, Marija’s professional journey has been marked by continuous evolution. She’s participated in numerous long-term and short-term projects spanning different domains and technologies, gaining invaluable experience in client collaboration, team leadership, and project management. The company’s consistent focus on both technological skills and soft skills development has been instrumental in her growth.
One project stands out as her proudest achievement: a 4.5-year engagement where she served as Tech Lead for a major client. The application serves tens of thousands of daily users and boasts a remarkable track record of minimal production issues, an achievement she shares with the many colleagues who contributed to its success.
But for Marija, the project’s greatest success goes beyond technical metrics. “We can also proudly say that we continue to hang out a lot even after our collaboration on the project ended,” she notes, highlighting once again how professional relationships at Levi9 often blossom into lasting friendships.
The Heart of Levi9: Its People
For Marija, the most memorable moments at Levi9 haven’t been tied to specific projects or technologies, but to something far more valuable: the people.
The best moments for me in the company have always been tied to the amazing people who give it its strongest identity and are its best marketing. Colleagues with whom it's easy to work, and even easier to have fun.
From rafting team-building adventures to countless happy hours, these shared experiences have created bonds that extend far beyond the office. In fact, some of Marija’s closest friendships today began at Levi9 – a connection she considers one of her greatest achievements during her time with the company.
Adapting to Change
Levi9 hasn’t remained static over the years. The company has evolved in response to changing circumstances, with the shift to a hybrid work model representing one of the most significant transformations. Despite team members no longer being together in the office every day, Marija believes the company culture has remained strong, with continued emphasis on shared activities and connection.
The introduction of AI tools has brought another dimension of change, requiring everyone to adapt while simultaneously adding new dynamics to daily work. These shifts demonstrate Levi9’s commitment to staying current and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
What Makes Levi9 Special
When asked what sets Levi9 apart from other companies in the industry, Marija’s answer returns to a familiar theme: the people. “From the very beginning, Levi9 has been and remains a special place for me, primarily because of the people, both the colleagues I work with and the management, who really try to listen to employees, gather feedback, and work on improving the overall company system.”
This culture of listening and continuous improvement, combined with an environment where she genuinely looks forward to starting each workday, creates something Marija values deeply, a workplace that feels less like a job and more like a community.
Finding Balance
Throughout her nine years at Levi9, Marija has successfully maintained a healthy work-life balance. She credits this partly to the natural overlap between her professional and personal life through the friendships she’s formed, but also to her ability to leave work at work. “I don’t take work home, and I believe that neither my work nor my personal life suffers because of the other, even when there are bigger challenges on both sides,” she explains.
Advice for Newcomers
For those just starting their journey at Levi9, Marija offers straightforward wisdom: “Be open, transparent, responsible, and honest. Trust your colleagues and the company, and enjoy it as much as possible.”
It’s advice born from nearly a decade of experience and reflects the values that have made her own journey successful. In a world where employee tenure is increasingly measured in months rather than years, Marija’s nine-year commitment speaks volumes about what Levi9 offers to those who embrace its culture and opportunities.
As she looks toward the future, one thing is clear: the company that first attracted her with its good reputation has become far more than just a workplace, it’s become a place where professional growth, meaningful work, and genuine friendships converge to create something truly special.
