IWD 2025 - an interview with: Jelena Lalic

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now.

From my early days in my career, I was fortunate to work in incredible companies, all being leaders in the industry, setting high standards, driven by strong values to nurture talents and create an inclusive and joyful workplace. 

I was always open to taking on more responsibilities and understanding more outside of my core job. From early days in my managerial career, beyond Finance, I was involved in different areas of the business– I was Deputy CEO in Pernod Ricard while holding position of CFO for Adriatics region, taking care of other business-related matters – HR, Legal, IT. I was motivated to understand more in Marketing & Sales and was working closely, with Department Heads, to understand this side of the business as well. This is when I realized my real passion is people management and organization improvement through development of best fit talents. Attending various leadership trainings, development programs, working with coaches / mentors, led to promotion to CEO position of Pernod Ricard Bulgaria. 

My journey took me to Atradius Collections, where I joined Global Operations team, as a Regional Director & Head of Integration, M&A, leading integration and operations of 7 acquired companies in Balkans region.

Currently, as a Group CFO at Atradius Collections, I lead global Finance & Control strategy, overseeing 40 markets, as well as mentoring and managing finance and control teams across the world. 

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you?

It means we need to continue taking steps towards achieving gender equality. For me, it means ensuring we support and improve strategies that positively impact women's advancement. By accelerating action, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to gain greater visibility and possibility of succeeding.

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

No matter of the position one holds, working together means supporting each other by understanding different points of view, listening to understand, rather than just responding, encouraging others to achieve their goals. 

To me, lifting each other up means always looking at ways to support, mentor, and celebrate the achievements of others. It involves creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. 

Being in executive positions is a very nice opportunity, but responsibility as well to create environment and possibilities where diverse perspectives are promoted, valued and encouraged. 

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams? 

To be able to turn around the Company and operate successfully, one of the main roles of senior leadership teams is to bring innovation in day-to-day activities. Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives and experiences, leading to more creative solutions and better decision-making. Flexibility and adaptability are key for more agile organization, ready to respond faster to trends or challenges. 

To be successful in this task, diversity, not gender-vise only, needs to be taken seriously, rather than a “tick the box exercise”. Diverse (leadership) teams foster organizations that cultivate winning mindset, engage and motivate team, and reinforce business.

Senior leadership: 26%, C-suite: 19%, 1 in 4: Chief-level. These are the percentages and numbers of female leaders in our industry. What do these numbers represent to you?

These figures represent a step forward in promoting gender diversity and, looking at the past where women joined the leadership positions not so long ago, today we see many women in leadership positions across diverse industries, making significant impact. Our goal is to continue with initiatives that support diversity in advancing to top leadership positions. I am positive we are moving in the right direction in changing the picture for the future.

As a successful leader, how do you think (business) leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace?

Leaders should actively promote and model inclusive behavior, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. Moreover, we should always encourage a culture of respect and inclusion, provide equal opportunities for advancement, by creating clear and transparent career progression paths, no matter of gender, nationality, race…

I strongly believe in Leading by Example. When we, as leaders, truly “Walk the Talk " with regards to creating of equitable and inclusive workplace, we inspire trust and commitment in our teams and that benefits not only the employees but also the overall success of the organization.

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success?

• Always set high standards & goals and be disciplined to achieve them
• Work on your own development, find a mentor to support you on this journey
• Be open to different cultures, challenges, managerial styles
• Communicate openly and transparently in all directions

Most importantly, surround yourself with the right people. Recruit for potential, when hiring focuses on values, if people have the right mindset, they will learn everything!

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level?

Be brave to take positions offered. The various managerial / executive roles I’ve been offered helped me to develop and broaden my competencies further. International moves and experience enriched, not only my professional, but personal life as well. Be curious, focused, and bold to take risks. 

While you progress in your career have a mentor, who will be there to push you forward, but guide you when you need to take a step back as well.

Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader?

I was privileged to work with many leaders that inspired and motivated me to go beyond expected. Perhaps the most inspiring, my former manager, supported me by having strong belief in me - to step outside of known, to take bold risks, but also by creating opportunities for continuous development. Moreover, although a male manager, he knew the importance of nurturing diversity and proved, even 15 years ago, that females and diversity in leadership team bring different perspective and are instrumental in developing the organization faster. 

Most importantly, having a role model with highest ethical standards, who is brave and who inspires others to set the bar high, is one of the best motivating experiences that can shape you as a leader.