“After eighteen years of playing volleyball professionally, one of the most trophy-winning and most popular sports in Serbia—I realized that sport was not only a part of my youthful passion, but also an exceptionally rich and valuable life experience,” said Bojana Martinović, Director of our Company, in an interview for Dipos Magazine on the occasion of the special feature “Heroines of Serbian Sport,” dedicated to the great achievements of our female athletes. The director placed special emphasis on the importance of the values that are crucial for success both in sports and in the business environment.

“Following in the footsteps of great athletes who served as role models and shaped numerous generations, I matured through volleyball, learning from exceptional coaches and players. The victories and defeats served equally as a strong inspiration to persevere even in the most difficult of times. On the court, I learned the meaning of discipline, persistence, and dedication, and also that through hard work and great sacrifice, through togetherness and mutual support, any goal is achievable”, the director added.

“The feeling of being part of a team in which everyone plays an important role and where success is not measured only by individual achievement but by concerted effort, is truly unmatchable. Every athlete will tell you that, in addition to self-confidence and self-control, sport carries many important life lessons and values that go beyond the playing field, such as dignified acceptance of defeat, learning from one’s mistakes, never settling for mediocrity, and celebrating victories without underestimating your opponent.

Today, these experiences are extremely helpful in managing a successful state-owned enterprise such as Dipos, since leading the company’s workforce and making important decisions is highly reminiscent of leading a team on the court. Successful management means leading by example – showing readiness to work, commitment, responsibility, and faith in joint success. Only then will the team follow your lead, and results are measured by trust and community, open communication, and decisions that contribute to the common goal. We try to nurture that team spirit in our company, while finding a suitable role for everyone and giving them an opportunity to grow. Sometimes, when it is crucial to make quick business decisions under pressure, I remember the times when matches went to five sets, when even the slightest of errors and lack of concentration could decide the winner. It is in those moments that focus, calmness, sound judgement, and well-thought-out decisions with a clear vision become crucial for the benefit of the team and the institution that I am now proud to manage.”

“Women’s sport is important not only because of the results of our sportswomen, but because of the message delivered to the society at large. Every medal, every success of female track-and-field athletes, volleyball, basketball, or tennis players, is proof that dedication, talent, and hard work know no boundaries of gender, but they do push the boundaries of sports. I am glad that even in the age of AI, sport continues to inspire new generations of little girls to believe in themselves, to bravely tread their own path, and to know that they have equal right to dream and succeed just like their male peers.
I firmly believe that sport provides young people with a solid foundation for any career and that it remains one of the best schools of life anyone can go through. The greatest treasure we gain from sport is not just medals and results, but the sense of belonging, friendship, and values that stay with us for life.”

The full article ‘Heroines of Serbian Sport,’ as well as numerous topics from the fields of diplomacy, culture, and Serbia’s rich historical heritage, can be found in the Dipos Magazine.