Leadership Is Not a Title, but a Responsibility and an Opportunity to Inspire Others
“I measure success by how much I’ve contributed to the development of others and how people feel in my environment.”
Kristina Stevanović, Operations Director at Andrejević Diamonds, has demonstrated through her professional journey how leadership evolves from mastering operational tasks to strategic leadership and team building. Her experience in the COTRUGLI program provided her with a broader perspective and strengthened her unique leadership approach, which combines expertise, authenticity, and empathy.
“Before the MBA, my goals were focused on excelling in my industry, tackling operational tasks, and overcoming daily challenges. COTRUGLI opened my eyes to the bigger picture, how all sectors collaborate and how decisions impact the entire business,” Kristina explains.
She emphasizes that, beyond knowledge, the greatest advantage was meeting colleagues from various industries, which allowed her to broaden her horizons and discover new opportunities.
Leading with Positivity and Confidence as a Leader’s Strength
Kristina has always aspired to inspire those around her – to be a leader who not only has a vision but walks the path alongside her team.
“At first, I thought leadership meant strict guidance, precision, and responsibility with no room for relaxation. Today, I choose to lead with positivity, trust, honesty, empathy, and humility.”
She considers these values the foundation for creating a positive and motivating environment, especially in a world that constantly changes and demands adaptability.
The Indispensable Power of Community and Lifelong Learning
As a strong advocate of mentorship, Kristina highlights the importance of connection and sharing experiences:
“The professors were fantastic, but what you can’t buy is the networking and the community you build through the School.”
For her, mentorship is not just about transferring knowledge but also an opportunity for personal growth, reflection, and understanding new perspectives.
People as the Key Factor in Growth and Change
“The people I’ve worked with have influenced me the most, whether through support, challenges, or mentorship. I analyzed every encounter and experience to learn a lesson and become a better leader,” Kristina shares.
She believes that relationships and the ability to recognize oneself through those relationships are the most valuable lessons a leader can have.
Values as a Compass on the Leadership Journey
Kristina emphasizes that values are her compass:
“Authenticity, consistency, courage in action, and balance are key for me. Mistakes are not the end of the road but part of learning and growth.”
Her message to those embarking on a leadership journey is to choose their environment wisely, see leadership as a responsibility, and never forget the importance of their impact on the people around them.
A Successful Leader Today
For Kristina, a successful leader is someone who inspires by example and builds trust through honesty and empathy: “It’s not just about the results but about how those results affect the team and the community. I measure success by how much I’ve contributed to the development of others and how people feel in my environment.”
In times of rapid change, maintaining inner peace and focus, as well as adapting to new challenges, are essential parts of her leadership approach.