Leadership Begins with Trust in Yourself and Your Team
“A successful leader is someone who can see several years ahead while creating an environment where their people feel safe and motivated. They don’t focus on micromanagement but on developing people and the business. Trust is the foundation of everything. without it, there’s no stable team or long-term vision.”
With over a decade of experience, Saša Stanković, Digital Manager Europe at Versuni, has learned that true leaders build authority not through control but through trust. His professional journey, from marketing to strategic leadership, demonstrates what it means to grow alongside your team.
A Shift in Perspective: From Marketing to a Broader Business View
Saša reflects on how his professional path before the COTRUGLI program was focused on specific areas of marketing. He was dedicated to training and upskilling in topics relevant to the industry at the time. However, during his MBA studies, modules like Operations Management and Financial Management opened his eyes to a new way of thinking about business: “Some modules, like Operations Management or Financial Management, literally opened my eyes. It was a completely new experience—not just in terms of knowledge but also in mindset. I realized how important it is to understand the bigger picture of business, not just your own segment.”
That moment, he says, was a turning point. After completing the program, he committed to further development by reading professional literature, attending informal training sessions, and participating in workshops. “Some modules deepened my existing knowledge, while others pushed me to seriously explore new areas.
Today, I see how much that has helped me better understand corporate processes and team communication.”
Balancing Change and Responsibility
In his career, Saša has learned that leadership is not measured solely by knowledge or experience but also by the ability to adapt to change. “No year is the same. The biggest challenge is balancing all the changes that come your way. Over the past five years, each year has brought new crises and uncertainties, and that forces you to develop resilience and flexibility.”
Speaking about leadership development, Saša highlights the importance of preparing for different stages of leadership. “Transitions are often the hardest—from operational roles to managerial ones, and then from managerial to director-level positions. That’s where you truly learn the essence of leadership: how to lead people, not just work alongside them.” He believes that programs like COTRUGLI could further support this process by offering practical tools for those encountering leadership responsibilities for the first time.
The Power of Mentorship and Learning from Others
When asked about mentorship, Saša sees knowledge sharing as one of the most important aspects of professional growth. “I don’t see mentorship as a rigid relationship but as a two-way communication. If I can help someone with my experience, I’m sure I’ll also learn something new from them. It’s always a win-win situation.”
Leadership Lessons
Over the years, Saša has been shaped by a variety of experiences, both good and bad. “I had the opportunity to work with a true leader who knew how to recognize potential in people and support them. That taught me how important trust is and how much it motivates a team.”
On the other hand, some situations taught him what he doesn’t want in his own leadership style. “Working in a micromanagement environment was exhausting. I realized I don’t want to be a leader who stifles the team with details. Trust in the people you hire is the foundation of everything.”
Saša would advise his younger self to step out of his comfort zone earlier and start with training, workshops, or an MBA program to discover his interests and goals more quickly: “Start developing yourself as early as possible, whether through workshops, additional training, or programs like an MBA. The earlier you start, the sooner you’ll figure out what truly interests you and where you want to go. If I had a mentor who told me this ten years ago, I probably would have made some decisions differently.”
Looking Ahead to the Future of Leadership
Today, after years of experience, Saša’s view on leadership is clear: “A successful leader is someone who can see several years ahead while creating an environment where their people feel safe and motivated. They don’t focus on micromanagement but on developing people and the business. Trust is the foundation of everything. Without it, there’s no stable team or long-term vision.”
In a world that is rapidly changing and where challenges arise year after year, Saša remains steadfast in his approach: leadership begins with trust; first in yourself, and then in your team.