Spending time with family and friends and exploring nature: These are just some of the passions that characterize the life of Jelena, People & Organizational Manager at Panter. She recharges her batteries by jogging along idyllic forest and lake paths or snorkeling and diving on the beach.
Her heart also beats faster in the kitchen: whether it’s a Maldivian curry with slow-braised beef or homemade pasta dough. Cooking is not only a passion for her, but also a way to switch off and discover new things. In this interview, she reveals what she has experienced and achieved so far in her short time at Panter.
What made you decide to accept the position at Panter?
I still remember my job interview at Panter very well. The vibe I got from the people I was dealing with – especially Jorgo and Martin – was simply infectious. There was an atmosphere of trust and openness. I immediately had the feeling that I could develop myself here.
Then there was the freedom that Panter offered me. Whether it was the workload, the activities or the place of work – I had the feeling that I could be really flexible here. Another big incentive was the chance to gain a foothold in this field as a career changer. That motivated me enormously.
What is your favorite music?
Music is very important to me. I love Afrobeats. Artists like Burna Boy just have this energy that immediately puts you in a good mood.
When I want to relax, deep house is my first choice. It’s such a no-brainer – it always fits. A surprise for some: my husband turned me on to Brazilian country music and I’ve been listening to the playlist he put together a lot lately. And of course there’s Serbian folk music, especially Lepa Brena – that’s my root music, which I always associate with my homeland.
What new things have you discovered recently and how did it make you feel?
It was a very exciting time, especially professionally, with lots of new experiences. I redefined some of our internal processes. It was an exciting challenge, but also incredibly satisfying when I saw that the new structures were taking effect.
One highlight was organizing a class camp shortly after I started at Panter. To be honest, I was completely overwhelmed at the beginning. It was like “living on the edge” because the whole time I was waiting for some problem to pop up that wasn’t on my radar. And because that wasn’t enough, I also had to organize the move from our old office to the Impact Hub. That was a logistical tour de force. But in the end, both worked out wonderfully.
Another new experience for me was being responsible for the recruitment of two new team members. This was a learning process that brought me a lot, because it was the first time I was allowed to accompany a recruitment process from A to Z and had to position and sell Panter as an employer.
Finally, I am currently working intensively on our strategy for the People division. The biggest challenge is to further expand our HR development and take Panter’s employer branding to the next level. This is exciting and challenges me to leave my comfort zone.
What is your favorite film or series?
Oh, that’s difficult. But if I had to choose, Game of Thrones would be right at the top. The series captivated me from the first season to almost the end. For a good laugh, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is simply the best series of all time. The mix of humor and heart is simply unbeatable. My other favorites are “Suits”, “New Girl” and of course “Emily in Paris” – a real guilty pleasure! And when I’m in the mood for drama and soap operas, I watch “Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten”.
If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
It’s simple: interpersonal intuition. I often have the feeling that I perceive things that others don’t see or hear directly. It’s like a sixth sense that helps me to recognize moods and unspoken thoughts.
Professionally, this is incredibly valuable because it allows me to react more quickly to conflicts or challenges before they come to a head. At the same time, it helps me to build an authentic relationship with people. It’s like I’m a detective for emotions – and I love it!
