In the series of Slice of Life interviews, we are trying to get a look behind the business side of our business partners and well-known industry names. We explore what makes them tick and what occupies their day and thoughts when they are not at work. Keep on reading for a glimpse of Igor Kovačević in his spare time.
Q: What gets you going in the morning?
I like waking up early. Most mornings I start with my daily training and with the first spring days, it continues on the banks of Danube. Fast walking or rollerblading in combination with sleepy Belgrade, fresh air and the peacefulness of water, creates a free-mind zone I need for the rest of the business day. Of course, I leave my cellphone back at home, since this is time only for me.
Q: What is a personal project you are currently working on or wish you were?
I have the biggest fights with myself – the biggest friend and the biggest enemy. For the last year, I am focusing, finally, on the personal project combining “mental health” and “physical health”. This helps me to stay in good condition, less stressed and less anxious, with the best me for the people I care about and for myself. I am not making any more mistakes I used to make with “wrong” people. I love this project. It might never end.
Q: How do you spend a normal weekend?
Back to the business-free environment, replacing the keyboard with a bicycle, shoes with sneakers and shirts with favourite t-shirts. Choosing a casual restaurant for launch and then spending relaxing time at home, preparing for a famous Belgrade night-out, either at Dorcol’s hidden off-the-main-path places or at posh Beton Hala and Danube river floating clubs. Or, escape in the nature, in a hustle-free environment, to listen to the silence of the forest. This combination gives me back the power for the week.
Q: What do you count as your biggest non-work related achievement?
There are several aspects. Internal – finally working on self-acceptance in order to pass reality check and face negative sides with real solutions in order to be the best for myself. A never ending aspect. External – to give quality me time and quality time to the people I care about and that are important to me. Not all can enter my comfort zone and get the best from me. And finally, try to change the world and help people without asking anything in return, mostly by believing in them and giving them wind in the back when needed.
Q: How are you known among your friends?
I will quote one of my best friends, currently in the lead HR role for Western Balkans and Baltic in the FMCG sector: “As the friend you want and need in your corner. You can always rely on that he will be there with straightforward and honest answers. He will support you and be there for you from the beginning in your decisions, no matter how big and lifechanging they are, but also will not hesitate to tell you the hard truth if he thinks you are not considering all the facts. It is always fun to be around him, he is always focusing on an optimistic future, considering every day as a new chance for living life in the happiest and most fulfilled way possible.”
Q: What is your absolutely favorite place in Serbia that you love to visit and why?
I just love Belgrade. Our great witter, Momo Kapor, said that the Belgrade is not a city, but a metaphor of life and a perspective on things. I love the hustle during the day, slow mornings on rivers, some very popular and posh places for a night out, and hidden points to escape from the crowd. Maybe Belgrade is not the most beautiful city in the world, but it has the energy and buzz that makes you move. I travel a lot, but the best part of all those is coming back home.
Q: What kind of conference would you like to attend if you could choose?
From our industry, I love attending great panels where panellists have something to say and know how to say it, while the moderator is actually on the topic, and knows how to get the panel going and involves the audience. From other fields, I would be interested to join a conference on how new car models are launched and branded. Also, there is a great event on the entertaining and clubbing industry, the Monaco International Clubbing Show, that is first on my bucket list.
Q: What is your best source of information?
Business-wise, if you want to know what is happening you need to be in the field. That is the reason, I spend a lot of time meeting colleagues from hotels, PCOs, DMCs, venues and AVs, as well as our doctors, professors, professionals from the associations and corporations in person. But the information paradox is evident. It is a skill to find useful information among all the semi-information. Life-wise, specific web sites.
Q: What is the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
The movie: Invisible Life (A Vida Invisível, Brazil, 2019). Two sisters separated by a conservative society, are finding life essence believing that the other is living her dream half a world away, although they are separated only by a few streets and situations. Never giving up hope of finding each other. These kinds of movies make you think about what makes the world move and how to fight the desired social behaviour. Being different and above average is sometimes very hard.
