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ABOUT IVANA
Ivana is a Director Business Development EMEA at IWConnect, Forbes Councils Executive Member, Europe 40Under40 Top Business Leader, G100: Country Chair Netherlands for IT Services and Innovation, and long term Global Ambassador of Women in Tech/AI with a robust track record in leading growth strategy by leveraging her extensive experience in IT to drive innovation. Her strategic acumen and dynamic leadership style have solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in global business development.
SUCCESS IS KNOWING YOUR LIFE IS FILLED WITH ABUNDANCE—LOVE, HEALTH, AND HAPPINESS.
Ivana Nikolik
IVANA IN A NUTSHELL
Director Business Development EMEA
Forbes Councils Executive Member
G100: Country Chair Netherlands for IT Services & Innovation
IWConnect
area of expertise
Information Technology Macedonia 🇲🇰
companies Ivana has worked for
IVANA AS A LEADER
Ivana believes that success is about enabling impact that aligns with one's deepest values. Her philosophy centers on the idea that true success involves empowering others to thrive, creating an environment where both personal and professional growth can flourish.
Leadership is not about power.
Great leaders inspire and empower others.
The future of leadership isn’t AI-dominated, it is AI-enabled!
When I think of a leader, I think of Mother Teresa.
WITH TENACITY, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND A COMMITMENT TO LIFELONG GROWTH, THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO WHAT ONE CAN ACHIEVE.
Ivana Nikolik
IVANA ON EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Ivana champions emotional intelligence as a crucial yet often underestimated leadership skill. In her view, leaders who can understand and manage their emotions, as well as decode and respond to the emotions of others, are more effective and inspiring. Emotional intelligence enables leaders to build stronger relationships, foster a positive work environment, and lead with empathy and integrity. Ivana’s approach to leadership involves continuous self-awareness and emotional regulation, which she believes are key to navigating the complexities of modern business environments. By prioritizing emotional intelligence, Ivana fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, empowering her team to excel.
Global collaboration among women is not just an ideal, but a necessity. By lifting each other up, we create a ripple effect of positive change worldwide. We have the power to change the world by embracing diversity and leading with strength, intelligence, authenticity and perseverance. Together, we can break barriers and build a brighter future for all!
IVANA ON THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE IN LEADERSHIP
I have always perceived and converted the challenges into motivation, which I truly believe is one of the crucial factors for running my successful career. This has been my driving force, and for me, there is only a play and fast-forward button -> I constantly welcome and grab the challenge by trusting in myself and my team, with an honest and truthful approach bringing the pragmatic and confident message to the team while trying to make positive impact on a broader scale.
Equally important is building authentic relationships. I lean into empathy and emotional intelligence to create connections based on trust and respect. Ultimately, my journey as a woman in a male-dominated field has been defined by perseverance, persistence, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. By confronting challenges head-on, fostering authentic connections, advocating for inclusivity, and prioritizing work-life balance, I've not only overcome barriers but I’m passionately paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. We rise by lifting others.
TO BE A BETTER LEADER, EMBRACE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. UNDERSTAND AND RESPOND TO EMOTIONS, BOTH YOUR OWN AND OTHERS', TO INSPIRE AND LEAD EFFECTIVELY.
Ivana on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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