We discussed making difficult decisions, building trust, personal growth, authenticity, and the responsibility that comes with leadership. Throughout the discussion, one key idea stood out: a leader does not need to have all the answers but must understand what they do not know and be willing to learn alongside their team.

Panelists Dragoslav Kotorac, Slobodan Bogdanović, Vladislav Batanjski, and Eta Šateles Đukić did not offer recipes for success. Instead, they shared their experiences, dilemmas, and lessons learned through their own mistakes and challenges. It was this honesty that made the conversation truly authentic. By the end of the evening, the most valuable takeaway was not the answers we heard, but the questions we explored together.

Following the panel, networking continued in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with conversations that highlighted the importance of creating space for leaders to exchange experiences, challenge their own assumptions, and collectively reflect on the challenges they encounter every day.

The panel also marked the closing event of the first cycle of the Strategic Leadership Circle, a group coaching program for senior leaders jointly organized by Jaka Lounge and executive coach Tatjana Vračarić. Over the course of three months, participants had the opportunity to pause, examine their leadership challenges from new perspectives, and, through dialogue and reflection, develop a mindset that enables them to respond to the complexities of leadership with greater clarity, maturity, and confidence.

The next cycle of the Strategic Leadership Circle begins in September. It is designed for CEOs and senior leaders who seek a space for meaningful reflection, insightful questions, and the exchange of experiences with peers who understand the complexity of their roles. Applications for the new group are now open.

You can get a glimpse of the event atmosphere in the photos below.