Imlek isn’t merely a producer of high-quality dairy products, rather it is also an organisation that cares for its community and employees, enabling them to achieve their full potential, says Marija Malović, who has spent 10 years at this company
Speaking in this interview, Marija Malović, Imlek’s Group Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager, shares her perspective on the position of women in contemporary society and within companies that have embedded gender equality into their foundations. She emphasises that women have managed – through their knowledge, leadership, strength, tireless work and effort – to secure their own rights, advance to significant positions, demonstrate their full potential and contribute to the success of the companies they represent.
This year marks your 10th anniversary at Imlek. Were you aware when you took on the job that you were joining a company that cares for both its community and employees, providing opportunities for them to achieve their full potential?
— When I began my career at Imlek, I was fortunate to have previously spent four years engaged with all aspects of the company’s operations through the marketing agency that I worked for at the time.
It was precisely Imlek’s values that played a pivotal role in my decision to join the company. I very quickly realised that Imlek isn’t just a company that produces high-quality dairy products, but rather an organisation that genuinely cares for its community and employees.
Imlek invests continually in its people – in their development, education and professional growth. Initiative, creativity and personal development are highly valued at our company, which allows employees to reach their full potential.
When you first started work at the company, women didn’t have the same position in the business world that they enjoy today. Do you believe that women have successfully advocated in their own interests through their determination, knowledge, dedication and hard work?
— Yes, I firmly believe that women have – through decades of effort and advocacy – proven their professional value and determination.
They have faced numerous challenges, from prejudice to unequal opportunities for advancement, but progress is undeniably visible.
With their knowledge, leadership, strength and, in many cases, tireless work and effort, women have managed to secure their rights and achieve significant positions.
Companies like Imlek provide women with the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential and contribute to business success
That journey has not been easy and has involved many sacrifices to prove oneself in a business world that was reserved almost exclusively for men. Women’s contributions are today increasingly recognised – not only in the field of communications, but across all sectors and industries.
At a company like Imlek, where fundamental principles include gender equality and striking a balance among employees, women have the opportunity to showcase their full potential and contribute to business success.
Although we are a traditionally conservative society, ever-more women are taking on leadership roles in Serbia. Is this also the case at Imlek, given that gender equality is part of your company’s business strategy?
— Gender equality isn’t just a value at Imlek, but rather an integral part of our business strategy.
The company provides strong support to all employees, regardless of gender, along with equal opportunities for advancement.
While leadership roles across all industries used to be predominantly held by men, an increasing number of women have assumed key managerial positions over recent years. This isn’t a coincidence, rather it is the result of a consistent strategy and policy that promotes equality by offering women support, mentorship and opportunities for growth and career advancement.
We have women within our management team who are outstanding mentors and who make strategic decisions and lead important business functions. I believe this trend is becoming more prominent and will only intensify in the future.
Imlek’s corporate culture emphasises employee development for both men and women. Is this the foundation of the increasing business success that the company achieves year after year?
— Employee development is one of the key factors behind our business success.
At Imlek, we invest continuously in the education and growth of all our employees, regardless of gender, age or position.
All employees have access to various training programmes, mentorships and opportunities to enhance their professional skills.
When employees have an opportunity to learn, grow and improve themselves, they not only contribute to the company, but also bring positive changes to society as a whole
We are focused on developing leaders and experts while improving overall operational efficiency.
This commitment is reflected not only in the results we achieve, but also in the fact that we consistently rank among the most desirable employers in the country and the region.
I firmly believe that investing in employees is the key to long-term business success.
When employees have an opportunity to learn, grow and improve themselves, they not only contribute to the company, but also bring positive changes to society as a whole.
You mention that Imlek provides every employee with opportunities to achieve their full potential. Is that how the company nurtures leaders, experts and authorities in their field – individuals who drive change both in business and society?
— Absolutely! I believe the most important factor in developing leaders and experts is freedom and the opportunity for professional growth. Imlek offers a wide range of training programmes and has a strong culture of mentorship and internal mobility, which enables employees to develop across various areas and identify their talents.
Through encouragement and support, employees can realise their potential and become leaders – not only within the company, but also in the broader social context. Our goal is to create an environment in which individuals, regardless of gender, can grow and advance continuously, thus becoming drivers of positive change – both in business and society.