Libra Consulting was formed by Jelena Djakovic with the goal of providing each customer with a personalized approach and solutions tailored to their specific needs. Libra Consulting is a full-service marketing and consulting firm focused on company growth in the hospitality industry. Since its inception in 2011, the firm has offered customers in a variety of sectors with marketing, sales, and consulting services (entertainment, FMCG, hospitality, charity, banking). Libra Consulting frequently collaborates with other specialized agencies and subcontractors to offer customers the highest level of knowledge and services adapted to their individual requirements.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
It was a winding path that brought me here, but every experience and everything I have done was a necessary step on that path. I studied applied arts and started working at a TV station as an assistant in the production department. From there, I went on to a marketing agency, where I fell in love with marketing. I switched to the client side, worked for a university as the marketing manager, and then transitioned to hospitality. I was very lucky and privileged to work for two of the most prestigious hotels in Belgrade as their Marketing and Sales director. During that time, I saw a space, a niche that was needed – for a marketing and consulting agency that would be specialized in hospitality with a full understanding of the particular needs of this industry, and that is how Libra Consulting came to life; out of sheer energy, desire, and the love of marketing.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I value hard work, integrity, and good service. We always go the extra step. No shortcuts, no cutting corners, just work. Smart, hard and on point. I strongly believe that this is the only real path to success.
What are the major services of the company and how do they help the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
We started with a small portfolio of services that I thought were needed – design, social media, business planning, menu consultations, and event planning consulting.
In the past 6 years since the company was founded, we have expanded the portfolio quite a bit, as well as the team.
Now we offer full-service consulting for hospitality businesses, with a main focus on hotels. We create business plans, assist in all aspects of execution, advise, help with strategy and business development, design, produce, create branding strategies, train employees.
We approach each client individually, considering every aspect of their business idea, needs, financial capacity, potential for growth, positioning as it is, positioning potential, and much more.
We take pride in the work we do, and we make sure that there is something to be proud of.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovation is a part of life. You have to at least keep up, and if possible, excel. We have a quote from Albert Einstein on our website: Life is like riding a bicycle; in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.
Give us your opinion on whether organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
It depends on the organization. We strive to create a company where everyone feels like an equal part of the team, and can give an idea, suggestion, or improvement to any other part of the organization. We do not believe in: It was not my job.
What are your responsibilities as the founder and CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
Honestly, I love all of it. I love mentoring. I love working with clients. Seeing something we created come to life. I am incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love. Our 3 p.m. mandatory glass of wine is a good part of the day. Of course, there are the tough talks when you manage a team of people. But the wine helps, both sides.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
There is a Serbian proverb – Measure 3 times, cut once. I think it is the best leadership advice. Take your time, don’t make rash decisions, sleep on it.
