POSLOVNA ŽENA Ana Mišević

Guest Ana MiševićHosted by Dea UluhMay 3, 2026

Ana Mišević

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

Ana Mišević operates at the intersection of geology, economics, and international relations within INA, one of Croatia's largest companies. As Director of Project Management for Exploration Projects and International Concessions, she manages complex operations from Croatian shores to distant fields in Egypt and Angola. Her career path, which saw her pivot from geophysics to an MBA in economics, offers a unique perspective on navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry and the adaptability required to manage multi-million euro projects across vastly different cultures. In this conversation, Ana shares how INA actively fosters female leadership, the multidisciplinary demands of her role, and the stark contrasts in doing business in places as varied as Cairo and Luanda. You will walk away with a clearer understanding of what it takes to lead complex international projects, and how genuine adaptability — from safety protocols to cultural nuances — is as critical as any technical skill.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

While often perceived as a male-dominated industry, INA has 20-25% women in managerial positions, and many young women have recently become directors. The actual progress in diversifying leadership often outpaces external perceptions, showing that traditionally 'male' sectors are evolving faster than their stereotypes.

Ana started at INA with a geophysics degree, but her path quickly diverged when the company recognized her broader skills, eventually funding an MBA in economics — an exception in a company that usually supports technical advanced degrees. The most impactful career turns often come from an employer spotting latent abilities beyond the initial job description, especially when they invest in cross-disciplinary education.

In Angola, business meetings might see partner companies bring ten representatives, only for the local Angolan side to arrive with groups of fifty or more. Operating internationally means understanding that 'meeting culture' is not universal; the sheer size of a local delegation can be a signal of power dynamics or decision-making processes that require different engagement strategies.

Ana's role as Director of Project Management covers everything from legal frameworks and financial tracking to technical preparation and budget approval for both Croatian exploration and international concessions in Egypt and Angola. Effective project management in complex industries isn't just about timelines and deliverables; it's a multidisciplinary orchestrator role, blending legal, financial, and technical expertise to manage hundreds of millions in investments.

After over two decades of INA's presence in Egypt, Ana describes feeling 'at home' in Cairo, where the company maintains a dedicated office and local teams. Sustained international presence, beyond just transactional partnerships, can foster deep integration and a sense of familiarity, transforming a foreign operation into a second home.

Ana attributes her ability to navigate a traditionally male environment to 'soft skills' and communication, noting that her team is now half men and half women, with women highly represented in exploration. While technical expertise is a given, it's the cultivation of interpersonal and communication abilities that truly smooths the path in any environment, especially when challenging gender stereotypes.

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