Ivana Stojčević
Episode · #416
PSIHOLOGIJA USPJEHA Ivana Stojčević
Guest Ivana StojčevićHosted by Tanja PuretaMay 3, 2026
Ivana Stojčević
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
For twelve years, Ivana Stojčević has led pharmaceutical companies in Croatia, first Alvogen and now Zentiva. It's a demanding sector, often associated with intense pressure and high stakes. Yet, when asked about her experience at the helm, Ivana doesn't speak of burden or stress. Instead, she leads with two words: gratitude and responsibility. Her perspective on leadership, one that embraces discomfort and sees accountability as a source of strength, offers a distinct view on navigating high-pressure roles. This conversation explores how that mindset not only sustains her but also shapes Zentiva's unique approach to healthcare, blending cutting-edge medicine with traditional remedies.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Asked about leading in a high-stakes industry, Ivana doesn't mention stress or pressure; she names gratitude and responsibility as her two primary feelings. Leaders often frame responsibility as a burden; seeing it as a source of gratitude shifts perspective and fosters balance.
02
Ivana defines her comfort zone as being outside of comfort itself, stating, 'I am comfortable being outside my comfort zone.' True leadership isn't about avoiding discomfort, but embracing it as the normal state for decision-making and exposure to criticism or potential failure.
03
Zentiva’s product portfolio includes both advanced biologics for severe illnesses and modern herbal medicines like Presen for psychological balance. This blend suggests a market strategy that covers a wide spectrum of patient needs, from cutting-edge treatment to traditional, gentler remedies.
04
For psychological challenges, Ivana outlines a tiered approach: first, relying on one's own capacities; second, turning to plants; and only third, seeking professional help, with chemical drugs as a last resort. This challenges the common impulse to reach for strong medication first, advocating for a phased, less invasive path.
05
Ivana highlights that starting with strong chemical medications for psychological challenges is often counterproductive, noting, 'we know these drugs shouldn't be used long and affect executive brain functions.' This underscores the importance of a phased approach, reserving potent interventions for when other methods have been explored.
06
The country manager role demands oversight across a vast spectrum of responsibilities, from financial results and market development to team growth, compliance, and public image. This breadth emphasizes the holistic nature of top-tier leadership, where every aspect of the business falls under one's purview.
07
Ivana describes her professional growth as moving from dependence to independence, and finally to a state of 'interdependence.' She explains that true achievement comes from collaborative exchange and mutual reliance, recognizing that the highest level of effectiveness isn't found in individual autonomy but in collective synergy.