Zvonimir Galić
Episode · #293
PSIHOLOGIJA USPJEHA Zvonimir Galić
Guest Zvonimir GalićHosted by Tanja PuretaMay 3, 2026
Zvonimir Galić
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
It took years of advanced study, a PhD at 27, and stints at top universities in America and Australia for Zvonimir Galić to fully grasp what he now calls a 'relatively simple thing': that applying psychology in business creates a win-win for both operations and people. Galić, who chairs the Department of Work Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, argues that the insights from psychology are not just academic theories but essential tools for improving the world of work. He joins us to share how a deep understanding of human behavior can transform organizational success and individual well-being, starting with the very first interaction a candidate has with a company.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
The psychology entrance exam, with its oral component and demanding math, was far more rigorous than the standard economics test Galić also considered. For his 18-year-old self, that selection process itself became a signal of the institution's commitment to quality — and the reason he chose psychology. How you screen candidates tells them more about your organization than any recruitment brochure ever could.
02
Galić points out that in a tight labor market, the selection process is always a two-way street: 'You test me, but I as a candidate evaluate you.' For organizations competing for talent, a well-designed hiring process isn't just about filtering; it's about making the candidate want to join.
03
After years of advanced study — including a Fulbright scholarship at Purdue and a year at a top Australian management school — Galić realized the core of his work was a 'relatively simple thing': applying psychology in business creates a win-win for both operations and employee well-being. The most impactful insights often feel obvious in hindsight, but only after a long, winding path to truly understand them.