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Tomislav Balun
Episode · #195

TEHNOBIZ Tomislav Balun

Guest Tomislav BalunHosted by Dražen TomićMay 3, 2026
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation

The notion that a crisis demands radical change is often spoken, but rarely seen in action. For Tomislav Balun, Business Director of IBM Croatia, the recent economic and health crises weren't just challenges; they were the "biggest catalyst for digital transformation." He argues that the standard operating model, once tied to physical locations and in-person interactions, has fundamentally shifted. Balun offers a rare look inside how major enterprises and even public administration bodies are adapting to this new reality. He details how technology, from remote work solutions to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, is not merely supporting these shifts but actively driving them. Readers will leave this conversation with a clearer understanding of how an external shock can redefine efficiency, force a re-evaluation of IT as an investment, and shape the future of work across all sectors.

Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
IBM advises clients to focus on seven imperatives during a crisis, ranging from strengthening remote work to improving supply chains and protecting against cyber risks. This comprehensive approach underscores that successful adaptation requires businesses to address multiple operational dimensions simultaneously, not just one.
02
A senior official in a large public administration body told Balun that their organization achieved "record high" resolved cases while working remotely, even after being forced out of offices by an earthquake. Remote work, when necessitated by external events, can sometimes improve efficiency in unexpected sectors, challenging old assumptions about productivity.
03
Balun calls the crisis "the biggest catalyst for digital transformation," fundamentally changing the location-based operating model where people went to work, shops, or clinics. A major external shock can force fundamental shifts in operating models that years of strategic planning might not achieve, making digital channels the default interaction method for all interactions.
04
When IT is seen as a cost, investments are often cut first during a crisis, but cloud computing is a controlled expense that can be scaled up or down. This flexibility makes cloud computing attractive to CFOs, shifting IT from a static capital expenditure to a dynamic, manageable operational cost in uncertain times.
05
Balun notes that technology-driven "disruptors" are entering the margins and business models of established companies across all sectors, from banking onwards. Management teams have recognized that significant investment in ICT is no longer optional, but essential to maintain profitability and market presence.
06
While many companies initially went fully remote, Balun observes a gradual return to a "mixed mode" of work, combining remote and in-office presence. The future of work will likely be a hybrid model, balancing the efficiencies gained from remote operations with the benefits of in-person collaboration, guided by evolving corporate policies.
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