Photography: Phillipe Reynaud & Emanuel Manchy
Author: Kristijan Aralica
...
In addition to being a young visionary who is continuously pushing the boundaries in the IT industry with her fresh and innovative approach, Gordana Vukres is also a role model for aspiring young people all over the country.
Her journey from the glitz and glamour of international fashion catwalks to the very depths of the IT industry has been marked by tremendous dedication and incredible vision. Gordana Vukres has walked the catwalks for leading modelling agencies including Assasin in London, Flash in Milan, and Louisa Models in Munich.
At just seventeen years old, she captivated the crowd at the renowned Elite Model Look contest held on the Brijuni Islands, earning the impressive title of first runner-up, and what is even more fascinating is that Naomi Campbell was on the jury. She embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned across global metropolises like London, Munich, Los Angeles, and Paris before finally returning to Croatia in 2020.
After finishing high school, she pursued further education in Stuttgart, first at the Goethe Institute and later at a university in Slovenia, specialising in IT. Furthermore, she showcased her exceptional abilities on the small screen, earning recognition as the host of the widely popular show „Kunolovac” which aired on RTL. Her diverse experiences gained in different cultures and business environments enhanced her professional growth and provided her with a unique perspective.
With her unwavering dedication and extensive knowledge, she quickly gained prominence on a national scale as an active member of the largest Croatian political party. Her commitment to the political process manifested in her enthusiastic involvement in activities at the party’s headquarters and her valuable guidance to aspiring candidates running for local office. Her skilful management of political campaigns on digital platforms has become increasingly vital for effective promotion of political programmes in the modern digital landscape.
Gordana excels not only in developing software solutions and technological breakthroughs, but also at building long-term partnerships with clients. Her vision goes beyond just pursuing business success; it aims to create a lasting social impact.
Our interlocutor is a shining testament to the power of following one’s dreams and achieving remarkable success beyond all expectations.
How did you come up with the idea to start your own IT company, Social G? Can you describe the process of turning a concept into reality?
The idea sprouted from my profound passion for technology and the conviction that I could make a difference in society with my innovative solutions. After years of toiling and gaining experience in the IT industry, it dawned on me that technology holds immense power to bring about meaningful changes. Inspired by this insight, I decided to take the initiative and launch my own company with the goal of becoming not only a frontrunner in technological innovation but also a driving force for positive social change.
What were the biggest obstacles you encountered while building your company, and how did you overcome them?
Building a company has certainly had its fair share of obstacles. I’ve faced countless challenges from securing initial funding and hiring top-notch professionals, to adjusting to the ever-changing market conditions. But every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
I’ve discovered that being consistent, patient, and adaptable is crucial for achieving success. Working as a team was instrumental in overcoming the obstacles, which brought us closer together and made us stronger.
Can you tell us more about the products/services that SocialG offers?
Our company offers a wide range of services to meet all of our clients’ needs, from logo and graphic design to software development, website design, and web and mobile applications. Our unique approach combines cutting-
edge technological expertise with a deep understanding of business needs, ensuring that every solution we deliver is not only innovative and functional but also tailored to guarantee our clients’ long-term success.
How do you build and retain competitiveness in today’s fast-paced technological landscape? How do you approach innovation and improvement? What strategies do you employ?
In order to stay ahead in the ever-evolving environment of the IT industry, it is crucial to constantly keep an eye on emerging trends, allocate resources to research and development, and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. Our strategy revolves around delivering superior value to our clients by offering high-quality products and services that are tailored to meet their specific requirements.
Furthermore, we actively participate in industry events, working closely with academic institutions and partners to stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends and best practices.
In addition, our company is venturing into global markets, including China and the United States, where we have been actively cultivating and nurturing business connections to broaden our reach and offer our products and services on a global scale.
How do you see the future of the IT industry? What trends do you regard as being crucial, and how is your company adapting to them?
The outlook for the IT industry is extremely exciting and promising. I firmly believe that technological progress and innovation will transform the way we live and work in a whole variety of sectors, including business and education.
Key trends like artificial intelligence, data analytics, Internet of Things, and blockchain technology are set to revolutionize our daily lives.
Can you share some of the experiences you’ve gained from running your own IT business?
Running your own business in the IT sector comes with many challenges and lessons to be learned. I’ve learned the value of being adaptable, flexible, and persistent in the face of changes and difficulties. Every day brings new experiences and learning opportunities, fuelling my desire to grow and become a better version of myself.
How does your company encourage innovation and talent development within your team?
Supporting innovation and talent development is critical to our success. Continuous investment in education, mentoring, and professional development guarantees that we have a team of professionals ready to tackle the challenges of the future and reach new heights in the world of technology.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to start their careers in the IT industry?
My advice to them is to be open to learning, to experiment with new technologies and trends, and to actively build good relationships with clients and the community.
Any beginning can be challenging, but once you get to the top, the view is breathtaking! Whatever hurdles you face, let your determination and unwavering confidence in your own success lead the way. Always listen to your inner voice and have faith in your ability to achieve your goals.
And finally, don’t forget to appreciate and be grateful for what you’ve accomplished. Make gratitude an integral part of your daily life.
