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As many of you may already know, our CTO, Jovan Kovačević, has recently been honored with two prestigious awards – the Agile Leader of the Year, from Agile Humans, and the MATA Award from the Montenegrin Association for New Technologies (MANT). These recognitions mark significant milestones in his career and are a testament to his dedication and skill in the field of technology.
With a rich professional experience spanning over 12 years, Jovan has established himself as a seasoned tech leader. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electronics, telecommunications, and computer science from the University of Montenegro. As a certified Scrum Master, Jovan possesses a broad range of technical skills and a deep understanding of Agile methodologies, which he began adopting in his previous role, progressing from a developer expert to a Scrum Master.
In his current role as the CTO at Coinis, Jovan adeptly oversees technical development and operations. He leads a Tech division of 50, including both internal and external developers, across nine agile teams. Their collective efforts are focused on tackling highly challenging and complex technological projects.
In this short talk, we’re bringing you a closer look at Jovan’s experiences, insights, and the knowledge he’s accumulated over the years. Join us as we delve into the essence of being an Agile leader of the year, winner of the MATA award, and his vision for the future of technology and innovation at Coinis, as seen through the eyes of one of the industry’s leading figures.
Congratulations on winning both of these awards, Jovan! Can you tell us what these awards mean to you personally and professionally?
Thank you! Receiving these awards is both an honor and a humbling experience. Personally, it’s a validation of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career over the years. Professionally, it represents a recognition of Coinis’ efforts in pushing the boundaries of technology and contributing to the tech community in Montenegro and beyond. It motivates me and my team to continue innovating and making a difference.
Coinis is committed to fostering professional growth, which is demonstrated through our participation in Agile Humans’ intensive training sessions. Jovan, could you share insights into your Agile journey and how it has unfolded since your first Agile training?
My agile journey started in my previous company, where I was the sole scrum master and instrumental in introducing Scrum practices to the company, but Coinis is where we applied all the good agile practices, where we learn every day through the agile process, and I can now say that Coinis is a true agile company.
What qualities or principles do you believe contributed most to you being recognized as the Agile Leader of the Year?
In the ever-changing landscape, organizations need to show agility to thrive. As someone who has spent time navigating challenges in this constantly evolving world, I’ve learned to recognize and embrace change and use setbacks to drive innovation. However, I know that no one person can weather these shifts alone – working as a team is the key to success. I thoroughly understand and value my colleagues’ perspectives, as I believe that everyone has the potential to contribute something valuable. I believe we can achieve great things together by fostering an open and collaborative atmosphere.
Receiving the MATA Award from the Montenegrin Association for New Technologies is a remarkable achievement. How does this award impact you and your work at Coinis?
The MATA Award is deeply meaningful to me, both professionally and personally. It’s a validation of our efforts and innovations at Coinis and a reminder of my roots in the tech community. Receiving this award from an organization I grew through and my former university professor, adds a special layer of meaning. This recognition further motivates me and confirms that we at Coinis are on the right track, doing the right things. It serves as an encouragement not only for me personally but also for the entire team at Coinis to continue innovating and contributing to the world of technology.
Your innovative approach, significant contributions to Adtech, and leadership of the impactful “Developers Lab” project have profoundly influenced technology entrepreneurship, engineering culture, and practical education. Tell us more about the key initiatives that contributed to this achievement.
The Developers Lab project at Coinis has been a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing new talent in the technology sector. Since launching in 2018, our goal has been to provide high-quality education in IT to as many people as possible. We have organized over 30 training sessions in various programming areas, such as basic programming, web development, databases, and game development, benefiting over 500 participants. Our attendees range from high school and university students to experienced professionals, and we’ve even held workshops for elementary school students.
I’m especially proud that many of our former students are now employed in IT companies throughout Montenegro. This success drives us to enhance the quality of our educational programs continuously. We aim to establish Developers Lab as a premier educational initiative in the region, thereby driving the tech sector’s growth.
Beyond the Developers Lab, our advancements in Adtech have been instrumental. These initiatives reflect our broader mission at Coinis: cultivating a learning-focused, adaptable, and innovative culture within the tech sector.
Leading nine agile teams is no small feat. Can you share a challenge you’ve faced in this role?
Leading nine agile teams presents unique challenges, including synchronizing multiple projects without stifling individual team creativity and momentum. Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, played a pivotal role in addressing this. We fostered a culture of open communication and collaborative problem-solving by implementing Agile ceremonies and principle of transparency. This approach aligned our teams’ objectives and encouraged knowledge sharing and collective responsibility, ensuring that each team remained agile, focused, and driven by a shared purpose. Agile’s flexibility and emphasis on continuous improvement were instrumental in navigating this complex landscape.
You began adopting Agile methodologies during your previous job. How has your understanding and implementation of Agile evolved since then?
Since I started adopting Agile methodologies, my understanding and implementation of Agile have grown immensely. The challenges we face every day are like mini-tests, each with its own set of lessons and successes. This constant cycle of facing and overcoming obstacles has honed my Agile skills and reinforced my belief in its principles as a framework for achieving efficiency and excellence in any project.
Managing 50 developers across various teams must bring diverse dynamics. How do you ensure cohesion and unity among your teams while working on complex projects?
By fostering a culture of open communication and respect, I ensure that every team member feels valued and heard. We have regular collaborative meetings and include everyone in the decision-making process, so we’re all on the same page and understand our roles in the bigger picture. Following Agile principles, we can adapt quickly to changes while keeping our vision intact. This approach brings our team closer and allows us to conquer complex projects by leveraging our strengths.
Coinis has been actively certifying professionals. How do continuous learning and upskilling relate to your vision for Agile leadership?
At Coinis, continuous learning and upskilling are integral to our Agile leadership vision. Staying current with the latest trends and technologies is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry. We see continuous learning as fostering adaptability and innovation within our teams. Therefore, by encouraging and facilitating ongoing professional development, we enhance individual skill sets and collectively strengthen our organizational agility. This commitment to growth and learning is a cornerstone of our approach to Agile leadership, ensuring that we remain responsive, dynamic, and competitive in the marketplace.
Having achieved the Agile Leader of the Year award, what’s next for you and your team at Coinis?
Earning these awards is a significant milestone, and while it may sound cliché, it truly is just the beginning. At Coinis, we continuously expand, bring in new talent, and embark on exciting projects. The recognition we’ve received is a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment and hard work. It serves as a powerful motivator, spurring us to develop even more impactful projects.
Looking ahead, our goal is to sustain and enhance the exceptional value we bring to the industry. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of our field, navigating through a dynamic and ever-evolving tech landscape. This recognition has set a new benchmark for us, igniting our passion for excellence and innovation even more. Coinis is entering an exciting phase, and these awards are only the start of our ambitious aspirations for the future.
Lastly, Jovan, for those aspiring to become leaders in the Agile space, what one piece of advice would you offer?
For those aspiring to be leaders in the Agile space, my key piece of advice is to embrace transparency. As an Agile leader, fostering an atmosphere of trust, engagement, and collaboration within your team is crucial. This can be achieved by communicating openly and honestly, addressing issues promptly, and not shying away from difficult conversations. Additionally, celebrating team successes and milestones plays a vital role in creating a supportive and productive environment. Being transparent encourages a culture where ideas can flow freely, and team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
As we move forward, Jovan’s vision and leadership will continue to guide Coinis in shaping the future of technology and fostering an environment of continuous learning, collaboration, and progress. His advice to embrace transparency and collaboration resonates as a guiding principle for aspiring agile leaders, emphasizing the importance of open communication and collective effort in achieving success. With these awards as a testament to our capabilities, Coinis stands poised to reach new heights, embracing challenges and opportunities in the dynamic world of technology.
