Career reflections interview

“ProductDock’s career reflections” interview series continues this month. We proudly celebrate and honor team members who have dedicated ten years or more to ProductDock.

Jovica Zorić has been a cornerstone of our team since 2012, consistently showcasing his reliability and earning our unwavering trust. He is the first person ready to share knowledge and help everyone in the team, and he always prepares new and innovative talks or lectures for the company.

What do you like most about your role?

As CTO at ProductDock, I like that my role has different aspects. From working with clients and finding solutions to problems, aligning product requirements with teams, and supporting sales, there’s always something new that keeps me engaged, constantly learning and growing.

What is your best ProductDock memory?

Lots of great memories, but I will always remember the first time we went rafting at Tara Mountain in 2013 with our colleagues from Germany, Novi Sad, and Doboj offices. It was so much fun!

What is the secret of staying in the same company for more than 10 years?

Well, I can’t believe it’s been more than ten years, but it’s been an amazing journey. I had the opportunity to work in different locations like Bosnia, Serbia, and now in Germany. Each location brought new challenges and opportunities, allowing me to work with various teams on various projects and making me better at what I do. I like to think of myself as a ‘Paint Drip Person’ (you can read about it here). This concept explains how I approach things, and it’s been a big part of why I’ve stayed with the company for so long. I enjoy facing different challenges and learning new things, which has helped me fit into different environments and teams easily. This mindset not only helps me grow personally but also matches the company’s changing needs. The supportive and collaborative environment in the company has been crucial in fostering a sense of connection and commitment. Being with the same company for more than ten years shows how both the company and I have invested in each other’s growth.

Where do you see ProductDock in the future?

By teaming up with the right partners and helping employees grow, I see ProductDock becoming a global hub of tech excellence. Encouraging innovation and continuous learning is crucial for ProductDock’s future success. This approach will not only keep the company growing but also make ProductDock a trusted source of top-quality solutions for clients around the world.

Have you read any good books lately that you would recommend? 

Yes, two books, actually: “Cryptonomicon” by Neal Stephenson and “Brief History Of Time” by Stephen Hawking.

Which app do you find helpful and why?

Medito is a great app to practice mindfulness and reduce stress.

Who do you admire the most from the world of programming?

It’s hard to pick just one person I admire most in the programming world. Many people have really influenced how I see things and my career. I look up to those who are skilled in tech, love to share what they know and do, and work to bring people together. It keeps me trying to be better in what I do in this field.

What do you do besides work?

Reading books, playing video games, and getting into the game of Go.

What was the best concert you ever attended?

Opeth in Berlin last year.

What are the three things you like the most at ProductDock?

Transparent communication, collaborative culture, and team autonomy.

If you were not a programmer, what would you be? 

I would likely explore a career working with CNC machines. It’s a way to blend my interest in software and programming skills in a different field.

PC or laptop?

Laptop.

Can you give some advice to the people who are at the beginning of their professional careers in the IT world?

Every beginning is difficult, and the constantly evolving field of IT is no exception.  My advice for beginners is to start with the basics and fundamentals. You should learn how to break down complex problems systematically to discover efficient solutions. Stay curious and embrace agility; be flexible and open to change. Work well with others by communicating clearly, even if they’re not technical.