Lorenzo Mayol, the director of Glovo Croatia, has been in our country for only half a year, and when he first heard that he would be working here, he was very excited because, as he says, Croatia is known for its beauty, rich culture, and hospitable people. This is what welcomed him, and for Lider’s series on foreign managers, he answered several questions about the business climate in our country, but also revealed an unexpected initiative.
How would you describe the business environment in Croatia compared to the countries where you have previously worked and lived?
– The business environment in Croatia has its specificities that make it unique. Having worked across America, Europe, and Africa, I noticed that here, compared to other countries, there is a particularly strong emphasis on personal relationships and trust. These elements are key to creating long-term business cooperation. Croatia has a highly educated and exceptionally talented workforce and developed infrastructure. At Glovo, with the right team and approach, we continuously turn all challenges into opportunities for growth.
What are the biggest advantages and challenges of doing business in Croatia?
– The biggest advantage of doing business in Croatia is certainly the talented workforce and the strategic position of the country in Europe. Croatia is a bridge between Central Europe and the Adriatic, which opens up numerous opportunities. The challenges mainly relate to the labor shortage for certain types of jobs. However, I believe that every challenge carries an opportunity, so we will soon launch an initiative aimed at encouraging the return of the Croatian diaspora to the country, offering them the chance to join Glovo teams or its partners.
How do you assess the work ethic and professionalism of Croatian employees?
– The work ethic in Croatia is at a high level, and employees are dedicated, responsible, and skilled in their fields. At Glovo, I have the opportunity to work with many talented professionals who have proven they can handle complex tasks and come up with innovative solutions. I consider our talented team to be our greatest asset. We invest in top employees whose goal is to raise the bar, empower each other, and help their colleagues reach their full potential. One thing that defines our employees is that they take the initiative to exceed their responsibilities.
Have you noticed differences in management style and business culture in Croatia compared to other countries where you have worked?
– Every country has its specificities in management style and business culture. As I mentioned earlier, in Croatia, I noticed a strong emphasis on personal relationships and trust within teams, which is very important for long-term success. Compared to some other countries, there may be a greater tendency towards a more conservative approach to decision-making, but this is often compensated by the creativity and flexibility of the teams.
