ALK Real Estate is a family company, your father founded the company, and you continue and further develop it. What were your first steps in the family business like and when did you feel that you wanted to pursue a career in real estate?
I come from a family that has been building an entrepreneurial spirit for generations. That meant starting from basic positions, including working at the cash register in our market. Although those beginnings were very humble, I believe that this experience was valuable, because I saw firsthand how important hard work, discipline, and respect for each segment of the job are for a company. Over the years, I progressed, took on more and more responsibilities, and gradually built my professional place within the family system. As I delved deeper into the business, I connected with the real estate segment and realized that this was the area in which I could contribute the most. Real estate combines creation, vision, and responsibility, and the most beautiful thing about it all is that behind every project there is something lasting that changes people's lives.
Today you run the business together with your brother Adnan. What does that family dynamic look like and how do you divide responsibilities within the company?
My brother and I have a special relationship, both professionally and personally. This closeness is our greatest advantage, because we rely on each other and know exactly where each of us is strongest. We grew up in an environment where work was a part of everyday life, so together we built a sense of responsibility, trust and mutual understanding. In the work, our roles naturally complement each other: he is focused on analytics, strategy and operational processes, while I am more dedicated to organization, people, communication and long-term planning. We make key decisions together, but each of us takes on his own share of responsibility.
What was your development path to the position of leader in the company like?
Through the family business, I learned the basics of business and went through all phases of work, from simple tasks to serious projects. It was this humble beginning that gave me a solid foundation and taught me to respect every part of the system. My family has always been my tailwind, motivation, and support that led me forward. As my skills developed, I took on more and more responsibilities and led different teams and projects. In all of this, the most important thing for me remained the relationship with people. Regardless of position, status, or function, I believe that the true strength of a leader lies in the way he builds trust, communicates, and stands by his team. That is why today I build my role on openness, understanding, and a sincere approach to people, because I believe that this is exactly the essence of good leadership.
What do you consider the biggest challenge in taking over a family business, and what is the biggest advantage?
The biggest challenge in taking over a family business is the awareness that you are entering a space that someone else has built for years. Taking on responsibility after your father, who laid the foundations of the company, is never easy. That is why the most challenging thing was to find my own path, while remaining true to the values he instilled. On the other hand, the biggest advantage is precisely the foundation that the family created and my father's immense support that is still present in my work. When you have clear family values as a support, it is much easier to introduce new processes, modernize the business and make decisions.
What new values, systems or processes have you introduced into ALK Real Estate since you and your brother have been at the helm?
We focused on digitalization, clearer and more efficient processes and better internal organization. In addition, we modernized the way we work through new knowledge and technologies, which allowed us to virtualize part of our business and stay in step with global trends and innovations. We placed special emphasis on professionalizing client relationships and transparency in every step of cooperation. We believe that long-term trust is created through consistency, quality and open communication. That is why modern tools, more efficient systems and a streamlined process have become strong pillars of our business today.
How would you describe the position of ALK Real Estate on the market today and what sets you apart from the competition?
Today, ALK occupies a stable and recognizable position on the market, not only in Montenegro but also beyond, because we have many years of experience on the international scene. What we are particularly known for is consistent quality and the fact that delays in projects simply do not exist with us. Deadlines and standards are sacred to us, and this is one of the reasons why clients have great confidence in our work. What attracts clients is also our unique style of construction and the authenticity of the buildings.
Our approach is completely dedicated, we choose special locations, work with quality materials and pay attention to every detail. We always build with the desire to bring new value to the community through projects, to create opportunities and better lives for people. Our goal is not to be the biggest, but to be recognized for quality, responsibility and results that speak for themselves.
What are the company's current priorities, and which projects do you consider the most important for the future?
Our current priorities are focused on two major projects: Radisson Blu hotel in Tivat and Radisson Collection hotel in Budva, which are developing at an excellent pace and represent an important step in further strengthening our portfolio. In parallel, we are working on several future projects throughout Montenegro, but also in Serbia, where we also have several significant investments. All of these projects are equally valuable to us, because each of them carries a responsibility and a vision that we want to achieve. In a broader sense, our focus is on sustainable development, quality construction and creating modern spaces that bring long-term value. What sustains us most is the knowledge of creating new homes and opportunities for people. The combination of professional and family values guides us through everything we do.
How do you see the development of the real estate market in Montenegro in the coming years?
The real estate market in Montenegro will continue to grow and develop in the coming years, but also to become more professional. The presence of foreign investors will remain strong, but domestic investors who do quality work are increasingly occupying an important position in the market, which contributes to healthy competition and stability of the sector. I believe that the future belongs to those who build responsibly, with a clear vision, high standards and care for the community. Quality, transparency and respect for deadlines will be key factors that will determine the development of the market, and companies that understand this will have the most room to grow.
What is your long-term vision for ALK? Where would you like the company to be in five or ten years?
I am convinced that ALK will continue to grow in the next 5 to 10 years. In addition to the projects we build, we also invest in our human resources. We are convinced that family, friends and people we trust are the strongest support of our business, which is why we nurture these relationships both privately and professionally. Our special strength is also the new generation. My father and mother have eight grandchildren today, some of whom have been active in the company for years, and all of them have been taught work, discipline, good habits and responsibility from their earliest days. That energy, their education and the values they brought from home will be a key factor in the future development of ALK. That is why I believe that in the next decade, this young generation will use their knowledge and motivation to raise the company to an even higher and more modern level.
How do you combine the traditional values of a family business with modern management principles?
In our family, there are several values that are never questioned, and these are honesty, responsibility, perseverance and, above all, keeping your word. When we promise something, we honor it. This consistency is part of our family upbringing and a strong pillar of our business.
In parallel, we are introducing modern processes, digital tools and professional management models in order to remain competitive and keep pace with the modern market. It is the combination of traditional values and a modern approach that allows us to be stable, reliable and flexible, to grow and innovate, without ever losing what makes us recognizable.
Being a woman in the real estate sector often brings additional challenges. What was the most difficult for you, and what was the most important thing in overcoming those challenges?
The biggest challenge for a woman in the real estate sector is to prove that expertise and ability have no gender. At the beginning of my career, it took more effort for people to take me seriously, especially in an environment where key decisions were traditionally made by men. However, over time, I realized that actions speak louder than any explanation, and when quality and results become visible, all prejudices fall into the water. The most important lesson I learned is that a woman must not lose her authenticity. Professionalism, perseverance and calmness in her performance often speak louder than any title. I believe that women in this sector can be extremely strong, because they bring organization, stability, exceptional dedication to detail and that unique empathy that makes a difference in leading people and projects.
How do you fight for equality and visibility of women in business?
I believe that every woman deserves an equal chance to showcase her abilities, and my role is to recognize potential and open doors where I can. I have always been guided by the belief that work, knowledge, and dedication are valued more than anything else.
At the same time, I try to create an atmosphere of support and trust in my environment. Wherever I have worked, I have tried to encourage, protect, support my colleagues and let them know that they are important. I believe that women in business especially thrive when they feel that they have someone who understands, appreciates and encourages them to move forward. That is why I try to spread love, empathy and solidarity, because I believe that a successful woman never grows alone – she pulls other women with her. Visibility is also key. When a woman takes her place and shows strength through results, she paves the way for many others and shows that success is possible. And that is precisely why it is important for me to inspire young women with my example to believe in themselves and not give up on their ambitions. Throughout my entire career, I have been surrounded by women in business, and that is precisely why I especially like to be a mentor to young girls. I always tell them to be brave, but patient. To learn, to work on themselves and to understand that success is built gradually. There are no shortcuts that lead to real results, but only work, discipline and perseverance. I want them to know that they should not underestimate themselves and that the space in the business world belongs to them too. Women also have the strength, capacity and wisdom for leadership, and my goal is to be the wind behind them on that path.
Do you have any women, mentors or role models, who have influenced your way of thinking and leading?
The greatest inspiration in my life has always been my mother. She is the person who raised us with true values, with work, modesty, respect and wisdom that is not learned from books, but from life. The way she led our family, how she balanced responsibilities and took care of me, my sister and brother, left a deep mark on everything I am today. Her strength was never intrusive, but it was present in every gesture, decision and word. She makes me a better person, even when she doesn't try. It is precisely her authenticity, selflessness and warmth that taught me that a woman can be extremely strong precisely when she acts most calmly.
What drives and inspires you the most today, both in and out of work?
The biggest inspiration in my life is my family. My sons, daughter-in-law, grandson and our entire family give me strength, motivation and reason to be better every day than I was yesterday. Their support, love and togetherness teach me that what we do only makes sense if it leaves something good behind. At the same time, I am also inspired by the broader idea that with my work I can contribute something positive to this world. I want every project to leave a mark, to be useful and to bring new value because I believe that true success comes when the good we do spills over to others.
What message would you send to women in Montenegro who want to enter the business world, but don't yet have enough self-confidence?
Every woman carries immense strength and potential within her, but it is important to believe in that strength. Don't wait for everything to fall into place, for obstacles to disappear, or for you to be "ready." In business, as in life, the right moment is created by courage, not by waiting. Go, try, explore, every step will teach you something valuable. The ability to show your talents is called success. And remember: you already have everything you need to succeed within you. Don't let your fears hold you back. The world needs women who think, feel, and create, so don't be afraid to step where you belong.
And finally, what would you say to your younger self at the beginning of your career?
What I would say to myself, but also to young girls, is that it is important to be guided by your vision and intuition. Intuition is a feminine power that needs to be nurtured and developed. As long as we move – the path will appear before us.
Through the family business, I learned the basics of business and went through all the phases of work. Those humble beginnings gave me a solid foundation and taught me to respect every part of the system.
(ALK)
