Docentric’s co-founder and co-CEO Ana Gligorijević was recently featured in DELO as a role model who’s breaking stereotypes and showing what’s possible in tech. In this conversation, Ana shares her thoughts on diversity, leadership, and what it takes to succeed as a woman in IT — and why representation, support, and persistence matter in creating a more inclusive future for women in tech.

Excerpt from the article published in Delo, May 30, 2025. See the original article (in Slovenian)>>

Stepping into the World of IT Takes Courage

Last fall, Ana Gligorijević, co-founder and co-CEO of Docentric, received the Creators for the Century award for her contribution to the development of women’s entrepreneurship in Central and Southeast Europe, presented by the International Economic Forum Perspectives.

When asked what the award means to her, she expressed hope that by setting an example of how things are done at Docentric, she could inspire other women to bravely enter the world of IT. “To become top IT professionals, start their own companies, or take on leadership roles. But most of all, to find a path where they feel fulfilled, free, and strong enough to help create positive change in their environment.

On the other hand, the award is also a confirmation of our way of working. That success in IT and entrepreneurship is possible through openness, investing in people, team spirit, and collaboration where everyone gains something. When people feel connected, feel that they contribute, and have space to grow and create, that’s when the right things happen,” explained Ana Gligorijević.

The idea that IT is reserved only for men couldn’t be further from the truth. Women are excellent programmers, software architects, project managers, and more. PHOTO: Blaž Samec

Formula for Success

At Docentric, one of the nominees for Delo’s Entrepreneurial Star 2023 (Delovo podjetniško zvezdo), the formula for success is, as they say, a combination of several key factors: on one hand, great ideas, innovation, the highest standards, and a strong company culture, and on the other, a stable business model.

“If I speak about my personal formula for success as a woman in IT,” Ana says, “I would say it’s important to believe in yourself, even when others don’t yet see your value. Surround yourself with people who support you and help you grow. And persist, even when things get tough. For me, the key is to stay true to yourself while staying open to learning and growth.”

Docentric was among the nominees for Delo’s Entrepreneurial Star 2023. PHOTO: Voranc Vogel

What Are the Most Common Stereotypes in IT?

“Sadly, but truly, quite a few still exist. One of the most common is that IT isn’t a field for women. There’s also the idea that IT work is boring — eight hours at a computer, with no real dynamics. And then the stereotype that IT people are closed-off, introverted types. From firsthand experience, I can tell you that none of that is true! It’s just the opposite. Working in IT is full of challenges. It demands a lot of creativity, constant learning, and collaboration in diverse teams. And especially, the idea that it’s a world reserved for men couldn’t be further from the truth. Women are excellent programmers, software architects, project managers, and more.”

Ana goes on to explain that even at the beginning of her career, she often encountered the belief that IT wasn’t “for women.” At youth programming competitions, she was often one of the only girls, and many people didn’t take her seriously at first. But with persistence and a passion for technology, she proved them wrong time and time again, even in similar situations later in her career.

“Ability, ambition, and talent have no gender. I’m proud that women make up half of our team — including leadership roles at all levels. We have both a man and a woman in the CEO role. Together with Jure Leskovec, co-founder and co-CEO, we understand that diversity is our strength. Different perspectives and life experiences help us make better decisions, create better solutions, and build stronger relationships, inside and outside the company. That’s why we consciously build a work environment where it’s not about who you are, but what you know, how you think, and how you contribute to the shared vision,” she said.

At Docentric, women make up half of the team, including leadership roles at all levels. PHOTO: Blaž Samec

Projects That Promote Diversity

Docentric actively supports initiatives and projects that promote diversity and equal opportunities for success, regardless of gender.

Among these are:
• Engineer of the Year (Inženirka leta) – which highlights inspiring stories of women in engineering and motivates girls and younger generations to pursue this path, and
• DATA_Fair – which encourages open dialogue about diversity and equality in the tech world and connects a community working toward a more inclusive and socially responsible tech environment.

Docentric has also a dedicated program for hiring women, offers flexible working conditions for young mothers and single parents, promotes IT and entrepreneurship among youth in schools, and sponsors or participates in events that address important societal issues — such as gender equality in IT, fair and inclusive work environments, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), and the essential integration of the humanities into technology.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

At Docentric, they use various AI tools and applications wherever they see added value. In development, data analysis, user support, and more. AI helps them simplify and automate certain tasks, freeing up time for exploring ideas, experimenting, and refining the company’s business vision.

“Even though AI is developing at an incredible pace and is already taking over many routine and repetitive tasks in IT and other fields, I believe the core of creativity in IT will still remain in human hands. Understanding context, solving problems creatively, connecting disciplines, and reflecting on the consequences of decisions are all uniquely human capabilities. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of the risks AI brings. It can easily trap us in a cycle of constantly chasing higher productivity. The key to a smart approach to AI lies in balance, critical thinking, and responsible development.”