#WomenInTech: Bojana Bandić on leadership and transformation in business solutions

Bojana Bandić, Business Area Manager at BE-terna, Part of Telefónica Tech, shares her perspective on leadership, Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and how technology aligns with business strategy to drive real value.

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What do you do and what path led you there?

I am currently the Business Area Manager for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central at BE-terna Serbia. My path to this role has been quite interesting. When I first joined BE-terna, I actually came with a completely different position and idea in mind. However, through several role changes and new opportunities within the company, my career naturally evolved.

At one point, I was offered the opportunity to lead this team of around 50 people, which was both a huge compliment and a significant responsibility. It was a big challenge, but also a very exciting opportunity.

My previous experience in IT consulting combined with people management experience helped me to step into this role. Over time I realized that what I enjoy the most is working at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and team leadership.

Growing at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and leadership defines my career journey.

What is the biggest challenge in leading a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central area today?

One of the biggest challenges is managing the diversity of clients and their expectations. We work with companies of different sizes, industries, and levels of digital maturity. Each client has unique needs, ways of communicating, and expectations about technology and transformation.

Our responsibility is to understand each client individually and ensure they receive the right solution and support. At the same time, we must maintain high quality across all projects and keep our teams aligned and motivated.

Balancing these different expectations while maintaining strong relationships with clients is probably the biggest challenge, but also the most interesting part of our job.

Balancing diverse client expectations while maintaining quality and alignment is the core challenge.

How is Artificial Intelligence impacting solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Artificial intelligence is having a significant and very positive impact on solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Within the solution itself, AI helps optimize and automate many processes, from predictive analytics and forecasting to process automation and intelligent insights. This allows users to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time focusing on strategic and creative work.

For us as consultants and implementators, AI also brings many benefits. Many tasks can now be completed faster and more efficiently, which allows us to dedicate more time to what truly creates value, working closely with clients, understanding their business processes, and helping them improve and transform their operations.

AI enhances efficiency, automation, and value creation for both clients and consultants.

How do you align technology strategy with your clients' business objectives?

Technology strategy follows business objectives. We need to listen to the market, to the needs of our clients, and build our technology strategy based on that.

Technology strategy should always follow business objectives, not the other way around. Our first step is always to listen carefully: to understand our clients’ goals, challenges, and the market they operate in. Only after that we can design the right technology approach. Technology should be an enabler of business success, helping companies become more efficient, scalable, and competitive.

That is why our focus is not only on implementing systems, but also on understanding the broader business context and ensuring that technology truly supports long-term growth.

Technology must always follow business objectives to truly enable growth and competitiveness.

What does it take to successfully grow a business area in a competitive technology market?

Interestingly, I would say that success is not only about technology. Sooner or later, everyone adopts new technologies and learns how to use them.

What really makes the difference is approach and mindset. To succeed, we need to truly understand our clients and deliver real value. That means we are not only technology experts, but we are also consultants, advisors, and even change managers.

Our role is to help clients transform their businesses, improve their processes, and see opportunities they may not have noticed before. Technology is the foundation, but trust, partnership, and value creation are what truly create competitive advantage.

Success depends on mindset, client understanding, and value creation beyond technology.

How do you think your experience can inspire more women to join the technology field?

Personally, I don’t like to emphasize too much a difference between men and women in technology. I believe that is a narrative we should gradually leave in the past. What matters is talent, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

If my experience can inspire others, I hope it shows that a career in technology is accessible to everyone who is willing to challenge themselves and grow.

Technology careers are open to anyone with curiosity, talent, and the willingness to grow.

What does gender diversity contribute to innovation and competitiveness in the technology sector?

Diversity in general is always a good thing. When you bring together people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, you naturally get more ideas and more creative solutions.

Gender diversity is simply one part of that broader diversity. The more perspectives you have around the table, the stronger and more competitive the team can become.

Diverse perspectives drive more creative solutions and stronger, more competitive teams

What advice would you give to girls and young women who want to pursue a career in this field?

I strongly believe that we should follow what interests and excites us. When you work in an area you truly enjoy, you naturally invest more energy, curiosity, and passion into it, and that is often what leads to real success.

In addition to that, I have to say that many of the opportunities in my career actually came to me unexpectedly, so I didn’t chase them. Whether that was luck, timing, or award for everything I invested in before, I can’t say. However, what really mattered was being brave when the opportunity appeared. And technology is a field full of opportunities for those who are willing to grow and step outside their comfort zone.

Follow your interests, embrace opportunities, and be brave enough to step outside your comfort zone.

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