Last word – Azra Kujovic

Azra

KUJOVIC

Are you a born and bred Gold Coaster? I was born in Sarajevo, capital city of Bosnia Herzegovina, and migrated to Australia with my family in 1994 and grew up in Mermaid Waters.

What school did you go to? I was educated in Europe. In Australia, my senior high school years were at Merrimac State High. During my High School years I became involved in community service and became a president of a youth club for five years and have received Citizenship Award for community contribution. I was elected to visit the Brisbane Parliament House to meet the Premier of Queensland Hon. Rob Borbidge and to deliver a speech in Parliament House 'I Have a Dream' on the vision for the future of Australia and lessons of war, love and hope. Where do you work? Whilst attending Griffith University I worked at Myer and progressed to team leader role. I then joined Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) group working for DFS Galleria luxury duty free retailer in Surfers Paradise as sales manager. I progressed through the ranks of DFS and was the youngest General Manager at the age of 27. I was then promoted to General Manager DFS Galleria Customhouse in Auckland where I stayed for four years. I returned to the Gold Coast and took up the role of Gold Coast Manager at TAG Heuer, still part of the LVMH group. The company has provided me with immense opportunities of growth through world class training programs and working with and learning from some of the best coaches and consultants in luxury retail and management practices. Why Do You Love TAG Heuer? I have now been with TAG Heuer for five years. For more than 160 years the company has a rich history in Swiss watchmaking combined with a zest for innovation. I have always had a great appreciation for history and the art of watchmaking and the brand has had a lasting impact via innovation and design since 1860. Shortly after its inception, TAG Heuer introduced the Mikrograph - a mechanical chronograph five times more accurate than any other - and became the official timekeeper for the most famous sports competitions. With the arrival of motorsports, TAG Heuer became the first watchmaking brand to sponsor the Formula 1 World Championship since its creation.

Other Interests and Achievements. Building on 20 years of management background and vast senior executive experience as part of a global team, I have founded my own business in 2015, known as Excelsior 99 Consulting. This is one of my passions and a creative platform partnering with executives to facilitate the process of igniting excellence. It applies at personal and organisational levels, creating continuous progress mindset and lifetime value creation in businesses via leadership and engagement solutions, branding and strategic collaborations. Also the Stamford 'Who is Who Black Book 2010/ 2011' inclusion and award for recognition to leadership and community service. And the 'DFS Shining Star, Best of The Best' award in 2017.

The key to happiness? My unconditional love for my children and family. Define your own criteria of success. Be true to yourself, understand the law of polarities and embrace the cycles of life graciously. Respect your time, patience and compassion are great virtues to have, be kind to everyone, every human being has a purpose and every job has dignity, always leave every situation and person better than you have found them. Favourite celebrity you have met? Chris Hemsworth

Most important people? My two sons Armani and Aidan. People that know you, know you love… My family and friends, dogs, poetry, reading and cooking and making my own aromatherapy potions. The best advice you have ever received? Whatever you do... do it with love and know that choices we make lead the life we live and remember to put service above self and have compassion for one and all.

Thoughts on social media? Great paradox... both positive and negative. The responsible use and moderation is a must but more education is needed for younger generations to raise awareness on pros and cons.

What do you love about living and working on the Gold Coast? I have lived in Europe, Middle East and New Zealand but the Gold Coast is where my heart is anchored. Gold Coast provides a great lifestyle, beautiful contrast of beaches and hinterland and access to world-class educational facilities and infrastructure without the hustle of big city living. Most of all, Gold Coast has many incredible people and a great sense of community spirit that make this a truly remarkable city to be part of, live in and cherish.