A vision that inspires. A project that works.
INTRODUCING: Learning and Development in Luštica Bay
A throphy for going the extra mile
INTRODUCING, OLGA RADOVIĆ HR director of LD
Dear readers,
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We promise nothing but smooth sailing from this moment on.
Tapping into own’s sense of self is never easy. It implies a great deal of getting to know oneself, taking an active interest in understanding all the nuances that go into everything one does or feels, as well as daring to become aware of all that is often well hidden. This constant interplay between rhyme and reason, inheritance and learning, personal and professional, was what drew me to the world of human resources in the fi rst place.
Starting something new, regardless of how familiar some elements might seem, is always, without exception, thrilling and gratifying. Staying in the soothing but essentially uninspiring ambiance of any comfort zone was never an option for me, professionally or otherwise. In an e ort to colour my life with enriching experiences, over the course of the past two decades, I have worked across
several industries, each with its own appeal and learning path. On my quest to continuous personal reinvention, this year, on an exceptionally warm August day, I joined Luštica’s team and decided to try my luck in a new environment. Unknowing at the time, it turned out that I had found an actual four-leaf clover. Who would have fi gured?
As a Montenegrin, Luštica and its natural abundance has always sparked my interest. Its scenery, breathtaking beauty, and sheer ability to change and develop while still maintaining its unassuming grace and refi nement truly fascinated me. Moreover, an international setting with renowned professionals and a reputable brand made my decision to move to the enchanting Montenegrin coast that much easier.
Welcoming, embracing, amicable, social, communicative, eager to learn and grow – these are the characteristics of those with whom I interact daily, which for me is a true joy. Although I
do acknowledge my responsibility as a leader in the fi eld of human resources, I choose to believe that my role is to primarily provide guidance and reassurance to all employees, help them become aware of and realize their potential, as well as encourage and give praise to their motivation. On this path, I rely on integrity and communication, two pillars that, in my experience, have proven to be the key and most valued virtues of leadership. By instilling them in the company’s workforce, ensuring that everyone understands where they are in the organization and what is expected from them, we can build the right performance culture and reap the benefi ts that inevitably come as a result. Here at Luštica, we encounter incredible human potential. We are fortunate to have individuals who breathe this project and come armed with skillsets which, more often than not, surpass their scope of work. They are driven and willing to go the extra mile if it means getting the work done impeccably. It gives me pleasure to say that you will become acquainted with some of them by reading this publication. Going forward, we will work together to foster a sense of community and shared purpose, embracing the values streamlining our corporate culture.
The Journal of Luštica Bay is envisioned to be a testament to the pledge that we give to our employees every day. To build new value based on professionalism and commitment, while preserving the true character of this amazing place. I am certain that this is merely the beginning of what we, united in diversity, can achieve together. With the right level of communication, we can shape our behaviors and build cohesion in our teams that work well together and share knowledge. This publication is truly an ode to all of you, your unwavering dedication and love for this project. Thank you.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a notion that I make sure to never lose out of sight. We think we are big within our limits, but we are bigger.
Now tell me, how can I help?
Is that a flower we smell? Not quite. We are certain that Lotus, a whimsically sounding word, has caught your attention in some way or another in the last weeks. We have been cooking up a storm and now we are ready to give you a more detailed insight into the particularities of the corporate project run by the HR. Although we do enjoy the occasional veil of mystery, the time has come to tell you more on the subject and inspire you to engage.
The main objective of the Lotus project is to ensure full compliance, implementation and smooth functioning of all procedures and policies that facilitate the company’s business and complex infrastructure from all aspects. In order to achieve
IVAN OBRADINOVIĆ Learning and Development Manager
transparency in this sense, with the use of an internal Web portal created as part of the project, all employees will be made aware of all policies and procedures in place.
Assuming complete adherence to the ISO 9001 standard, the legal framework, and continuing system monitoring and improvement, cross-functional teams will be involved in the development and implementation of internal standards for policies and processes. In this regard, the first phase of the project Lotus’ certification is centered on the Luštica Bay Town Management Company, whose operational teams are actively working to define and enhance their internal processes.
It is no coincidence that we have derived the inspiration for this project from the lotus flower. In an attempt to disassociate from corporate terminology which can often be quite rigid and uninspiring, we have chosen this symbol to serve as a depiction of this project as it represents rebirth and purity that inspires beauty regardless of where it’s found – exactly the kind of transformation and growth that we are aspiring to achieve.
We look forward to continuing this exciting adventure with each and every one of you in the upcoming stages of our project - driven by a vision that inspires, and encouraged by a project that works.
In order to seize all the opportunities of today, we must all, as individuals and professionals, aspire to growth in each sense of the word. The task at hand is undoubtedly not without its challenges, but when set on the right course, it is a thrilling one oozing with potential and seemingly endless possibilities. These are the words of one of our newest employees, Ivan Obradinović, who intends to use his wealth of knowledge to make our workplace more human centric and e ective. We got you thinking, didn’t we?
After working in development projects for 15 years, Ivan realized that planning, organizing, leading, and supporting the development process makes things go more quickly. It is for this reason that during the upcoming period, the HR team that he is part of, be will be introducing and putting into place a top-notch educational system that will considerably improve the
core competencies of Luštica’s personnel by providing tailor-made trainings in leadership, management, client centricity, sales skills, and personal e ectiveness. Music for our ears!
As Ivan put it, possibilities for professional advancement will be put at the forefront of the teams’ activities. Although a strong foundation was established with the introduction of the Performance Management system during the preceding era, business needs demand a more e ective use of this platform containing technologies that allow for e cient and long-term management of results and performance throughout the entire business. The role of the HR department is vital in ensuring that this e ort yields tangible results, which is why they will make sure to work on enhancing both top management leadership capabilities as well as encourage sta engagement.
So, don’t be surprised if you start to notice Luštica’s enthusiastic HR members wandering the corridors or your email list more regularly going forward. Instead, welcome their support and get excited about new professional prospects!
JOVAN RADENOVIĆ Luštica’s HSE Manager with a flair for art
One of the truly great things about being human is our ability to be more than just one thing, one color, one emotion, one job, one word, one story. Understanding this is no easy task, but in Luštica, we encounter someone who makes diversity seem mandatory. Environmental protection engineer and occupational health and safety expert by day, and an illustrator by night – that is our very own Jovan!
Lively, upbeat, and always ready to crack a joke, Jovan is one of this year’s newcomers. As an Operational H&S Manager in the destination, his main responsibilities include ensuring that all personnel are well-versed in how to protect themselves from harm while on the job and that all environmental and workforce safety requirements are in place. As he likes to point out, his role is not just to implement, but guide and educate.
Although at fi rst glance, health and safety procedures and illustrations do not seem like a fi t au naturel, Jovan explains why for him, it is a match made in heaven. Even from an early age, he was no stranger to doodling and drawing on virtually anything, desks, paper, even cars! As an anecdote showcasing how his creativity came about, he tells us that, during the time spent in South America, in an attempt to survive the hectic tra c of Lima, he would often hit his car. So, to cover up
his crime, he would simply draw on it to camouflage the scratches. Why didn’t Michelangelo think of this?
However, the true inspiration for his illustrations, which you can marvel at while reading this publication, Jovan derives from his closest people, imminent surroundings, and, oddly enough or not at all - work. As continuous observation is required to monitor environmental and workplace health and safety conditions, he was motivated to keep sketching by pointing out inconsistencies and frequently displaying them through graphics, photologs, and presentations. When you embellish them with the enchanting Luštica Bay scenery, with an incredible horizon and lines that simply beckon to be drawn, it is truly no wonder that his artistic stories are just beginning and we cannot wait to see what he will bring to life next!
The reward for a work well done is a chance to accomplish more. This year’s end of October will undoubtedly be fondly recalled at Luštica Bay. European Property Award, part of the international property award program was given to Luštica Bay by the International Property Award Association in an o cial ceremony on 27th October 2022, in Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Residential and commercial property professionals from all over the world are eligible to enter the International Property Awards. They honor businesses functioning in all facets of the real estate and property sector for reaching the highest levels of performance. Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK, and USA are also among the regions covered by the awards.
This award is a privilege, but also an obligation for Luštica to continue its ambitiously envisioned development path. We end this tale with the words of Maher Maksoud, Regional CEO.
“As one of the largest investment projects in SEE, comprising the development of a new fully-fledged coastal town, we are humbled to receive this prestigious award, in a category reflecting our mission and intention. Beyond the award and international recognition, we are totally committed to supporting and participating in Montenegro’s development plans and aspirations having absolute confidence that it will achieve enormous success in the years to come.”
Luštica Bay becomes a proud owner of the 5-star Award for the Best Mixed
It is impossible to put a price on learning and development, no matter what subject it pertains to. It is a process that freely meanders between and within people, transcending any artificial or natural barrier that comes to mind. The best part about it? Although intangible, when consumed, it leaves us with too much.
Fortunately, Luštica is an employer that firmly believes in investing in the advancement of its personnel, in every sense of the word. Proof of that was the recently organized three day Days of Architecture conference attended by around 500 conference attendees from around the world, the region and Montenegro, gathering ten world class lecturers and specialists in the field of architecture.
The conference’s objectives included outlining potential future directions and
A graphic designer with a passion for two-wheelers
opportunities for growing the Montenegrin architectural scene, as well as presenting recent achievements and breakthroughs in the realms of architectural practice and international exchange of experiences.
Luštica’s team, as part of the LD’s corporate sponsorship of the conference, was honoured to take part in and hear lectures by some of the most well-known architects and stars of this age, like Zaha Hadid Architects, the MVRDV o ce from the Netherlands, the Domain o ce from New York, etc. Although the agenda covered an array of topics, the main question that was discussed was directed at finding out whether there was a new architecture and sustainability in spatial planning waiting for us?
Mitesh Dixit, founder of the @domain o ce studio and lecturer at numerous international universities made quite an
For many of us, motorbikes are merely something we notice during rush hour, thinking how good they have it dodging good old tra c chaos. It seems there is more than meets the eye and Denis is here to tell us a di erent story.
Denis is Luštica’s übercreative graphic designer that ensures that the company’s visual outputs are at all times reflecting the true essence of this multifasceted destination. To put it simply, for those of you who don’t know him, let’s just say that the visual brand identity rests with this guy, from signages, brochures to logos and magazines - he does it all!
Although he excels at what he does, he finds his happy place on the road. As a motorbike aficionado, for him tackling this two-wheeler metallic beast represents a beautifully satifying and always appetizing soul food. The seeming lack of comfort that
impression on the audience. In his address, he spoke about the urbanization of the world and his resistance to unrelenting growth and expansion in all spheres, especially in light of its e ects on people, the environment, and climate change.
The takeaway from the conference for Luštica’s representatives revolved around the following thought. The capacity to coordinate the work in Luštica and create relevant and modern strategies depends on the team’s ability to keep up with the most recent developments in architecture, urban planning, and sustainability.
Humbled by the chance to gain valuable networking opportunities, Luštica’s dedicated team of young architects remain determined to stay inspired and welcome new opportunities in the time to come!
comes with the journey does not seem to be a problem for Denis, rather an element that makes each trip all the more sweet. The rollercoaster of emotion one experiences on the road - exhilliration, fear and constant alert are, as Denis puts it, a unique chance to co-exist with nature in ways that can not be put into words.
Over the years, Denis has been fortunate enough to get to know countless beautiful places and witness memorable sights. One of the experiences that quite literally made him gasp for air was his trip to Transfăgărășan, a paved mountain road crossing the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. Although the trip was far from easy, he was determined to leave his footprint on the premises of this mesmerizing place. And he did.
Another journey that he remembers with fondness was his trip to the beach Jezero on Pelješac peninsula in Croatia. Following that trip, he made sure to mark attractive places that people share on social media and made it his mission to visit as many as possible.
On this quest, we wish him good stamina and clear skies, with hopes that no stones will be left unturned!
We bet that all of us have, at one point or another, wondered what it would be like to walk in the shoes of a boss - any boss. What motivates them to get out of bed in the morning, what is their go to breakfast combination, what they jam to in the shower or on their way to work? Do they bust a move to Beyonce or Jagger, or prefer to cuddle up to a soothing ballad? Well, we are here to unravel the mystery and give you a bit of an insight on the topic from our very own Stefano, who is coincidentally both a boss and a music lover.
Stefano, one of the newest members of Luštica’s senior management team, was kind enough to share his musical taste with us and let us in on his personal playlist. According to him, even though the songs on the playlist represent many genres and cover a spectrum of di erent emotions, each one has touched his life and serves as a reminder of a special occasion.
We present you with the ultimate playlist to make your dolce far niente extra special and invite you to listen to it when in need for some inspiration. Who knows, maybe, just maybe, you will find yourself exactly where you need to be.
We present Mamula - a 19th century fortress that makes one gasp for air, a story that keeps on reinventing itself, a marvel waiting to be discovered.
The idea of Mamula island is by no means a novelty to Montenegrins, its history has lured people with di erent a liations and lifestyles to its premises for decades. Although its fort was initially built by the Austrian Admiral Lazar Mamula in 1853 to keep the gates of the Bay of Kotor impenetrable, it was also used as a prison during World War II.
After that somewhat murky and infamous episode, it has served as a welcoming haven for ardent fishermen and an exotic getaway for intrepid travelers looking for a private place to take a dip. Mamula represents something unique to each
person and that notion alone perfectly conveys its beauty. All it needed was someone to nurture it and show it a new way of being.
Today, Mamula Island and its new hotel is nothing short of a sight to behold and a true gem to uncover. With the new exclusive five-star hotel on its ground, the island’s spirit is unleashed and its former glory restored.
On the occasion of the hotel opening, this September, Mamula’s team has invited Luštica’s employees to be one of its first visitors. The purpose of the visit was to get them acquainted with the atmosphere of the overall complex with tour guides providing historical information and interesting facts that accompanied the entire development process. Gastronomic delicacies, a special combination of
tempting nibbles from traditional cuisine delivered with a twist, were the evening’s main attraction. Luštica team feels privileged to have had the opportunity to experience Mamula and were amazed by what has been accomplished. This is a sincere homage to the e orts of everyone who has been working so hard to make sure that this maritime masterpiece is realized.
We encourage you to experience the history, myth, mystery, and magic of this lovely hideaway in one of Montenegro’s most picturesque places if you haven’t already done so. This place is, as you will certainly come to realize, truly one of a kind and we hope that you will embrace its ambience and give in to the mesmerizing vistas that are around every bend.
