Coffee break with Ivana Radojevic

From AFC beginnings to leading sustainability strategy: Ivana’s journey at Solaris:

Interview: Ceren Gökhan

Interviewee: Ivana Radojevic

This Coffee Break brings you a conversation with Ivana, ESG Manager at Solaris. From her beginnings in the AFC department to shaping the company’s sustainability strategy today, Ivana shares how her passion for people, community, and positive impact drives her work every day.

So, grab your favorite drink and join us in discovering her journey.

What is your role at Solaris now, and what was it when you first joined?

Ivana: I’m currently an ESG Manager at Solaris, where I focus on integrating sustainability into our framework. This includes environmental, social, and governance topics, coordinating our non-financial reporting, and preparing for upcoming regulatory requirements.

In practice, it means working across different teams to embed ESG requirements into processes throughout Solaris.

Before this role, I started almost four years ago in the AFC department, first as an external writing suspicious activity reports (SARs), then later transferring to the monitoring team, which gave me a strong foundation in AFC and risk awareness.

What inspired me to move into ESG was the desire to make an impact not only within my team but also on society and the environment. I was already deeply involved in volunteering initiatives at Solaris, such as DEI, Futura, and the Planeteers, which naturally led me to this path.

How did the transition into your current role go for you?

Ivana: Growing up in Serbia taught me that challenges are part of life, and that it’s important to look forward and do your best to succeed.

The transition was smooth but required me to stretch myself. At the beginning, I was splitting my time between AFC and sustainability topics, which was intense but rewarding. Now, things are running much smoother, and with planning and budgeting in place for the future, we are aiming to bring our ESG processes to the next level.

What new skills or knowledge have you gained since making the switch?

Ivana: Over the past months, I’ve built deep knowledge of ESG frameworks, particularly around reporting and regulatory changes. I’ve learned how to assess whether new regulations apply to Solaris, while coordinating cross-departmental reporting on key topics like emissions, diversity, and supply chain.

Beyond technical skills, I’ve strengthened my adaptability, embracing every challenge as a chance to grow. For me, it’s been about connecting my compliance background with the bigger picture of how governance and integrity link with sustainability goals.

What’s one non-work-related thing that brings energy into your day?

Ivana: I’m a people person, I love connecting with people. Solaris is an incredibly diverse and international company, and every conversation brings fresh perspectives and new insights.

Exchanging ideas across cultures and experiences helps both sides grow. This spirit of community gives me energy every day, whether through volunteering, company events, or simply sharing a coffee break with colleagues.

Do you have a daily habit or routine that helps you stay productive and balanced?

Ivana: My mornings are sacred. I usually wake up very early, sometimes even before 5 a.m., to enjoy the quiet time before a busy day begins.

The first thing I do is cuddle with my dog, who is always overjoyed to see me, followed by a glass of warm water with lemon. I also take a moment to practice deep breathing to mentally prepare for the day. That early calmness gives me the focus I need to stay balanced throughout the day.

Final thoughts?

Ivana: For me, ESG is about more than compliance, it’s about building a future where businesses and communities thrive together. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to that mission here at Solaris.