Reflections on Belgrade: A journey of connection and culture

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Belgrade to talk about Employee Experience Design, hosted by the wonderful team at O.U.R HR. The meet up brought together passionate professionals dedicated to transforming workplaces into spaces where employees truly thrive. A massive thank-you to my hosts at HR Fabrika and everyone who came along and  made the evening so memorable.

The meetup was a vibrant gathering filled with insightful discussions and creative ideas. I shared strategies and insights from Employee Experience by Design, the book I co-authored with Belinda Gannaway, and was inspired by the energy and enthusiasm in the room. A special thank you to the amazing panelists, whose thoughtful questions and contributions enriched the conversation.

The meet up took place at the Nordeus HQ, which truly epitomised the values of exceptional employee experience—thank you for providing such a perfect setting 🙂

It was humbling to hear how my talk resonated with attendees, sparking new design ideas and bridging the gap between research and practical application.

In the time I spent there, I was struck by the warmth of Serbian people. As a Brit, I couldn’t help but notice some similarities between our cultures. From animated conversations about the weather, to a mutual appreciation for good food and drink, there was a sense of familiarity that made me feel right at home. And our shared sense of humour reminded me how much laughter can bridge cultural differences, creating connections that transcend borders.

I left Belgrade not only inspired by the professional discussions but also enriched by the personal connections I made.  As I reflect on my time in Belgrade, I am reminded of the power of stepping out of our everyday environments to embrace new perspectives – one of the key themes of my talk!

Thank you again to everyone who made this visit so special. I look forward to seeing how the ideas we shared will take root and grow. Until next time, Belgrade!

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