Driven by a love for nature, challenge, and growth, Jelena doesn’t just explore mountains—she climbs them. Whether she’s trail running, skiing, or navigating the dynamic world of IT recruitment, her mindset stays the same: stay resilient, embrace discomfort, and keep moving forward. We sat down with Jelena to learn more about how she balances endurance sports with her professional path, and what fuels her passion for both.
1. What drives you to keep pushing your limits in mountain climbing, running, and skiing?
For me, it’s the perfect mix of physical challenge, mental resilience, adventure, and peace. Pushing my body to its limits—whether running or hiking—clears my mind and reminds me how strong I am, both physically and mentally. Being in nature gives me a sense of freedom, and every step outside my comfort zone is a chance to grow, discover, and feel truly alive.
2. Do you see any parallels between endurance sports and your work in IT recruitment?
Absolutely! Both endurance sports and recruitment are all about resilience and mindset. There are moments in any activity when you feel like stopping, but you push through. The same happens in recruitment—facing rejections, tough negotiations, or last-minute changes can be frustrating, but persistence always pays off.
It’s also about embracing the journey, not just the finish line. You don’t just wake up one day and run a marathon—you train and trust the process. Recruitment is the same. If you try to rush a hire or skip steps, you risk burning out or making mistakes.
At the same time, having a strategy is important, but so is adaptability. In sports, you might have the perfect race plan, but unexpected terrain or weather can force you to adjust. In recruitment, job roles shift, candidate expectations change, and you must be flexible to find the right fit.
And finally, consistency is key. Whether it’s training for a race or building a strong talent pipeline, showing up every day, putting in the effort, and trusting the process is what leads to long-term success.
3. What has been your most memorable adventure, and what did it teach you?
One of my most memorable adventures happened during a run when I suddenly came face-to-face with a wild pig. I was terrified—I froze. I had no idea what to do! But then, I took a deep breath, turned up the music in my headphones, stayed as calm as I could 😊, and slowly continued until I was at a safe distance.
That moment taught me a lot about handling fear and the unexpected. Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes you find yourself in situations that throw you off, and your first instinct might be to panic. But if you trust yourself, stay calm, and think clearly, you’ll find a way through. Plus, it was a pretty intense reminder that nature always has surprises waiting! 😅
4. What’s your next big goal—on the trails, the slopes, or in your career?
My next big goal is to challenge myself with a trail run from Vodno to Matka—I can’t wait for it! I’m also planning a climbing trip to the Dolomites, which I know will be unforgettable.
Professionally, I want to keep learning and growing in HR, psychology, and recruitment. I love exploring new ideas and finding better ways to connect people with the right opportunities. Whether on the trails or in my career, I’m always looking for the next challenge that pushes me further. 😊
5. What advice would you give to someone looking to step out of their comfort zone?
Just start. Growth happens when you dare to be uncomfortable. Whether it’s running that extra mile, climbing a new peak, or stepping into a new role, the key is to take that first step. You’ll learn, adapt, and surprise yourself along the way.
