Today in the spotlight: PETRA KLANŠEK, Office Manager, Iskriva Institute.
Petra in three words:
Reliable, well-organised, and warm-hearted.
What motivates you most in your work at Iskriva Institute?
What motivates me most is the feeling that my work contributes to projects with a broader social impact. Equally important to me is the team I work with, the collaboration, mutual support, and the fact that ideas can be developed into concrete and useful results.
You are involved in key projects implemented by Iskriva Institute, including CAST, IBC, and others. In your view, which project you are co-creating at Iskriva has the greatest impact on society and the environment?
Each project has its own important contribution, but I would highlight those that have the most direct impact on people’s wellbeing and on local communities.
Projects such as CAST have a strong effect because they connect culture and community, while also opening space for lasting changes in how we think and act. It is important to me that projects do not remain only at the level of ideas and theory, but create measurable and long-term impacts that we can be proud of.
One such project is also SMARTE AoE, through which we co-financed 122 small and medium-sized enterprises in the Danube region with the aim of supporting digitalisation. The project did not emerge from abstract ideals, but from very concrete challenges faced by tourism providers in the region, such as weak digital presence, little or no cooperation between providers, limited resources, and increasing pressure for sustainable operations without adequate tools.
SMARTER AoE sought to address these challenges in a very practical way, not only strategically or theoretically. It is a project with a very visible impact and one that will remain in very positive memory.
What do you consider the three key ingredients of effective project management in practice?
Clear goals, good organisation, and TRUST.
Clearly defined objectives, tasks, and responsibilities are the foundation of successful project implementation. I therefore believe it is essential that the lead partner clearly presents the project goals, expected results, and the way collaboration and teamwork will be structured from the very beginning. Equally important is empowering work package leaders or project managers, as this enables them to manage tasks independently and responsibly, and to make decisions efficiently. Only in this way can we achieve planned, high-quality, and sustainable results that also generate a real positive impact on local communities and the environment.
In addition to project work, you also take care of smooth office operations and processes. What do you consider the three key elements of well-optimised and efficient work processes?
Collaboration and mutual support
Good working processes are based on collaboration between colleagues, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and a willingness to help one another. When information flows smoothly and there is a supportive team environment, tasks are completed faster, with fewer complications and higher quality.
Empowerment of employees
Efficient processes give employees enough autonomy to make independent decisions within their scope of work. When people are trusted in their roles and responsibilities, they are more proactive, accountable, and effective.
Clear division of tasks and responsibilities
I believe it is crucial that tasks and responsibilities are clearly defined. This reduces misunderstandings, duplication of work, and unnecessary time loss, while also enabling better oversight of workflows and easier coordination within the team.
Which book or podcast have you recently read or listened to that you would recommend?
The last book I read was Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. It is a fantasy novel with a strong female protagonist who embodies courage, resilience, and personal growth. Beyond the compelling story, I was drawn to its message of overcoming personal limits, perseverance, and finding one’s own path, which I find inspiring beyond the literary world as well. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys escaping into a fictional world while still appreciating stories with deeper meaning.
