PETOŠEVIĆ PEOPLE: Q&A with Nemanja Lazarević

Based in our Belgrade office, IT Assistant Nemanja Lazarević administers and maintains our IT systems and provides IT support to the whole team across all PETOŠEVIĆ offices. We asked Nemanja about his work, his pastimes, the music he likes, and much more.

1. How did you start your career in IT?

   I majored in electrical engineering and computer science. Even though I studied to be an audio/video engineer, nearly everything you do today involves some kind of technology or a computer, and knowing how to use it as a tool is obligatory. I started working in our IT department by chance really, and I’ve been here for more than three years!

2. What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

   Troubleshooting problems for a large number of colleagues can be challenging sometimes, especially if something needs to be done quickly for over 130 people — it can be tricky to finish everything in time.

3. What do you most enjoy doing at work?

   Implementing new tools — hardware and software in our IT/Apple ecosystem.

4. What would you be working in, if you weren’t working in IT?

   Probably something in the music production business. I would help musicians record their albums, which is something I’ve done before and actually have a degree for. Running a small record label would also be interesting, or maybe opening a jazz club in Belgrade.

5. What was the first job you’ve ever had?

   I worked as a computer service technician during summer breaks while in school.

6. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

   I’m an avid jazz listener and generally a music enthusiast, so I would say that listening to music (live or otherwise) takes up a big part of my spare time. I also like going to art exhibitions and museums, and enjoy watching a good movie or TV show as well.

7. What book did you read last?

   The debut book by Malcolm Gladwell called “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference” — it’s one of those books you should read by the time you are 30.

8. What is your favorite song/music at the moment?

   “Get Close” by Elvin T.

9. What is your favorite dish of all time?

   I like meat a lot, but a carefully prepared sterlet fish always brings a smile to my face.

10. If you could meet anyone in the world, from the past or present, who would it be and why?

    David Bowie from the past and Brian Eno from the present. They both seem like perfect examples of artists who figured out the world around them. I am inspired by them and their legacy.

11. What was your favorite subject in school and why?

    Art. I was really good at painting, took private lessons, and even exhibited my work.

12. What did you want to be when growing up?

    A visual artist.

13. Tell us three things most people don’t know about you.

    I’m a DJ and part of a DJ duo called “Ribs”, dedicated to exploring and promoting Black musical heritage.

    I’m also a radio host and have a radio show on a local web radio in Belgrade.

    My latest passion is mountain biking – just last month I finished my first MTB marathon!

14. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

    Even though I took French classes when I was younger, I am not so good at it, so I would like to learn how to fluently speak and understand French.

15. What is your biggest frustration about the world around you?

    People who do their best to cut corners in life to get somewhere fast and ego-driven people.

16. What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?

    I have learned how to navigate life on my own and not be (financially) dependent on others, and to be more patient when dealing with people and problems.

17. What do you wish you could have told yourself at age 13?

    Everything will come to you in its own time. Do not worry, pal.

18. What cities/countries have you lived in?

    I’ve only lived in Belgrade.

19. If you could live in another country of the 30+ countries where PETOŠEVIĆ operates, which would you pick and why?

    Maybe Belgium, because it’s regarded as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. It would be nice to see all those legendary breweries dating back to the 12th century. I have a few friends in the Netherlands, so I could visit them more often.

    Croatia would be my second choice because of its incredible nature and the fact that many music festivals I would like to attend take place at the Croatian seaside.

20. If someone came to your city for 24 hours, where would you take them?

    I would probably take them to the Museum of Contemporary Art and on a brief tour of Zemun — a walk by the Danube river and up to the Gardoš tower – and then on a boat trip to the other side of the river for lunch in the “Tri Točka” (Three Wheels) restaurant.

    We would then go back downtown to Cetinjska street to visit some of my favorite bars — “Zaokret”, “Sprat” or “Lift”; if my guest is interested in the Belgrade nightlife, that would be a good place to start. After that, we would take a cab and finish with a party on the “20/44” boat nightclub on the Sava river.