What is the best thing that I love about my work? The best thing I love about my work is creating spaces where people slow down and naturally connect. I enjoy shaping ideas into experiences that feel real and organic. I love seeing how people, place, and story come together, and how a concept finds its own rhythm and energy.

What is my idea of happiness? My idea of happiness is living and working at a pace that allows presence. It is having the freedom to choose projects, places, and people. Happiness, for me, is feeling rooted and curious at the same time – connected to my work, my loved ones, and the world around me. It is a quiet sense of alignment rather than a constant pursuit of more.

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is losing connection – with myself, with the people I love, and with the deeper reason behind my work. I fear moving too fast and forgetting to listen. That is why I am intentional about pace, presence, and the choices I make, both in life and in work.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? The trait I most deplore in myself is overthinking – especially when I care deeply about something. I can spend too much time refining, sensing, and questioning, instead of allowing things to unfold. Over time, I’ve learned to recognize this and gently move myself.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I admire people in my profession whose work speaks for itself. Those who don’t need to be loud to be seen, and who trust their own judgment even when it goes against common thinking. I value professionals who choose depth and care over trends, and who are not afraid to step off the expected path when they know it is the right one.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? What I dislike most is when work becomes predictable and repetitive, when the same patterns keep repeating.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I have been happiest in my work when I can take an idea and let it grow into a form that holds all its elements together – the concept, the space, the people, and the story it wants to tell. I enjoy seeing how each part interacts, how small details influence the whole, and how the format begins to have a life of its own. In those moments, the work feels complete, and its story continues even after the event has ended. These are the times when I feel the alignment between thought and experience, and where the quiet energy of an idea truly resonates with those involved.

If I could, what would I change about myself? If I could, I would change nothing at once – but I continue to refine how I work and how I show up. I am learning to trust the flow of ideas, to step back when needed, and to move forward with clarity when the moment calls for it. Growth, for me, is less about changing who I am and more about becoming more attentive and intentional in what I do.

What is my greatest achievement in work? My greatest achievement in work is creating experiences and formats that continue to resonate long after they are realized. Bringing ideas to life in a way that connects people, stories, and spaces – and seeing them evolve beyond the initial moment – has been the most rewarding. It is the lasting energy of these projects, and the quiet connections they foster, that I consider my truest accomplishment.

Where would I most like to live? I am drawn to Copenhagen for its sophisticated simplicity and the quiet calm it brings, a place that feels steady and thoughtful. I love Rome for its beauty, layered history, and vibrant energy that fills every street. Together, they create a combination I find inspiring – the serenity of Copenhagen and the richness of Rome balance each other in a way that feels alive and full of possibility.

What is my most treasured possession? My most treasured possessions are pieces of clothing hand‑knitted by my mother. The amount of attention, love, and creativity woven into each piece is something I deeply value, and every item is truly unique. If I were asked to name anything else I find precious, it would also be something handmade, as I have a strong appreciation for that kind of skill and craftsmanship.

What is my most marked characteristic? My most marked characteristic is my conviction and consistency. It guides how I follow my path, pursue my goals, and explore new ideas. It helps me take initiatives that may not yet exist and stay true to what I believe in.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My most inspirational location in my city is the Courtyard/Grounds of Lazarica Church. Stepping inside feels like entering another world. It’s completely authentic, full of history, and I have deep respect for its significance in Serbian heritage. I love that such a remarkable place exists right in my neighborhood.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? When it comes to food, I enjoy a restaurant in the city that has been part of the community for a long time and serves dishes I love. For drinks, I often go to a café known for having the best iced matcha in town, a place I always return to when I’m in my city.

What books influenced my life and how? Many books have influenced my life at different times, shaping the way I think and see the world. One I particularly value is Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth, which offers fresh ideas that help us recognize and appreciate the present moment. Being a contemporary of people like him, whose work is a monumental yet humble gift to the world, is truly inspiring. Yet, at this stage in my life, I find that my greatest lessons come from living and observing my own experiences. I am drawn to psychology and personal growth, using what I encounter in life as the richest material for learning and reflection.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? On my last day, I wouldn’t choose music. I would listen to the world around me – the subtle sounds, the pauses, the presence of life itself. Fully absorbing what surrounds me would feel like the most honest farewell.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? My heroes and heroines in fiction are those who bravely follow their own path, stay true to themselves, and inspire others through their integrity and courage. I admire any character who embodies perseverance, curiosity, and the willingness to step into the unknown.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My heroes in real life are all the quiet, good people whose small and large acts uplift their communities. Their kindness spreads naturally, touching everyone around them, even when they are unaware of it.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? There are many films worth seeing in a lifetime, but one I often recommend is The Intouchables (2011). It tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy man with a disability and his caregiver, full of humor, warmth, and human connection.

What role play stories in my life and work? Stories are at the heart of what I do and how I see the world. They bring ideas to life, connect people naturally, and carry a moment beyond itself. Through stories, the ordinary becomes memorable and shared experiences gain depth.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? To me, the phrase ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ means taking responsibility for how I live, observe, and choose to shape my experiences. It’s a reminder that the way I perceive, act, and connect with the world creates the narrative I carry forward.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My partner in crime is my business partner. We share the same vision, trust each other, and challenge one another to explore new ideas. Our collaboration turns individual efforts into something bigger than ourselves.

Which people or companies would I like to work with? I am drawn to collaborators who value curiosity, creativity, and openness. People and organizations willing to explore new approaches, take thoughtful risks, and focus on what matters most in their work. I am drawn to those who bring thoughtfulness and dedication to what they do, and whose work naturally reflects that.

What project am I looking forward to work on? I’m looking forward to developing experiences within our “Let The Mountain Stay Wild and Change You Instead” format, as well as tailored projects in cities like Belgrade. These are designed to bring together business intelligence, networking, and the unique potential of Serbia as a backdrop. Each experience is crafted for a specific group, blending creativity, location, and collaboration to create something that lasts beyond the event itself.

Where can you see me or my work? You can see me at industry trade shows, or follow my work on the Mamma Consulting website and LinkedIn for updates.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? To me, the words “Passion Never Retires” bring to mind a memorable line from the film The Secret in Their Eyes(2009):

“A man can change anything – his face, his home, his family, his girlfriend, his religion, his God. But there’s one thing he can’t change… he can’t change his passion.”

It reminds me that passion isn’t fleeting: it stays with you, even as roles, places, or circumstances change. It points to what truly feels alive – what we return to, again and again, without losing enthusiasm.

How can you contact me?
You can find me on LinkedIn: Marija Malinić