Two of Sofascore’s key leaders, Ivan Bešlić (CSO and co-founder) and Ivana Mikanović (CHRO and President of the Board), represented Sofascore at this year’s People and Culture Horizons conference, a major regional event focused on the future of leadership.
As one of regional’s fastest-growing sport tech companies, Sofascore continues to share how data-driven thinking and human-focused leadership can work together to build sustainable growth.
Ivana Mikanović: “Structure is nothing without trust and purpose”
Freshly appointed as President of the Board, Sofascore’s CHRO Ivana Mikanović joined a panel titled “Operational Excellence: When Structure Exists but Value Leaks”.
Reflecting on her new dual role, Ivana said:
“Having the CHRO also serve as President of the Board isn’t a common practice, but it sends a beautiful message about our organization. It shows what operational excellence really means for us. It’s about people, and the way we think, act, and solve problems together.”
Ivana Mikanović, President of the Board at Sofascore
The discussion explored a common challenge in modern organizations: even with clear processes and KPIs, results often lag behind expectations. Ivana addressed this gap by emphasizing the human side of operational excellence, the importance of trust and autonomy.
“Among others, I lead teams I wasn’t originally connected to, like Research and Localization. I see my role as creating space for experts to take ownership. Regular syncs, communication, and process adjustments help us move forward together through changes.”
Ivana Mikanović, President of the Board at Sofascore
She highlighted the role of HR as both the organization’s connector and catalyst:
“HR professionals must be close to everyone, from employees to the Board. If you don’t listen and react in time, you lose touch. That’s when value starts leaking.”
Ivana Mikanović, President of the Board at Sofascore
Ivana also explained that true performance isn’t just about satisfaction metrics, but understanding people’s daily challenges:
“We sat down with teams to ask what’s bothering them, what’s working, what’s not. The insights were incredibly useful. Once people feel heard, progress follows.”
Ivana Mikanović, President of the Board at Sofascore
Her appointment as both CHRO and President of the Board stands out even in the broader business landscape. It sends a strong message about Sofascore’s values, that people are at the core of operational excellence.
Ivan Bešlić on Employee Ownership: Aligning Growth and Stability
Sofascore’s CSO and co-founder, Ivan Bešlić, joined the panel “Employee Ownership as a Model for Value Redistribution and Stability”.
The discussion focused on how employee ownership models (ESOP, profit-sharing, and phantom shares) can help companies grow sustainably by aligning the interests of employees and founders.
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Ivan shared Sofascore’s perspective on what makes these models work in practice:
“If you talk openly with employees, and everyone knows who, what, when, and how much, you get engaged people who work to grow the company together.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO of Sofascore
With his characteristic dose of humor, he added:
“Or, in simpler words for fellow business owners: If you can’t even sort out parking spaces to keep your employees happy, you’re not ready for employee ownership.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO of Sofascore
For Ivan, ownership models aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions, but rather long-term tools that must fit each company’s context:
“I wouldn’t try to convince anyone whether to adopt this model or not. Some might have big financial commitments, others prefer immediate rewards or bonuses. Every company knows itself best, do what feels right for your people and your business.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO of Sofascore
He closed his talk by stressing the importance of brand and trust in an AI-driven world:
“We’re entering a time when brand matters more than anything else. Many solutions can be copied in seconds, but what truly sets companies apart is their brand. Invest in it, because soon, the world will be full of copies, and only strong brands will stand out.”
Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO of Sofascore
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People and Culture Horizons: A space for forward-thinking organizations
The People and Culture Horizons conference brings together HR leaders, founders and innovators who are shaping the next generation of organizational culture. For Sofascore, it’s another opportunity to exchange ideas on how to grow fast without losing the human touch, a principle deeply rooted in the company’s DNA.