In the second interview of our series on women shaping the local and regional printing industry, we visited Ms. Branka Domazet, Managing Director of Konica Minolta for the Adria region.
Branka entered the industry quietly while still a student, and today she manages three regional markets. Her path was not planned out in detail, but it was driven by the kind of perseverance needed to thrive in a sector that is constantly redefining itself.
In her voice, you won’t hear rigid corporate distance, but rather the warmth of a person who built her career while balancing family responsibilities—and who, despite her high-ranking position, firmly believes that empathy is a key tool of successful leadership.
What was the first thing that went through your mind when you received our request for an interview on women in the printing industry?
Honestly, my first thought was just how much this industry has actually changed. When I started my career, technology and the printing sector were perceived as a very technical, and often exclusively male, environment. Today, the focus is not just on machines—we talk about innovation, digital transformation, and strategic partnership with clients. That is precisely why conversations like this are so valuable. They reflect the changes happening in the industry and in society as a whole.
How did you find yourself in the printing industry? Was it a conscious choice or did it happen along the way?
It was a combination of circumstances that evolved into a conscious choice over time. I joined Konica Minolta as a student without a clear vision of where it would lead. However, the printing industry has a unique dynamics that easily pulls you in. I started with operations and sales, learning and growing alongside the organization. What kept me here is the incredible transformation I witnessed. Seeing the shift from traditional office printing to digital workflow solutions, industrial printing, and smart technologies firsthand is an experience that constantly motivates you to keep learning.
When talking about professional development, which core values would you highlight as key to your success?
Without a doubt, adaptability and continuous learning. In an industry that is constantly evolving, you cannot afford to let your knowledge become static—you have to learn at the same pace as the market. Additionally, the ability to listen, understand different business cultures, and make tough decisions in complex situations are skills that aren’t learned from books, but through daily challenges.
There is often talk about “male” and “female” leadership styles. How do you view these distinctions, and how would you describe your own management style?
I believe different leadership styles exist, but I wouldn’t strictly tie them to gender. It is interesting that empathy, communication, and inclusivity—traits traditionally attributed to women—are now considered essential competencies of modern leadership. My style is built on trust and clear goals. I firmly believe that when people understand why they are doing something, results come naturally, without the need for micromanagement.
Have you ever felt you were judged differently because you are a woman in a technical field?
Throughout my career, there were various situations and expectations, but I always strived to keep the focus on work, results, and a professional approach. Every one of us, regardless of gender, position, or circumstances, has to prove our knowledge, responsibility, and capability over time. Professional authority isn’t granted by a title, but earned through the integrity you build over the years.
The full interview was published in Print Magazin issue 3/26
