October 4th, 2024 – The Managers' Congress 2024, themed "People, Technology, and the Future of Business", took place in Opatija, Croatia, on Friday, gathering a distinguished group of business leaders, academics, and experts.
Organized by the Croatian Managers' & Entrepreneurs' Association (CROMA), the event provided a platform for exploring strategies and trends shaping the future of business.
One of the highlights of the congress was the session featuring Stjepan Orešković, founder of BOSQAR d.d., and Eugene B. Kogan, a Harvard-based negotiation strategist and executive coach.
Stjepan Orešković, BOSQAR d.d., and Eugene B. Kogan, Instructor, Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Professional & Executive Development Programs, and Founder & Managing Director, Kogan Global Advisory LLC
Photo: Courtesy of CROMA
Their discussion centered on strategies for power dynamics in negotiations and leadership in the context of global economic and geopolitical disruptions.
Kogan shared valuable insights on effective management strategies, drawing on examples from his extensive experience guiding thousands of executives worldwide.
His expertise, built on rigorous research and enriched by learning directly from renowned figures like Henry Kissinger, Condoleezza Rice, and Colin Powell, has shaped the strategic decisions of many leaders during pivotal moments.
Developing resilience and adaptability
Photo: Courtesy of CROMA
Both Orešković and Kogan agreed on the importance of fostering resilient and progressive leadership cultures in the face of global uncertainties. They emphasized the need for adaptive strategies that address the complexities of modern business environments.
During the session, Orešković shed light on BOSQAR INVEST's impressive track record and growth strategy.
Since its initial public offering (IPO) in 2019, the group has seen its market capitalization surge from 30 million to over 250 million euros (+630%), and its workforce has expanded from a few hundred employees to more than 13,800, Orešković said.
He attributed this growth to BOSQAR INVEST's approach of viewing each acquisition as the creation of a new economic partnership.
"Our growth strategy is rooted in the idea that every acquisition represents the formation of a new economic partnership," Orešković explained.
"Every economic partnership is also a social partnership, creating opportunities for the growth of social capital. That's why negotiations are always a far more responsible and serious endeavor than mere haggling. The vast network of people, companies, and funds connected with BOSQAR INVEST in Croatia, Europe, and beyond represents the strength of thousands who identify with our brand."
Photo: Courtesy of CROMA
He also highlighted the importance of seeking partners who share a common vision and understanding, especially important in the context of facing future challenges as a united front.
"When we negotiate acquisitions, we look for partners with whom we believe we will share a deep understanding in the face of the most difficult challenges. We are always discussing how every promise we make to each other as future business partners will work in practice. This is our business 'wedding vow,' which has proven successful in each of the tens of acquisitions our incredible team has executed over the past few years."
Photo: Stjepan Orešković, BOSQAR d.d., Ana Soldo, President of CROMA, Jasminka Horvat Martinović, General Director, CROMA, and Eugene B. Kogan, Instructor at Harvard, Founder & MD, Kogan Global Advisory LLC
Photo: Courtesy of CROMA
About BOSQAR INVEST:
BOSQAR INVEST (BOSQAR d.d., together with its subsidiaries) is a European leader that operates in the industries of business process and technology outsourcing, information technology, employment services (HR), eCommerce, and food.
With an innovative business model, BOSQAR INVEST accelerated its expansion on the market with intensive organic growth and an M&A platform. Through its buy-and-build strategy, it has acquired 57 companies since 2016. BOSQAR INVEST is focused on improv-ing the profitability and operations of each of its acquired companies through its standardized operational models that result in sig-nificant organic growth of all companies inside the Group and the Group itself.
Today, BOSQAR INVEST operates through four business verticals: the BPTO business vertical (brand: Mplus), the HR business vertical (brands: Manpower and Workplace), the eCommerce business vertical (brand: Eplus Ventures), and the food business vertical. All business verticals are focused on shareholder value creation through a commitment to best practices in digitalization, structured key accounts management programs, rigorous financial stability and cash management, strong and dedicated management teams, and a focus on results.
In its ownership structure, BOSQAR INVEST brings together pension funds, institutional investors, international private equity funds, development institutions, and private investors. The BOSQAR INVEST business community consists of over 13,800 employees, and the group provides its services to clients who, in addition to Croatia, do business in 57 countries around the world.