Free choice is indeed the source of all personal preferences, ambitions and true love towards doing business in which you can and want to invest a significant part of your own energy, time and finances
Women are undoubtedly capable and have all the qualities to succeed in the business world, but perhaps the real question is how strong a woman’s ambition really is and what circumstances have brought her into the world of business, says Ivana Nola, Owner and Director of “Dermatologija Ivana Nola”. In any case, it’s not easy, because a woman has to remain a woman in every aspect, Nola says.
- What were you guided by when you started your own business, the opening of Dermatologija Nola clinic? What obstacles did you encounter at the very beginning?
Dermatologija Ivana Nola started its private business journey in 2014. That’s when I left the position of a specialist at Clinical-Hospital Centre “Sestre milosrdnice”, as well as the position of assistant at the School of Dental Medicine with the Chair of Dermatovenerology. Namely, after I experienced and mastered my academic duties, defended my master’s thesis in the field of oncology, doctoral dissertation in the field of melanoma, I was attracted by a challenge of a completely different kind, and that was actually private business. I cannot say that I encountered obstacles at the very beginning, it was only necessary to perform certain administrative obligations. And as for my private life, the rhythm needed to change significantly and adapt to the needs of work.
- What is Your core business and who can come to your office? What awaits us there and what services you provide?
Since I got my PhD on the topic of melanoma, the core of my work is based on the examination and surgery of pigmented lesions and other skin tumors. Business operations of “Dermatologija Ivana Nola” is largely based on examinations of the face, successful acne treatment, but great emphasis has been placed on aesthetic dermatology based on anti-aging face and body treatments, as well as treatments to stimulate hair growth. Ultimately, complete dermatological pathology is the basis of business operations of “Dermatologija Ivana Nola”.
- What’s it like being at the head of a company in Croatia if you’re a woman? Did you feel that someone looked at you differently because of that, and how?
In any case it’s not easy, because a woman must remain a woman in every aspect. This position takes ambition, as well as a set of circumstances that enable the realization of the decision. It’s easy to take the already beaten track, but it takes a lot of courage, ability and will to take the road less travelled.
I cannot say that anyone looked at me differently, in a negative way, because of it. On the contrary, I constantly receive great compliments based on everything I have achieved in my life. As in life, so in business, a correct attitude is needed. So is the relationship of respect and appreciation of the other side, but also the retention of certain attitudes. This can be achieved if you are guided by such criteria and standards for relationships that will ultimately guide you through the business world from day to day.
I am lucky that it’s in my nature not to let every negative circumstance hold me back. On the contrary, it gives me a strong boost. And it’s like that every single time.
People usually see only the bright side of the medal, and the other side is understood only by those people who run a private business. There is no need to explain what lies on the dark side of the medal to those who will not understand it. And that’s perfectly fine.
- How much the business world is a man’s world?
The business world is absolutely a man’s world and in such a world it is often challenging to navigate when you’re a woman. But by respecting my personal criteria and standards, the foundations of which are firmly focused on respecting others, I have gained respect and equality in a world where there is truly room for all. Free choice is indeed the source of all personal preferences, ambitions and true love towards doing business in which you can and want to invest a significant part of your own energy, time and finances.
- There are far less women at the head of companies compared to their male colleagues, around 5%. What do you think is the reason for that and how can this number change in favor of women?
Actually, sometimes I wonder if anything needs to change “in favor” of women. Every woman has her own life, freedom of choice and in decision making. Women are undoubtedly capable and have all the qualities to succeed in the business world, but perhaps the real question is how strong a woman’s ambition really is and what circumstances have brought her into the world of business.
Taking these parameters into consideration, I’m really not sure that anything should change “in favor of women”. A woman is entitled to a decision, if the circumstances allow and enable it.
The world is full of all kinds of possibilities, but in the majority of personal experiences, they do get reduced to a rather small number. I am happy that I reached this “small number” of good possibilities.