Beginnings and Future Plans of Becky

Dive into the story of Emanuela’s journey from uncertainty to success in creating a workplace where values like cooperation, trust, and work-life balance reign supreme.

January 17, 2023

Post by Jelena Tapavica

Dear Emanuela, tell us: how did this all start?

It all started in 2018, when I first met the owners of our company in Belgrade. They recognized the potential in our market and yet wanted to stay true to their unique vision. So, they presented me with their Becky story.

At the time, I was working at a company where I had a secure job and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to take such a big risk and start building a company that I had no guarantees would even be successful.

What prompted you to accept this challenge anyway?

My struggle to find a job that nurtures a healthy work culture and environment. I have been striving for that since 2013, from the moment I moved to Serbia.

“My goal was to find and build a work environment that was similar to the values I was used to. I finally had the opportunity to create it in Becky–from scratch–with the support of Becky’s owners.”

Tell us a little more about where you grew up and what you mean by “healthy culture”.

I grew up in the Netherlands, in a small town about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam. It is a country that is liberal and tolerant towards people, and its environment. The education system and the society I grew up in teach you to accept the differences around you and to show respect for other people’s choices and views on life.

My parents, on the other hand, tried to instill in me a love for our customs and culture, as well as our language.

Growing up, I was often torn between two sides. I didn’t feel completely Dutch, and on the other hand, I didn’t feel like a Yugoslav either, so to speak.

As I matured, I realized that this tear between both worlds is actually not a bad thing, that, throughout my life, it helped me to have two perspectives of life. I tried to accept the best from both cultures and I was grateful for the perspective that both cultures gave me.

Let me now answer the second part of the question, which is about a healthy work culture. When I started working in Serbia in 2013, I noticed how a toxic work environment stifles the creativity and satisfaction of employees. My goal was to find and build a work environment that was similar to the values I was used to.It was hard to find something like that, but in 2018 I finally had the opportunity to create it in Becky–from scratch–with the support of Becky’s owners.

What does the Becky.works name tell us?

Becky.works, as the name suggests, proves that our work principle really works and achieves great results, both for the partners we work with, and for promising people in Serbia and the region. The name of the first employee of our director’s first project is Bektaš, and in honor of him, the company was named Becky.

What was the journey from a startup to a regional company like?

The road was steep and challenging, but with a sporting spirit. We had a target group when it comes to both clients and candidates. Our first goal was modest, 49 employees in one year, but the quality and pace of work far exceeded our expectations, and we even got formal recognition as the fastest-growing company.

Please tell us about the company culture, one of the reasons why the level of employee satisfaction at Becky is this high.

It’s friendly, motivating, and supportive. There’s cooperation, trust, and integrity. Teamwork. Diversity, respect, and fairness. Work-life balance.

What achievements are you particularly proud of in 2022, and what are your goals for 2023?

The fact that we hired over 70 people in less than a year, and exceeded the number of 100 employees. The launch of the Becky company in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the growth of our internal core team, which accompanied and contributed to all this growth with their dedicated work and contribution.

When we talk about the scope for 2023, it is not of a corporate nature, nor does it talk about long-term ambitions and targets. It is based on maintaining what we have achieved so far, which is work-life balance, the satisfaction, and improvement of our employees, and the improvement of all aspects of our work.

What message would you send to all associates and colleagues, current and future?

I would use a quote from Marc Benioff who highlighted a very important point: I believe a balanced life is essential, and I try to make sure that all of our employees know that and live that way. Why shouldn’t your workplace reflect your values? Why is ‘giving back’ not a part of our jobs? The answer for us is to integrate philanthropy with work.