PROUD OF BEING PART OF SOMETHING TRULY SPECTACULAR

By Rudina Hoxha

In this issue of TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE we chat with Adrijana Husic, Marketing and Communications Director at Portonovi.

With a diverse and impressive career spanning over two decades, she has built a reputation as a leader in Communications and CSR. Starting as a volunteer in a local NGO, she quickly rose through the ranks to take on prominent roles and is certified in professional marketing by CIM | The Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Full interview below: hard work, and sheer determination. My corporate communication and CSR background and experience with different stakeholders taught me how to craft compelling narratives and effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

Please tell our readers more about yourself and what you do.

With a rich and diverse career that began in a local NGO and has propelled me to prominent positions, summarizing my journey in a few sentences is no small task. From my time at Telenor to my current role as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Portonovi, I have consistently excelled in corporate communications and CSR management. My unwavering passion for CSR has driven me to make a significant impact through projects that prioritize youth education and support the local community. Equipped with a Social Policy and Social Work degree, I bring knowledge and experience to my work with my team.

While my primary focus lies in the corporate world, I have also established my communication company, Communication Studio Cassiopeia. Through this venture, we have created innovative and educational Montenegrin Colouring Books, which have captivated readers of all ages.

As a proud Montenegrin, I have a special place in my heart for Istanbul. It serves as my home away from home, and as a passionate traveler, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this incredible city.

How did you land your job as Director of MarComm? How did your previous job positions prepare you for your current job?

As my involvement with the Portonovi brand deepened, I took on more leadership roles, working closely with Sales and Marketing Directors and assisting with various marketing tasks. This hands-on experience complemented the theoretical knowledge gained from my previous role at Telenor, a renowned telecommunications company.

I recently obtained a Certificate in Professional Marketing from CIM | The Chartered Institute of Marketing to further enhance my skills. This rewarding journey allowed me to challenge myself and immerse myself in academia again. Achieving this certification with distinction is a testament to my dedication and ambition.

PR/ Communication are really broad. How did Portonovi inspired you to focus your interest on it?

As a passionate PR and communication professional, I have always been fascinated by the power of effective communication in shaping brand perception, driving engagement, and delivering impactful results. When I first walked through the gates of Portonovi eight years ago, I knew that this was a place where I could channel my love for PR and communication and achieve something truly remarkable for my country and for myself.

Eight years ago, I made a brave choice that forever changed me - I left Podgorica on July 19th and set off on a thrilling journey in Herceg Novi that continues. Since my first day at Portonovi on July 20th, I’ve experienced incredible moments of growth. In 2015, we embarked on a significant journey, building something extraordinary from the ground up. As a proud Montenegrin, I couldn’t be prouder to witness our soft opening in 2019 and our incredible accomplishments as a team. We faced challenges, learned from our mistakes, and evolved. In 2021, I celebrated even greater success in my career and continued pushing myself while developing a new team. In 2022, we set some new records and raised the bar.

These past eight years have been filled with endless opportunities for new beginnings and transformation. Not only have we transformed personally and as a team, but we have also positively impacted the local community, turning Portonovi into a realized dream.

And the best is yet to come. There is no better motivation than this.

How does it feel working for Portonovi and its real estate development?

With projects like Portonovi that changed the setting and local community, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride knowing that you’re a part of something truly spectacular.

People may think first of luxury and the glamour that makes working for Portonovi so fulfilling. For locals who have grown up amidst mountains and the sea, the real fulfilment lies in knowing that we are driving the local economy and generating employment opportunities for our community. It is a game-changer for individuals but the country as well.

How have you managed to make Portonovi destination stand out from year to year?

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic fluctuations, we at Portonovi have implemented a number of innovative strategies to ensure that our luxury destination remains at the forefront of Montenegro’s tourism market.

One key approach has been our continuous investment in the resort’s infrastructure and amenities. Since its soft opening in 2019, we have continued to develop, refine and expand Portonovi, adding even more opulent features and exceptional services to enhance guests’ experience and surpass their expectations. These include an exceptional range of restaurants and bars, high-end retail outlets, a world-class marina, and stateof-the-art wellness facilities, all of which have helped to position Portonovi as one of Europe’s most luxurious and soughtafter destinations.

Our brand message emphasizes the unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and underestimated luxury that only Portonovi can offer.

More of a recipe than a secretPortonovi provides the perfect balance between peace and leisure, offering a unique experience that will leave an indelible mark in your memory. This is evidenced by the increasing number of guests who choose Portonovi and to whom they return. For those looking for peace, Portonovi is full of beautiful corners where they can escape from everyday stress and the sounds of the sea and birds. On the other hand, if you are still looking for fun and unforgettable experiences, the diverse program combined with great restaurants is the reason to mark Portonovi as your address this summer.

We have also established several strategic partnerships with leading luxury brands, attracting even more high-end clientele and enhancing the prestige of our resort. The ones that stand out are One&Only Resorts and Chenot Espace.

Together with our tenants, we strive to fulfill the wishes and expectations of guests and apartment buyers who spend more and more time precisely in Portonovi.

Can you give us more insights into your offering? What should the potential clients know about your company?

Portonovi prides itself on being a luxurious but tranquil escape for those who appreciate the beautiful nature of Boka Bay, premium-quality properties, worldclass interiors, and a fusion of extraordinary restaurants, bars, and high fashion offers. Our location, at the very entrance of

Boka Bay, provides the luxury of waking up to unforgettable sunrises behind hills and evenly majestic sunsets, which are unique on the Montenegrin coast. Away from the hustle and everyday crowd, we are a cosy village by the sea, which attracts our investors and visitors. There are many luxurious resorts in the world and Montenegro as well. Still, Portonovi has that unique combination of great geographical position, wonderful nature, exceptional properties, outstanding interiors, international cuisine, and an exceptional lifestyle.

Portonovi is much more than simply a luxury resort. This is a living village, a thriving community, and a place where like-minded people gather to enjoy a life rich in adventure and experience the melting pot of cultures. Because it perfectly balances a relaxed coastal way of life and uncompromising luxury, it continuously captures the attention of international jet setters, charmed by the Mediterranean-style homes and enchanting natural beauty.

Portonovi comprises wide waterfront promenades, narrow streets, and concealed piazzas between stone, Mediterranean-style buildings. Spread out across 26 hectares, along 1.8km of coastline, the resort is comprised of 218 luxurious residences for sale (of which 105 can be rented), including 10 One&Only Private Homes - the first-ever branded residences in Montenegro - the world-class Portonovi Marina, and a destination hotel from One&Only.

Our services and offerings are continuously evolving to meet customer needs better so that we can provide them with an incomparable experience when traveling abroad.

Who is Adrijana beyond her role as top PR / communication expert? How do you spend your free time?

Ah, spare time. Such a precious commodity. When do find myself with some moments to myself, there are three things I tend to gravitate towards - reading, traveling, and relaxing.

Sometimes, doing nothing is the most productive thing you can do. Whether it be a Netflix binge, a nap, or just some quality coffee, taking time for yourself and recharging is so important in our busy lives.

Speaking of recharging, I do not consider myself a fitness enthusiast, but good yoga session and boxing is always something that helps keep my body as happy as good food and a nice glass of wine. Give me a delicious meal and a glass of red wine, and I am one happy camper!

And to answer who Adrijana is beyond her professional role… I strive to live a well-rounded, authentic life in and out of the office. I believe that everything we do leaves a certain mark and that through every day and what we do, we change - both ourselves and everything around us. Sometimes it is less, sometimes more, but it is equally significant. That’s why the authenticity of what we live and do is important - and I believe the key to success.

I consider respect one of the most important things in life. We must respect ourselves to respect others, which is a prerequisite for others to respect us. And when we do something out of respect, with authenticity, we cannot go wrong. People feel it, and there needs to be more room for challenges and misunderstandings.

Interview with Dilek Sezer, Senior Development Director - Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy Brands - South Eastern Europe, for TRAILBLAZING Magazine

LinkedIn: ro.linkedin.com/in/dileksezer

Today Accor is a truly inspirational brand which is growing in leaps and bounds. In the first quarter of 2023, Accor opened 36 hotels, for around 4,400 rooms, and has thus achieved net network growth of 2.9% in the last 12 months.