AmCham Talents - The Power of Change: Shaping Tomorrow Through Innovation

The lecture provided participants with a broad view of today’s business environment through the lens of innovation, resilience, and strategic transformation. At the very beginning, Gordan Kolak posed a question that strongly resonated with the audience: is it harder or easier to be a leader today than it was for previous generations? He went on to show that the answer lies not only in the complexity of the times we live in, but also in the willingness of leaders to understand the broader context of change and actively shape the direction of their organizations.

Speaking about the world today, he emphasized that organizations operate at the intersection of geopolitical instability, accelerated technological progress, and growing sustainability demands. In such an environment, he stressed, innovation is no longer a matter of choice, but a prerequisite for competitiveness and long-term survival.

Using KONČAR as an example, participants were able to see what the transformation of a large industrial system looks like when innovation is embedded in business strategy itself. Gordan Kolak presented the company’s development journey - from a regional leader in the power engineering sector to an internationally present and strongly digitalized organization focused on energy and industrial solutions, export growth, a more agile operating model, and the development of human potential.

Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that innovation does not happen on its own, but emerges as the result of clear strategy, partnerships, investment in research and development, and the continuous development of people and organizational capabilities. Participants thus gained practical insight into how innovation is translated into results - by connecting technology, market application, and responsible leadership.

An important part of the lecture was also dedicated to the role of the next generation of professionals. Gordan Kolak pointed out that technology can enable change, but it is people who make it happen. This is why future leaders are expected to bring critical thinking, curiosity, courage, continuous learning, and a willingness to take responsibility for turning ideas into real outcomes.

The lecture was thought-provoking and highly relevant for the participants of the AmCham Talents program, once again confirming one of the key ideas at the heart of the program: leadership development does not take place in abstract frameworks, but through encounters with people who are truly leading change. Through the experience of one of Croatia’s most important business and industrial systems, participants gained valuable insight into how strategic clarity, innovation, and responsibility are transformed into long-term competitiveness.