Dragan, how would you explain your job to someone who isn't familiar with it?
Dragan: My job is quite varied. I manage various hydroelectric power plants on the Neckar River and, together with my team, ensure that the plants operate reliably.
It’s not just about technology, though. My responsibilities also include personnel management, occupational safety, environmental protection, and budget matters. In fact, there’s hardly any aspect of our power plants that I don’t deal with at some point.
What excites you most about it?
Dragan: Above all, the variety. Of course, there are set structures and tasks, but I still never know exactly what to expect the following week.
If a problem arises somewhere, the daily routine changes quickly. That’s exactly what I like: No day is completely predictable, and I’m constantly dealing with new topics.
What makes hydropower technology so exciting to you?
Dragan: Some of the machines in our facilities date back to the first half of the last century. At the same time, they incorporate modern components.
It’s exactly this combination that I find exciting. We have technology—some of which has been in use for decades—and we integrate it with new solutions. That’s why, even after many years in this field, there’s always something new to learn.
Your journey at EnBW began with your apprenticeship. What happened next?
Dragan: After completing my technical apprenticeship, I switched to the hydropower sector and later earned my master craftsman’s certificate.
Since then, I’ve continued to grow step by step and have taken on more and more responsibility. Today, I lead a team myself. So I’ve remained loyal to my field for a long time, but my role has changed significantly over the years.
What does good leadership mean to you?
Dragan: For me, good leadership is based above all on trust and that trust must flow both ways. My employees are spread across several power plants, so I don’t see all of them every day. I need to be able to trust that tasks are being carried out reliably on site. At the same time, my employees should know that they can rely on me just as much.
How do you foster a strong sense of teamwork despite the physical distance?
Dragan: That’s definitely a challenge. That’s exactly why getting together is important to us. For example, we use training sessions, meals together, or team events as opportunities to connect outside of our normal work routine. When we reach certain milestones such as going a long time without an accident, we celebrate those achievements together, too.
In what areas of your job can you make your own decisions?
Dragan: Actually, in a wide range of areas. I’m involved in technical, procedural, budget-related, and security-related matters, and I’m able to make many decisions on my own.
My manager places a lot of trust in me and gives me the freedom to drive things forward independently. That’s important to me because it means I don’t have to ask for approval at every step. I can truly take on responsibility.
What circumstances make a difference to you personally?
Dragan: Above all, the flexible work hours. Within a general framework, I can organize my day largely on my own.
This is especially valuable to me with young children. For example, I can finish work early in the afternoon, spend time with my family, and catch up on some work later in the evening if needed. This allows me to balance work and family life well.
What has surprised you the most about EnBW over the years?
Dragan: During my time at EnBW, I experienced various periods of change and cost-cutting. Looking back, I find it remarkable how the company has continued to evolve despite these challenges.
Especially during difficult times, I found the company’s development to be largely positive from an employee’s perspective.
Why does “Our Energy Fuels Ideas and Decision-Making” resonate with you?
Dragan: Because, to me, responsibility means being able to make decisions. When I have an idea or see that something should be handled differently, I have the freedom to raise issues and move them forward.
I’ve experienced this trust along my own journey. And today, I try to pass it on to my team in exactly the same way.