Just a mere glance at the record of Drilona Maloku, and you will know she is an overachiever. Her 7 years at Jumbo Kosova tell the story of how she climbed the ladder of success. Characterized by ambition, determination and infectious positivity, Drilona tackles challenges one by one – from managing operations to overcoming language barriers in foreign countries. Missions matter to Drilona, read her interview to find out why.
Describe your professional journey at BALFIN Group.
My journey at BALFIN Group started in 2014 with the opening of the first store in Pristina, Kosovo. My job at the time was the shop assistant. During the opening period, we had information that the most distinguished employees had the opportunity to rise to the position and move into the role of Department Supervisor, which I achieved after 2 months.
In 2016, I was promoted to the position of Merchandiser for a year and a half and this was the period when I initially had to work very hard.
By 2017, I was the Store Manager, I had to set goals to work mostly with myself, in order to be ready for all the responsibility that came with this position.
From 2018, I worked in the position of Area Manager, where my experience in the company with all previous positions made it easier.
From August 2019 to January 2020, I was the Project Manager in Montenegro, and from May this year I was promoted to the position of Operations Manager.
What was the moment you knew you’d made the right decision to work at BALFIN Group?
I have always known I made the right decision choosing BALFIN Group because they have valued me as a person and my work since the beginning. The support they gave me on this journey is incredible. The mission and the values of the company just resonated with me naturally, making the work environment just right for me, yet challenging.
What are you most proud of in your career at BALFIN Group?
The thing I am the proudest of is managing very large projects. Managing to me is really about developing people, supporting, training and helping them achieve their professional goals. Seeing the people I’ve mentored move up and eventually take on managerial roles is absolutely the best feeling.
Describe a recent professional achievement that you believe also contributes to your personal success.
My recent achievement was going to Montenegro to lead a very important project, the opening of the first Jumbo store. Moving to a different country, meeting a new team, facing a language barrier and different cultures was the best experience and the most challenging one until now. The project was one of the largest ones, and it was very stressful but I didn’t give up. We worked hard as a team, doing the best we could to overcome any difficulties we faced. The openmindedness, curiosity, teamwork, and the desire to succeed together made us work harder. And this entire experience made me grow not only professuibally, but on a personal level as well, gaining organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
What’s something that happened that can only happen at BALFIN Group?
I think it’s the work environment and the culture of the company: working together, being able to be open with each other as a family, always focusing on the things we can improve so that we can better serve our customers. It’s nice when you put in a lot of hard work, you’re recognized and people appreciate what you’ve done.
Describe the best day you’ve had at work.
One of the best days was when I got promoted to Merchandiser. It wasn’t something I was expecting and it took me off guard, but I was so happy that my commitment, hard work, and dedication was finally rewarded. I also think a good day at work is every day by the end of which I know that I have made a contribution to make my team and company achieve our goals for the day, both operational and financial.
A message to all the readers:
Be the best version of yourself. Challenge your comfort zone. Stay positive and happy, work hard and never give up on your dreams.
Hard work will pay off one day.
