May 21, 2025
A Journey of growth, impact, and purpose: Goluba’s path at BALFIN Group

Goluba Ristoska- Online Sales Manager, Neptun Macedonia

Goluba, take us behind the scenes of your journey at BALFIN Group. What’s the story of how you came on board and what’s kept you excited to stay?

I started my journey with BALFIN Group in 2012, joining Neptun Macedonia. At the time I was a young and eager newcomer driven by passion for technology. What began as an exciting step into the world of retail, by now has become a fulfilling 13-year journey. The dynamic environment, constant evolution of the business, and the chance to grow alongside a team of professionals have kept me motivated and proud to be part of the BALFIN Group family.

Was there a moment, big or small, when you looked around and thought, “I absolutely made the right choice joining BALFIN Group”? What was that defining moment like for you?

That one moment that truly confirmed I had made the right choice was my promotion to Customer Relations Officer at the newformed Customer Relations Department. It was my first promotion, and it was way more than just a new title, it was a recognition of my dedication and potential. I was excited to be part of building something new, contributing to the development of processes that directly impacted customer satisfaction. That experience gave me a strong sense of purpose and showed me that within our company, growth is not only possible but encouraged and supported.

What’s your proudest achievement here at BALFIN Group? The one moment or accomplishment that you can’t help but brag about.

One of my proudest achievements so far has been leading the team of the CSR strategy project, which ultimately led to a meaningful collaboration with SOS Children’s Village. Being part of an initiative that supports and uplifts the community was deeply meaningful and reminded me of the impact we can have beyond business.

Tell us about a recent win, something that not only boosted your career but left a personal mark on you. What made it so meaningful to you?

I would say that my latest promotion to Online Sales Manager has been a significant milestone in my career. It marked a new chapter filled with responsibility, learning, and opportunity. I wouldn’t call it a win just yet, it’s more of a next big challenge that I believe will lead to meaningful success. Additional to this, being part of the Omnichannel project for Neptun International, which is an incredible opportunity to help shape and develop a new, seamless experience for our customers across all touchpoints. Being involved from the early stages is both exciting and personally rewarding, as it allows me to grow professionally while contributing to something that will redefine how we connect with our customers.

We’ve all had that ‘only-at-this-company’s moment. What’s the one experience at BALFIN Group that’s unforgettable and could only happen here?

One unforgettable experience with the “this can only happen here” vibe was my first strategic planning workshop. It brought together colleagues from all departments to brainstorm, share ideas, and align with future. The energy in the room was incredible, such great synergy and collaboration. It was inspiring to see how different perspectives came together to shape the company’s strategy. That level of inclusion and teamwork made it a truly unique and empowering experience.

Imagine your best day at work. What went down that made it so memorable, and why did it feel like the perfect day at BALFIN Group?

My best day at work wasn’t directly related to daily tasks or goals, but it was deeply connected to the values we stand for. After the company’s CSR strategy was approved, with SOS Children’s Village we organized our first event with the children. We spent the day outdoors, watching a football match together. It was incredible, the kids were so happy, and seeing their joy and smiley faces made everything worthwhile. Nothing compares to the sincere smile of a child.

If you had to share one message with everyone reading this about your time at BALFIN Group, what would it be? Something you wish people knew about your journey or the company.

My path here wasn’t always smooth, there were setbacks and moments of doubt along the way. But every obstacle was also an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger. This is a place where you can truly push your own boundaries, challenge yourself, and achieve more than you thought possible.