"Being part of the WeLead in 2025–2026 has been a valuable experience for me, particularly because it connected learning, professional networking, and practical reflection in ways that were directly relevant to my work in public administration. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to participate in WeLearn: Innovations in Service Delivery, WeCoach, and WeLearn: Public Institutions as Learning Organizations.

One of the aspects I valued most about WeLead was the opportunity to connect with young professionals and public officials from across the Western Balkans. This regional exchange was complemented by the intensive training on Public Institutions as Learning Organizations, which brought together participants from different countries for learning, discussion, and practical exchange. I particularly appreciated the trainers’ and experts’ knowledge and practical experience, which made the sessions relevant to the realities of public institutions. The combination of regional networking and practical learning was especially valuable to me.

The program also influenced how I think about leadership in my own professional role. In my current position as a coordinator, my work involves monitoring the implementation of priority initiatives of the Council of Ministers, coordinating with line ministries and proposing institutions, and overseeing the implementation of the Prime Minister’s orders and analytical plans for draft regulatory acts. Working in this context requires not only knowledge of procedures and regulatory processes but also effective communication, coordination, and an understanding of different institutional perspectives.

Through WeCoach, I had the opportunity to reflect on these aspects of leadership in ways I had not initially expected. Rather than seeing leadership only in terms of managing people or making decisions, I began to understand it more broadly: through how we work with others, communicate, approach challenges, and contribute to a constructive working environment.

In this context, the WeLead experience has strengthened skills I use in my everyday work, particularly coordination, communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to understand different institutional perspectives. It has also encouraged me to be more conscious of how I communicate, listen to others, and contribute to shared objectives, particularly when working across institutions.

I am particularly grateful to Jelena, my coach, for her support throughout the WeCoach experience, and to the entire WeLead team for creating such a strong learning and networking environment.

Looking back, I value WeLead not only for the knowledge I gained but also for the way it connected regional experience, professional development, and leadership with the realities of working in public administration. I would also have welcomed the opportunity to participate in WeExperience, as this would have allowed me to gain an even broader and more comprehensive experience of the program.

Overall, WeLead has given me perspectives and connections that I can carry forward in my professional journey and in how I approach my role."