Talent Development Through Teamwork in a Study Environment

Aila Civić holds a master's degree in Organization of Human Resources and Educational Systems. He continues his doctoral studies in the field of human resources and educational systems at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences of the University of Maribor. She is the author of several scientific papers presented at international scientific conferences, as well as a peer-reviewed scientific article. Her research interest is mainly focused on the areas of human resources management and teamwork.

Kranj, Slovenia. E-mail: aila.civic@student.um.si

Sara Kremsar, M.Sc., is the founder of Optimod, a company that helps fast-growing organizations build clarity, structure, and alignment in their development. She holds a master’s degree in business systems engineering from the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, where she focused on organizational structures, business processes, and system optimization. Since 2016, she has collaborated with companies across various sectors to improve efficiency, strengthen leadership, and support sustainable growth through well-designed processes and strategic alignment. In 2017, she founded Optimod to connect research, education, and real-world entrepreneurship. The company operates on two main pillars: community and ecosystem development, and professional services and collaboration. Through initiatives such as the Improving Entrepreneurial Journey Initiative (IEJI) and the Founders’ Off-the-Grid Retreat, Optimod promotes the exchange of practical experience and academic insight. Sara Kremsar’s work bridges theory and practice in organizational science and entrepreneurship. Her vision is to create resilient, human-centered ecosystems where collaboration, learning, and innovation help individuals and organizations reach their full potential.

Sladki Vrh, Slovenia. E-mail: sara.kremsar@optimod.net

Miha Marič, Ph.D., is a researcher in the field of leadership, management, and organizational sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana. He is currently employed as an associate professor at the University of Maribor’s Faculty of Organizational Sciences. His research interests are power, leadership, organizational behavior, human resource management, organization, and management. He is the author of numerous original scientific articles, professional articles, papers at scientific conferences, scientific monographs, and was an editor and reviewer. He also participates in research projects and consulting work.

Kranj, Slovenia. E-mail: miha.maric@um.si