Employee spotlight: Martina Šarić
With a constantly growing bucket list, Martina Šarić, our Product Owner, doesn’t shy away from any work challenge either. Discover more about Martina and her versatile interests in our newest blog!
How did you first learn about Barrage, and what has kept you here?
I first came across Barrage while job hunting on LinkedIn. What drew me in was the team of young talents, which promised a vibrant and innovative work environment. I felt this was a place where I could not only learn and grow but also showcase my skills through challenging projects. I met very nice people here and have formed meaningful relationships with some whom I genuinely enjoy working with.
The opportunity to contribute and expand my expertise has kept me motivated and committed to the company.
It’s no secret that you have a good working relationship with your team. Tell us, what subjects are the most talked about in your Sprint retrospective meetings?
It depends on how the past Sprint went. The primary discussions usually center on improving our workflow and communication to boost our productivity. We usually address any obstacles that hinder our progress, share lessons learned from both failures and successes and openly express our frustrations or celebrate our achievements. This sincere atmosphere helps us support one another and strategize how to improve in the upcoming Sprint.
Martina, Markan and Mandatori
As a product owner, what do you struggle with the most in your work - technical stuff, communication, or something else?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a struggle, but balancing stakeholder expectations with technical feasibility is the most challenging aspect. It requires constant learning and adaptation.
What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?
Stay calm. The best career lesson I've learned is to stay calm and keep things in perspective. Understanding that not everything depends on immediate success has helped me maintain balance and focus on long-term goals.
Some 1500+ m above sea level, on Velebit
What’s been the most memorable experience during your tenure so far at Barrage?
When asked about memorable experiences, it really depends—are we talking about challenges or triumphs? Both have been equally influential in shaping my journey here.
What do you like to do on your days off?
On my days off, I enjoy traveling to new places or just getting outside for a hike or a long walk. If the weather doesn't cooperate, spending a quiet day with loved ones and my dogs, watching movies, or exploring new documentaries or TV shows is my ideal way to unwind.
Luni and Mo in action
How do you define success in life?
Success varies by person; for me, it is about achieving inner satisfaction and peace. It's more about feeling content with my personal and professional life than external achievements.
If you could interview one person (dead or alive), who would it be?
Nikola Tesla. His innovative mind and groundbreaking inventions have always fascinated me, and I’d love to delve into his thinking process and hear his vision for future technologies.
What is on your bucket list?
My bucket list for this year includes buying a house, traveling to the Dolomites, and learning to ski.
Tell us more about your theater life!
My involvement in theater began quite unexpectedly. Although I participated in literature and theater groups during my primary school years, it wasn't until later that I became involved in this world again.
Now, I find myself as a member of the executive board of our theater group and I am also responsible for the sound and lighting of our theater productions—a role I truly relish. It's a role that combines technical skills with artistic flair, and I enjoy the opportunity to help bring our performances to life.
“Don’t just stand there, make a stage presence.”
How did you manage to grow so many avocado plants successfully? Do you sing to them?
Propagating avocado seeds turned out to be simpler than expected. I just provided them with the right conditions and let nature do its thing—no singing necessary, though a little talking might have helped!
Quiz time! How many avocado plants do you see in the picture?
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
Huh… Here's a fun fact: I don’t know my blood type! It’s never really come up, and somehow, I've never managed and needed to find out. Aaaand, I enjoy riding…
…horses
…and motorbikes
Meet the rest of the team!
We love having people like Martina in our collective. Driven individuals are the ones who build the motivational culture we nurture at Barrage.
If you would like to be a part of that culture and get to know the rest of our team, check out our open positions.