Strengthening managerial skills of engineering team leaders
Build2Lead is a scale-up support program designed by Science Tehnology Park Belgrade to enhance the managerial skills of engineers in technology companies and startups, aiding them in effectively handling rapid growth and increasing complexity of internal processes.
Who is the program intended for?
- founders of startup/growth companies with an engineering or technical background
- engineers in startup and growth companies who are in leadership positions in the process of rapid growth and the complexity of the company's internal processes.
Why Build2Lead?
The program brings a unique approach adapted to the needs of engineers who are stepping into leadership roles or need to improve their managerial capacities. It was created through a conversation with numerous founders and engineers in rapidly growing companies, and through expert support and long-term experience of the NTP Belgrade team in creating support programs for startups and technology companies.
The program will help participants to:
- better understand their own management profile and work style, including individual profiling
- improve their capacities for better understanding of colleagues and team members
- better map, monitor and plan the development and progress of team members and their performance
- see and understand the entire spectrum of People management processes
- properly set priorities, define roles and expectations, and ensure necessary resources
- connect with experienced managers and other participants and share their experiences and dilemmas with them
Application and Conditions of Participation
Companies that meet the following conditions are eligible to apply for the program:
- develop an innovative product with a scaleable business model and the ambition to expand globally. This can include digital products/software, electronic products/hardware, or physical products.
- are owned by Serbs, and at least 80% of the company is owned by the founders (natural persons), except in the case when the total share of the founders is smaller due to previous investment rounds (funds and business angels).
- generate income from the sale of innovative products
* Companies cover part of the costs for participating in the program at a preferential price of EUR 200, for up to two representatives who can delegate for the current cycle of the Build2Lead program
**Preference during the selection process will be given to companies that are registered within the last 10 years and have between 10 and 50 employees.
**Preference during the selection process will be given to companies that are registered within the last 10 years and have between 10 and 50 employees.
Time frame and structure of the program
The program will start on October 1st 2024. and consists of 3 modules over a total period of 2 months, with approximately 4 working hours per week.
The individual profiling of participants, along with group workshops, is conducted in collaboration with the Adizes SEE Institute, a regional leader in company reorganization, business improvement project implementation, and manager and employee capacity development. The workshops will take place at the Science Technology Park Belgrade (Veljka Dugoševića 54).
Applications for the Build2Lead program are open until midnight on Wednesday, September 25.
Module 1
PAEI METHODOLOGY
In the initial phase of the program, participants will learn about the PAEI methodology. They will use this methodology to assess their primary managerial styles. This section aims to offer participants insights into their individual profiles and equip them with advanced strategies for delegation, communication, and collaboration with various PAEI profiles within their teams. Ultimately, this process will enhance the leadership abilities of the participants and boost the overall effectiveness of their teams by adapting their leadership styles to suit the specific needs and dynamics of their teams.
Module 2
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
This segment offers a comprehensive understanding of essential aspects of people management, emphasizing a practical approach. Participants will explore various aspects of people management, including organizational development, recruitment, skills development, talent management, and the use of analytics in decision-making. They will learn to recognize and prioritize crucial team processes and establish clear expectations and objectives. The content is tailored to the specific needs and knowledge level of the participants through mentoring and group work.
Module 3
MASTERCLASS
Contemporary technology leaders are increasingly acting as strategic “change agents” who influence and propel the aspirations of entire companies. In the MasterClass, participants will have the opportunity to engage with seasoned managers who have an engineering background. These managers will share their experiences in professional and managerial capacity development, as well as address dilemmas related to organizational development, business and business model advancement, stress management, internal culture-building, and preparing the company for sale.
Lecturers
Miloš Perović
partner & COO @New Startegy
Anja Radojičić Vučićević
Educator
Niko Slavnić
Founder IQbatora, Shareholder @HTEC, investor
Dušan Novaković
CTO @ TheLocal Europe
Milan Gospić
Country Manager @Microsoft
Elena Antonovska
Educator @Adizes SEE
Duško Ilić
Educator @Adizes SEE
Ivan Marković
Founder @Popcorns & @iManage
Luka Radovanović, COO @B2bee
The Build2Lead program provided me with new insights into team management. I learned how to establish metrics more effectively and assess team members using the PAEI model. Instead of imposing a leadership mindset on everyone, I now utilize each team member’s individual strengths more successfully. This program really gave me a hands-on approach to management.
Vladimir Petrović, CTO @Tannera technologies
Having an engineering and academic background, the Build2Lead program has helped me broaden my skills in delegation, definition, and prioritization. It has also provided insights into the psychological and sociological aspects of running a company. The program is well-organized and I highly recommend it to everyone, especially engineers transitioning into managerial roles or influencing the development of a startup company.
Pavle Mijović, Head Of Engineering @mBrainTrain
A leadership course that offers concrete advice and techniques on effective leadership and skill direction.
Criteria and selection process
Up to 15 companies will be chosen to participate in the program. The selection criteria include:
- Experience and expertise of the team
- Market position and business model (potential for scalability)
- Previous results and plans (traction, investment readiness, etc.)
Participants' Obligations:
Participants are expected to:
- Commit to the program and attend all activities
- Mandatory attendance at activities planned during the program
- Actively participate in workshops and sessions
- Contribute towards the program costs at a discounted price of 200€ per company (for up to 2 participants)
- Entry into full or virtual membership of STP Belgrade
The participants of the previous cycle come from the following companies:
Science Technology Park Belgrade implements the Build2Lead program within the framework of scale-up services to support startup and technology companies, with the financial support of the EBRD through the Star Venture program in the Western Balkans and through activities whose realization is also supported within the project “Technopark Serbia 2 – Boosting exports through technoparks”, with the support of the Swiss Government.
With support:
