In a business environment that is constantly evolving, competitive advantage is no longer defined solely by products, new technologies or processes. Increasingly, it is the people who shape the company and its processes that make the difference. That is why employee education and professional development are no longer simply benefits for employees, but strategic investments in a company’s growth, culture and future leadership.
This belief lies at the heart of EJ Academy, an in-house educational platform established by Enterijer Janković. Founded and envisioned by Božo Janković, owner and President of EJ Group, the academy was created from a long-term vision for the company’s development. Recognising the value of decades of experience and expertise within the organisation, he saw the need to transform that knowledge into a structured learning system that would support continuous professional development and help prepare the next generation of leaders in the luxury interiors industry.
Today, EJ Academy is a space for knowledge sharing, cross-departmental collaboration and the development of a company culture in which learning becomes an integral part of everyday work.
Laying the Foundations of EJ Academy
The first steps towards establishing EJ Academy were taken in 2025, when its vision, objectives and programme structure were developed in collaboration with Professor Nikola Čanak, PhD. In September, employees were introduced to EJ Academy, its role in the company’s development and the opportunities it would offer future participants.
Particular attention was given to creating two initial development programmes: one focused on project management and another on middle management and leadership development. Designed around the specific needs of the company, the two programmes provide employees with practical knowledge and tools to manage projects, teams, and the challenges of a dynamic business environment more effectively.
EJ Academy officially began its work on 16 October 2025. The launch introduced its core principles, centred on practical learning, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world business experience and applying newly acquired skills directly in the workplace.
Božo Janković, Owner and President of Enterijer Janković, at the Opening Lecture of EJ Academy
Employee Development Through Two Learning Programmes
To provide employees with knowledge and skills aligned with their day-to-day responsibilities, EJ Academy was structured around two initial development programmes.
Middle Management and Leadership
The Middle Management Programme was designed for employees responsible for leading teams and business processes. Its primary goal was to strengthen management skills through improved communication, decision-making and strategic thinking. A particular emphasis was placed on leadership development and strengthening professional competencies through topics including public speaking, marketing, sales and effective business communication.
Project Management and Delivery
The programme for Project Managers focused on project management and the development of expertise required to deliver EJ Group’s complex international projects. Participants strengthened their skills in project planning and management, team leadership, contracting and tender processes, design management, quality control and project execution. The programme enabled the company’s project managers to improve process organisation, decision-making and coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
The key value of both programmes lies in their connection between theory and real business situations. By working with practical examples and challenges from their professional environment, employees are able to apply newly acquired knowledge directly to their everyday work.
Learning as a Foundation of Company Culture
During its first year, EJ Academy grew beyond a programme intended exclusively for a selected group of participants. Strong interest from employees across different departments demonstrated the need for continuous learning and training that could be applied across the organisation.
In response, EJ Academy also introduced open workshops covering topics such as teamwork, report writing, professional email communication, non-verbal communication and stress management - areas that contribute to stronger collaboration and greater effectiveness in everyday work. This approach reflects one of the central principles behind EJ Academy: knowledge is not a resource that is depleted; it is a value that grows when it is shared.
Final Exam and Certificate Award Ceremony for EJ Academy Participants
The First Generation of Participants Successfully Completes EJ Academy
After months of learning, collaboration and knowledge exchange, the first generation of EJ Academy participants completed their programmes with great success. As the final stage of the programme, participants from both groups prepared written assignments on designated topics and presented their work as part of the final assessment.
Following the successful completion of the final test, participants were awarded certificates at a formal ceremony, officially marking the completion of the academy’s first year. However, completing the programme was more than a formal recognition of the knowledge acquired. It was an opportunity for the company and its participants to celebrate their commitment, hard work and dedication to continuous professional development.
During the ceremony, participants were congratulated on completing the programme, while the informal gathering that followed marked both the end of the first generation and the beginning of new opportunities for professional growth. Professor Nikola Čanak, PhD, also expressed particular appreciation to the academy’s internal lecturers and colleagues who, through both the MM and PM programmes, generously shared their knowledge, professional experience and real-world examples. Their contribution reinforced an important principle: employee development is most valuable when it is built on collaboration and the exchange of experience within an organisation.
The Future of EJ Academy and Employee Development at EJ Group
Following its first year, EJ Academy continues to evolve with the ambition of becoming a long-term centre of knowledge within the company and a platform that connects the organisation’s existing expertise with emerging business challenges. The next phase of EJ Academy will focus on expanding its programmes and welcoming new generations of employees, ensuring that learning, professional development and knowledge sharing remain an integral part of company culture.
EJ Academy represents much more than an internal training programme. It is an investment in the people whose knowledge, experience and commitment will contribute to the continued growth of EJ Group and the values on which the company has been built. Because the strength of every company lies in people who continue to learn, share their knowledge and work together to shape the future.
The First Generation of Certified EJ Academy Leaders with Prof. Dr. Nikola Čanak and the EJ Group Leadership
