Jefimija Pavićević, Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Zeta Energy on how leadership and focus are steering Zeta Energy through disruption and innovation
Zeta Energy is a growing energy company headquartered in Danilovgrad, Montenegro, with roots in power generation and a strategic emphasis on operational stability and efficiency. The company is majority-owned by Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), with a 49% ownership stake held by the Norwegian energy company NTE — a partnership that reflects both domestic strength and international expertise.
Operating within Montenegro’s evolving energy landscape, Zeta Energy remains focused on disciplined growth, operational reliability and long-term value creation in a sector shaped by regulatory shifts, renewable integration and rising expectations for sustainability.
Against this backdrop of market complexity and structural change, Jefimija Pavićević, Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Zeta Energy, speaks about what it takes to lead, stay focused and make disciplined decisions in a time when distraction has become the norm.
There’s so much noise in business today — from tech disruption to market shifts. How does that affect decision-making in an energy company?
In any sector, but especially in energy, clarity matters. Whether it’s integrating renewables, managing regulatory changes, or navigating capital cycles, we can’t afford reactionary decisions.
Focus is not a luxury — it’s a strategic asset. It ensures that we look beyond the buzz and make choices grounded in long-term value.
With access to information at all times, why are core business skills more important than ever?
Because data doesn’t lead; people do. Communication, organisation, leadership — these aren’t soft skills. They’re the structures that allow us to translate information into action.
In an era of endless disruption, competitive advantage doesn’t come from knowing everything — it comes from knowing where not to spend your attention
Especially in finance and operations, strong business skills help bridge the gap between analysis and execution.
You’ve spoken about personal development before. How does that shape career growth?
A career isn’t a straight line anymore — it’s a series of adaptations. Someone who continuously works on self-discipline, emotional intelligence and resilience is better equipped to handle uncertainty. Those qualities build credibility, which matters in stakeholder relationships and in steering teams through complexity.
What does professional development look like today?
It’s lifelong and iterative. People think it’s about certificates or courses. Sometimes it is — but often it’s about learning from setbacks, seeking feedback, and staying curious. The market evolves fast. The professionals who thrive evolve with it.
Emotional intelligence is talked about a lot. How does it play out in your work?
Technical skills tell you how something works. Emotional intelligence tells you why people care. It’s not enough to have a good strategy or a solid balance sheet. If teams don’t feel heard, if partners don’t trust you, the execution falls apart.
Motivating teams and maintaining consistency can be hard in rapidly changing sectors. What’s your take?
Motivation fluctuates; consistency doesn’t. You stay consistent by anchoring to purpose, setting clear milestones, and creating routines that support progress. That’s how you sustain momentum when the market shifts.
