Discover the driving force behind REC Ltd., Maja Pozar Andrejasic, whose multifaceted role as director, project manager, and co-founder has propelled the company to the forefront of innovation in battery system management for electric vehicles, vessels, and aircraft, spanning over 30 countries worldwide.
Maja’s journey began in the realm of research and development during her physics studies at the University of Ljubljana, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Her career trajectory, marked by unexpected diversity, reflects her unwavering commitment to exploration and growth.
As an evaluator of entrepreneurial ideas, Maja collaborates with the Slovene Enterprise Fund, offering her expertise to nurture and guide emerging talents. She extends her mentorship to young entrepreneurs at CEED Slovenia, organization which is a part of CEED Global – an international community of entrepreneurs, established by SEAF – Small Enterprise Assistance Fund, based in Washington D.C., which promotes the development of the business environment and invests in growing companies around the world. She is also involved with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourages youth involvement within REC by offering summer work and internships for young students.
Throughout REC’s evolution, Maja’s role has expanded from founder to CEO and head of sales, each position demanding a unique blend of leadership and strategic vision. While she remains deeply involved in the development process, her focus has shifted towards steering the company’s growth trajectory and fostering strategic partnerships.
With a reliable team dedicated to exceeding customer expectations and mastermind behind their one-of-a-kind products, her husband Tine, serving as the CTO with expertise in electronics and battery system design, REC company continues to thrive under Maja’s dynamic leadership. She always emphasizes the importance of team work and her ability to seamlessly navigate diverse roles underscores their commitment to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled value to clients worldwide.
Transforming Sustainable Transportation
REC was founded as a start-up company in December 2011 by Maja Pozar Andrejasic (B. Sc. Physics) and Tine Andrejasic (Ph. D. electrical engineering). At that time, they recognized the emerging market need for electronic components in electric vehicles and established REC Ltd. Its primary focus is on researching and developing high-tech solutions in battery management systems for applications in hybrid and electric-powered vehicles.
REC’s products are utilized in various vehicles and systems, including hybrid boats, sailplanes, motorcycles, electric cars, energy storage systems, laboratory and test systems, mobile radars, and RVs. These solutions offer customers significant financial savings while ensuring efficient management of battery systems. REC’s battery management systems are successfully deployed in over thirteen thousand systems across Europe, the United States of America, and Australia, highlighting their widespread adoption and effectiveness in the market.
Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Protection
Maja and Tine started the company with a vision of creating a greener planet. They have always been driven by the idea of using their knowledge to initiate change towards a more sustainable future. With the increasing prevalence of energy storage applications worldwide, they are committed to supporting their clients in harnessing renewable energy resources through energy storage systems, effectively acting as regulators for the main power grid.
Every project completed and every system installed brings them one step closer to a more sustainable future, where clients are empowered to be self-sufficient. In their own homes and offices, REC team have achieved self-sustainability by combining energy storage systems with REC BMS technology, ensuring they use less energy than they produce. Additionally, they are dedicated to conducting their business in an environmentally responsible manner, using energy from renewable sources, striving for a paperless operation, and minimizing their ecological footprint.
Their overarching mission is to leave behind a greener planet as a legacy for future generations. As an avid animal lover, Maja is also driven by the vision of protecting the planet’s biodiversity, ensuring that endangered species thrive in their natural habitats for generations to come.
Mentorship and Youth Empowerment
Maja actively engages in mentorship and advising for young entrepreneurs, extending support to both women and men. Collaborating with various organizations such as enterprise funds, business hubs, and academic faculties, Maja strives to help younger individuals develop their business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. She remains committed to staying informed about new practices and business models, continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
In addition to mentorship and advising, Maja encourages youth involvement within REC, offering internships to students every summer. Recognizing the importance of nurturing emerging talent, she believes in providing opportunities for hands-on experience and skill development.
While today’s emerging leaders demonstrate flexibility and openness in their approach to business, Maja observes a common challenge of lack of focus among them. She emphasizes the importance of honing in on clear objectives and maintaining focus amidst the multitude of opportunities and distractions present in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Integrated Approach to Leadership
Maja emphasizes the pivotal role of the CEO, particularly in driving the strategic direction of the company. As the founder of REC, she acknowledges that much of the strategic work relies on her leadership and vision. Maja believes it is essential for founders to remain steadfast in their commitment to the company’s overarching vision and to continuously think outside the box, seeing the bigger picture.
By maintaining a clear focus on the company’s mission and consistently pushing boundaries, founders can effectively lead their teams to align with organizational goals and inspire others. Maja personally integrates her vision into all aspects of her life, seamlessly blending her business and personal endeavors. This holistic approach not only reinforces her dedication to REC’s mission but also serves as a source of inspiration for employees and stakeholders alike.
Dedication to Collaboration in the Face of the Pandemic
Maja underlines REC’s commitment to maintaining a collaborative and cohesive work environment, even amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite lockdowns, the company prioritized health measures and continued to operate from its offices. REC places great value on teamwork, recognizing the importance of physical presence and in-house collaboration to foster strong connections among team members.
Also, given REC’s global reach and diverse client base, remote work outside of traditional hours is common to accommodate different time zones. This flexible approach allows employees to effectively collaborate and achieve shared objectives, reinforcing the company’s collective efforts towards success.
Maja points out the significance of a conducive work environment, such as the office, in promoting employee wellbeing and cohesion. By providing a space where employees feel comfortable and supported, REC aims to enhance overall productivity and morale, ultimately contributing to the success of the entire organization.
Principles for Career Development
Maja’s advice encapsulates important principles for career development and personal growth. By encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams and maintain self-belief, she empowers them to overcome challenges and strive for their aspirations. Additionally, her emphasis on kindness and honesty underscores the importance of integrity and empathy in fostering meaningful connections and collaboration in the workplace. Maja’s guidance highlights the value of authenticity and self-awareness, recognizing that these qualities are foundational to building a successful and fulfilling career. Overall, her advice provides a holistic framework for navigating professional endeavors with purpose, compassion, and integrity.
Championing Fairness and Equality Beyond Gender
Maja’s perspective on opportunities transcending gender aligns with a growing recognition of the importance of meritocracy and inclusivity in modern workplaces. By emphasizing personal characteristics, skills, and dedication, rather than gender, she promotes a fair and equitable approach to success. Maja’s advocacy for a merit-based system underscores the value of recognizing and rewarding individuals based on their abilities and contributions, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and excel, regardless of gender. Her stance reflects a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and diverse society.
Commitment to Excellence
Maja’s vision serves as the driving force behind REC’s mission, propelling the company to continually support customers with innovation and dedication. The company prioritizes listening to every user’s suggestion, valuing their feedback as they strive to meet evolving needs. Through this commitment to customer satisfaction, REC frequently introduces new products to the market, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements in their industry.
Moreover, REC believes in promoting clients’ projects and initiatives, recognizing that their success is integral to their own. By amplifying their achievements and enhancing their own products, it contributes to the collective growth and progress of the community. For REC, growth extends beyond mere business expansion; it encompasses continuous improvement, meaningful collaborations, and a shared commitment to building a better future for all.
