My journey began as a pianist.
At 7 years old, music was my fairytale. I couldn’t help but fall in love with it.
I dreamt that one day I would become a famous concert pianist.
During my studies, music became my sanctuary — a place to escape to when my home country was at war.
It was the most powerful healer for me.
Through deep explorations with the story behind the music, I was able to connect my feelings of anxiety, pain, and grief — with the composers and compositions that could carry them.
Music allowed me to express and experience what I couldn’t put into words.
On achieving my Performance Degree from Oberlin Conservatory and Masters in Collaborative Piano from The Juilliard School, a back injury marked an evolutionary turning point.
Despite reaching such a high level in piano performance, my life challenges and hardships taught me to never stop carrying the dreams of that seven year old who fell in love with music.
Because I knew that "when one door closes... the other one opens...”
What could have felt like the “end of my dream” became a brand new path.
I continued to follow my heart and discovered a new way to impact others through my music — combining my passion for teaching, research, and leadership.
In 2006, I joined the Faculty for Media and Communication at Belgrade University of Arts, and shortly after achieved my PhD in Art Management.
Through my life journey — with all its twists and turns, and ongoing explorations with music and leadership — I discovered something so valuable.
The processes we experience in music (listening, responding, creating, and connecting) are the same processes that shape meaningful leadership.
My art-based leadership program was born.
This signature experiential program combines the richness of my lived experience, passion, and expertise as a performing musician with my academic and pedagogical experience — to help leaders fulfil their highest potential.
About Sanja
Why Work With Me
I bring together over 20 years of experience as a pianist, educator, researcher, and creative leader — but more importantly, I bring a deeply human and personal approach to the work I do.
My journey has taken me from the world of high-level classical piano performance, and international study at institutions such as The Juilliard School and Oberlin Conservatory — into teaching, leadership research, and creating transformational learning experiences through music. Over the years, I have taught and led interdisciplinary arts and leadership projects across Europe and the United States, working with universities, performers, researchers, and creative communities in ways that bridge artistic excellence with human connection. I currently hold a teaching position at the Shenandoah University in Virginia, USA.
What matters most to me is creating spaces where people feel inspired, seen, and genuinely connected — both to themselves and to others. I believe leadership grows through listening, creativity, reflection, emotional awareness, and authentic human connection.
My work is designed to feel engaging, meaningful, and accessible, especially for those who may feel tired with traditional leadership training. Through music, conversation, and shared experience, I help people discover new perspectives, reconnect with their own voice, and develop a more confident, creative, and purposeful way of leading.