At Novartis, we believe that impact comes from passion, purpose, and perspective. Our culture thrives on diversity - of skills, experiences, and ideas. In our podcast, The Novartis Experience, we spotlight two inspiring colleagues from Finance team in Slovenia: Neža Golob, Country Chief Financial Officer and member of the Board of Directors and Zala Lesjak, Senior FRA Analyst. Their stories reflect what makes Novartis a place where people grow, innovate, and make a difference.
Neža’s journey to Novartis began after a decade in banking and a role as Head of Financial Controlling. “I was looking for a challenge in the manufacturing industry, and Novartis seemed the place to be,” she shares. Starting as a financial analyst - a move she calls “a leap forward in learning” - Neža now leads finance for the site and serves as CFO for Slovenia. Her advice? “Be curious, driven, and coachable. Ask questions—that’s the most optimal way to gain knowledge and enhance your network.”
For Zala, the path was shaped by unexpected circumstances. “First and foremost, Covid,” she recalls. Starting as a student in the FRA department, Zala embraced opportunities that led her to work on the Lean Digital Core (LDC) project, a global SAP transformation. Her mantra: “Take the chances you’re given. The opportunities you don’t take are the ones you regret.”
Both agree that Novartis culture is what makes the difference. “People do matter here,” says Zala. “It’s not just something we say—it’s something we practice. Inclusivity, collaboration, and communication are key.” Neža echoes this sentiment: “With amazing teams around me, almost everything seems possible.”
Their stories also reveal the human side of finance. From watering office plants to memorizing 40+ currencies, humor and curiosity thrive alongside precision and compliance. As Neža puts it: “Finance has its own set of rules, and for a good reason. Together, we find solutions that are effective and compliant.”
When asked what stands out at Novartis compared to other industries, Neža is clear: “Everybody appreciates the benefits of medicine. That’s what drives me—knowing our work impacts patients worldwide.”
As Zala says, “Be bold. Get out of your comfort zone—it’s where the new things are.” At Novartis, opportunities are endless, and every step forward is a chance to learn, grow, and make an impact.
Listen to the podcast in the video below:
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