##  [Curiosity, courage and collaboration: Inside Novartis Slovenia’s finance team](https://www.novartis.com/si-en/stories/curiosity-courage-and-collaboration-inside-novartis-slovenias-finance-team "Curiosity, courage and collaboration: Inside Novartis Slovenia’s finance team") 

 [People and Culture](https://www.novartis.com/si-en/taxonomy/term/2181)

 

 

#  Curiosity, courage and collaboration: Inside Novartis Slovenia’s finance team 

We spotlight two inspiring colleagues from Finance team in Slovenia: Neža Golob, CFO and member of the Board of Directors and Zala Lesjak, Senior FRA Analyst.



 

 04 February 2026 

**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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