Liftoff Employee Spotlight: Jovan Radulovich, Director of IT
Since joining in 2018, Jovan Radulovich has led Liftoff’s IT department. Outside of his IT role, Jovan is an instrumental part of our company’s fun, close-knit culture. From co-hosting our annual Liftoff’s Got Talent to MCing one of our many themed activities, Jovan does it all. In his downtime, you could find Jovan enjoying the outdoors, making an excellent meal for the family, or even taking a 50-mile bike ride from Rosarito to Ensenada.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up at Liftoff?
I was born and raised outside of Chicago in a steel mill town called Gary to immigrant parents from former Yugoslavia. In the early 90s, I moved to California to pursue a degree in Computer Science from San Jose State University. While attending SJSU, I landed my first IT job—kick starting my career and making the Bay Area my new home.
Before Liftoff, I worked for a startup social gaming company. I scaled the business from seventeen employees to six hundred and fifty in a year and a half. It was fast and rewarding—we were acquired by Disney a year and a half later. As many would think, Disney was a great place to work but lacked the startup excitement and challenge I desired. I happily worked for the mouse until a former colleague and friend, Andy Sponring, reached out about an opportunity at Liftoff. He didn’t sell me on leaving Disney at first, but it did leave an impression. I continued working at Disney until Andy reached out a second time to share Liftoff’s drive, vision, and culture. After that, the rest you can say is history!
How did you decide on IT as your career?
I originally started on the medical path to becoming a pediatrician. But after getting my first computer, an IBM Aptiva 486, a new love was born. I took this as a clear sign that I had a destined career in IT.
What are some key traits that help you be successful in your role?
Having technical knowledge is fifty percent of success, but the other fifty is communication and providing an approachable environment for team members to share concerns.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
Being able to interact with everyone and learn about different roles… and, of course, being the co-host of Liftoff Got Talent Show!
What do you like most about the Liftoff culture?
Liftoff’s culture is infectious. You find yourself doing things that you thought you never would because you have everyone’s support and encouragement.
What’s your favorite quote?
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”
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