In this edition of Team Talk, we sit down with Jana Vidrih, our Senior Product Manager, whose career path is as unique as it is inspiring. With a background in mathematics, Jana began her journey at Comtrade Gaming as a Business Analyst and steadily advanced to her current role, where she works closely with clients to present, demo, and shape our products. Known for her sharp analytical mind, dedication, and creative flair, Jana also brings her passions outside of work, like playing the harp and chess, into the way she approaches problem-solving. Join us as we explore how her skills, experience, and personal interests create a perfect harmony in the world of product management.
Jana, you’ve been part of Comtrade Gaming for several years now. Can you walk us through your journey from starting as a Business Analyst to becoming a Senior Product Manager?
When I graduated in mathematics, I knew that my analytical skills would most likely find their place in the IT industry, as it offers countless opportunities and is shaping our future. Mathematics taught me that even the most complex problems can be broken down into smaller, manageable steps – and I was able to apply this mindset to the challenges I encountered at Comtrade Gaming.
I started out as a Business Analyst. Although there was a lot to learn at the beginning, what impressed me most was the strong team spirit. I knew I had colleagues who were always ready to help and collaborate, which allowed me to quickly expand my knowledge and broaden my horizons.
Over the years, my curiosity, drive for progress, eagerness to understand the IT and gaming industry, and close cooperation with clients at the top of the gaming sector have guided me forward. Step by step, through projects and collaborations, I grew into the role I hold today – Senior Product Manager.
2. For someone who might not be familiar with the role, what does being a Senior Product Manager at Comtrade Gaming actually mean in practice?
If the role of a Business Analyst could be compared to an architect designing a house, then my current role as a Senior Product Manager is more like a city planner. It combines strategic thinking, market research and analysis, collaboration with clients, product presentations, training delivery, and constant communication with project teams, management, and stakeholders. Through this work, I directly contribute to shaping iCore – one of the leading platforms in the gaming industry.
Client presentations and demos play a central role here — they are not only about showcasing functionalities but also about listening to client needs, demonstrating how our product addresses them, and ultimately building trust and long-term partnerships.
3. What are the biggest challenges in balancing internal team coordination with client expectations?
In our work, the starting point is always to truly understand what problem the client is trying to solve. Once that is clear, the real challenge begins: gaming is a fast-paced industry where time-to-market often makes the difference between success and missed opportunity. That means we constantly navigate between two paths — on one side, building a fully developed solution with every detail refined, and on the other, delivering something faster that still meets the client’s expectations and delivers real value. Striking that balance is where much of our focus lies
Presentations and demos with clients are never fully predictable. There were times I had to switch direction on the spot, and in those moments, I lean on knowing the product inside out. By focusing on the value rather than just the features, I can adapt quickly and make sure the client walks away with the information they’re looking for.
4. Outside of work, you have some fascinating hobbies, you play the harp and chess.
Chess has been part of my life since I was a child - I even had the chance to compete twice at the European Youth Chess Championship. It taught me to think several steps ahead, anticipate risks, and balance short-term moves with long-term strategy.
Another passion of mine is music. I completed secondary music school in harp and later taught at a music school. Playing the harp taught me discipline, focus, and patience, but also creativity and harmony. Over the years I’ve also had a chance to share it with colleagues - for example, I played at our Christmas party, which was a memorable experience.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, going for walks or cycling in nature, and playing board games with friends and family. These activities help me clear my mind, recharge, and keep a healthy balance. Altogether, they shape how I work: they keep me strategic and focused, while also reminding me of the importance of creativity, teamwork, and human connection.
5. Looking ahead, what are your goals and where do you see yourself growing the most?
At this stage of my career, I see soft skills becoming even more important than hard skills. Communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities are what make the biggest difference in leading products and teams. I’d like to further expand my knowledge in areas like psychology, motivation, and leadership, and to guide by example, not just by instruction.
On the technical side, the next big thing in the gaming industry is AI. One of my goals is to explore the best ways to incorporate automated decision-making into our products. This is something we’re already working on intensively, and I believe it will shape the future of how platforms like iCore deliver value to clients.
Jana’s story shows how analytical skills, creativity, and continuous curiosity can shape a remarkable career path. From mathematics to product management, her journey reflects the power of combining strategy with empathy, precision with adaptability. We thank Jana for sharing her experiences and look forward to seeing how her vision will continue shaping the future of our products and partnerships.