S4. EP. 65 - How to Work with a Creative Agency, with Bosnian Refugee & Founder of ONA, Sanja Komljenovic
Sanja Komljenovic, a strategic powerhouse and founder of ONA agency, joins us today to talk all about building brands that matter, the art of empathy-driven marketing, and how her refugee experience shaped her problem-solving mindset. She breaks down the real work behind successful campaigns for Nike, Ulta Beauty, and other major brands, plus the importance of hiring people with lived experience to tell authentic stories.Sanja also opens up about fleeing Bosnia during the genocide as a child and how sports taught her resilience and leadership. Plus, she talks about launching South Central Wine while running a 30-person agency, and why she's the friend you call when you need the cold hard truth and a strategic game plan.Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:08 Feeling Behind Despite Achievements01:43 Sanja’s Bosnian Background01:50 War and Refugee Experience04:04 Adjusting to Life in America06:36 Sibling Dynamics and Confidence10:08 Sports and Life Lessons12:40 Mindset and Problem-Solving14:26 Friendship and Empathy24:11 Starting Ona Agency28:24 Balancing Personal and Professional Life33:17 The Benefits of a Three-Day Reset34:44 Managing a Growing Team35:41 Opening a New Office Space36:49 The Importance of Discipline in the Workplace38:38 Working with Freelancers and Overseas Talent40:25 Building a Brand Strategy43:48 Launching a New Brand46:26 The Role of Empathy in Marketing51:23 Choosing the Right Influencers57:34 Starting South Central Wine01:01:41 Personal and Professional Influences01:05:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:Digital Detox Guide: https://delinamedhin.myflodesk.com/digitaldetoxguide Learn more about Sanja Komljenovic:Sanja Komljenovic is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Creative Director of ONA Creative—an advertising agency and production company based in Los Angeles.ONA, which means “her” in Bosnian, was born out of Sanja’s desire to create socially driven, culturally resonant work—especially around women’s rights and representation for marginalized communities, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Since launching in 2015, ONA has worked with global brands such as Nike, Jordan Brand, Converse, US Soccer/USWNT, WNBA, Ulta Beauty, Oakley, Meta, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), multiple pro sports teams, and women-led startups. Over the course of her career, Sanja has helped lead campaigns featuring world-class athletes and cultural icons including Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Jennifer Lopez. In 2024, she was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement.Connect with Sanja:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sanjak LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjakomljenovic/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onacreativeLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/onacreative/ Website https://www.onacreative.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/southcentralwine/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/southcentralwine/ Website https://southcentralwine.com/ Connect with Delina:Instagram @delinamedhinTikTok @delinamedhinYouTube @delinamedhinThreads @delinamedhin Website www.delinamedhin.com
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