Zdravka Džajić on navigating male-dominated industries, managing emotions as strength, and why data centres are nothing like warehouses.
Author: Lisa Scarlett, Lead Consultant at Eligo, Global Data Centre Projects
This interview is part of our Women in Data Centres series for International Women's Day 2026. Subscribe to Data Centre Perspective for monthly industry insights and exclusive interviews.
Zdravka Džajić, Senior Design Manager and Architect at CBRE - Turner & Townsend in Barcelona, leads complex projects from concept to completion. Her experience spans high-value data centres, including an 80MW facility and a 100MW facility - alongside luxury resorts, hotels, cruise terminals, and healthcare buildings across Europe.
Before specialising in data centres, she built a diverse architectural portfolio that now informs her approach to coordinating engineering, construction, and IT infrastructure teams on large-scale data campus projects.
In this conversation, she speaks candidly about the courage required to enter male-dominated industries, why emotional intelligence is an asset, not a liability, and her unconventional approach to building resilience through a decade of boxing training.
Seeking Growth Beyond Comfort Zones
Zdravka's move into data centres wasn't driven by accident or opportunity alone—it was a deliberate choice rooted in ambition.
After years working as an architect and later as a project and design manager across diverse sectors—luxury resorts, hotels, residences, cruise terminals, and healthcare facilities—she found herself wanting more.
"My initial interest in data centres stemmed from a desire for growth and a challenge," she explains. "I was eager to expand my knowledge, take on greater responsibilities, and step outside my comfort zone."
Today, at CBRE - Turner & Townsend in Barcelona, she manages the design of significant data campus projects, including an 80MW facility and a 100MW facility, coordinating engineering, construction, and IT infrastructure teams to ensure seamless integration and industry compliance.
What she discovered was a fundamentally different approach to work and management. While projects might look similar in structure on paper, each data centre demands its own unique, personalised strategy.
"Every data centre project presents its own distinct set of challenges and opportunities," she says.
It's complexity wrapped in apparent simplicity—a paradox that continues to define her work today.
Courage and Discipline: The Foundation
When asked about her biggest career turning point, Zdravka's answer is striking in its honesty: courage and discipline.
"As a woman in the architecture and construction field, I've faced unique challenges, particularly in the beginning," she says.
Entering a male-dominated industry as a young professional meant navigating not just technical learning curves, but also team dynamics often shaped by seniority and gender.
"It took significant discipline to learn the ropes, earn respect, and adapt to a rhythm that wasn't always aligned with my own," she reflects.
"The initial experience can be intimidating, which is why it demanded courage to persevere through the conditions and discipline to ultimately create a space for myself within the industry."
It's a turning point not defined by a single moment, but by sustained effort and refusal to retreat.
The Fascinating Paradox: Simple and Complex
Ask Zdravka how technical complexity has evolved in data centres, and she describes it as a paradox:
"The data centre sector is both inherently simple and incredibly complex."
The challenge lies in exploring new technical solutions, striving for continuous improvement, and investigating potential optimisations. It's risky work—but it also offers significant advantages for the future of the sector. Even experienced professionals must commit to continuous learning to stay current and maintain expertise.
"What excites me most is the dynamism of the industry—the constant evolution of the market that consistently encourages the acquisition of new knowledge," she says.
Looking ahead, she believes adaptability and curiosity will be the most valuable skills over the next five years.
"Individuals who are open to investigation, continuous learning, and practical application will be best positioned for career success."
Busting the Warehouse Myth
One of Zdravka's frustrations is a common misconception: that data centres are essentially warehouses or logistics facilities.
"While there may be some superficial similarities, data centres are a distinct field with unique challenges, particularly in areas like MEP solutions and power supply," she explains firmly.
It's a comparison that underestimates the technical sophistication, precision engineering, and specialised expertise the sector demands. For Zdravka, correcting this misunderstanding matters—both for industry perception and for attracting the right talent.
Leadership Through Learning and Emotional Intelligence
Zdravka describes her leadership style as "consistent and understanding"—but she's quick to acknowledge she's still learning and evolving.
"I've been fortunate to have had exceptional mentors throughout my career," she says. "These individuals have not only been outstanding professionals but also remarkable people. I've absorbed valuable lessons from each of them, which have shaped who I am today and who I aspire to be."
Surrounding herself with people willing to provide opportunities and guide her through mistakes has been invaluable. It's a humility-driven approach that recognises leadership as an ongoing journey, not a destination.
But one of the most powerful shifts in her career has been unlearning the idea that emotions are a weakness.
"Women can sometimes face the double-edged sword of emotions—they can be a disadvantage, but also a significant strength. The key is knowing when and how to utilise them effectively," Zdravka explains.
She pushes back against the notion that women need to suppress emotions and adopt a more "masculine" approach to succeed.
"The notion that we need to suppress our emotions and adopt a more 'masculine' approach to succeed in this industry is simply untrue. It's about understanding how and when to leverage our unique strengths."
"Being a woman, with our tendencies towards overthinking and taking things personally, can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, these characteristics can also be powerful assets."
Emotional intelligence, she argues, isn't something to downplay—it's a competitive advantage when used strategically.
Boxing, Resilience, and Teamwork
How does Zdravka balance speed, resilience, and sustainability in high-pressure environments? Through two seemingly disparate practices: teamwork and boxing.
Early in her career, she operated more independently—a necessity when relocating to new countries, learning new languages, and balancing career ambitions with distance from family. But she's learned that collaboration is essential for long-term success.
"Leveraging the diverse skills of a team creates a more supportive and efficient environment."
Physical well-being plays an equally critical role. Zdravka has practised boxing for more than a decade, training alongside physically stronger individuals.
"This has instilled resilience, not just in sports but in all aspects of my life," she says.
It's an unconventional approach—but one that makes perfect sense.
"This approach of consistently pushing myself beyond my comfort zone allows me to adapt quickly to new challenges and maintain a sense of equilibrium."
Managing stress through sport, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regularly testing her limits outside of work have made her more effective inside of it.
The Future: Dynamic, Fast-Paced, Unpredictable
Looking ahead, Zdravka is energised by what's coming.
"What excites me most about the future of data centres is the challenge of managing the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to final completion, while navigating all the associated constraints," she says.
She sees the sector as one with significant long-term potential, fuelled by a dynamic market and consistent growth. The opportunities, she believes, are abundant.
Her Advice: Don't Wait for a Seat—Create Your Own
For women considering a career in data centres, whether starting out or making a career change, Zdravka's message is unequivocal:
"This industry offers the opportunity for significant transformation. It's a leap forward—a dynamic, fast-paced, and unpredictable field."
She's heard all the reasons women might hesitate: it's too male-dominated, there aren't enough design opportunities, it's not a suitable career path for women. Her response?
"Don't let anyone tell you that it's not a suitable career path for women, or that it's too male-dominated or lacking in design opportunities. You absolutely can find your place and thrive. Don't wait for a seat at the table; create your own."
It's advice forged through her own experience: courage to enter, discipline to stay, emotional intelligence to lead, and resilience built both in the office and the boxing ring.
A Career Built on Defying Expectations
Zdravka's story is a reminder that some of the most fulfilling careers come from refusing to accept the limitations others try to impose. Whether it's the assumption that emotions are a weakness, that data centres are just warehouses, or that women need to wait for permission to lead—she's proven otherwise.
Her career is proof that you don't need to fit a mould. You can create your own space unapologetically, the opportunity has never been greater.
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This interview was brought together for our Women in Data Centres spotlight series for International Women’s Day 2026.
At Eligo, we work closely with data centre developers, operators, consultancies and contractors across the UK and Europe, supporting the growth of technical, design and delivery teams in one of the world’s fastest-moving sectors.
If this journey resonates with you, whether you’re building your team or considering your next move in the data centre industry, I'd love to start a conversation.
📩 Clients: If you’re looking to strengthen your design or technical delivery capability, get in touch with me to discuss how we can support your hiring plans.
📞 Candidates: If you’re curious about opportunities in data centres or considering a transition into the sector, you can check out our latest data centre roles here and I'm always happy to share insights and guidance.