When people think of hyper-cars, their first image is Italy, Germany, or Silicon Valley – not a small town in Croatia.
Yet, Rimac Automobili started in a small garage there, when Mate Rimac was still in his twenties, and is now shaping the future of electric performance cars with partners like Porsche and Bugatti.
In those early days, Rimac was racing a usual fuel-powered BMW – until it blew up. Literally. Most people might have seen that as a signal to stop, but he didn’t. That setback became a turning point, inspiring him to experiment with electric-powered motor instead. It laid the foundation for a company which is now known worldwide for advanced electric hyper-cars.
What makes this story so inspiring isn’t only the brilliant, technical skill of young founder Mate, but the mindset behind it.
When the fuel-powered engine exploded, it didn’t stop him – it pushed him to try something new. That moment of failure became the spark for innovation and laid the foundation for what the company is today.
It’s a lesson that resonates far beyond the automotive world.
In any professional or cross-cultural setting setbacks are, of course, inevitable.
The thing is, how we respond – with curiosity, patience, and perseverance – that is what shapes our path far more than the initial successes.
Rimac earned the trust of engineers, investors, and partners from different cultures, communicating his vision clearly to, often, skeptical people. He adapted to various business styles and stayed true to himself, even as the company grew and the risks and rewards became much more significant.
I’ve experienced something similar personally. Every time a plan doesn’t go as expected, whether at work or in life abroad, the choice isn’t black or white, or simply between giving up or struggling alone.
It’s about observing, learning, and adjusting, just like Rimac did in that tiny garage long before the global partnerships, media attention or the hype.
I believe the broader insight applies to everyone: setbacks are not signs of failure, but invitations to grow.
When approached with the right mindset, a clear vision, even challenges can become the fuel (or electric energy) that drives you from a small idea to bigger, global impact.
Veritas Coach
Lucija Maskaljevic
Originally from a small city in Croatia, Lucija always felt there was more to explore beyond what was familiar. Since graduating from Law school—after which people are usually expected to stay and work in their home country—she started to realize that her passion might not be in legal texts, but in connecting with people from different cultures. That’s when she turned to language learning. What began as a hobby quickly became something much bigger. Every new language she learned became the key that opened doors to new perspectives, opportunities, travel, friendships, and stepping outside of comfort zone.
Coming to Japan, she once again saw how important language is—not only for herself, but for others too. She understood what it felt like to be held back by a language barrier, and also how freeing it is to break through it. That’s when she found Veritas, and its mission really spoke to her. Now, as part of the Veritas team, Lucija helps others build that same confidence through language. She believes that acquiring a language can change your life and open so many doors—and she’s excited to support others on that journey, just like she once started her own.
