Meet the Rising Leader Bridging Serbia and the U.S.
Episode 158 of the Agents of Innovation podcast features my conversation with Vuk Velebit, co-founder and executive director of the Pupin Initiative, dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Serbia ties.
On my recent trip to Serbia, I had the opportunity to speak at the Belgrade Forum, hosted by an organization I had only just begun to learn about: The Pupin Initiative. That trip turned into much more than just a speaking engagement—it was a window into a country on the rise, and into a remarkable leader helping to shape its future: Vuk Velebit.
Vuk is the co-founder and executive director of the Pupin Initiative, a privately funded, non-partisan organization designed to strengthen U.S.-Serbia relations. In the spirit of its namesake—the Serbian-American inventor and scientist Mihajlo (Michael) Pupin—the Initiative serves as a bridge between young innovators, policy minds, and value creators from both nations.
As I learned more about the Initiative and Vuk’s work during my time in Belgrade, I knew I had to bring his voice to the Agents of Innovation Podcast. I’m thrilled to introduce him to you in Episode 158, now available.
🎧 Watch or listen here:
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In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why Serbia’s geography makes it a key regional player
What makes the Belgrade startup scene so vibrant—and why U.S. companies are taking notice
How high-skilled, English-speaking tech talent is driving growth
Insights into the Belgrade Waterfront project and real estate opportunities
Why the Serbian Dinar is among the most stable currencies in the region
The deep historical and cultural ties that Serbia holds—from Michael Pupin to U.S. presidential visits
How the Pupin Initiative is creating bottom-up impact—by connecting leaders in Serbia and Washington, D.C.
And for my fellow Miamians… we even talk about the fascinating potential connections between Belgrade and Miami.
Vuk Velebit represents a new generation of leaders in Southeast Europe—analytical, strategic, and globally minded. His grasp of foreign policy, media dynamics, and innovation ecosystems makes him one of the most insightful guests we’ve had on the show.
I hope this conversation opens your eyes, as it did mine, to a region of the world full of history, talent, and opportunity.
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the podcast.
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the podcast.
Keep moving forward,
Francisco
🎙️ Host, Agents of Innovation Podcast
🌍 Founder & CEO, Fearless Journeys
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