Dragana Valjarevic

Describe what the Mott Mac Life means to you in three words

Excellence, ambition, culture

What do you enjoy about working here?

The striving environment is what excites me about Mott MacDonald. We are continuously looking to challenge the norms, embrace opportunities and positively impact people and society.

Tell us about your specialism and why you chose it

My role is future mobility lead with a background in transport planning. It is an emerging field, and I am passionate about making contributions to the profession and academia with my knowledge and experience, using people-centric planning and design, integrations of emerging technologies and digital systems and strategies.

Why did you choose to join Mott MacDonald?

Mott MacDonald is a reputable global consultancy with industry leaders across transport planning, aviation, advisory and other sectors. This creates a great opportunity to learn, progress and grow.

How has your career progressed since joining?

I have been making an excellent impact with clients on several master planning and airport planning projects as a technical lead, creating further opportunities for the team and business.

What have you learnt while working at Mott MacDonald?

I am developing myself, my management and leadership capabilities through positive engagement with internal and external networks. I am inspired by people in Mott MacDonald, who are leaders in the industry, who I can learn from through project coordination and delivery.

How do you demonstrate Technical Excellence in your work?

Engaging in technical excellence internally as part of the transport planning practice as well as externally through participation in conferences and engagement with universities is my passion. I recently took part in the 2025 Technical Excellence Festival to showcase experience in delivering excellence to clients through exceptional knowledge in micro mobility and joined a PhD Seminar with the American University of Sharjah as an industry speaker on flexibility and adaptability in infrastructure planning. I received some very good reactions from the audience and that is what keeps me motivated to engage more and present the best of Mott MacDonald.

How do you contribute to Mott MacDonald making a difference to people and the planet?

Through master planning work and other projects, I am committed to developing visions for sustainable, user-centric, smart and walkable communities and cities that put people at the centre.

Where in the world has your role taken you?

United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Serbia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman.

What are your career highlights and achievements?

Over the past seven years working in the Middle East, I have progressed in future mobility roles and expertise in the areas of micromobility, aerial mobility, digital strategies and airport landside access. I have also completed an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, UK, while working and advancing to progressively more demanding professional roles, showing my ability to stretch myself, while also carefully balancing work tasks and career growth.

Are you involved in any additional initiatives at Mott MacDonald, aside from your day-to-day role?

As future mobility lead, I am taking an active role in the transport planning practice, connecting and collaborating with global teams to maximise excellence and productivity for transport planning and future mobility delivery.

Professional memberships

Last year I became an executive member of the Centre for Transport Planning in Serbia. As a senior member, I will assist in promoting the importance of sustainable transportation and provide valuable support to my peers through the exchange of ideas, panel discussions and collaborations. I am also registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and have an associate member role with the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, where I actively participate in continuing professional development.