Germany
From Ludwigshafen to São Paulo
Sometimes, the most valuable connections are made where we least expect them. For Sanja Stojovic and Eliane Pedrao, it all started with an international expert team meeting in Ludwigshafen. What began as a professional encounter quickly developed into a friendship that has endured to this day – across countries, continents and time zones.
Instant chemistry
Even during the meeting, the two women noticed they were on the same wavelength. A shared sense of humor, deep conversations and a love of discovering new places together quickly turned colleagues into friends. On a trip to Speyer together, it became clear that work was not the only thing that connected them.
“There was so much that we didn’t have to explain – our values, our way of working and how we treat people were so similar.”
“Funnily enough, it didn’t take long for someone to ask whether we were sisters.”
Connected by shared values
To this day, their friendship is defined by shared beliefs:
Treating people with respect, being there for one another, and placing particular value on family.
This connection soon played out even outside work:
When Sanja’s family came to São Paulo for a few days, Eliane was happy to meet them, show them the city and make them feel welcome. The family remembers this encounter with great warmth to this day.
“My family still raves about the warm welcome they received.”
A friendship that spans the globe
From Ludwigshafen to São Paulo:
Some time later, a BASF project took Sanja herself to São Paulo, where she had the opportunity to work with Eliane again. Eliane had already made plans for her visit – with day trips, evenings together, and lots of people she wanted Sanja to meet. During the trip, Sanja got to know not only São Paulo, but also Eliane’s family and friends.
A professional connection had long become personal:
“I was not alone for a single moment,” says Sanja. “It felt so natural to become part of her community.”
BASF connects – globally and personally
What started as a professional encounter in Ludwigshafen became a friendship that spans Germany, Brazil and Montenegro. Sanja and Eliane have maintained their connection over many years, making memories together and sharing key moments in their lives. Their story shows how coworkers can become true friends – across countries and continents.
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