Self-Reflection as the Core of Leadership
“I would recommend it to anyone planning to engage in serious business – the MBA is an experience that brings nothing but benefits. The key is engagement. The more you invest, the more you’ll gain. It’s important to be present, participate in discussions, and give your best.”
Today, Dino Pavić works at Emil Frey Digital Group, one of Europe’s largest automotive groups, where he develops software products for more than 5,000 dealerships across the continent. In his role, he combines product management, solution architecture, and stakeholder communication, while finding special fulfillment in knowledge transfer and building solutions that deliver tangible value to people.
“The MBA opened new perspectives for me and enabled a broader view of business,” he recalls. “I met many people, listened to world-class professors, and saw how business is actually a multidisciplinary field – from psychology and economics to mathematics and technology. That experience confirmed the direction in which I wanted to build my career. While it didn’t directly change my goals, it certainly shaped my way of thinking.”
On his professional journey, Dino highlights an important encounter during his DBA studies with Professor Nick Binedell from South Africa. “His life experience and the seriousness with which he approaches both work and life left a strong impression on me. I was fascinated by his thinking and approach – it was truly inspiring.”
Several turning points shaped him as a leader. One of the first was working on a project that lasted almost two months without pause. “I realized that I have the capacity to endure challenging periods and not give up.” Later, as he advanced to a director position, he discovered the importance of sales skills, which he had previously underestimated. A third turning point came with the pandemic, which further influenced his approach to both work and life.
He chose the COTRUGLI MBA for its personal approach. “They reached out to me several times, showed persistence, and the conversation was pleasant and professional. The program was both accessible and high-quality, and an additional plus was favorable financing through the company.” Since he didn’t have formal business education at the time, the MBA provided him with essential knowledge – from creating business plans and strategic reviews to HR perspectives.
He recalls several modules in particular: People Management, taught by Prof. Ivica Vrančić, and Leadership, taught by Prof. Michael Hathorn. “Both modules offered practical insights, from understanding human personalities to developing leadership skills through examples and exercises.” Beyond knowledge, the MBA also brought an atmosphere of camaraderie and a revival of the student spirit. “During the intensive modules, friendships were formed, and it felt like going through school days all over again.”
Balancing work, personal life, and the MBA was not easy. “Work during the week, MBA on weekends, then back to work – sometimes, it meant 15 days without rest. But the motivation and energy of colleagues gave me additional strength. Privately, there were no issues – with good support, everything was manageable.”
The program strongly impacted his professional development. “It opened new perspectives and gave me tools for approaching business. It showed me that business requires a serious approach and raised my level of professionalism.” The MBA also changed his leadership style. “I now base my decision-making on the bigger picture and concrete tools. The MBA helped me approach leadership more seriously and professionally – from team management to strategic planning.”
The knowledge he gained is applied both in working with clients, such as Mercedes in Stuttgart and Madrid, and within his own teams. “I applied a lot from the MBA, including the Denison organizational culture model. I even helped friends who decided to start their own ventures – something that would not have been possible without the MBA.”
Looking ahead, Dino believes digital transformation should play an even stronger role in the curriculum. “It’s not just about processes, but about mindset, new organizational models, and agile frameworks. Nearly all companies today are going through digital transformation, and leaders need to know how to navigate such systems.”
When asked what it means to be a successful leader, he says: “A successful leader must combine humanity, authenticity, humility, proactivity, and assertiveness. Constant self-reflection and adaptability are crucial. A true leader must be ready to change themselves – and through that, change the organization.”
For future MBA candidates, he has clear advice: “I would recommend it to anyone planning to engage in serious business – the MBA is an experience that brings nothing but benefits. The key is engagement. The more you invest, the more you’ll gain. It’s important to be present, participate in discussions, and give your best.”
