The MBA Gave Me the Courage for Entrepreneurship
“My advice is simple: invest in yourself. That’s something no one can ever take away from you.”
When Tanja Cerinski Štimac talks about her professional journey, her energy and enthusiasm immediately reveal that she’s someone who never stands still. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Tanja begins. “Even while working within an organization, I was constantly launching new projects, taking the lead on initiatives, and looking for ways to improve things.”
From Intrapreneurship to Owning a Business
“I always knew I wanted to start my own company one day,” she recalls, “but I also knew I needed to gain more experience first.” While her university education gave her a solid foundation, it was the MBA that gave her the perspective and confidence to leap into entrepreneurship.
Her time working at COTRUGLI provided the perfect environment to develop new ideas – exactly what the MBA program promotes. “Mentors played a huge role in my growth,” Tanja explains. “My boss at the time, Dražen Kapusta, was a visionary who constantly challenged us to think outside the box. Looking back, I can see how much that shaped me.”
She also credits her long-time mentor, Lana Dojčinović Matovina: “She had an incredible ability to know when to let me figure things out on my own and when to step in and guide me. That, to me, is the essence of great leadership – recognizing potential, giving trust, and allowing people to grow.”
Today, several years after completing her MBA, Tanja is the co-owner of the successful fashion company Style&Wings. Recently, she fulfilled a long-time dream by opening a store for the Italian brand Seventy Venezia. “Running a store is like managing a small organization,” she says. “Every result is backed by a series of tasks – from procurement and sales to marketing, finance, and team leadership.”
An Experience That Changes the Way You Think
The decision to pursue a COTRUGLI MBA felt natural to Tanja. “I saw firsthand how much value the program brings. When you see so many successful people wanting to go through the MBA, you realize there’s something truly special about it.”
She fondly remembers the professors for their practical approach: “There was no dry theory. Everything was focused on real-world examples, case studies, and practical solutions. Every module was challenging and pushed me out of my comfort zone. That’s when the most growth happens. No matter how demanding it was, it never felt overwhelming because everything made sense.”
A Lifelong Network
The COTRUGLI community, she says, gave her more than she ever expected. “When I was starting my business, I didn’t have any connections in the fashion industry. But later, I realized I was connected to many people through COTRUGLI. That instantly builds trust.”
Now that her business is well-established, Tanja is considering becoming a mentor herself: “I’d love to help someone who’s just starting. It would be a great way to give back to the community that gave so much to me.”
The Biggest Impact: A Shift in Mindset
“The MBA completely changed the way I think,” she says. “You can learn skills and knowledge quickly, but your mindset, that’s something you develop over a lifetime. The MBA gave me a broader perspective and helped me grow into the leader I am today.”
Now, she approaches decisions with more thought and clarity: “I have a much better understanding of people, their positions, and how different industries operate. That’s the most valuable takeaway from my MBA experience.”
Leadership for the Future
Tanja is particularly excited about COTRUGLI’s focus on digital transformation. “Leaders today need to understand technology, but they also need to know how to connect it with people. At its core, every business is about understanding human behavior.”
In her view, a successful leader is someone who knows how to listen to the market, to their team, and to the world around them. “A leader is someone who can recognize change and inspire others to embrace it.”
When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Tanja smiles:
“I’d tell her: try everything, explore everything. That’s the only way to discover where you truly excel. And, of course, never stop learning.”
Advice for Future MBA Participants
“My advice is simple: invest in yourself. That’s something no one can ever take away from you,” she says. “An MBA isn’t just an academic program; it’s a life-changing experience. Learn from your professors, your peers, and every situation you encounter. That knowledge and experience will stay with you forever.”