The MBA Was My Playbook for Business Growth
“We’re structuring the business as it would be ‘by the book,’ and we use the experiences and knowledge from COTRUGLI every day.”
Over the years of running his business and expanding his network, Loris Dessardo, CEO of Artemis Holding, realized he lacked both the “breadth and depth of knowledge” needed for further growth and development. Surrounded by people who inspired and encouraged him to embrace change, he noticed one common thread among them – they had all completed an MBA program. “I realized that was the path. At first, I thought I lacked experience in consulting or corporate work, but I came to understand that those who made significant career leaps, whether entrepreneurs or managers, almost all had an MBA.”
Choosing the school, he says, was a logical decision. After speaking with numerous alumni, COTRUGLI Business School stood out, particularly for the networking opportunities it offers. “Everyone recommended COTRUGLI because of its exceptional networking. If you plan to build a career in the region, COTRUGLI gives you what you need: contacts, collaborations, and knowledge. Plus, Zagreb is close, and most of my partners and business operations are already here, so the decision was natural.”
Modules That Shift Perspectives
During the program, Loris experienced several “aha” moments across various modules, from leadership, strategy, and marketing to finance and management. However, he particularly highlights the Self-Awareness & Personal Enlightenment module with Mike George. “That module was excellent, perhaps more on a personal level than a professional one, but the two go hand in hand. You realize that personal growth and business success are interconnected.”
When asked about his favorite memory from the MBA, he answers without hesitation: the people. “The sense of unity, especially since we were a combined cohort from across the region—Croats, Slovenians, Bosnians, Montenegrins, Macedonians, Serbs—we all functioned as one. It was fascinating. We learned a lot from each other and stayed connected both personally and professionally.”
This connection continues today through joint projects, business collaborations, and ongoing communication in a WhatsApp group.
The MBA as a Business Playbook
For Loris, the MBA was more than an academic experience; it was a tool for understanding his entrepreneurial journey. “The MBA was like a playbook for business development. If I had completed it earlier, I would have avoided some mistakes. The entrepreneurship module and the lean startup concept – MVP, iterations, growth – were particularly useful. That’s exactly how we launched our business.”
Today, alongside his wife, he runs Auro Domus, a company with over a century of tradition in goldsmithing, which they are successfully expanding into international markets, including Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, and Spain. Additionally, as investors, they are involved in Aroma Global, where Loris serves as an advisory Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “After the MBA, we decided to focus on our core business—gold. We’re structuring the business as it would be ‘by the book,’ and we use the experiences and knowledge from COTRUGLI every day.”
Leadership, Honesty, and Clarity
When discussing leadership, Loris emphasizes two key qualities: honesty and clarity in communication. “No matter how hard it is to tell the truth, it’s essential if you want to be a good leader. If you want to do what’s best for yourself, you’ll say what others want to hear. If you want what’s best for the team and the company, you’ll tell the truth. People will follow you only if they feel your honesty.”
Advice for Future MBA Candidates
When asked what advice he would give to those considering an MBA program, Loris is unequivocal: “Absolutely, yes! The only question is when. I think the ideal time is in your thirties—enough experience, enough energy, and enough drive. That’s when the MBA has the greatest impact.”