Ljudmila Bjelić

Expertise as a Foundation, Broader Perspective as a Goal

Before enrolling in the COTRUGLI EMBA program, Ljudmila Bjelić’s professional goals centered on achieving top-notch expertise and flawlessly executing tasks. As the Financial Manager of the Electrification & Automation business unit within the Smart Infrastructure Business at Siemens, her focus was on technical excellence and precision. However, the program provided her with a much broader understanding of business and interpersonal relationships:

“Before COTRUGLI, I aimed to be the best at my job, but the EMBA program opened my eyes to the importance of collaborating with people from different fields and industries. I learned to adapt to various thinking styles and needs, which greatly helped me during career transitions,” Ljudmila admits.

Leadership That Listens and Understands

Ljudmila’s leadership journey has been shaped by changes across industries, companies, and countries. These experiences have molded her into a leader who not only leads but also listens to her team.

“A leader is not just someone who sets goals and holds a title but someone who understands the context, listens to people, and knows how to motivate them, especially younger generations who bring different values and ways of working,” she emphasizes.

Networking and Inspiring Stories as Keys to Growth

For Ljudmila, the network of contacts and the exchange of experiences during and after the program are invaluable resources. She believes that education should dedicate even more space to digital skills and personal stories of leaders who inspire.

“Practical examples and stories from people in our school leave a strong impression and encourage us to step out of our comfort zones,” she says.

Mentorship as a Two-Way Learning Process

Ljudmila views mentorship as an opportunity for mutual learning, both as a mentor and a mentee. She believes that sharing knowledge and being open to new perspectives benefits everyone involved.

“I had a mentor from another country, which further enriched my experience. Now, I want to pass on that knowledge to others while continuing to learn from them,” she explains.

Courageous and Authentic Leadership

The people who trusted and supported her during challenging moments have shaped her leadership approach—with courage, integrity, and authenticity.

“To younger generations, I say: be brave, take responsibility, and don’t fear failure, as it’s an integral part of learning. At the same time, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your values,” she advises.

Leadership Is Not a Title but Inspiration and Motivation

For Ljudmila, a successful leader knows when to lead and when to follow. In a predominantly male business environment, patience is often required to earn her voice and respect.

“Leadership is not just about results and titles but about the ability to motivate and inspire your team, nurture its spirit, and develop its people,” she concludes.