When Experience Becomes the Foundation of Decisions
“Modern leadership is not about authority but about the ability to bring together talented people, foster creativity, and set clear expectations.”
Josip Bubnić’s professional journey has been marked by long-term development within a single industry and a continuous push beyond his comfort zone. A geologist by profession, he began his career in technical and research roles at INA, where he quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for taking responsibility and leading people. This combination of technical expertise and managerial potential eventually led him to increasingly complex roles.
Executive MBA as a Strategic Step at the Right Time
When Josip joined the COTRUGLI Executive MBA program, he was at a pivotal point in his career. He had already gained international experience, led teams, and held operational responsibilities, but he was preparing for line and executive positions that required a broader business perspective. He recognized the MBA program as a logical developmental step for professionals with proven results and clear potential for further growth.
Josip experienced the COTRUGLI Executive MBA as a strategically designed and structured program tailored for experienced professionals seeking to systematically enhance their existing knowledge, rather than as a formal prerequisite for advancement. This blend of technical expertise and business education soon proved critical in his career progression.
International Responsibility and Making Tough Decisions
Shortly after completing the program, Josip took on one of the most demanding international roles of his career – General Manager of INA’s subsidiary in Namibia. There, he was responsible for the company’s entire operations, including strategic decisions on exploration investments, risk management, and determining whether to continue or halt projects. This role highlighted his ability to make decisions based not only on technical analyses but also on financial, strategic, and regulatory considerations.
His career path continued through a series of key positions within the MOL Group, where he managed exploration concession portfolios across multiple continents. As Senior Vice President for Exploration, he was responsible for investment decisions in complex and often high-risk environments, coordinating international teams, and balancing technical excellence with business sustainability.
Upon returning to Croatia, Josip assumed the role of Operating Director at INA, overseeing the entire exploration and production segment. Today, he leads an organization with hundreds of employees and a team of directors across various functions, making his role highly generalist. At this stage of his career, the value of the Executive MBA program becomes even more evident – his ability to view the business from multiple perspectives and make decisions in uncertain conditions is a key asset.
Leadership That Combines Inclusivity and Decisiveness
Josip describes himself as a democratic leader: “I am a leader of the democratic type. I like to listen, be inclusive, work in a friendly atmosphere, and insist on communication, trust, and accountability.”
He believes that modern leadership is not about authority but about the ability to bring together talented people, foster creativity, and set clear expectations. At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of decisiveness and the willingness to make tough decisions when necessary.
The Bigger Picture as the Foundation for Long-Term Sustainability
Reflecting on his COTRUGLI Executive MBA experience, Josip highlights how the program helped him understand the bigger picture of business – from financial analysis and strategic decision-making to the importance of interpersonal relationships and leadership. He particularly values the exchange of experiences with peers from various industries and the professional network he has maintained since completing the program.
For Josip Bubnić, the Executive MBA was not an end goal but a tool that strengthened his professional journey at the right time. Today, as Operating Director, he confirms that long-term career sustainability, breadth of knowledge, and adaptability are essential competencies for leaders in complex industries.