“Be Human,Be Kind”
“You need to live what you learn. If you just read the books and say ‘fine’, then you’re throwing your money away. The real challenge is changing yourself.”
When Roland Kacin completed his Executive MBA at COTRUGLI Business School, he already had over two decades of professional experience in one of the world’s most globally diverse corporations. Rather than seeking a career change, he pursued the program to focus on personal growth and to deepen his understanding of leadership with integrity and kindness.
“I already knew exactly what I wanted from my career,” he reflects. “My goal wasn’t to change my career path but to grow as a person.”
Learning to Swim in Global Waters
Working in a multinational corporation of 6,000 employees spanning America, China, Europe, and beyond, Roland quickly realized that professional success depended not only on expertise but on understanding people.
“Every country has different values. And no one will change instead of you,” he says. “If you want to grow, you must understand how to swim in these corporate rooms.”
For him, COTRUGLI became a place to sharpen those soft skills that define modern leadership. “The soft values were what truly changed me. More than I thought they would.”
Among the many modules, two stood out for shaping his thinking: Decision Making and Leadership. “Mr. George triggered not one, but many ‘aha’ moments. These subjects helped me understand myself, and they helped me understand others.”
From the Classroom to the Heart
Roland approached the program with intention. He didn’t want theory; he wanted change. “You need to live what you learn. If you just read the books and say ‘fine’, then you’re throwing your money away. The real challenge is changing yourself.”
His experience as a youth football coach had already shown him the power of teaching and mentorship. The MBA confirmed his passion for guiding others, especially those at the start of their careers.
“When you finish high school, everything looks positive. But the corporate world is a different beast,” he says with a smile. “Young people need someone to tell them where they’re going and what to expect.”
The Value of People
When asked about his most beautiful memories from COTRUGLI, Roland doesn’t hesitate: “People. Meeting people who are kind, open, and inspiring, regardless of where they come from.”
Friendships with colleagues from Slovenia and Croatia remain strong to this day. “We still meet every year. That’s priceless.”
Balancing Work, Life, and Learning
Balancing an MBA with a demanding career and personal life wasn’t easy, but Roland sees challenge as a matter of perspective. “If you wish to do something, you don’t see problems; you see challenges. Internal motivation is everything.”
His advice to future candidates is simple: commit fully. “It’s not just attending classes. You have to digest everything. But if you have motivation, it’s not difficult.”
Today’s Role – and Tomorrow’s Horizon
Today, Roland serves as Sales Director for Hisense Global within EGO, one of the world’s largest producers of components for household appliances. He leads sales across Europe, oversees activities in Mexico, and manages a regional distribution network across the former Yugoslav markets.
The role is already evolving, and he expects new opportunities on the horizon. “Let’s see what the future brings,” he says, confident and calm.
The People Who Shaped Him
Roland openly credits two individuals who significantly influenced his leadership journey.
One is Dr. Iztok Seljak, President of the Slovenian Managers’ Association and former General Manager at Hidria Corporation. “I followed him for years, not because he was my mentor, but because our values matched. If I cannot live my values in a company, I leave. Simple as that.”
The second is Mr. Harald Melter, his former supervisor at EGO, who later became a close friend. “He showed me the human side of leadership. Even at 50, you realize how much you don’t know. He taught me that learning never stops.”
What Makes a Great Leader?
Roland’s definition of effective leadership is both humble and powerful: “Be human. Have integrity. Communicate well. Empower others. And be kind, because kindness is free of charge.”
He advises first-time leaders to listen, stay patient, and guide people the way you guide a child near a road: protect when necessary, but don’t hold their hand too tightly. “You must know when to let them fly. Not at 10,000 meters – maybe just 1,000 – but enough.”
Advice for Future MBA Candidates
For anyone considering the MBA, Roland is clear: “Go for it. MBA is not just business administration. It widens your horizons. It gives you a comprehensive view of how a company truly works.”
But he does add one recommendation: “Don’t go right after university. Work for five years first. Get experience. Then go for EMBA.”
Final Thoughts
Roland’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership has little to do with titles and everything to do with values. “Be human,” he says again at the end. “Be kind. It costs nothing, and it changes everything.”