Knowledge is Power
“A true leader knows how to listen, involve the team in decision-making, and challenge people to grow.”
When Aleksandar Anokić enrolled in the COTRUGLI Executive MBA program, he already had a solid career in sales. He was focused, specialized, and entirely results-driven in that field. However, as the months went by, the program began to transform not only his professional direction but also his perspective on the business world.
“I started to see the bigger picture, thinking more holistically about the entire business system rather than just one of its functions. I learned that there are multiple ways to reach a solution, and my way isn’t always the only or the best one,” Aleksandar recalls.
Transformation Through the MBA Program
The intellectual and team-based work, along with the connections he maintains with colleagues to this day, led to a significant personal transformation. In group projects, he consciously took on the role of a leader, testing himself and learning how to lead, as well as how to listen. By the time he completed the program, he had become more than just a sales expert. He had become a professional capable of contributing to a much broader range of business topics.
Leadership in an International Environment
Today, Aleksandar is a Senior Supply Chain Manager at NRF Group, where he leads a team of fifty people across four countries: Poland, Spain, Romania, and the Netherlands. His work spans a wide range of activities, from logistics and planning to forecasting and inventory management. However, what he is particularly proud of is establishing a dedicated Supply Chain Intelligence department.
“I’ve gathered a team of young, talented individuals who bring fresh energy, new ideas, and technological solutions. I intentionally give them the space to develop their own projects. Their adaptability to new tools is impressive, and I learn a lot from them.”
For Aleksandar, leadership isn’t a status granted by a position; it’s a process. “A true leader knows how to listen, involve the team in decision-making, and challenge people to grow. A leader isn’t just there to support but also to inspire.” Working in a multicultural environment further motivates him. Different cultures, perspectives, and experiences make daily life dynamic and enriching.
Lessons, Mentorship, and Life’s Turning Points
Looking back, many moments have shaped him as a leader. Moving to Belgrade in 2008 with his wife was a turning point. Her support, both in daily life and in encouraging him to continue his education and enroll in COTRUGLI Business School, was invaluable. “The strength and support at home, that’s the most important foundation in my career. I’ll always be grateful to her for that.”
Aleksandar believes in the importance of mentorship. He had the opportunity to learn from his executive director, who helped him transition into a new role. That’s why today, even though he no longer lives in Serbia, he’s considering becoming a mentor within the COTRUGLI community whenever time and circumstances allow.
“Mentorship isn’t about providing ready-made solutions. It’s about creating a space for dialogue, exchange, and seeing things from multiple perspectives. That’s where the most learning happens.”
During the program, one professor stood out in particular. “Terence Tse left a strong impression on me. He was direct and focused on what truly mattered. That kind of approach stays with you.”
When asked what lessons he would share with a younger version of himself, Aleksandar doesn’t hesitate: “The most important thing I’ve learned is that no situation is the end. I’ve started over multiple times in my life. I’d advise myself not to take failures personally. Mistakes are part of the journey. And secondly, never stop learning. Knowledge is power. Whoever has the information and understands the context has the advantage.”
Finally, what does it mean to be a successful leader? “It’s about balancing results with a healthy team. If you have great numbers but your people are exhausted and unhappy, that’s not success. If the team has a perfect work-life balance but the business is stagnating, that’s not good either. A successful leader creates a win-win situation: the team is satisfied, and the results are there. That, in my opinion, is the true measure of success.”