Staying True to Yourself is the Most Powerful Leadership Tool
For anyone considering an MBA, Aleksandra has a clear answer: “If the thought even crosses your mind—enroll. You can only gain: new knowledge, contacts, and perspectives. It’s an excellent step for further growth.”
Aleksandra Babić, a seasoned executive and leader with a long-standing international career, currently serves as Senior Vice President B2B & Product Marketing at Mastercard. Her professional journey, however, was further shaped by the Executive MBA program. In conversation with us, Aleksandra openly shared why she decided to pursue an MBA, the lessons she gained, and her advice for future leaders.
“I was at a stage in my career where I had already built substantial experience. I wanted to round it out, especially in areas where I hadn’t been as deeply involved, like finance and management. I wasn’t actively thinking about further academic education, but an MBA seemed like the right step.”
She admits she was additionally motivated by a scholarship opportunity, and the decisive push came from her husband, who encouraged her to apply. The weekend module format of the MBA allowed her to balance a demanding career with her studies. As she explains, this enabled her to take the next leap in her career without disrupting her professional momentum.
Memorable Moments and Key Lessons
When asked which modules stood out the most, she doesn’t hesitate: “Entrepreneurship – that was phenomenal, primarily because of the professor’s passion. HR was also excellent. So, I would highlight entrepreneurship, HR, and strategy.”
But for Aleksandra, the MBA was much more than an academic experience; it was a deeply human one. “What remains with me most are the people. The colleagues you meet, the ones you click with, the ones who broaden your perspective. To this day, I cherish several friendships from that time.”
On the professional side, the MBA was a turning point for her. It was through a classmate that she learned about a position at Mastercard, one that wasn’t even advertised. “If I hadn’t been in the MBA, I never would have known about it. And I probably wouldn’t have had the career I’ve now built over the past 16 and a half years. That career move happened right in the middle of the program; it was a direct consequence.”
On Leadership and Values
Aleksandra doesn’t see the MBA as the only driver of her career transformation, but she acknowledges that it shaped her perspective on leadership and strategy: “The entrepreneurial project we worked on gave me a structured way of thinking that I still use today, whether for future projects or perhaps for my own entrepreneurial venture one day.”
Today, as part of the Women Redefining Leadership initiative, Aleksandra shares her knowledge with others and contributes as a mentor.
“My dream is to move into entrepreneurship one day, not necessarily as a founder, but perhaps as someone who takes an existing company into a new phase. Until then, I want to keep mentoring and giving back to the community what I myself received.”
What Makes a Good Leader?
When speaking about leadership, Aleksandra is refreshingly candid and grounded:
“The most important thing is to stay true to your values. It’s not always the easiest path, but in the long run, it proves to be the best. You need to listen, ask the right questions, and remain humble. Because no matter how many years of experience you have, there’s always more to learn.”
For her, a true leader is someone who can have an equally meaningful conversation with a CEO and with an intern.
“Ego must never come first. To me, a leader is someone with humility and authenticity, someone who never forgets the human side.”
What Should the MBA Offer Today?
In today’s world of constant change, Aleksandra believes MBA programs should place a greater emphasis on leadership and people management:
“New generations are digital, impatient, and different. We need to learn how to motivate, understand, and lead them. More than AI or technology – that’s what leaders really need today.”
She also stresses the importance of developing generalist skills:
“People who can connect topics and think conceptually will be increasingly valued. An MBA provides exactly that – the big picture.”
Her Advice to Future Candidates
For anyone considering an MBA, Aleksandra has a clear answer:
“If the thought even crosses your mind—enroll. You can only gain: new knowledge, contacts, and perspectives. It’s an excellent step for further growth.”