Interview with a COTRUGLI MBA Alumna
“An MBA is not just education, it’s an investment in yourself. It requires commitment, but brings enormous value – from knowledge to a network of contacts. Define your goals, be ready to step out of your comfort zone, and participate actively. It’s the challenges that will bring the most important lessons.”
When Antonija enrolled in the COTRUGLI Executive MBA, she already had two years of experience in operational management and leading small teams. During that period, a significant professional change also occurred – she assumed a director position in the B2B telecom sector. “Interestingly, one of the requirements for that position was an MBA from a renowned school, and I was just enrolling at that time,” she recalls. After completing the program, her career path became more international – she began leading projects within Deutsche Telekom and in 2017 moved to Germany. Today, she is a certified Senior Project Manager through IPMA Austria, and the EMBA program served as the foundation that enabled her smoother transition into complex and international roles.
Leadership through experiences and people
Her development was particularly influenced by her elementary school math teacher. “Through engaging tasks, he encouraged analytical and systematic thinking. That analytical inclination later carried over into business challenges – I always strive to stay focused on solutions.”
Throughout her career, Antonija worked with different managers – some inspired her, while others showed her what leadership should not look like. “A true leader leads by example, motivates the team, and builds mutual trust.”
For nearly ten years, she has been leading complex international telco and IT projects within Deutsche Telekom and the Freemove Alliance, a strategic coalition of European mobile operators. Her teams bring together people from various European countries as well as partners from the USA. “I work in an agile environment, in a Squad/Tribe model, where I coordinate functionally diverse teams – from IT experts and lawyers to marketing, sales, and customer support. The key is to motivate and influence through collaboration, because formal authority alone isn’t enough in such a setting.”
Experience at COTRUGLI MBA
Why COTRUGLI? “The program was international in nature, with lecturers who had global experience, and the Executive format gathered seasoned professionals. The strong regional alumni network, with participants from Croatia and neighboring countries, was especially important to me.”
Antonija’s goal was to broaden her business knowledge, particularly in areas outside her technical background. “Working on team case studies with colleagues from different profiles gave me a practical understanding of business functions, and I saw that as a major benefit.” The biggest challenge was the finance module. “Without prior knowledge, it was hard to follow, but that actually motivated me to put in extra effort and later learn through practice.”
Although the MBA period was intense, Antonija remembers it for its highly stimulating atmosphere. “We spent many weekends and evenings working on studies, but with lots of laughter and mutual support. That sense of growing together has remained especially valuable.”
Balancing work, the MBA, and private life was a challenge, but doable. “It was a dynamic period – changing employers, a new role, family obligations. But with organization and motivation, everything could be aligned. Youth and the energy of my thirties played their part.”
The power of community
The COTRUGLI network still plays an important role in Antonija’s professional and personal life. “Through the program, I gained contacts that remain relevant, and friendships that began during the MBA have lasted for years.” Connections with colleagues from the 8th generation are still active through collaborations and occasional gatherings.
She sees mentorship as a natural continuation of this path. “I’d be happy to share knowledge and experience, especially with younger generations or colleagues at pivotal points in their careers. Open conversations and practical advice are often what help the most.”
The impact of the MBA on her career
The MBA was a catalyst for Antonija’s professional transformation. “It opened doors to international projects, greater responsibilities, and a broader business context.” It also changed the way she makes decisions and leads people. “Today I make decisions strategically – I look at the bigger picture, long-term consequences, and impacts on different functions. In leading people, I focus on trust, empathy, and collaboration.”
Leadership of the future
In Antonija’s view, future leaders must know how to collaborate with artificial intelligence. “AI will become an extension of our abilities, but the human dimension remains crucial – ethics, responsibility, and purpose.” She notes that leaders must find personal clarity and meaning in a time of great possibilities.
For her, a successful leader builds trust and inspires by example. “Success is a balance between business goals and the human dimension – ethics, purpose, and sustainability.” To her younger self, she would advise spending the first years in a structured corporate environment. “That’s where you learn discipline and analytical skills, and afterward you should listen to yourself and find a path aligned with your own values.”
In the future, she envisions herself leading international transformational projects at the intersection of people, technology, and change. “I want to contribute to organizations that value balance between results and a healthy, sustainable working environment.”
Advice for future MBA participants
“An MBA is not just education, it’s an investment in yourself. It requires commitment, but brings enormous value – from knowledge to a network of contacts. Define your goals, be ready to step out of your comfort zone, and participate actively. It’s the challenges that will bring the most important lessons.”