Blaž Ferenc

When asked whether the MBA directly influenced his career path, Blaž Ferenc answers without hesitation: “Yes.”
His story shows that the MBA is not just a diploma, but an experience that shapes the way of thinking, approach to work, and – perhaps most importantly – the view of oneself.

“The development of my career accelerated while I was in the COTRUGLI MBA program. Partly because of new opportunities, and partly because of the knowledge I gained. What meant the most to me was the broader perspective on business and the people I met. Not because of the contacts, but because of the experiences they shared,” says Blaž. He adds that the MBA also gave him one important realization – that we all go through similar challenges and that it is okay not to know the solution right away: “Learning and growth last a lifetime, and that motivated me to move forward.”

The MBA also altered his perspective on work and personal development. “I gained greater motivation and focused on growth. I realized that the successes of others did not come easily,, but through hard work and self-investment. That was an additional lesson for me.”

On his journey, he also had people who left a mark. “From my managers, I learned what kind of leader I want to be, and from one of them what kind of leader I do not want to be. And mentors showed me how valuable it is to have someone who guides you. My first mentor tried hard to pass on everything she knew and gave me the foundation of communication skills that I still use today.”

Today, when thinking about his leadership style, Blaž emphasizes adaptability: “I have developed a style in which I feel comfortable, but I am aware that I must constantly work on myself. The leader of the future must be flexible, resilient, and ready to give trust to their team. Like a conductor who does not play all the instruments, but sets the tempo, energy, and vision, and connects people into an orchestra.”

Why COTRUGLI? He says the decision was not planned: “I was in a phase where I had the time for it, and I had heard many positive experiences from alumni. I applied, and I do not regret it. I especially remember modules such as Decision Making, Managerial Economics, and Finance.”

The path to the MBA was not without challenges. Weekends filled with lectures and more than 12 hours of studying were not easy, but – as he says – it was worth it: “It is only about ten weekends in a lifetime. With colleagues from Slovenia with whom I traveled and studied, everything was much easier.”

For those just entering the world of professional development, Blaž has a few tips:
“Find a good mentor.”
“Focus on yourself and your growth.”
“Be present and give your maximum in what you do.”
“Think long-term about the skills you will need.”
“Maintain work-life balance – a career is a marathon, not a sprint.”

And to everyone wondering whether an MBA is the right path, he says: “If you have 5–10 years of experience and want a change or further step in your career, the MBA is an excellent decision. The more of yourself you invest, the more you will get back.”