The Experience of Ivana Gracin, Head of Quantitative Research at Erste Bank
In the world of finance, where precision and strategic thinking are key to success, continuous learning and development play a crucial role. Ivana Gracin, Head of Quantitative Research at Erste Bank, enhanced her skills, broadened her perspective, and acquired tools for strategic decision-making through the COTRUGLI MBA program. Her experience demonstrates that an MBA is not just an educational program but a transformative journey that provides tools for success and leadership.
“I have always been guided by the belief that it is important to know your strengths and weaknesses and that continuous self-improvement is key to success. I knew I had the opportunity to grow, develop my team, and improve myself as a manager, and I didn’t miss those opportunities—I seized them.
Once, I read a quote by Jack Welch: ‘Before you become a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.’ I loved that quote and decided to follow that path, which still serves as my guiding star.
Since the beginning of my career, I’ve worked in strategic risk management, which involves understanding the broader functioning of the economy and banking on a macro and micro level. However, I realized I needed to keep learning, understand business better, and continue developing, so in 2013, I enrolled in the COTRUGLI MBA program.
Brilliant colleagues, an excellent program, top international lecturers, a great working environment, and intensive teamwork with managers and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region have shaped me into who I am today. The program inspired me to rethink myself, my ways of forecasting situations and solving problems, as well as my style of collaboration and decision-making.
Today, I lead the Quantitative Research Department, which includes Data Science and its application to improve the bank’s business processes and integrated risk management. This results in defining the optimal level of risk we are willing to take without jeopardizing the sustainability of the bank’s business model. We collaborate daily with all organizational units of the bank. This brings challenges, demands constant adaptation to situations and people, and often requires compromises that aren’t always welcome.
When I took on my current role, I faced several challenges. Mastering the technical prerequisites to understand and perform this job was just one of them. However, the biggest challenge was people—leading top talents with high IQs but sometimes strong egos. Every day involves working with different people, negotiating, debating, and making decisions. The MBA program equipped me with excellent tools to perform in this role. It taught me how to get the best out of people and achieve my goals, and that it’s not a failure if the result doesn’t immediately look as I initially imagined.
The program taught me that you have to ‘break a few eggs to make an omelet,’ which has become one of my favorite life quotes. Anyone who wants to succeed and achieve something must face certain sacrifices or mistakes.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with top professionals, some of whom I can now call friends, gain new professional knowledge, and acquire skills to excel in strategic activities, stay calm in all situations, nurture and develop a team, evaluate opportunities and risks, and create innovative solutions to challenges.”**
AI Augmentation: A Technology-Driven Future
One of the key new elements of the COTRUGLI MBA program is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes. Participants gain practical knowledge about how AI can optimize operations, improve decision-making, and enhance efficiency.
Ivana emphasizes that AI augmentation is crucial for the future of banking: “Artificial intelligence enables us to better understand data, predict risks and opportunities, and create innovative solutions. AI is not just a tool but a paradigm shift that transforms the way we do business.”
COTRUGLI: More Than Education
One of the greatest benefits of the COTRUGLI MBA program for Ivana was the opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues and mentors: “Working in interdisciplinary teams taught me how to better understand different perspectives, while the network of colleagues has become an invaluable resource for my professional development.”
Why Choose COTRUGLI MBA?
- Inspiring Environment
The program brings together professionals from various industries, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering innovation. - AI Augmentation and Innovation
A focus on artificial intelligence prepares participants for a technology-driven future. - Mentorship Through CoLab
CoLab connects participants with experienced mentors who assist in developing strategic solutions and leadership skills. - Network of Top Professionals
The alumni network enables the creation of lasting business connections and friendships. - Personal and Professional Growth
The program develops essential leadership and strategic skills needed for success in a dynamic business environment.
Register for the Info Session
If you want to acquire tools for leading teams, making strategic decisions, and creating data-driven innovations like Ivana Gracin, the COTRUGLI MBA offers the perfect opportunity for professional and personal growth. An Info Session will be held on February 7, 2025, in Zagreb, where you can learn everything about the COTRUGLI MBA program.