Guided by Victor Hugo’s renowned quote—“Daring is the price of progress. All splendid conquests are the prize of boldness, more or less”—I embarked on my Executive MBA journey at COTRUGLI Business School shortly after becoming a father to a one-month-old daughter. Balancing a new professional role, precious family moments, and the rigor of the EMBA program was undoubtedly challenging, yet I managed to thrive across all aspects. Driven by a deep-seated curiosity and an unwavering commitment to personal growth, I fully embraced the EMBA experience. My dedication was recognized with the Dean’s Award for outstanding achievement.
The program was pivotal in refining my existing competencies and expanding my perspective through exposure to diverse business disciplines. I found particular value in modules such as Financial Management, Strategic Marketing, Strategic Management, Problem Solving & Decision Making, and People Management. These courses stood out not only for their relevance to my work in pharmaceutical marketing but also for the practical insights shared by an exceptional faculty.
While those modules were especially impactful, the entire curriculum played a vital role in shaping a comprehensive and integrated understanding of business. Another standout aspect of the COTRUGLI experience was the collaborative nature of the program, which fostered the exchange of knowledge across various industries and organizational roles. The diverse perspectives and meaningful connections I developed remain among the program’s most lasting benefits.
Today, I serve as Senior Product Excellence Manager for Psychiatry at PLIVA Croatia Ltd. My career progression reflects a mindset rooted in continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Looking back, I see COTRUGLI Business School as far more than an academic institution—it is a vibrant professional community, a source of lasting inspiration, and a powerful catalyst for personal and professional transformation.
Ivan Slavic, Senior Product Excellence Manager for Psychiatry at PLIVA Croatia Ltd