The MBA Opened Doors for Me
“My greatest success is that my colleagues and clients respect me and believe in what I do. That’s the highest recognition.”
For the past 25 years, Dario Kovačević has been building his career at Borealis, one of Europe’s largest industrial companies specializing in the production of polyolefins. From his beginnings as a Sales Manager for the former Yugoslav region to his current role overseeing all of Eastern Europe, his professional journey has been deeply tied to continuous learning and development. A pivotal part of that journey was the MBA program, which provided him with the knowledge he says he couldn’t compete without, both within the company and in the broader market.
“The MBA was exactly what I was missing: finance, management, marketing. It complemented my technical education and enabled me to tackle the challenges of my career on equal footing,” Kovačević recalls.
From Naval Engineering to Management
With a background in naval engineering, Dario quickly found himself facing business challenges that required broader knowledge than just technical expertise. At Borealis, working in sales and marketing, he encountered market dynamics and competition that couldn’t be addressed with an engineering mindset alone.
“At the time, there weren’t many quality education options in Croatia for people who wanted to learn about management. The MBA was the perfect solution. Theory is valuable, but it becomes even more so when you know how to apply it in practice.”
Through the MBA program, he attended modules that left a lasting impression, such as finance with Professor Gupta or entrepreneurship with Professor Brenes. The latter inspired him to develop a business plan aimed at connecting Croatian tourism with local agriculture and organic food.
The MBA as a School of Life
“The most important thing I learned was how to manage myself. Time management is the key to success. Once you master that, it becomes easier to lead colleagues, superiors, and clients while maintaining balance in your personal life.”
He fondly remembers the companionship with his classmates: “The best memories are the lectures and gatherings in Poreč and Opatija. That’s where we formed friendships that have lasted to this day.”
On Leadership and Innovation
When asked what kind of leader is needed in today’s world, Kovačević answers without hesitation: “A leader must be someone who energizes and motivates others. But even more importantly, they need to understand the market and technology. Poor strategies often arise when decisions are based on wishes rather than real possibilities.”
He places particular emphasis on innovation, which he believes should be an integral part of every modern MBA curriculum: “Without innovation, there’s no sustainable business. Strong brands are built on strong innovations.”
Mentorship and Legacy
Throughout his career, Dario has mentored many younger colleagues and says he’s ready to share that experience with the broader alumni community. He’s especially proud to be recognized within the company as a trusted individual. “My greatest success is that my colleagues and clients respect me and believe in what I do. That’s the highest recognition.”