Leading Digital Change: Saša Pavlaković’s COTRUGLI MBA Journey
In today’s business world, digital transformation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Rapid innovation is reshaping industries, forcing companies to adapt or fall behind. Managers who embrace change become leaders who drive growth, inspire teams, and future-proof their organizations.
Saša Pavlaković, Business Development Director at Q agency, exemplifies how the COTRUGLI MBA program can help professionals evolve from operational roles into visionary leadership. His journey shows how combining vision, knowledge, and innovation can turn an education into a strategic advantage.
From Sales to Strategy: A Career Reinvented
“Before enrolling in the COTRUGLI MBA program, I spent ten years in sales roles at well-known companies,” Saša explains. “Eventually, I realized I needed more than experience—I needed structured learning and new perspectives.”
With support from Hrvatski Telekom, a company that actively invests in its people, Saša took the leap into the “mystical” world of the MBA.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
From the very first modules, Saša noticed a shift.
His peers—professionals from a wide range of industries—quickly became collaborators and mentors. Their different viewpoints and innovative approaches opened his mind to new ways of solving business problems.
At the same time, COTRUGLI’s faculty challenged him to think critically, ask bold questions, and analyze issues with depth and precision. This combination of theory and real-world experience accelerated his growth.
Climbing the Leadership Ladder
Saša began the MBA as a Key Account Manager. Within a year of graduating, he was leading long-term projects and managing sales teams.
Three years later, he became Head of Corporate Sales. Today, he holds a strategic role as Business Development Director at Q agency, one of the world’s leading software development companies.
According to Saša, “The MBA helped me shift from focusing on tasks to shaping long-term vision and leading organizational strategy.”
Balancing Ambition and Life
Of course, growth came with challenges. Managing work, study, and personal life demanded focus and discipline—especially when it came to time management.
But that pressure created new strength. Saša learned to align his professional ambitions with personal goals, including completing several marathons.
Just as importantly, networking with peers from different sectors became a lasting asset. These connections offered ongoing support, insight, and collaboration well beyond the program.
The COTRUGLI Advantage
Saša describes the COTRUGLI MBA not just as an academic program, but as a tool for transformation. It equips leaders to thrive in a fast-changing digital economy and prepares them to drive innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.
“Digital transformation opens up endless opportunities,” he says. “But it takes leaders ready to think strategically and act boldly.”
Be Part of the Change
Join the COTRUGLI community and become part of a generation shaping the future of business.
✅ Sign up for a COTRUGLI Info Session
✅ Discover the CO-LAB mentoring network
✅ Start building your future—today
The future is digital. Be part of the change.
