EMBA 21 Graduation Ceremony: Speech by Dijana Perenc Kacun

As part of the EMBA 21 Graduation Ceremony, Dijana Perenc Kacun, Group Treasury Director at Perutnina Ptuj, delivered a speech during the diploma award ceremony. The speech is presented in full below.

Dear graduates, dear EMBA 21 generation,

Today is a special day. A day you will remember. A day that marks the end of one important chapter and the beginning of a new, perhaps even more exciting one. Today, you are not just holding a diploma in your hands. You are holding proof of your courage, perseverance, and decision to invest in yourself, even when it required sacrifice, dedication, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

So, I urge you – keep that sparkle in your eyes. Don’t let daily obligations, deadlines, and pressures dim it. Be proud of your achievement. Be proud of the sleepless nights, the weekends without rest, and the moments of doubt that you turned into steps forward. This diploma is the fruit of your hard work, your effort, and your willingness to learn and grow.

And don’t see this success as a finish line. See it as a starting point. A springboard for everything that lies ahead.

We live in a time that is changing faster than ever before. Technologies are evolving, markets are shifting, and the rules of the game are constantly being redefined. In such a world, what you know today might not be enough tomorrow. So, don’t stop learning. Keep exploring. Keep asking questions. Stay curious, even when you think you already know the answer.

Be open to changes and challenges. Don’t see them as threats but as invitations to grow. Every challenge carries within it the opportunity to become a better leader, a better professional, and, most importantly, a better person.

And don’t be afraid to step into the unknown. Don’t fear new roles, new industries, new countries, or new ideas. The most beautiful stories often begin where certainty ends, and courage begins.

Now, you are no longer just graduates. You are part of the alumni community. Part of a network of people who have walked a similar path, who understand what it means to balance career, family, ambitions, and personal growth. You have colleagues who will support you, listen to you, advise you, and, when needed, help you open new doors.

I am one of them. My class was 12, and yours is 21. We share the same digits, just in a different order – 21 and 12. To me, this symbolizes something beautiful: that we are connected, that we learn from each other, and that together we build a bridge between experience and the future. Know that you are not alone on your journey.

So, keep the connections you’ve made here. Nurture friendships. Maintain professional relationships. Expand your network to include other COTRUGLI generations. Behind every acquaintance lies a new perspective, a new opportunity, and a new story that can enrich your journey.

However, with all the titles, positions, and successes you will achieve, don’t forget who you are. Be leaders who listen, who understand, and who lead by example. Be people who measure success not just by numbers but by the impact they leave on others.

Finally, I want to leave you with this message: believe in yourself, even when the path is unclear. Be brave, even when you are afraid. Be persistent, even when giving up seems easier. And never forget why you started this journey – for growth, for purpose, and for the desire to leave a mark.

And let this thought guide you:
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment to appear. Take the moment and make it perfect.”

Congratulations from the bottom of my heart, Class of 21. May your journey be filled with curiosity, courage, and pride. The future is ahead of you – and it’s ready for you to shape it.