From Medicine to Global Business Development at JGL
“My groupmates became friends and professional partners. We exchange experiences, help each other, and stay connected. It’s not just education; it’s a community.”
Dunja Siuc Valković graduated in medicine and could never have imagined that one day she would become the Director of Global Business Development. “I earned a degree in medicine and never saw myself in a managerial role,” she admits. However, life had other plans, and an opportunity in the pharmaceutical industry led her to JGL, which at the time was a small company with only about thirty employees.
At JGL, where she now serves as Global Business Development Director, Dunja grew alongside the company. She worked in marketing, sales, and legal affairs before eventually founding and leading the business development department. “I was fortunate to have a mentor who encouraged me. I didn’t choose my career, it chose me.”
As the challenges grew, so did her need for additional knowledge. “I was doing managerial work, making decisions, and learning through practice, but I knew I needed something more. That’s when I decided to pursue the COTRUGLI Executive MBA, and it was a moment that changed everything.”
Executive MBA as a Support in Everyday Challenges
Dunja’s workdays are rarely typical. “My job involves a lot of travel; we cover Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. When I’m not traveling, my days are filled with meetings, communication with partners, team coordination, and project preparation.”
In these moments, the knowledge gained from the COTRUGLI Executive MBA program has proven invaluable.“I learned how to structure my thinking and make decisions in complex situations. When I’m sitting with partners in Japan or the Middle East, that’s when I apply what I learned, how to understand different perspectives, build trust, and negotiate professionally.”
Partnerships, Portfolio, and Technology
Her role encompasses three key areas of responsibility: partnerships, portfolio, and technology.
Partnerships go beyond negotiations and contracts. “I remember my first meeting with partners in Asia. I came prepared with data and products, but I quickly realized that wasn’t enough. Negotiations are built on trust and respect for culture. The MBA taught me exactly that – how to listen, ask the right questions, and see the bigger picture of relationships. Thanks to that, partnerships are not just transactions but stories that grow and evolve.”
Managing the portfolio requires a cool head and an analytical approach. “Once, we had to decide whether to license a product we couldn’t develop ourselves. The MBA gave me the tools: financial projections, growth scenarios, and risk assessment methods. The decision turned out to be the right one, and the product opened new markets for us. That sense of confidence in decision-making comes from the knowledge I gained in the program.”
Technology and production involve long-term and complex projects. “JGL is a leader in the production of sterile drops, sprays, and aerosols. My task is to connect partners with our technology. The MBA taught me to think bigger, not just about how a project looks today but how it will impact the company’s strategy ten years from now.”
Leadership and the Power of the Executive MBA
For Dunja, leadership is not a title but a responsibility. “Good leadership requires courage but also empathy. As a leader, you must make tough decisions while also understanding people. The challenge lies in finding balance, how to lead toward a goal while keeping the team motivated and connected.”
Her MBA knowledge provides immense support in this. “The program taught me to view people from different perspectives. Every colleague in the group came from a different industry and had a unique working style. That taught me openness and adaptability, which is exactly what a leader needs.”
Dunja also emphasizes the importance of transparency and purpose in work. “I believe people are best motivated when they see the meaning in what they do. My job is to show them the bigger picture and help them feel like they’re part of something greater. When the team trusts you and knows you’re honest, even in the toughest moments, you move forward together.”
She particularly values the experience of the Entrepreneurship module and writing a business plan. “It wasn’t until we had to put an idea on paper, go through the finances and markets, that I realized what true entrepreneurial analysis means. I still use that experience today, every new opportunity in business requires the ability to quickly and clearly set the framework for a decision.”
The networking and friendships from the program remain invaluable. “My groupmates became friends and professional partners. We exchange experiences, help each other, and stay connected. It’s not just education; it’s a community. For me, the COTRUGLI Executive MBA was and remains a true game-changer.”