Fourteen Years Later – The MBA as a Point of Reinvention
“It’s always interesting to hear from people from other countries, more developed markets, who bring different views and experiences.”
When Helena reflects on her MBA experience today, she does so with the clarity and honesty that time provides. It has been nearly fourteen years since she completed the program, and while she admits she sometimes has to “revisit what and why it all happened,” one thing is certain – the program brought her a wealth of positives. “I completed my MBA about fourteen years ago. It’s been quite some time, but I can confidently say it had a positive impact on my career.”
At the time of enrolling in the MBA, Helena was a manager at Deloitte. During the program, she became a senior manager, a seemingly natural step in the corporate hierarchy, but in reality, much more than just a promotion. “Becoming a senior manager in a firm like Deloitte means the organization is seriously counting on you. It’s the moment when you’re no longer just expected to deliver projects but to lead a team, demonstrate leadership skills, and take on greater responsibility.”
The MBA came at a particularly sensitive period in Helena’s life. Her children were three and six years old, and she was at a stage where she needed to reprioritize, redefine her professional identity, and rebuild her “portfolio.” “It was a pause after which you need to reorganize and rebuild yourself. In consulting, that’s not always simple.”
The program helped her do just that, not as pressure but as a support. “You learn new things, but you also confirm that you already know some things. That you have the competencies. For me, that was incredibly valuable.”
Why an MBA—and Why Then?
Helena points out that she had opportunities for further education earlier, but didn’t feel it was the right time. “Honestly, I didn’t want to do it earlier. I wasn’t yet sure where I wanted to allocate my time and energy.”
The MBA came at a time when she had a clearer picture of herself, her professional path, and what she wanted to build next. “By then, I knew more about myself and my journey. For me, the MBA was exactly what I needed at that moment.”
She emphasizes that timing is highly individual. “I think it’s very personal for everyone. For me, it was the right time.”
Structure, People, and an International Perspective
The MBA program she joined was one of the first of its kind in the region, and Helena attended the Executive MBA, a program that allowed her to balance it with a demanding job. “The program was very well-structured. Weekends, occasionally a Friday or Thursday, I could fit it in alongside a job that was always demanding.”
She particularly valued the program’s in-person format. “On-site programs have immense value. Meeting people, working together, exchanging experiences, that’s something that can’t be fully replaced by remote work.”
International lecturers further broadened her perspective. “It’s always interesting to hear from people from other countries, more developed markets, who bring different views and experiences.”
Professors Who Leave a Mark
Even today, she remembers professors who made a strong impression on her. “If I remember their names, it means they left a mark.” She particularly highlights Anthony J. Evans and the Managerial Economics module, as well as Nicolas Kfuri, a professor with extensive practical experience in marketing. “Since I’m not from marketing, I found it incredibly interesting.”
The Personal Development module by Mike George also holds a special place. “That’s something we all need. No one really teaches us to be self-aware. We make countless decisions every day, but we rarely stop to think.” For Helena, this module was a reminder of the importance of reflection and conscious decision-making.
The MBA as a Community
When talking about her fondest memories, she doesn’t single out one moment but rather the people. “The alumni group from my eighth generation still gets along wonderfully.” This relationship hasn’t stayed in the past but continues to grow. “We regularly meet, talk, and exchange career experiences. It’s grown into friendships.”
Business collaborations developed organically. “We support each other. Sometimes we meet on projects, other times we help each other with advice. It’s not something that’s forced.”
Today: Leading Deloitte Croatia
Today, Helena is the Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Croatia and a partner in the Tax Department. “I still have my clients and work in the area where I have expertise – tax consulting.”
In addition, she leads one of the country’s leading professional services organizations, covering audit, business and financial consulting, risk management, and tax services. “Partners cover different areas with different goals and teams, but clients see us as one – Deloitte.”
The role of Country Managing Partner, she says, is primarily about coordination. “It’s a discreet coordination of highly professional people, with minimal management, to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
Mentors, Courage, and Integrity
Throughout her journey, she had people who helped her at key moments. “We all have someone who gives us a little push or helps us overcome insecurity at some point.”
She particularly emphasizes the importance of having at least one person who believes in you. “Someone who believes in you, and not just your mom and dad.”
She sees mentorship, coaching, and conversations as ways to avoid getting “stuck” and to keep moving forward.
When discussing leadership, she highlights two key qualities: courage and integrity. “The courage to admit you don’t know something. The courage to question yourself. And personal integrity, consistently applying the right values in daily work.”
Helena believes in lifelong learning. “Every bit of education and self-improvement is valuable. The world is changing at an incredible pace.”
She sees the MBA as a foundation that teaches you how to keep learning, connect with people, and build on existing knowledge. “If you can afford it in terms of time and finances, it’s absolutely worth it.”
In the end, the MBA for her represents growth, structure, and a conscious investment in oneself.