From Specialist to Leader – Learning and Mentorship Through an MBA
“It’s important to learn that making mistakes is okay and that mistakes are not a disaster, they are the foundation of learning. ”
Igor Belošić, Managing Director for Austria and Central Europe at a global company specializing in graphic inks, reflects on his MBA experience at COTRUGLI as a pivotal moment in his career. When asked if the MBA was the right decision for him, he admits it’s hard to quantify immediately, but the experiences and knowledge he gained have undoubtedly helped him along the way.
Broadening Business Horizons Beyond a Niche Industry
Coming from the highly specialized graphic industry, where years of experience gave him deep insight into regional and European markets, Igor decided in his mid-30s to pursue an MBA. His goal was to meet professionals from entirely different industries and broaden his perspective. “My primary aim was to connect with colleagues from various fields and see different approaches to business,” Igor explains. COTRUGLI was a logical choice, as the program was based in Zagreb, close to where he lived.
What fascinated him most was the emphasis on soft skills and the interaction with lecturers who introduced new perspectives and information, at a time when podcasts and easily accessible online resources were not yet available. “They opened the door slightly. If something interested you, you could explore and learn much more,” he recalls.
Igor highlights that his fondest memories from the MBA are the interactions and small “aha” moments during the modules. Networking was an added value: “I’m still in touch with some of my peers, and we’ve even collaborated on a project and established a business partnership.”
When You Know What You Want, It’s Easier to Keep Up
“It’s important to decide what you want and how you want to achieve it, and then execute it with discipline. During a demanding period in my life, with very young children, having a clear focus, laser-precise time management, and discipline in execution were essential for coordinating the commitments tied to the MBA modules,” Igor admits.
Today, Igor oversees operations in a region that includes Austria, the former Yugoslav countries, Albania, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Reflecting on his MBA, he acknowledges that the program laid the groundwork for working with people and managing challenges at a higher level. “Through the MBA, I met senior colleagues who mentored me and showed me how to handle situations not directly related to my industry but crucial for leadership.”
Mentorship and Learning Through Mistakes as the Foundation of Leadership
Igor emphasizes the importance of mentors throughout his career and notes that he now strives to mentor others. “It’s important to learn that making mistakes is okay and that mistakes are not a disaster -they are the foundation of learning. At the start of leadership, you need the opportunity to make mistakes to grow and develop.”
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering an MBA, Igor responds: “I definitely recommend it. After gaining a certain amount of experience, meeting people from various industries and backgrounds provides incredibly valuable connections. It’s a time when you’re ready to absorb knowledge and apply it to your career.”
For Igor Belošić, the MBA at COTRUGLI was not just an academic program; it was a space for growth, encounters with diverse perspectives, and preparation for managing complex international business operations.