Jasminka Rojko

The career of Jasminka Rojko began in the banking sector, which she built from a account manager, through regional director, member of the Management Board of RF, to Executive Director for multinational, large, and medium clients and project financing at RBA. “I wanted to gain new knowledge, meet colleagues from other industries, and discover what was new in the market. That is why I enrolled in the Executive MBA at COTRUGLI Business School and, at around the same time, took on the role of a Member, and later President of the Management Board of RF.”

That period was one of the most challenging in her career, marked by a market crisis, intense work, and great responsibility alongside demanding studies. Yet, with her existing experience, the EMBA also gave her tools that helped her cope with those circumstances. “A leader grows best when forced to solve problems quickly and make demanding decisions, and what helped me was the combination of business experience with the knowledge and skills from the EMBA, which I could immediately implement in everyday business situations.”

After completing the EMBA, Jasminka took on even greater responsibility as Executive Director for large, medium, and multinational clients and project financing, leading a team of around 90 people. This was also when banking began placing greater emphasis on financing sustainable projects and advising clients on sustainable loans and green bonds. “We established an internal ESG training system, developed sustainable services and credit products, and started transferring this knowledge to clients more intensively. That was when I realized how much sustainability can have a positive business, financial, and social impact.”

This motivated her to step into entrepreneurship and found Rojko & Co. “The EMBA gave me the knowledge that helped me create something of my own. In our generation, my project was chosen for the preparation of a business plan, and I took over leading and coordinating our team in preparing market analysis, branding, business projections, and strategic positioning. That experience opened a completely new perspective on entrepreneurship and gave me the courage to launch my own business.”

She chose the name of her company symbolically, because it reflects that she personally stands behind everything, but also because she believes in the power of a network of experts. “Sustainability is such a broad field that one person cannot cover everything. That is why I collaborate with a network of professionals with diverse expertise, and COTRUGLI was the place where I learned how crucial interdisciplinarity is.”

Today, her company provides services in three segments: sustainable financing, ESG strategies and reporting, and training. “Our references show that we can help clients adapt their investments to secure more favorable financing and better returns on investment. In addition, we help companies strategically integrate sustainability into their business and develop sustainability strategies that create long-term resilience and open new business opportunities – all of which we then shape into sustainability reports.”

She still considers the EMBA experience one of the most important milestones in her life. “The greatest value of the EMBA was the combination of knowledge, networking, and teamwork. We worked in groups with colleagues from completely different industries, which ensured interesting discussions and very high-quality conclusions and solutions. Besides the intensive modules, even greater value came from the gatherings and joint projects, as they created experiences and friendships that last a lifetime. Today, some of my colleagues from the EMBA are also business partners.”

When asked if she misses the corporate world, she says honestly: “I don’t miss it. I found balance, because through the consulting business, I continue to work with corporate clients, while at the same time having my own freedom. I feel fulfilled, because everything we do creates added value – for clients, partners, and my team.”

To young people at the beginning of their careers, she advises:
“First – choose your boss, because a good mentor can shape your entire future. Second – be brave, take responsibility, and give yourself time. You will learn the most when things are the hardest, when you allow yourself to make mistakes, and when you step out of your comfort zone.”

And to those considering an MBA, she says:
“The MBA brings the greatest value to those with at least 5–10 years of experience. Only then do you have the business maturity to connect knowledge with your own practice. That is when the MBA becomes a transformative experience that empowers you to be an authentic leader and opens doors to everything you want to do next.”

Today, as she runs her own business and shapes sustainability projects for clients, Jasminka says: “I feel satisfied and accomplished. When someone hires my company, they know that I personally stand behind everything, together with my team and network of experienced partners. That is the strength that builds trust.”