The MBA Is the Universal Language of Business
“If you plan to be a manager, the MBA is essential. It’s like learning to read and write in the business world. Without it, you can’t move forward—not in middle management, nor in top leadership.”
For Jerko Bačić, owner and director of the consulting company Logicom, the COTRUGLI MBA was not just another step in his professional development. It was, as he describes, the foundation of the business language essential for functioning in modern management.
“The MBA is the basis of business and the foundation for navigating the business environment. If you want to operate in management, you need to learn the universal language of business. COTRUGLI is exactly that, a business school that teaches you to speak, write, and think like a leader.”
Why COTRUGLI?
The decision to enroll, he admits, was an easy one. Jerko had been following COTRUGLI Business School for years, and when the right opportunity arose, he didn’t hesitate. “COTRUGLI is a respected school. The number of generations, its media presence, and recommendations from colleagues who had completed it—all pointed to it being the only true business school in Croatia with an international orientation. There’s no doubt—COTRUGLI is the number one choice.”
Knowledge That Stays
From his student days, several modules stand out in his memory, ones that, he says, changed his way of thinking—organizational development, sales, finance, and the “softer” aspects, which often prove to be the most important. “Managing people is a manager’s daily job. During the program, I learned a lot about the social, emotional, and psychological aspects of management, and these are skills I use every day.”
The Team as the Heart of Success
When speaking about his fondest memories, he immediately highlights teamwork and camaraderie. “Without a team, there’s no business. A company cannot be an island, nor can a person in the business world. You always work through teams or lead teams. Strength lies in diversity, and success in collaboration.”
Even today, he remains connected with his cohort, staying in touch, socializing, and often collaborating professionally. “Business collaborations often arise spontaneously, over coffee, in our free time,” he adds with a smile.
Career and Business Logic
Today, Jerko leads Logicom, a company that combines consulting, IT, and project activities, with a focus on AI technologies and projects in the oil industry.
“Logicom is a consulting firm that also handles complex IT projects and develops technological solutions for the Croatian and regional markets. We also have a trading segment that imports and distributes technology and equipment. It’s a synergy of experience and innovation.”
From HT to Digital Transformation
Before founding his own company, Jerko built his career in large systems, with a particular focus on his experience at Hrvatski Telekom, where he played a key role in the company’s digital transformation.
“Working with international teams, especially German colleagues, was a turning point. I learned that results come only from dedicated work, continuous learning, and the development of emotional and social intelligence. That’s when I realized that without the language and ethics of business, there’s no progress.”
Leadership and Responsibility
When discussing leadership, Jerko sees it as a combination of knowledge, empathy, and self-awareness. A successful leader, he says, must simultaneously be a teacher, a friend, and a guide, while also constantly evolving. “A leader must work on themselves every day. They must listen to their team and recognize their own mistakes. If they only lead without listening, that’s not leadership, it’s blind guidance.”
For those stepping into a leadership role for the first time, he offers clear advice: “It’s like being thrown into a patch of nettles. You’ll only get out if you have a strategy. If you know your path and don’t wander, you’ll quickly find your way out and move forward confidently.”
A Message to Future Students
When asked what advice he would give to those considering an MBA, Jerko responds without hesitation: “If you plan to be a manager, the MBA is essential. It’s like learning to read and write in the business world. Without it, you can’t move forward—not in middle management, nor in top leadership.”