Josipa Petrović

For Josipa Petrović, the MBA experience at COTRUGLI was far more than an academic journey – it was a turning point in both her personal and professional growth. “Before the MBA, my goals were centered on advancing within the company – taking on more responsibility, leading larger teams, and delivering results. I knew ‘how to get things done,’ but I didn’t always have the time to ask myself, ‘why does this matter to me?’”

During the program, a shift occurred. She was able to place her operational experience and competencies into a broader strategic context. “I began to think more clearly from a business perspective, not just from the standpoint of the functions I held. Exchanges with colleagues from different industries gave me a new level of confidence – not from ego, but from clarity.” Today, with nearly a decade of experience in one of the most demanding business functions, Josipa’s ambitions are different: “Having an impact on market growth, as well as developing competencies within companies, is far more important than titles. You can hold a very senior position and still have little influence. I want to apply my knowledge where I can truly help companies grow – whether as a manager or a consultant. Results are what count, and that is the greatest reward.”

Her leadership journey has been shaped by a wealth of experience across multifunctional roles in corporations, but also by challenging moments – ambitious targets, limited resources, and time pressure. “The strength of a leader doesn’t come from a title, but from how they act and communicate – with clarity and credibility when it’s time to stand in front of a team, make an unpopular decision, or decide, for example, that the sales plan needs to change.” Particularly important to her growth have been her teams, who proved that success is built on trust and shared goals, and her mentors from different countries, whose experience was invaluable. “The best decision I made for myself very early on, with the help of my first mentor, was not to pretend to have traits I didn’t possess. That is sabotage of personal growth, and ultimately of the collective as well.”

After years of leading sales, operations, and commercial functions in multinational systems, Josipa decided to redirect her focus. “This is not a passive pause, but a strategic transition. I have achieved very measurable and concrete successes – growth in sales and profitability, digital transformation, building teams. Now I choose projects and companies where I can contribute through strong team synergy and a clear vision of growth. Business is changing, leadership is becoming more personal, and you must demonstrate in practice what you know – how you engage and empower teams – and that personally resonates with me.”

When choosing COTRUGLI MBA, practicality was decisive, paired with solid academic support. “I wasn’t interested in the diploma, but in the value I could apply immediately. I wanted a program that didn’t just simulate business, but equipped me with tools for real-world situations – and that’s exactly what I got.” She entered the program with clear goals: structuring her knowledge, stepping outside her industry and function, and leaving her comfort zone through stronger personal influence. “All three goals were achieved. The MBA didn’t give me all the answers, but it gave me better questions.”

Finance modules were the most challenging, while the leadership module sparked introspective questions about the purpose of leading. “The MBA taught me to make decisions from the perspective of the entire company, not just one function. And when it comes to leadership, it confirmed for me that leading doesn’t mean having all the answers, but knowing how to empower the team.”

Balancing work, private life, and studies was demanding, but Josipa highlights that MBA weekends actually gave her new energy. “It was intense, but I often returned to work on Monday with more ideas and motivation than I expected.”

For her, the greatest wealth of the MBA lies in the people and the network. “COTRUGLI was not just a program, but a platform to connect with people who understand the dynamics of leadership in the real world. Some of those contacts became business partners, others close friends. To this day, we exchange ideas, collaborate, and support one another.”She also sees mentorship as an essential part of her journey: “I have often served as a mentor, and I consider it a privilege – through experience, you can help others shape their own path.”

For Josipa, leadership today means clarity, agility, and inner strength. “A true leader does not need to compete – they create a safe environment in which both people and companies can thrive. Leadership is not an external role; it is an internal stance.”

To her younger self – and to young leaders – she would say: “You don’t need to know everything – but you do need to know how to decide, both for the company and for yourself. Being a leader also means making decisions, including the difficult ones. There is no point in building only a career or a title – you must build knowledge, competencies, and meaningful relationships based on sustainable values. If you know who you are, you will know where you are going, regardless of circumstances.”

Looking ahead, she sees herself where her contribution has the greatest impact. “The job title doesn’t matter – what matters is influence. Whether I directly lead a business or advise those who do, what counts is achieving results by combining commercial focus on growth, operational clarity, and the development of competencies.”

Her advice to those considering an MBA is clear: “Don’t enroll in an MBA for the title or the impression it creates. Enroll to expand your perspective, allow yourself a shift in thinking, and step out of your comfort zone. You will get the most if you truly engage – mentally in learning new content, professionally in connections and teamwork, and personally in understanding yourself and the kind of leader you want to be.”