From Consultant to Leader of Energy Transformation
“Knowledge drives change, but understanding people is what changes the world.”
Some careers aren’t mapped out in advance. They are shaped by decisions. Small, quiet ones that take you further than you ever thought possible. For Luka Gauta, this journey has spanned nearly two decades.
From his early days in the consulting world to leading energy transformations at one of Europe’s largest companies, his professional compass has always pointed in the same direction, toward learning, change, and responsibility. “A career is like a triathlon. It’s a series of stages where you need to know when to speed up, when to slow down, when to change direction, and even when to switch sports. The key is to never stop learning and growing.”
Roots in Consulting
While Luka spends his free time traveling, running triathlons, and enjoying music, his professional journey began at the biz-tech consulting firm CROZ, where he spent nearly 18 years. From business analyst to senior consultant and creative director, he worked on product development, digital and organizational transformations, and business optimization projects across various industries throughout Europe. “Consulting taught me to understand diversity. Every industry has its own logic, its own challenges, its own pace. I learned to listen, analyze, and respond quickly.”
The consulting world was his school of quick thinking and adaptability, a school that gave him the best of both technology and business. But after years of advising in a highly developmental environment, Luka wanted more than just making recommendations. He wanted to make decisions and feel their weight.
Energy as a New Stage
This next step brought him to E.ON, a global leader in energy, where he now leads Business Development & Transformation for Croatia and Slovenia. His role at E.ON allowed him to combine his experience as a strategist and leader, turning ideas into measurable change. “Green energy and innovative energy solutions for industries and cities are shaping the future. I wanted to be part of an industry that has an increasingly significant impact on our reality and to work in an organization that shares the belief that change starts with us.” (E.ON’s slogan, after all, is: “It’s on us.”)
Under his leadership and support, key projects have been realized, from internal transformations to the recently held first Energy Weekend, as well as initiatives that accelerated digitalization processes and boosted the appeal of new energy solutions in the region. These efforts have positioned E.ON as a leader in energy transition. However, Luka insists that neither technology nor the best product is ever the key on its own. “Transformation isn’t a process; it’s a belief. You can have the best technology, product, and plan, but if people don’t believe in it, nothing moves forward.”
COTRUGLI Executive MBA – A Turning Point with a Broader Perspective
A pivotal moment in Luka’s professional development came with the COTRUGLI Executive MBA, which he pursued at a time when he wanted to gain a deeper understanding of business beyond the consulting sphere.“The MBA gave me the tools to think like a generalist, not just a specialist. I learned to connect domains like finance, strategy, marketing, and leadership into a cohesive whole, and I tested what I learned immediately after leaving the classroom. The speed of learning and practical application were the greatest benefits of that experience.”
Through COTRUGLI, he built a network of colleagues from across the region and gained a new understanding of leadership – one that isn’t measured by titles but by impact. Today, he continues to support the school’s development as a guest lecturer and mentor to young professionals.
Looking Ahead with Empathy and Determination
Luka embraces a leadership style rooted in trust, openness, and shared growth. His presence has a calming effect. “Leadership isn’t about showing power; it’s about creating a space where others can succeed. If your team grows, you grow. Today, more than ever, we are all part of an interconnected evolution.”
Balancing the analytical mindset of a consultant with the vision of a leader, Luka has found harmony – empathy for people and clarity in decision-making. His approach is based on three principles: clarity of personal goals, a strong desire for growth, and consistency in development.
For Luka, the future of energy isn’t just about technology but about business models that combine sustainability with profitability. He believes the leaders of the future will be those who understand both sides – Excel and emotion. “Knowledge drives change, but understanding people is what changes the world.”
The energy transition isn’t just an industry; it’s a mission that touches all of us. And that’s precisely why this work matters.