Maja Milinović

At the start of her career, Maja Milinović’s professional goals were clear: to deepen her expertise and take on increasing responsibilities within her role. “In the beginning, I was focused on growing through knowledge and technical skills,” she recalls. However, what she couldn’t foresee was how her experience in the COTRUGLI MBA program would expand her ambitions and completely reshape her perspective on leadership.

“The MBA helped me see the bigger picture and understand the importance of cross-functional collaboration and strategic thinking. Since then, my goals have shifted from simply achieving targets to influencing the overall strategy,” she explains.

Today, Maja leads teams in an environment of constant change. Technological advancements set the pace, and strategic solutions have become critical for survival. “Right now, my focus is on strategic problem-solving because we live in a time where innovation, collaboration, and resilience are essential. My role is to guide teams through transitions while fostering a culture that embraces change.”

The MBA as a Catalyst for Leadership

One of the key values of the MBA program, in Maja’s experience, is preparing leaders to face future challenges. She believes MBA schools should place even greater emphasis on topics such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainability.

“Leaders need to understand how AI impacts strategy and operations, as well as how it changes decision-making processes. Additionally, climate change and sustainable development are no longer optional; they’re a necessity. Leaders must know how to integrate these into business strategies.”

Mentorship, she says, is a natural extension of the MBA experience. “Mentoring is a two-way street. While I share my knowledge, I also gain fresh insights, new perspectives, and the opportunity to keep learning. It’s an invaluable part of professional growth.”

Lessons from Her Career

Throughout her career, Maja has experienced moments of rapid advancement as well as periods of stagnation. Her first opportunity to lead a team, which exceeded her experience and knowledge at the time, showed her how quickly a leader can grow when faced with challenges. “It was demanding, but at the same time incredibly rewarding. I grew day by day.”

When challenges arose in her career, Maja didn’t let them discourage her. “Those were the moments when I developed new skills and built professional connections. I learned that a career isn’t a straight line, and it’s during those challenging periods that you have the chance to become stronger.”

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, she answers without hesitation:

– “Building professional connections is key.

– Find a mentor; an outside perspective can accelerate your growth.

– Never stop learning, especially skills related to strategic communication.

– And perhaps most importantly, stay up to date with technology and innovation.”

What It Means to Be a Leader Today

For Maja, leadership isn’t a title; it’s a responsibility. “A successful leader inspires and empowers others by leading through example. It means setting a clear vision, guiding the team toward shared goals, and valuing diverse perspectives. The environment is constantly evolving, and a leader must be able to navigate through those changes.”

Ultimately, she emphasizes that the MBA experience didn’t just benefit her personally; it also left a lasting impact on her teams, her company, and the community she operates in. “Leadership is a journey, not a destination. The MBA gave me the tools to walk that path with more confidence, courage, and influence.”