"MBA Brought Breadth, Perspective, and People"
“Don’t rush into it right after university. First, work, gain operational experience, develop social skills, and build emotional intelligence. After a few years, an MBA can be a powerful way to step out of your comfort zone and learn a lot about business and about yourself.”
Why an MBA, and why COTRUGLI?
Mario says the decision matured over several years, with the final push coming from a sense of needing broader knowledge:
“From the beginning of my career, I was in sales. I had some exposure to finance and graduated from the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb, but I was still aware of a lack of breadth in my knowledge. I needed a platform to view challenges from different angles and to meet people from various industries. Networking was the second key reason.”
Broad Knowledge and a New Perspective
Interestingly, just before starting the program, Mario took on his current position. The MBA naturally aligned with this new professional challenge.
“The experiences that helped me see business beyond sales and from a broader, strategic perspective? Professor Evans and macroeconomics, marketing with Professor Kfuri, who opened up an entirely new perspective for me, and finance with Terence Tse – he managed to make finance approachable and interesting, even for those who didn’t like it.”
What stands out the most for him, however, are the people: “The connections and friendships remain. I’m still in close contact with my colleagues, and we’re always ready to help each other or share perspectives.”
The Challenges of the Pandemic
Mario completed his MBA under unique circumstances. “Almost all the lectures were online, in the middle of the pandemic, and I had two small children at home. Balancing family, work responsibilities, and the MBA was challenging, but with the support of my wife and the team spirit among my colleagues, we made it work.”
Career and Leadership Growth
Although he was already in his current position, Mario says the MBA influenced how he started thinking: “I became more strategically oriented, more focused on people and the organization. We grew together, my position and my MBA experience.”
For Mario, a successful leader is someone who builds a culture of openness, trust, and belonging: “A leader is an equal member of the team, someone who listens and gives people the space to make mistakes and grow from them. Trust and relationships are the foundation.”
Advice for Younger Professionals
To those considering an MBA, he advises: “Don’t rush into it right after university. First, work, gain operational experience, develop social skills, and build emotional intelligence. After a few years, an MBA can be a powerful way to step out of your comfort zone and learn a lot about business and about yourself.”
For those already pursuing an MBA, he offers simple advice: “This is your time. What you put in is what you’ll get out. Read more than what’s required, speak openly, and learn from each other. That’s the value you’ll carry with you for life.”
He also adds something he believes is crucial for the future of MBA programs: “AI and digital skills must become part of the curriculum. My generation still has a gap in this knowledge. In a world of data and automation, leaders need to understand how technology can free people for creativity and growth.”