Matea Leko

Matea Leko knew from a young age that music would hold a special place in her life. The piano became her means of expression, and the concert stage a space where she grew and evolved. With over twenty years of professional experience, she has performed at more than 200 prestigious venues across Europe. Her concerts attract audiences of all generations, and her YouTube channel boasts over 3 million views.

“Music is my calling and my great passion, but early on, I realized that this lifestyle didn’t fully satisfy my inner need for growth. I wanted to find a way to combine my love for music and performing with the opportunity to establish myself in the business world.”

The Search for Business Knowledge and COTRUGLI

Although her artistic path brought her satisfaction and success, Matea felt she lacked formal knowledge about the business world. She knew this knowledge would help her develop her projects and ideas more sustainably and strategically. “As a musician, I didn’t have formal education in management, finance, or strategy. These were the areas I wanted to build upon to find my way in the business world more easily.”

This led her to enroll in the COTRUGLI MBA program. She was drawn by the school’s international accreditation, the practical approach of its lecturers, and, perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to be part of a network of people with similar ambitions. “I chose COTRUGLI because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn from people in completely different industries. That diversity was especially important to me.”

The program was exciting and dynamic, and this very dynamism was incredibly valuable to Matea. “It wasn’t difficult for me to balance personal and professional obligations because the lectures were well-organized and time-flexible. Even the ones that required travel weren’t a problem. There was a lot of work and learning, but I prepared well, and everything fit perfectly. On top of that, I managed to continue performing regularly.”

Through lectures and group projects, she met colleagues from various sectors, from finance to technology, and realized how perspectives can differ yet enrich one another.

“Networking is one of the greatest assets of COTRUGLI. I learned to view challenges through the lens of people from different industries, which brought me greater flexibility and openness. I discovered the wealth of opportunities in the job market, which helped me clearly identify where I see myself, both in a corporate setting and as an entrepreneur.”

An Entrepreneurial Leap: From Agency to Personal Brand

After completing her MBA, Matea decided to venture into entrepreneurship. She combined her artistic creativity with her business knowledge and founded her own agency specializing in digital marketing and communications.

“I launched my agency some time after finishing the MBA program, focusing on communication and digital marketing across seven European countries. Everything I learned during the MBA, from strategic planning to team management, I began applying daily in practice.”

Through her work in the agency and her understanding of how to build brands, stories, and strategies, Matea recognized an opportunity to create something truly unique – a brand that merges her two great passions.

“Through the agency, I learned about structure, processes, how to build campaigns, and how to convey a story to an audience. However, I also felt the desire to create something deeper—a project that wasn’t just a job but a mission. That’s how Musical Stories by Matea Leko was born.”

This project combines music with mental and physical health and was recognized by Forbes magazine, which featured it in its “Women in Power” edition.

Matea’s projects include:

– Musical Stories: An innovative concert format that redefines classical music for the 21st century. Set in luxurious venues (Grand Hotel Esplanade, Kourion UNESCO Amphitheatre, Ljubljana Castle), it combines virtuoso performances with TEDx-style talks by renowned artists and professionals in mental and physical health, VIP culinary experiences, and a wellness approach that places music in the context of well-being.

– Musical Healing: Wellness retreats and workshops for women that integrate music, movement, mindfulness, and mental health.

– Corporate Collaboration: Tailored concerts and wellness programs for companies looking to offer their employees or clients a unique experience that nourishes both body and mind.

Matea emphasizes the importance of well-being in the business world, a topic that has become both personally and professionally significant to her. She believes this is what the world needs most today: honest conversations about mental and physical health.

“One of my favorite topics in the program was well-being. I believe mental health is a greater challenge today than skills themselves. This is something my friends and colleagues in various industries confirm daily, regardless of their location. Managing people is no longer just about coordinating different skills and talents within a team; it’s primarily about ensuring that people are well, motivated, and fulfilled in the right way, which is incredibly demanding.”

This is why Musical Healing has become a platform where women can find balance through music, movement, and community, while Musical Stories brings this dimension to a broader audience.

“No business can function effectively without a team that truly wants to work. Each of us must take responsibility, reflect on how motivated we are, how much we contribute, and what we can bring to the table. Only then can we be ready for the challenges ahead.”

The Impact of COTRUGLI

Matea highlights that the COTRUGLI MBA gave her confidence and the tools to make decisions, as well as the support of a community that remains active. “The MBA taught me to think strategically, manage resources, and build relationships. It’s not just a diploma; it’s an experience that lasts a lifetime. Without that knowledge, I wouldn’t have been able to start an agency, develop my own brand, negotiate with sponsors, create new products, or build a team.”

A Message to Future Students

“The MBA isn’t reserved only for corporate managers. If you want to grow, broaden your horizons, and build your career on solid foundations, regardless of your profession, it’s the right choice. For me, COTRUGLI was a decision that opened new doors and gave me the courage to pursue entrepreneurship. Today, I lead a brand that combines my two great loves, music and business, creating experiences that not only leave a lasting impression but also nourish the soul and body. That’s something the world truly needs today.”