The Transition From Corporate Success to Entrepreneurship
“Don’t enroll just for the three letters. If you’re not ready to commit, learn, open your eyes, and spread your wings, then it’s not worth it. An MBA isn’t a certificate; it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth.”
When Pavle Mihajlović decided to pursue an MBA at COTRUGLI, his career in the corporate world was already stable and successful. However, he felt he lacked breadth and local connections. “My first motivation was to meet people in Zagreb and Croatia because at the time, I was working exclusively with international markets. My second motivation was to prepare for a potential career change,” Pavle recalls.
At the time, he didn’t have a clear plan for entrepreneurship. “The company happened by chance, as a result of circumstances. The MBA prepared me to handle that transformation from corporate to private business with much more agility and prior knowledge.”
Today, he works in consulting and due diligence for industrial companies, helping European firms assess investment opportunities or resolve portfolio challenges. “These companies often lack such resources internally, and my work helps them make informed decisions,” he explains.
An MBA Experience That Changes Perspectives
COTRUGLI, he says, had a fundamental but indirect impact on him. “Before the MBA, I had spent my entire career in one industry and one company. I didn’t think about things like marketing or sales. COTRUGLI opened my eyes – it showed me that in different industries, different parts of business processes are the key to success.” He particularly highlights the Strategic Marketing and Decision Making modules, with Saša Pekeč, as the subjects that shaped him the most.
Equally important, however, were the people. “The connections were key for me. I’m still in regular contact with four to five colleagues. While business collaborations haven’t materialized concretely, we’re always open to helping each other.”
Challenges and Memories
Starting the MBA coincided with major changes in his personal life – Pavle and his wife were expecting a child.“It was very challenging to balance personal life, work, and MBA commitments. I think it would have been even better if I had started a year earlier, when I had more energy. It’s important to find the right moment between experience and energy.”
One of his favorite memories is the celebration of his son’s birth, when his MBA colleagues organized a spontaneous social event. “That was our first real social gathering. Another equally special moment was the end of the entire journey—the evening after the graduation ceremony.”
A Vision of Leadersh
When talking about leadership, Pavle emphasizes clarity. “The main virtue of a leader is clarity of thought and communication. A leader must know where the team is going and why, communicate that clearly, and provide people with the resources to contribute. Finally, accountability comes into play – holding people responsible and fairly showing them where they stand.”
For those stepping into leadership roles for the first time, he advises not to be afraid. “No one is born a leader; we all learn through experience. If you’ve been given the opportunity, someone has already recognized your qualities. Stay calm, fair, and clear with yourself and with others.
A Message to Future MBA Students
For those considering an MBA, Pavle has a clear message: “Don’t enroll just for the three letters. If you’re not ready to commit, learn, open your eyes, and spread your wings, then it’s not worth it. An MBA isn’t a certificate; it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth.”