A Career Path Bridging Medicine, Business, and People
“A successful leader must be persistent, courageous, and consistent. I’m ready to set goals for myself and push my limits, just as I do in sports.”
Today, Vesna Stefanovski serves as the Head of Marketing and Sales at Beo Lab MediCover laboratories, as well as the Operations Manager at MediPartner Polyclinic. Her story is not just about a career; it’s a journey that combines expertise, knowledge, and personal growth, showcasing how the courage to take a different path can lead to success and fulfillment.
“For me, every new step is an opportunity to learn and grow, even when it’s not easy.”
From Medicine to Business
Vesna earned a medical degree 18 years ago, and at the time, it was unimaginable for her to do anything other than treat patients. However, circumstances led her to the pharmaceutical industry and sales.
“I started my journey in the pharmaceutical industry, which shaped me for a career in sales. I quickly realized I enjoyed this type of work – communicating with colleagues, the dynamics, the challenges. My medical background was very useful, and I had the chance to apply my passions for psychology, acting, and mathematics.”
Why COTRUGLI?
Although her formal education was in medicine and her expertise in sales and marketing, Vesna decided a few years ago to expand her knowledge in the business domain by enrolling in the EMBA program at COTRUGLI Business School. The pandemic and opportunities for change motivated her to steer her career toward management rather than returning to traditional medicine.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was tempted to return to my profession, but I ultimately chose business school, and I don’t regret it. The knowledge I gained during the program could be immediately applied to my work, which was fantastic and recognized by my superiors.”
Beyond new knowledge, Vesna highlights how much she valued meeting people from various industries and expanding her network:
“Networking at the school is a true asset. The most valuable investment is the knowledge and the people we meet along the way.”
The Challenges of Modern Leadership
As a leader, Vesna faces challenges daily, and one of the biggest, she says, is finding quality people:
“There’s a generational gap and differing value systems among new generations. A lack of intrinsic motivation and resistance to feedback are significant obstacles.”
For Vesna, empathy and emotional intelligence are key elements of successful leadership:
“True leadership is based on empathy and interpersonal relationships because every business relationship reflects that. Empathy is not a weakness but a strength of every true leader.”
Advice for Young Leaders
Vesna believes her leadership journey has been gradual and filled with learning and mentorship. If she could speak to her younger self, she would say:
“Think before you act. Emotions and intuition are important, but they need to be combined with rational thinking. Count to ten and avoid making impulsive decisions.”
She also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life:
“Work-life balance is essential, and employers should support it because happy employees deliver the best results.”
What Does It Mean to Be a Successful Leader?
For Vesna, leadership success is not just about professional status but also about integrity, consistency, and a willingness to work hard:
“A successful leader must be persistent, courageous, and consistent. I’m ready to set goals for myself and push my limits, just as I do in sports.”
Vesna is a passionate recreational athlete and is proud of her personal record in an ultramarathon in Romania, where she ran for 75 hours for charity.
As a final thought, she emphasizes:
“Leadership is a balance between a sharp mind, a big heart, and the strength to reach any destination. That’s what makes a true leader.”