Leadership is not an end in itself;it is a tool that helps the business grow.
“Knowledge and results matter, but without trust and a vision others want to follow, a leader does not exist.”
Vladimira Senčar Perkov’s professional journey demonstrates how education, the right mentors, and diverse experiences can shape both a career and a leadership mindset. Although trained as an economist, she shifted her focus to human resources early in her career. This made the COTRUGLI MBA a pivotal moment, allowing her to refresh and modernize her economic knowledge while viewing her HR role from a much broader perspective.
“After the MBA, I stopped looking at tasks and projects solely through the HR lens. I began to see them in the context of business needs and strategic goals. I think that was the biggest mindset shift I experienced – HR is not an end in itself; it is a tool that helps the business grow,” Vladimira explains.
The MBA also brought a new dimension to her personal life, providing clarity about her priorities, the importance of work-life balance, and the power of personal development. “My career didn’t change spectacularly, but my approach to work and life did. I started thinking more about what matters to me as a woman, a mother, and a person.”
Mentors and Experiences that Shape Leaders
Early in her career, Vladimira was fortunate to work with a mentor who, in her words, “blew my mind.”
“I realized how little I actually knew and how crucial it is to master the fundamentals of HR – laws, policies, processes. That foundation later allowed me to build everything else on solid ground.”
Working in a large international company exposed her to nearly every HR function – from talent management and employer branding to rewards systems. This breadth of experience prepared her for leadership positions and shaped her into a leader who still values learning through practice and implementation.
“My mentors and teams taught me the importance of continuous learning and having the courage to try new approaches, and if they don’t work, to adjust and try again. That entrepreneurial mindset stays with me to this day.”
Passion in Work and Motivation
Vladimira admits she is most fulfilled by projects that initially seem challenging or even impossible.
“When something unfamiliar comes to the table, I enjoy structuring the problem, finding a sustainable solution, and watching how it plays out in practice. My greatest frustration is working on something I know in advance will not serve a purpose.”
Why the MBA, and Why COTRUGLI?
“COTRUGLI is recognized in the region for its top-notch faculty and high-quality program. For me, the MBA was an academic challenge – I wanted to refresh my knowledge and broaden my horizons. The lectures were inspiring, and the teamwork offered tremendous value, as I gained friendships that last to this day.”
Beyond professional knowledge, the MBA gave her a new level of self-awareness.
“I learned to make decisions from a broader perspective – not just as an HR professional, but as someone thinking like a general manager. That is invaluable.”
Lessons and Key Messages
When asked what she wishes she had known earlier in her career, Vladimira says:
“That maintaining balance is essential. For years, I put work above everything, and today I know how important it is to have personal time, pursue my own interests, and allow space for rest.”
Speaking about leadership, she emphasizes that the key trait of a successful leader is the people who follow them.
“Knowledge and results matter, but without trust and a vision others want to follow, a leader does not exist.”
For those considering an MBA, her advice is straightforward:
“There’s no need to overthink it – enroll and commit fully. See it through to the end.”