Leadership Through Empathy, Morality, and Continuous Growth
“Empathy, morality, and the ability to contribute to the community are the key traits of a leader. The balance between results and team spirit is what makes the real difference,”
Vukašin Stanisavljević, Director of Import and Business Development at Vega d.o.o. and member of the 7th MBA generation, has been building his professional path since his student days. After graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy, he began his career as a pharmacy trainee and soon moved into pharmaceutical wholesale, working as a procurement officer. His ambition for advancement and learning led him to the COTRUGLI MBA program, which he highlights as crucial for broadening his perspective and developing a different way of thinking about business.
During the two-year program, Vukašin learned how to approach problems from multiple angles and think about the company as a whole, recognizing the interconnections between different departments. “The MBA helped me develop a different mindset, not just in business, but in a broader sense, showing me where to invest energy and effort in the right direction,” says Vukašin. His professional goals have remained focused on learning and progress; however, life events, such as starting a family, have further shaped his view of career and the balance between private and professional life.
Today, with the arrival of his child, family has become his absolute priority. “The most important thing for me is to spend quality time with my wife and son playing, walking, attending sports events, and that’s where the most important leadership in life develops,” he explains. When it comes to professional leadership, Vukašin believes that the combination of expertise and emotional intelligence is the key to success. “Empathy and morality are often overlooked, but for me, they are the main foundation of any leader. Good leaders may have knowledge and experience, but without the ability to understand and respect people, it’s difficult to sustain effective leadership and positive results.”
When asked how COTRUGLI can continue to develop future leaders, Vukašin emphasizes the importance of empathy, morality, and creativity. “Theoretical knowledge, skills, and experience can be learned, but creativity allows us to stand out and differentiate ourselves from machines. The program should recognize each individual’s potential and help maximize it, while also making participants aware of their strengths and limitations, so they can apply them in practice.”
For Vukašin, mentorship is a two-way process. “I enjoy working with young people, and through my experience, I can contribute to someone’s growth. Mentorship is not just about giving advice; it can inspire, support, and help colleagues better understand their challenges and opportunities. I’m open to sharing knowledge because it makes all of us richer and wiser.”
Over the years, many people and small events have shaped his leadership journey. His parents, sister, wife, friends, and colleagues have all contributed to his growth. “The program, as well as my studies, also played a part in my development, but the transformation happened gradually from day one. I was learning, changing, and evolving, which shaped me into the person I am today,” says Vukašin.
For him, a successful leader is not only someone who delivers business results, but someone who guides people toward goals while promoting human values, unity, and long-term positive impact. “Empathy, morality, and the ability to contribute to the community are the key traits of a leader. The balance between results and team spirit is what makes the real difference,” concludes Vukašin Stanisavljević.