Leadership as Responsibility
“Persistence, communication, and humanity aren’t soft skills; they are the foundation of leadership.”
When Zrinka Bokulić talks about her professional journey, she makes it clear that her decision to pursue an MBA wasn’t about changing direction but about deepening her knowledge and strengthening her leadership role. “Before the MBA, I already had a well-established career in the management boards of several companies, where I gained significant experience in strategic decision-making, leading teams, and managing complex business processes. However, I believed, and still believe, that continuous learning is essential, especially in a world that’s changing faster than ever,” she recalls.
The Path to an MBA
Her decision to enroll in the COTRUGLI MBA program stemmed from a desire to structure her existing knowledge, broaden her perspectives, and learn new tools. “I wasn’t looking for a career change but a way to enhance what I was already doing. The MBA helped me connect practical experience with theory and gain a clearer understanding of the challenges in today’s business environment.”
One of her goals was to secure a new term on the management board, but she accomplished much more. “That was proof that I had made the right decision,” she emphasizes.
Leadership Through Experience and People
For Zrinka, leadership isn’t a title but a responsibility to create conditions where others (her team) can perform at their best.
“The most important lessons I’ve learned didn’t come from formal education but from moments when I had to face unexpected challenges. Those moments demand courage and clarity, and they shape you the most as a leader.”
She particularly highlights the people she’s worked with. “I was fortunate to learn from exceptional superiors, not just about business strategies but also about what it means to remain human in everything you do. From them, I learned that persistence, communication, and humanity aren’t soft skills; they are the foundation of leadership.”
The MBA Experience
Zrinka chose the COTRUGLI MBA because of its dynamic format, tailored to business professionals: “Weekends and extended weekends were optimal. It was challenging to balance work obligations, private life, and the MBA, but with good organization, everything is possible.”
What she remembers most is the connections and camaraderie with her colleagues. “Besides learning, we had a lot of fun. Some of the friendships formed during that time still last today.”
Impact on Career and Thinking
The MBA didn’t radically change her career path, but it gave her a clearer vision and greater confidence in decision-making. “Today, I have the privilege of relying on years of experience that allow me to see many situations several steps ahead and from multiple perspectives. A leader’s stability comes from empathy, clarity, and a willingness to learn, not just through successes but also through challenges.”
Looking Ahead
When discussing the future of MBA programs, Zrinka emphasizes the importance of developing “soft” skills: “Emotional intelligence, conflict management, and active listening are becoming key leadership competencies. Technical knowledge can be learned, but what will always remain a human responsibility is leading people – building trust and inspiring others.”
To her younger self, she would say: “Don’t waste energy on worrying. Everything falls into place in the end. And remember, becoming a leader doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey built day by day, through people, experiences, successes, and failures.”
In five or ten years, she sees herself in consulting, adding with a smile: “I’ve always said, when I grow up, I’ll be a consultant.”
Advice for Future MBA Participants
To those considering an MBA, she says: “Be brave and take that step. You won’t regret it. An MBA gives you new knowledge, experiences, and friendships. The key is to approach the program with an open mind and curiosity. The academic part is important, but the real value comes from the people and how willing you are to step out of your comfort zone.”