EMBA 21 Graduation Ceremony: Speech by Zrinka Bokulić

As part of the EMBA 21 Graduation Ceremony, Zrinka Bokulić, CEO at Jadran d.d. Crikvenica, delivered a speech during the diploma award ceremony. The speech is presented in full below.

Good day, Leaders of the Future,
I want to thank COTRUGLI for the invitation, and I’m delighted to be here with you today.

Dear colleagues, today, you are not just EMBA graduates; today, you are officially recognized as the superheroes of your own lives. But before we put on our superhero capes, let’s remember that superheroes are most relatable when they show they are – simply human. Admit it, we’ve all sent an email without the attachment at least once, or left that one typo in the final version of a presentation. I know this from personal experience.

Congratulations on your diplomas and your success, because I know you’ve invested a lot of time, resources, and sheer willpower to be here today.
But this is not the end – it’s actually just the beginning. A diploma is a powerful tool, but it’s not the ultimate goal. Use it wisely to create a big “L” for Leadership in both your personal and professional lives. However, don’t forget that in about a week, when the excitement and euphoria settle, you’ll return to your usual professional roles.

Your diploma gives you a title, but a title doesn’t make a leader. Managers are appointed – they have authority by position, while leadership is a relationship, and that relationship exists only if others accept you. A manager has subordinates, a leader has followers. One commands, the other inspires. Instead of seeking obedience, seek trust; trust is built through respect, understanding, and consistency. Ironically, the more you rely on formal power, the fewer people will truly follow you.

Allow me to share three sentences with you today that have shaped my professional journey:

1. Step out of your comfort zone
True personal and professional transformation happened to me when I left the familiar. I moved from Zagreb to Dubrovnik for work. And every time I stepped out of my comfort zone, my confidence grew. In other words, as soon as we take the first step, the comfort zone expands – and with it, so does our strength. Be ready to make mistakes. Take on a project that intimidates you and learn a skill unrelated to your career. I, for example, learned how to sail.
2. I don’t know
This is a short but powerful sentence.
The moment you say it, you create space for the experts on your team to shine, and in doing so, you build trust.
We are human, not Grok or ChatGPT, and that is precisely our advantage. Such authenticity sets us apart from the generic, “copy-paste” leaders from a handbook.
3. That’s impossible
Don’t accept the phrase “That’s impossible.” Instead, think about how something could become possible and invest as much time in that pursuit as you would in listing arguments for why it isn’t. In the 21st century, almost everything is possible; it might just require a different perspective, different resources, or a bit more time. So be persistent and positive, and initiate change. Start now.

But before that, step out of your comfort zone, because that’s where interesting and beautiful things begin to happen.
Today, I stepped out of my comfort zone to be here with you, and I feel great.

Dear colleagues, this diploma is like a superhero cape – it’s impressive, but it will only cover your back. Your head still needs to think, and your legs need to run. And when you glance at your diploma from time to time, let it remind you that you achieved all of this because you learned, made mistakes, corrected them, and, I’m sure, had fun and laughed along the way. Laughter is a very valuable currency in leadership – use it generously.

So, allow me to wish you great success in your future impossible “I don’t know” projects outside your comfort zone.
Good luck!