Zvonimir Seki

When Zvonimir Seki applied for an MBA program in 2007, he wasn’t looking for a diploma. He wanted to “connect the dots” and understand the bigger business picture and the context in which important decisions are made. At that point, he had already spent over a decade in the corporate world, working in branding and marketing, but he felt he lacked a broader understanding of business.

“I knew my core – marketing, brand strategy, consumer insight – but if you want to be a true leader, you need to understand the entire business. Finance, operations, organization… I didn’t have that breadth.”

The MBA program at COTRUGLI, still relatively young at the time, seemed like the right choice – even though, he admits, he didn’t really consider other options.

“I had very strong recommendations from my professional network. People I trusted, both personally and professionally, spoke about COTRUGLI with great respect. I didn’t think twice.”

People You Remember Forever

From the very first modules, he says, it was clear he had made the right decision – not just because of the content, but because of the people. Some professors, he recalls, left an indelible mark.

“Professor Gupta – a genius. So much knowledge, but also so much real-life experience in everything he said. And Mike George… he literally forces you to look within yourself. He doesn’t just teach you leadership; he makes you look deep inside.”

One sentence, in particular, stayed with him – something Professor Gavin Wallbridge said in 2008:

“He said, ‘If I can give you one piece of advice – make sure your children learn Chinese.’ At the time, it sounded like a strange suggestion. Today, it makes perfect sense.”

A Community That Lasts Beyond the Diploma

Still, the MBA didn’t just give him knowledge; it gave him people.

“The connections you build… It’s hard to describe. Today, 20 years later, I’m still close with some of them. Some of us even became godparents to each other’s children. And the connections I made through the MBA have opened doors for me many times—both professionally and personally.”

The COTRUGLI network, he says, often proves to be a quiet but powerful ally.

“You find yourself in a meeting and realize you’re sitting across from a fellow alumnus. Suddenly, everything changes. You have a common language. There’s trust, and that’s often the most important thing.”

Crises That Shape You

Throughout his career, Zvonimir has faced many challenges, but one period stands out – the Agrokor crisis.

“It was like stepping into a real-life MBA. Two years felt like ten. Day after day – blockades, uncertainty, people looking at you and asking what’s next. You have to give them direction. It wasn’t easy, but you learn who you are and what you’re worth.”

The experience he gained wasn’t just professional; it was deeply personal.

“You realize that leadership isn’t a title. It’s not a position. Leadership is when people see hope in you. When they follow you not because they have to, but because they trust you.”

From Croatia to Spain and Back

After that, his professional journey took him beyond Croatia to Madrid, where he worked for Lactalis, overseeing the Spanish and Portuguese markets. It was, he says, a whole new world.

“A different culture, a different mentality, a different rhythm. That’s where you really learn what adaptation means. And how far you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone.”

Leadership as Responsibility

When asked what makes a true leader, he pauses for a moment. There’s no quick answer.

“You don’t appoint yourself as a leader. That has to come from others. To me, a leader is someone who has a positive impact – someone who sparks inspiration, opens perspectives, and provides direction. And most importantly, someone with integrity.”

He lingers on that word:

“Integrity. That’s the foundation. If you don’t have that, everything else falls apart. You can know everything, have a ten-page CV, but if you’re a ‘corrupt person,’ it will come to light. Always.”

A Message for Those Considering an MBA

For those debating whether to pursue an MBA, he has clear advice:

“Don’t go too early. You need at least 5-6 years of work experience. You need practical references for the knowledge to ‘click.’ An MBA isn’t a university degree – it’s a catalyst. But you need something to react with.”

And for those already in the program, he offers sincere advice:

“Go into it with your heart and mind. Not just for the knowledge. Meet people, listen to their stories, and be open. That’s the value you can’t measure immediately, but you’ll feel it for years to come.”

Looking Ahead: AI, Emotions, and Resilience

When asked how he sees the future of MBA programs, he says they must evolve. Technology is unavoidable, but he doesn’t forget the human side:

“Yes, AI is a big topic; it’s already shaping how we work, make decisions, and communicate. But we also need more focus on people. Emotional intelligence, coaching, resilience… People are burning out today. They need to learn that a career isn’t a sprint- it’s a marathon.”

The MBA gave Zvonimir Seki more than knowledge. It gave him context, a community, and an internal compass. Even today, more than 15 years later, that experience continues to shape his way of thinking, leading, and living.

“It’s not written on the diploma, but it stays in your mind. And in your character.”