LJUBLJANA MBA Alumni Barbara Ülen shared insights into why she selected the program and the significant impact it has had on her career trajectory.
What inspired you to pursue an MBA?
Having been in a senior management role for some time, I was eager to find an educational program that would provide a comprehensive understanding of business. My search was influenced by my positive experience with the International Baccalaureate program in high school, where I received an education marked by depth and thoroughness, which I found immensely rewarding. I sought a similar experience that would span over a longer period to ensure meaningful learning. Staying in Slovenia was essential to remain close to my family, so after thorough research, I chose the MBA program at the School of Economics and Business in Ljubljana. This decision proved to be one of the best choices I’ve made, enriching both my personal and professional life.
How has earning an MBA transformed your career and personal growth, and what advice would you give to other women considering this path?
Pursuing an MBA while managing a successful career and family responsibilities was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. I firmly believe in the power of intrinsic motivation: if you set your sights on a goal, you can achieve it. The MBA taught me the importance of excellent organization and time management. It encouraged me to re-evaluate my leadership style, focusing on critical tasks and embracing delegation. By restructuring my team into hubs with designated leaders, I created a clear organizational structure that empowered my team members to take on larger roles. This experience solidified the importance of focusing on tasks only you can perform while delegating others. I also discovered that with proper productivity hacks, days and weeks are surprisingly long, making it unusual to have weekends without obligations. This realization transformed how I approached both work and personal time. With the support of my partner and family, I achieved high academic success and became a parent for the second time, proving that with determination, everything is possible.
What key lessons or experiences from your MBA journey do you believe can empower more women to step into leadership roles?
Initially, I felt pressured to do everything perfectly, which can be overwhelming and distracting from the broader vision. My leadership journey began with a small digital team and eventually expanded to a larger, more diverse group. My advice to aspiring leaders is to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of past leaders and use those insights to craft a personal leadership manifesto that embodies the type of leader you aspire to be. Revisiting this manifesto during challenging times was invaluable for my growth, ultimately becoming internalized as part of my leadership style.
Moreover, I appreciate how women are redefining leadership roles with more coaching-based principles. I was once told I was too approachable and pleasant to be a leader, which initially worried me about prevailing leadership theories. But as we face an era drastically altered by AI, I believe being there for my team and organization is paramount. It’s crucial to drive innovation rapidly, motivate the team to move into their growth zone, and encourage them to pursue their passions. Working in a large organization gives me the privilege of supporting my team’s development, even if that means helping them find new opportunities once they’ve outgrown their current roles in the Balkans.
Can you share a moment during your MBA journey that was particularly transformative or empowering for you as a woman in business?
The MBA experience allowed me to consolidate my existing knowledge with new insights, particularly in finance. The blend of international and local professors enriched my learning experience. A notable aspect of the program was the numerous essays—often spanning seven to ten pages—that served as tools for self-reflection and strategy development. These essays provided valuable insights into my strengths and aspirations, revealing aspects of myself that years of business experience had not.
Moreover, during my maternity leave, I embraced the opportunity to conduct research on digital transformation and pursue a master thesis at the School of Economics and Business in Ljubljana. This was a meaningful addition to my Master of Science in Communication, further enhancing my academic and professional journey. An equally rewarding aspect was the incredible group of co-students. We challenged and inspired each other, creating a network of ongoing support and collaboration. I am still in touch with many of them, as well as with some professors, with whom I continue to engage in the business sphere. This network is an invaluable asset, extending the impact of my MBA beyond the classroom.