At the time when you attended the MBA program you were a principal at the primary school, a PhD candidate, a wife and a mom of four. How did you successfully manage all this?
Balancing my role as a principal, a PhD candidate, a wife, and a mother of four during the MBA program was undoubtedly challenging, yet it was achievable through careful planning, strong support, and clear prioritization. I developed a structured approach to time management, setting specific goals for each role and optimizing my schedule to ensure that I could meet the demands of both my personal and professional life effectively.
Support from my family and colleagues was essential, as it allowed me to focus on my studies and work while knowing I had a solid foundation at home. I also learned to delegate and empower my team at school, which not only helped me manage my responsibilities but also fostered a collaborative environment.
Ultimately, I approached each task with dedication and resilience, viewing the challenges as opportunities for growth. This experience reinforced my belief that, with the right mindset and support system, even the most demanding goals can be pursued successfully.
Do you believe that MBA helped you shape your leadership skills and gain knowledge needed to run the school?
Yes, absolutely. While the Ljubljana MBA program is not specifically tailored to public sector management, and a school operates quite differently from a business, I still found the experience invaluable. Applying business principles to the educational environment can sometimes be challenging, yet the program provided me with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of strategic leadership.
The MBA allowed me to critically reflect on my leadership style, identifying both my strengths and areas for improvement. I also gained crucial insights into fields previously unfamiliar to me, such as financial management and organizational strategy, which have proven highly applicable to my role as a school leader.
Moreover, the opportunity to engage with distinguished faculty and accomplished peers was immensely rewarding. Through these interactions, I was able to explore diverse viewpoints and engage in enriching discussions that expanded my understanding of effective leadership.
What are the most important challenges that you face daily as a leader in your organization?
The most significant challenge I faced as the headmistress of a public school, was managing a wide array of diverse tasks and responsibilities. Leading in this setting required engaging with a broad range of stakeholders—including students, parents, teaching and non-teaching staff, municipal authorities, the local community, and the ministry—each with unique and sometimes conflicting interests, expectations, and perspectives. Completing my MBA was instrumental in helping me navigate these complexities. The program provided me with essential skills in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution, which were invaluable in aligning the diverse interests of our school community. Additionally, the MBA gave me a foundation in financial and operational management, helping me oversee resources and optimize processes in a way that directly benefited the school.
When I transitioned into the private sector as an HR director, the challenges shifted toward fostering organizational culture, enhancing employee engagement, and implementing effective talent management strategies. Here again, the MBA’s emphasis on leadership and organizational behavior enabled me to make an impact quickly and manage change effectively within the company.
Starting my own business two years ago introduced yet another layer of challenges, from strategic growth and client relations to the intricacies of running all facets of a startup. The entrepreneurial and financial insights I gained during the MBA were crucial in helping me launch and sustain my business successfully. Each phase of my career has benefited from the foundation the MBA provided, equipping me to adapt to new environments and tackle evolving challenges with confidence.
As an individual and a professional, how do you operate today (after the MBA)? What’s different from before, during the MBA time?
Since completing my MBA, I’ve noticed significant shifts in both my personal and professional approach. One of the biggest changes is a more strategic mindset. The MBA program taught me to see the bigger picture and think beyond day-to-day tasks. I’m more focused on long-term planning and setting measurable goals, which has made me more effective in leading my organization and making impactful decisions.
Another change is in my decision-making process. Before the MBA, decisions were often made on instinct and experience, which can be effective but sometimes lacks depth. Today, I rely more on data and analysis, taking time to evaluate options and consider potential outcomes. This analytical approach has helped me make choices with greater confidence and consistency.
Additionally, I now place a greater emphasis on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork. The MBA exposed me to diverse perspectives and approaches, and I saw the value of different viewpoints.
Personally, I also manage my time and energy more effectively. Balancing the MBA with other responsibilities taught me to prioritize and delegate thoughtfully, which allows me to be present and engaged without feeling overwhelmed. This has enriched both my personal and professional life, allowing me to lead with a clearer mind and a greater sense of purpose.
When you’re really busy, how do you manage to find balance in your life?
When life gets especially busy, finding balance requires intentional strategies to stay grounded and maintain perspective. I prioritize my time rigorously, focusing on what truly matters, both at work and at home. I’ve found that setting clear boundaries, even small ones, between work and personal time helps me to be fully present in each role. This might mean scheduling uninterrupted family time or blocking out focus hours at work to handle high-priority tasks efficiently.
On a personal level, I make time for activities that recharge me, whether it’s spending time with family, hiking, or even just reading a good book. These moments provide mental space and clarity, which are essential for maintaining a positive mindset, even during busy periods. An important personal approach I’ve adopted is growing orchids, which has become a form of mindfulness for me. Taking care of them provides a peaceful, meditative break from the demands of daily life, and the process of nurturing them teaches me patience and attention to details—qualities I bring into my professional life as well.
Lastly, I try to keep perspective by reflecting on what I’ve achieved and acknowledging that balance doesn’t mean perfection. Sometimes, one area needs more focus than another, and that’s okay. Staying adaptable and open to recalibrating when needed helps me manage life’s demands without feeling overwhelmed.