LJUBLJANA MBA Alumni Mateja Lampe Rupnik shared insights into why she selected the program and the significant impact it has had on her career trajectory. Currently thriving as a CEO of Red Pitaya, Mateja was a distinguished member of the LJUBLJANA MBA Class of 2015/2016.
Leadership and career development
As the CEO of Red Pitaya, how did your experience with the Ljubljana MBA program contribute to your growth as a leader, and what key lessons from the program have had the most lasting impact on your career?
The Ljubljana MBA program had a profound impact on my growth as a leader, particularly in the area of people management. While my initial goal was to strengthen my finance knowledge, I found that the most valuable lessons came from learning how to effectively manage teams, especially in a dynamic and fast-paced industry like high-tech. In a field where innovation and adaptability are key, knowing how to lead and inspire people is crucial. Technology evolves rapidly, and success depends on creating a culture that fosters collaboration, creativity, and agility. Understanding how to manage diverse teams, leverage their strengths, and guide them through change has been critical to my leadership journey, both as the advisory CFO of Instrumentation Technologies and now as the CEO of Red Pitaya.
Challenges and opportunities in technology
Being in a leadership role at a tech company like Red Pitaya, what are the unique challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered as a woman in the tech industry, and how did your MBA help you navigate this complex and evolving field?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible male colleagues—engineers, management teams, and shareholders—who were always willing to share their knowledge and support me. This support has been crucial to my growth as a leader. However, it’s disheartening to see that there are still not enough women in STEM. At Red Pitaya, we actively support women in tech and are committed to making technology accessible to everyone, regardless of gender. A great example of this is when a group of Japanese high school girls, using Red Pitaya technology, made history by conducting experiments at CERN. This demonstrates how, with the right tools, young women can break barriers and excel in STEM.
The tech industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, and one of the biggest challenges is keeping up with the rapid progress of technology. As a leader, it’s essential to ensure that we don’t fall behind or get too comfortable, which means continuously adapting and fostering innovation. My MBA has been instrumental in helping me navigate this environment. I learned how to set clear priorities, effectively manage my team, and gain a strong foundation in business and finance. Beyond business and management skills, one of the most valuable aspects of the MBA program was the network I built. Even today, I can call on my classmates for advice or a chat, which is incredibly important in such a dynamic and challenging industry.
Balancing Personal and Professional Goals
Pursuing an MBA while advancing your career can be demanding. How did you manage to balance the intense workload of the Ljubljana MBA program with your professional and personal responsibilities, and what advice do you have for other women striving to achieve this balance?
Balancing my career, family life with three children, and the demands of the Ljubljana MBA program was definitely challenging, but it was worth every effort. The experience energized me. Every session I attended gave me new ideas and perspectives, and I drew much inspiration from my classmates. The professors were exceptional, and I’ve continued collaborating with some even after completing the program.
For women considering this path, my advice is simple: don’t be afraid. Women often tend to doubt themselves more than men, but stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for personal growth. Of course, having the support of your family is crucial. My husband made sacrifices, too, which allowed me to pursue my goals. It’s important, however, to stay mindful of your energy levels—burnout is a real risk. Make sure to carve out time for yourself, whether through exercise, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is seeing younger colleagues grow, both personally and professionally. Mentoring and supporting them has become a key part of my role at Red Pitaya, where we foster a supportive environment for growth. It’s essential for women to seek out environments that uplift and empower them. If your current situation doesn’t offer that support, I encourage you to find one that does because that makes all the difference in achieving balance and success.
