Dejan Bojkovski Spotlight

• What has been the most meaningful teaching from your MBA at CIMBA?

The leadership breakthrough and behavioral courses (with huge thanks to Al Ringleb, Christina, and Carla Picardi) were transformative. These lessons taught me to truly appreciate people for who they are, regardless of their position in a hierarchy or society. Beyond the curriculum, the most lasting impact has been the friendships. The bonds formed during our time in Italy have become lifelong; we still visit each other regularly with Max, Karl and Tabi (Max has also been an official witness at my wedding), proving that the CIMBA network is as much about the heart as it is about the head.

• What are you noticing in your current position that is interesting about current clients’ needs and requests?

I’m seeing a massive push toward process automation and data-driven decision-making. To stay competitive, we’ve implemented several new software solutions this year to streamline financial and cash management reporting. Interestingly, I’ve noticed a dip in client interest regarding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting recently. In my view, this is a missed opportunity; many are underestimating the long-term impact that climate change will have on the global business landscape.

• What would you have done differently, looking back at your career?

I spent over 20 years in the audit profession. While I valued the international exposure, looking back, I would have made a career pivot much sooner. The audit world has become incredibly regulated and rigid. If I could go back, I would have tested the waters in investment banking—ideally with a much stronger ethical compass than the "Wolf of Wall Street!" One vital lesson I’ve learned across these transitions is that you must demonstrate your value within the first three to six months of joining a new organization. In a professional career, that initial impression creates a lasting reputation; it is the window where you establish your credibility and set the tone for your future growth.

• Any advice for young graduates who want to grow in the business world?

Be very intentional with your first career choice, as those initial years often forge the skill sets that define your trajectory. We are entering an era of unprecedented change; by 2030, humanoid AI, autonomous vehicles, and nanomedicine will likely redefine the workplace. Look several steps ahead and frame your career based on where the world is going, not where it is today. Finally, stay human: keep in touch with your CIMBA alumni. Our class is celebrating our 20th anniversary in Asolo this year, and those relationships remain my greatest professional and personal asset. (Hopefully all CIMBA team still remembers us 😊).