At the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva (SSBM), we believe in the power of education to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Our programs are designed to provide professionals with the skills, knowledge, and network they need to excel in their careers. Among our most inspiring alumni are exceptional women who have broken barriers and risen to influential executive positions.
Meet Martina Dragičević: Visionary Leader, Regulatory Expert, and Advocate for Digital Transformation
Director of Regulatory Affairs and EU Funds Department at A1 Croatia Ltd.
Martina Dragičević brings 20 years of experience in the electronic communications sector, where she has established herself as a key player in regulatory affairs and EU fund management. She holds a diploma from the Faculty of Law at the University of Zagreb, a bar exam, a Master’s in EU Competition Law from King’s College London, and an MBA in General Finance from the Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM).
In her role as Director of Regulatory Affairs and EU Funds Department at A1 Croatia Ltd., Martina primarily manages the team responsible for:
- Sector-Specific and Competition Regulation: Overseeing ex-ante regulation and general competition regulation, covering a broad spectrum of business functions, from wholesale and retail markets in the electronic communications, energy, cybersecurity, digital, and media services sectors. Her work also supports the implementation of sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.
- EU Fund Management: Ensuring the efficient use of EU funds to align with business processes and help realize strategic business objectives.
- Public Communication: Leading public communication efforts with national and EU-level institutions.
Martina is actively involved in the work of several influential industry groups, including the Croatian Employers’ Association (CEA), the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, AmCham, and the XEnergy Association. Within the CEA, she holds several leadership positions, including Head of the Working Group for Telecommunications and Connectivity, Vice-President of the Executive Board of CEA ICT, and Head of the Cyber Security Working Group.
“The time spent with my colleagues and professors brought me additional confidence in areas like project management, marketing, HR, sales, and finance. I was honored to be awarded Student of the Year, not just for academic performance but for my collaboration and engagement in class. The program empowered me to handle multidisciplinary projects with a broader perspective—from ideation to go-to-market phase.
Meet Dr. Lisa Tamilia, DBA: Business Educator, Marketing Strategist, and Global Researcher
Sales & Marketing Manager, Business Faculty Professor, and Published Researcher
Dr. Lisa Tamilia holds both a Doctorate in Business Administration (Executive DBA) and an MBA, bringing a wealth of expertise to the fields of sales, marketing, and education. Her DBA research focused on International Business, Global Markets, and Cultures, with a particular emphasis on Pet Humanization Culture in International Business and Global Markets. Lisa dedicated her doctorate published research to her favorite pet, Greta.
Professionally, Lisa serves as a Sales & Marketing Manager for an Insurance Industry Technology company (Software as a Service), overseeing operations throughout the USA market. Additionally, she is a remote Business Faculty Professor based in New York, where she creates courses, teaches, and mentors students in in all business-related subjects such as Business Law, Management, and Risk Management/Insurance.
Lisa is also a published researcher and an international contributor at the “International Strategic Marketing Conference” in Athens, Greece. She has completed an MBA Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica and actively serves as a Business School Advisory Board Member.
Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Lisa is dedicated to philanthropy. She established a scholarship fund in tribute to her late mother, providing financial support to students overcoming disabilities, financial hardships, and other obstacles in their educational journey. In addition, Lisa and K9 Greta volunteer as a K9 Search and Rescue Team.
“SSBM Geneva offered me a platform to connect with colleagues worldwide. The experience broadened my global perspective and deepened my understanding of international business culture. SSBM faculty and staff provided a wonderful graduation ceremony and reception as well as support throughout my DBA journey. Graduation in Geneva was an unforgettable memory, celebrating with special graduate friends from around the world.
Meet Dr. Stela Koleva: Dynamic SaaS Executive, Leadership Strategist, and Expert in Customer Experience
Global Vice President of Customer Experience Services at Mews
With over 20 years of experience in the SaaS industry, Stela Koleva has built a distinguished career in leadership and customer experience. Her journey began 15 years ago as a supervisor leading a small team of three consultants. From the outset, she has been deeply committed to learning and self-improvement, continuously refining her leadership skills.
Within just 5.5 years, Stela advanced to a Vice President role at SAP Concur, showcasing her ability to scale teams, drive operational excellence, and lead with impact. She went on to hold several senior leadership positions, including Global VP, Head of Travel & Product Support, and Country Director for SAP Concur Czech, where she managed a diverse team of 550 employees from over 60 nationalities.
In her current role as Global Vice President of Customer Experience Services at Mews, one of the fastest-growing hospitality technology unicorns, Stela applies a research-driven leadership approach that has been significantly shaped by her Doctoral studies in Business Administration (DBA) at SSBM Geneva.
Her research explored how the leadership styles of senior executives from diverse cultural backgrounds influence the execution of corporate strategy. The academic inquiry and strong support from SSBM professors have provided Stela with data-backed insights into leadership effectiveness, enabling her to refine strategic decision-making, enhance cross-cultural collaboration, and develop high-performing leadership teams.
“The academic inquiry and strong support from SSBM professors have significantly shaped my leadership effectiveness. Integrating research with real-world executive experience has empowered me to enhance cross-cultural collaboration and drive organizational growth.
SSBM Geneva: A Catalyst for Women in Leadership
Martina, Stela, and Lisa exemplify the impact of SSBM Geneva’s educational programs in empowering women leaders. Their stories underscore how continuous learning, global networking, and academic research can transform careers and open doors to executive leadership roles.
Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?
Join SSBM Geneva and be part of a global network that empowers future leaders. Explore our MBA and DBA programs today!
