Inspirational female leaders at the panel “Being a Woman”

Branka Vučemilo Elezović, Member of the Management Board of Ericsson Nikola Tesla and Director of Legal Affairs and Compliance, participated in the panel “Being a Woman” as part of the EFST Talks series held at the Faculty of Economics in Split.

The panel, organized on the occasion of International Women’s Day, brought together renowned speakers from various fields and encouraged an open discussion about the experiences, challenges, and opportunities of women in leadership positions, as well as the importance of mutual support and the visibility of female leadership. Dean Prof. Bruno Ćorić, PhD, welcomed the attendees, and the panel was moderated by Prof. Branka Ramljak, PhD, both from the Faculty of Economics in Split.

Alongside ENT Management Board member, the panel featured Prof. Renata Pecotić, PhD, Dean of the School of Medicine, University of Split, Matea Dorčić, Deputy Mayor of Split, and Dragica Jerkov, entrepreneur and innovator.

Speaking about the importance of self-confidence and belief in one’s own value, Branka Vučemilo Elezović emphasized that women are often more inclined to question their abilities, which frequently holds them back from applying for senior positions. “Women are more prone to doubting themselves, so for a high-level position, five less qualified men will often apply for every woman who wonders whether she should apply at all,” she warned.

Highlighting how important it is to give oneself a chance and believe in one’s own abilities, she stressed that women can achieve exceptional results when they empower themselves instead of unnecessarily limiting themselves with labels such as “male” and “female”, which often act as constraints. She added that women’s potential is fully realized precisely when we discard these limiting labels, as they unjustifiably slow down women’s professional and personal advancement.

Speaking about the importance of mutual support, Branka stated: “Women, support your colleagues. There are more women, women are intelligent, strong, and highly educated, and that is why a woman must be an ally to other women.”

As a shared message to young women, the panelists emphasized the importance of perseverance, belief in one’s own abilities, and the courageous acceptance of opportunities that arise, supported by the strong encouragement of other women.

The panel was held as part of the EFST Talks initiative of the Faculty of Economics in Split, through which the Faculty aims to create a space for discussions on important social, economic, and global topics and to connect the academic community, the business sector, and the wider public.