Mr. Sandi Češko was the first lecturer to participate in In Great Company, a series of lectures organized at ERUDIO Business School. On 17 February, 2012, he let our students in on his success story, which started with Kosmodisk, and led to Studio Moderna, a multinational company present in 21 countries. In his talk, Mr. Češko stressed the importance of modern technology, of looking for new ideas and new opportunities. Mr. Češko also recommended some literature that helped him develop his ideas. In these times of economic crisis, nothing is certain; however, there are always new opportunities. We have to adapt to the market, i.e. to the wants and and expectations of potential clients.
On 23 March, 2012, In Great Company hosted Dr. Franc Šalamun, dr. med., spec. ophthalmologist, one of the Slovenian pioneers, who started using a new technique to operate on cataracts. He implemented this innovation in 1993, and he has since worked in Croatia, Germany, USA and South Africa. Doctor Šalamun performs more that 1000 eyes surgeries a year. In June 2002, his hard work and determination resulted in his own clinic: Medical Center Vid. Doctor Šalamun shared his story with us. He let us in on his guiding principle: if you can do something better for the people, it is a sin not to. He believes that success begins when you hit the bottom. His success resulted from a dream that he lived every single day, but he put a lot of work into his dreams in order for them to come true. His lecture ended with a proverbial wisdom: we always need to treat ourselves to something that makes us happy.
On 16 May, 2012, we listened to Mr Leo Oblak, director of Infonet Media. Mr. Oblak is CEO of Infonet media d.d., an association incorporating various radio stations (Radio 1, Radio Antena, Koroški radio and Radio Robin). Mr. Leo Oblak recounted how he managed to develop a radio network that includes the most popular radio stations in Slovenia. He particularly stressed the importance of research: the audience knows what it wants to hear, so we need to listen to it.
On 11 October, 2012, we hosted Mr. Miha Istenič, director of Istenič Sparkling Wines. Contemporary society would not work without time. We measure our lives using time, we perceive time as something tangible, something that can be owned. People do not have time to have time. The Istenič family was the first in ex-Yugoslavia to open a private wine cellar that produces sparkling wine. They applied traditional methods, and later on broadened their activities to oenotourism. Mr. Istenič told us about his path to success and his vision of the future – tourism, business and the best sparkling wine.
On 17 April, 2013, In Great Company hosted a lecture by Dr. Japec Jakopin, dr. med., industrial designer and businessman. Dr. Jakopin shared his thoughts on entrepreneurs and other matters: on why business is not highly appreciated in Slovenia, why Slovenians typically are slow in their reactions, and what, in his opinion, the future holds. Dr. Jakopin said that there is no economic crises, and it makes no sense to wait for one to pass. What is happening are changes, not crises, and we have to face these changes.
His advice is:
1) good education,
2) do not forget about art, the driving force of creativity,
3) "Do what you want,” as elaborated by Rabelais (do what you want and what you are good at)
One's work should reflect basic values, and one should be just, modest, careful and brave in their work. And do not ask yourself what the country can do for you. Instead, ask yourself what you did yesterday, what you are doing today, and what will you do tomorrow.
