In the 81st episode of the Alumni Connect podcast, we host Tine Starič, a software solutions architect who takes us through his four-year experience of living and working in Lithuania. We talk about how big decisions often begin with a small step. About how curiosity keeps you moving forward, even when you don’t have all the answers. And about why the paths you choose are never walked alone.

In the 80th episode of the Alumni Connect podcast, our guest was Tanja Majcen Velečič, who serves at Novartis as Head of Data, Digital Ecosystems, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence in pharmaceutical manufacturing, operating in both a local and global context.

In the 79th episode of the Alumni Connect podcast, we host Alenka Repič, founder of Kaaita and a graduate of the School of Economics and Business, who openly admits that classical economic models “bore her to death.” Instead of profit maximization, she is driven by something else: the belief that nature and the environment are equal business partners and that in the end, we can all win.

In episode 78 of the Alumni Connect podcast, Alja Pahor and Nik Jerovšek from Spontanzo share behind-the-scenes insights into organizing top-level sports events. They discuss the realities of event management, the importance of communication and trust, and how to handle pressure and unexpected challenges. A special focus is placed on the 24-hour charity climbing marathon with Janja Garnbret, highlighting the dedication behind truly unforgettable experiences.

Nejc Perme began his academic journey at the School of Economics and Business without a clear idea of where it would lead him. Today, he works at the Bank of Slovenia, where he focuses on analysing inflation in the euro area. His path was shaped by courses that gradually steered him towards the research side of economics, as well as by the persistence with which he developed his analytical skills. Already during his studies, he stood out for his outstanding academic performance, earning the University of Ljubljana’s award for academic excellence. His story illustrates how curiosity, discipline and an openness to new interests can lead to a well-defined professional direction.

When she left her hometown of Ptuj at the age of fourteen to live independently in Ljubljana, she could not have known how profoundly that early step would shape her life. Today, Tamara Štumperger is an electrical engineer, a part-time master’s student in the Business and Organization program at the School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana, and has been with Danfoss for thirteen years. She works in supplier quality within the automotive industry.

Her path has been anything but linear – from an early ambition to work with animals to leading complex quality systems. By combining technical expertise, business insight and the discipline of sport, she connects processes, people and ideas. She believes in responsibility, curiosity and in the idea that the right things happen at the right time.

Tilen Klobučar found the starting point for his career path in the diverse academic environment of the School of Economics and Business. He knew he wanted a dynamic job that goes beyond routine and requires thinking in a broader context. Over time, he recognized procurement as a field that offers exactly this kind of dynamism, while also opening space for strategic thinking and long-term impact. An important milestone on his journey was his exchange at the University of Mannheim, where he gained additional confidence and a broader perspective. Early on, he set the goal of securing his first job in strategic procurement and persistently invested in it, even when the path was not easy. Today, as Head of Procurement at Pipistrel, he is building and developing the procurement function, while emphasizing integrity, ethics, and long-term thinking as the foundation of his work.

Laura Mlakar is one of those young entrepreneurs who grew up in an entrepreneurial environment, which is why she has carried an entrepreneurial drive within her since childhood. Her studies at the Faculty of Economics further encouraged her to put theoretical knowledge into practice as soon as possible. Already during her studies, she and a friend began building their first entrepreneurial story, and today they run a successful vertical video content agency, Createable, employing a ten-member team and collaborating with numerous companies.

Her view on entrepreneurship is clear: opportunities only arise when we dare to take the first step, explore new paths, and build relationships – both with people and with users.

The second event in the “From Saver to Investor” series highlighted the reasons for delaying investing (fear, lack of knowledge) and the importance of financial literacy. The speakers emphasized the impact of inflation, the accessibility of investing, and the advantages of a diversified portfolio.

At the online event hosted by SEB Alumni and Stellenbosch Business School, experts discussed the adoption of generative artificial intelligence in organizations. They emphasized that success largely depends on an organizational and human-centered approach, building employee trust, encouraging experimentation, and addressing real business challenges.

On Thursday, 5 February, the alumni event From Saver to Investor took place at the School of Economics and Business, bringing together participants to reflect on the financial habits of Slovenians and the importance of long-term investing. Experts highlighted key asset classes - stocks, bonds, investment funds, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies - and emphasized the importance of financial literacy, diversification, and discipline in wealth management. The event delivered a clear message: long-term financial security requires thoughtful decisions, knowledge, and an active approach by each individual.