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Marijana Šarolić Robić
Episode · #273

MEDIJATOR Marijana Šarolić Robić

Guest Marijana Šarolić RobićHosted by Srđan ŠimacMay 3, 2026
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation

Most people collect professional titles throughout their careers, building an impressive list of affiliations and achievements. Marijana Šarolić Robić, an attorney, honorary consul for New Zealand, and president of a professional network, sees them differently. She calls them 'labels,' a collection of external definitions that often obscure the individual beneath. Her lifelong effort has been to ensure she is known simply as Marijana, a perspective that shapes how she navigates her diverse roles, from advocating for gender equality to representing a nation she has yet to visit. This conversation explores the power of defining oneself beyond conventional markers, and what happens when curiosity, rather than a fixed identity, becomes the primary guide.

Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Marijana's childhood experience of being labeled 'from this village' or 'from that village' led her to insist she was 'just Marijana.' The most impactful leaders define themselves by their core values and worldview, not by a collection of professional titles or affiliations.
02
Becoming an honorary consul for New Zealand, a country she has never visited, was a 'tremendous honor.' Real representation isn't always about prior experience; it's about a willingness to learn, bridge cultures, and embody shared values.
03
New Zealand ranks first globally for 'Ease of Doing Business' and maintains 'zero corruption tolerance.' A nation's true strength lies not just in economic metrics, but in its commitment to transparent governance and accountability, which attracts investment and talent.
04
New Zealand's process of historical reconciliation with the Maori people, including returning land and co-writing history textbooks, demonstrates a different path. Acknowledging past injustices and actively working towards reconciliation, rather than ignoring them, is how societies build a stronger, more unified future.
05
The Professional Women Network Zagreb (now Professional Women & Men Network) always included men from its inception in 2016, despite its initial name. True gender equality initiatives aren't about exclusion; they're about creating inclusive spaces where both men and women collaborate to address biases and foster equal opportunities.
06
Marijana first learned about PWN Global during an MBA module on business communication and decided to bring it to Croatia. Powerful ideas often cross borders not through grand plans, but when an individual recognizes a concept's value and takes the initiative to adapt it to their local context.
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