Anita Stojčevska – Get to know our VAB member

We would like to introduce you to VAB member, Anita Stojčevska, who joins our community from Ljubljana, Slovenia. She is a senior executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in corporate and retail banking, strategy and transformation. Her career has been shaped by leadership roles within Société Générale Group and OTP Group, where she led major integration and transformation initiatives and contributed to one of the most significant consolidation processes in Slovenia’s financial sector. Today, Anita focuses on advisory and non‑executive work, supporting organisations with their governance, strategic change and leadership development needs. She actively mentors emerging leaders and actively supports initiatives centred on responsible leadership, long‑term value creation and institutions’ positive impact on society. 

What inspired you to become part of the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) community? Professional transition, a search for board opportunities, the wish to build a portfolio career?

I joined VAB following a recommendation from my colleague Tanja Blatnik. After more than 30 years in senior leadership roles in the financial sector, including CEO and Governance Board positions, I decided to transition into non‑executive work and build a broader portfolio career. I am interested in supporting not only financial institutions but also family businesses and SMEs in their growth and transformation. I am also committed to mentoring young future leaders and supporting women in developing their leadership careers. I see VAB as a valuable community for exchanging perspectives and exploring new board and advisory opportunities.

Describe your biggest challenge with your current career or professional transition process? Where would you invite help from the VAB community and, conversely, how do you feel you can best support your VAB peers?

After a long career in large corporate environments, stepping into a portfolio career is a completely new journey for me. I was always surrounded by teams, structures and established processes; now I am entering a space where I need to rely much more on myself and build my own path. Guidance from VAB members on how to shape and position a strong portfolio career — especially beyond the financial sector — would be extremely valuable. Slovenia is a small market with limited opportunities for NED and advisory roles, so learning from peers with international experience is important for me.

At the same time, I can support VAB peers with my experience in business development, transformation and leadership. Plus, I am keen to mentor young future executive talent and support women in developing their leadership careers.

Where would you like your next career or professional opportunity to take you? In what type of organisation or role do you feel you could make the most impact?

I see my next career steps evolving gradually — starting with mentoring and advisory support, particularly for young talent with leadership potential and women developing their executive or C-level careers. I am also interested in supporting owners and managers of family businesses and SMEs as they shape their growth strategies and navigate transformation. Over time, I aim to expand into non‑executive director roles, building on my experiences as a supervisory board member for the Slovene Pension Fund, Slovene Power Plants Holding and my past leadership as president of the board of directors in a financial institution in Slovenia. I believe I can make the strongest impact in organisations seeking counsel on strategic clarity, business development and leadership transformation.

What resources have helped you most in managing the ups and downs of the psychological journey related to professional transition? Is there a book, a podcast, a coaching service or some other tool that has guided you on your way forward?

Being part of several professional communities — the Managers’ Association of Slovenia, AmCham Slovenia and the Chamber of Commerce — has been an important source of support during my transition. I regularly attend events, round tables and discussions, and this helps me stay connected, exchange perspectives and strengthen my already extensive network. A significant source of support also comes from my friends and former colleagues; we have stayed closely connected and continue to support each other as we navigate new professional paths.

I rely heavily on continuous learning as well, particularly through leadership literature. The last two books I read — Rewired (Eric Lamarre, Kate Smaje, Rodney Zemmel) and The Culture Code (Daniel Coyle) — have been especially valuable. Both offer practical insights into transformation, culture and leadership behaviours that resonate strongly with my own transition. These resources help me reflect, stay grounded and manage the psychological aspects of shifting from executive roles to a portfolio career.

Where do you find you do your best strategic thinking? Be creative and surprise us.

I do my best strategic thinking when my mind finally gets a break — usually in the spa after a sauna, on a quiet walk through the forest or while looking at the sea. When I’m not overwhelmed, ideas simply appear… almost as if they’ve been waiting for me to slow down. I am a thoughtful person — I don’t jump at the first idea — so I like to take time to reflect and gather my thoughts in peace.