The year 2024 has seen remarkable advancements in the world of business and innovation, with Slovenia emerging as a key player in this dynamic landscape. In such a fast-paced environment, it is essential for entrepreneurs and business leaders to seek fresh ideas, strategies, and approaches to propel their growth and success. This is where The TOP 10 Business Growth Speakers in Slovenia 2024 take center stage—offering insights from leading experts who inspire and empower others through their talks, workshops, and proven methods for achieving business excellence.
Ivo Boscarol
Ivo Boscarol is one of the most prominent self-made Slovenian entrepreneurs since 1990. He is the former owner and CEO of Pipistrel, a company that, under his leadership, became one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ultralight aircraft. In doing so, he not only put the company on the global map but also Slovenia. In April last year, he sold the successful company to the American firm Textron and has since focused his mission on giving back to society—both in material and personal terms.
Ajša Vodnik
Ajša Vodnik spent 14 years working in the media, first as a journalist and later as a chief editor and television host. At 29, she became a co-owner and helped launch a Slovenian television station startup. A master of communications, since 2007 she has worked as a strategic communication consultant, business communication advisor, and communication trainer for executives of Slovenia’s largest companies. Currently, she is the CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia (AmCham Slovenia). She was elected Vice President of AmChams in Europe, the umbrella organization representing 45 AmChams from 43 European and Euro-Asian countries, bringing the seat of the organization to Slovenia for two years.
Petra Juvančič
Petra Juvančič is the Executive Director of Združenje Manager (the Slovenian Managers’ Association). In the past, she held several terms as Director of Public Relations at the insurance company Vzajemna. She also worked at the Slovenian Insurance Association, where she chaired the Committee for Consumer Awareness and Communication. As an expert in healthcare systems, she also contributes to the American Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia (AmCham Slovenia) as a member of the Health and Quality of Life Commission. Petra is an experienced organizer and host of professional conferences, roundtables, and forums, and she contributes as a guest columnist for the newspaper Delo.
Jure Knez
Dr. Jure Knez is the founder of DEWESoft, an international company with a global presence and one of the leading experts in the field of measurement hardware supported by software. Dr. Knez is a mentor for startups, an investor, and an active participant in the Slovenian startup ecosystem. In this context, he has spoken at numerous events. He is also active in the Slovenian Business Club, advocating for better conditions for Slovenian businesses and advising corporations on entering foreign markets. He has served as a jury member for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Golden Gazelle, and Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Danijela Bervar Kotolenko
Danijela Bervar Kotolenko is an entrepreneur and founder of four companies, as well as an investor. She is the owner of the business education brand Edutrain.me, the Business Intelligence Center, and was a former partner and co-owner of Media Lab d.o.o. She also serves as the head of the Cotrugli Business School Alumni Club in Slovenia. A master of business networking and connections, she is an inspirational speaker, coach, facilitator, and certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and ScrumMaster® facilitator. Passionate about agile work methods and lean innovation, she is actively engaged in driving agile transformations within Slovenian corporations.
Gregor Kosi
Gregor Kosi is the founder of GREAT Leadership Solutions and former CEO of Lidl Slovenia. He joined Lidl in 2005, before the company opened its first stores in Slovenia in 2007. In 2006, he became Sales Director, and in 2009, he took over as CEO of Lidl Slovenia, overseeing more than 1,300 employees. Today, through GREAT Leadership Solutions, he helps businesses and organizations develop excellent leaders, build great teams, and create outstanding companies.
Lovro Peterlin
Lovro Peterlin is the Managing Director for Sales, Marketing, and Customer Relations at A1 Slovenia. Peterlin joined A1 Slovenia in 2017 as Senior Director of Sales and Subscription Services, and in June 2018, he assumed the role of Managing Director. Before joining A1 Slovenia, Peterlin was the Director of Linea Directa, a sister company of Studio Moderna, which operates in 19 markets across Eastern and Central Europe, specializing in call center services, sales, and managing complete customer experiences for over 350 business partners. With international experience and years of expertise in developing new business opportunities and managing teams, Peterlin shares his knowledge with entrepreneurs and advises international companies in sales, marketing, and the establishment and management of effective sales teams.
Žiga Vavpotič
Mag. Žiga Vavpotič is an experienced international leader with a proven track record of managing successful projects, organizations, and companies. He is the former Chairman of the Board of Outfit7 (Talking Tom and Friends), one of the fastest-growing international family entertainment companies (350 million monthly users, over 10 billion downloads, and sold for $1 billion to Chinese owners). Passionate about connecting knowledge between the business and NGO sectors, Vavpotič is an expert in talent promotion, intercultural collaboration (with a focus on China-Europe), and creating impactful projects and organizations for social change. He is a responsible, goal-oriented change-maker.
Aleš Lisac
Mag. Aleš Lisac is the Director of Lisac & Lisac and is best known in the Slovenian business community as a marketing expert, consultant, and speaker who has delivered lectures on marketing and sales to over 160,000 seminar attendees. Aleš is an author, lecturer, and marketing advisor, with his tips guaranteed to work. Through his actions, advice, lectures, books, monthly magazine “Korak pred konkurenco” (“A Step Ahead of the Competition”), and blog “Dnevnik marketinškega guruja” (“The Marketing Guru’s Diary”), Aleš has influenced more than 25,000 entrepreneurs and individuals interested in success in business and life.
Blaž Brodnjak
Blaž Brodnjak is the CEO of NLB d.d., the parent bank of the NLB Group, a leading banking and financial group with a strategic focus in Southeast Europe. With over 20 years of diverse experience in leadership positions at all levels within international banking groups, Brodnjak naturally grew into his role, having started from sales and progressed through leading a business department, division, and entire commercial activities as a board member in the Slovenian subsidiaries of international banking groups (BACA, Raiffeisen, and BAWAG P.S.K.).
