From serving the public sector in Kosovo to leading sales in a private IT company, Arizona Berdynaj’s journey stands as a testament to leadership and female empowerment. Her unique career experience shaped her leading style and on the way her dedication to driving innovation and empowerment in the technological field.
Arizona Berdynaj’s career took off impressively in the public sector as part of the Ministry of Energy and Mining in the Republic of Kosovo, leading up to a position as the Chief of Cabinet to the Minister of Justice. Transitioning from such a publicly and public-orientated position to the private sector brought its own challenges. But it also rewarded her with the sparks of a new interest: “I struggled with understanding the industry’s business and technical aspects, which were vastly different from my previous work experience. Recognizing the diversity and complexity of the telecommunications sector, I decided that further education was essential. This led me to pursue studies to bridge my knowledge gap and adapt to the demands of the private sector. My growing interest in IT also motivated me to deepen my technical skills and understanding. This proactive approach marked a crucial milestone in my career development.”
Her leadership philosophy was shaped over the years by her experiences in a highly responsible position as well as by her insights as a female leader. From that she draws a determined conclusion about her leading style: “I am committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that empowers and supports women in the tech and telecommunications fields. My goal is to create a dynamic technology ecosystem and facilitate best use of technology in solving organizational and societial problems”. Berdynaj advocates fiercely for women’s involvement across all careers and industries, breaking traditional societal and industrial norms. She is leading by example, by all means, and believes that hard work follows fair opportunities, which includes changing the wide-spread expectation that women have to choose between a professional career and a family. To her, the opposite is true: “As a mother of two children, I am motivated to set an example that balancing work, study, and family responsibilities is achievable and rewarding. “
The decision to pursue an Executive MBA in Business & IT at TUM was driven by this open minded willingness to grow and to see life as a continuous opportunity to learn something new. Studying in Germany, known for high educational standards and land of technological innovation, was particularly appealing to her, as well as the expansion of her professional network. But it still surprised her, how her perspective on business and especially IT was challenged and rewritten by the modules. “Every module in the program had a unique impact on my thoughts and career, offering different insights and challenges. I found that each module, while diverse, was interconnected, collectively broadening my understanding of the roles of digital transformation and IT in business. This comprehensive approach deepened my appreciation for how these elements can drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness, which has been incredibly enriching and transformative for my career.”, Berdynaj praises.
She also values the personal connection between the students as an additional learning experience: “My colleagues, who are now my friends, have been very inspiring and supportive to aim higher and pursue my career in Business and IT. The program’s well-designed structure has shaped me into a more effective leader, the diverse perspectives and collaborative environment have enriched my understanding and approach, significantly enhancing my leadership skills and strategic thinking.”
Today, she holds the position of Chief Sales Officer in the telecommunications industry. Her journey is one-of-a-kind from serving the public to exploring the private sector and highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, curiosity and an open mind. She not only stepped up for her career but set a powerful example for leaders, who build their success on a modern and inclusive work environment and the creation of opportunities for everyone, making her an example of inspiration for female leadership in technology and beyond.
Like Arizona Berdynaj, take the first step into your leadership journey and learn more about the Executive MBA in Business & IT today.
