Dr Mladen Cvijanovic, known as “Dr MC”, arrived to the United States on a basketball scholarship at the age of 17 with just two suitcases and $500 in his pocket. Today, he serves as Executive Vice President, North America, for Berlitz Corporation, bringing his love of learning and language skills to the language education and leadership training company. “Nothing meaningful, nothing of substance in terms of success—personal or financial—comes without significant sacrifice and growing pains,” he says. His early years in rural Virginia, working long hours cleaning horse stalls to earn his first paycheck, ignited a drive that still propels him forward today. “The hunger of knowledge is only satiated by the pursuit of purpose.”
The Power of Language and Lifelong Learning
Fluent in five languages—English, Spanish, Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian— Cvijanovic’s linguistic dexterity has been a key differentiator in his career. What began as a necessity upon arriving in the U.S. evolved into a passion for communication and connection. “I could speak English, but not take classes in it,” he recalls. “I had an excellent ESL teacher who worked with me six hours a day, every day—including weekends.”
This rigorous dedication to mastering language mirrored his broader approach to learning. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish, two master’s degrees, an MBA, and a doctorate in neuropsychology under his belt—Cvijanovic is now completing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). For him, academic achievements aren’t just lines on a résumé—they are the foundation of a life philosophy that has helped him achieve success early in his career. “Never stop learning and earning,” he says. “If I’m not learning or earning, I’m out.”
Leading with Purpose and People
When it comes to his approach to leadership, the innate drive that continues to guide Cvijanovic’s pursuits has been an influential force in inspiring others to unlock their own potential. Responsible for more than 2,200 team members, Cvijanovic’s approach underscores the importance of culture. “You can’t force somebody to drink the Kool-Aid and say they like it if the culture is toxic,” he explains. “But if they embrace it, the result is nobody wants to leave—through good and bad times.”
His commitment to fostering a positive work environment has yielded remarkable results, including near-zero voluntary attrition in North America over 12 months. Cvijanovic credits this to a culture built on reciprocal trust and informed by genuine feedback. “Every quarter, I ask my team: How can we do better? How can I do better?”, he says, citing this consistent cycle of feedback and action as key factor to creating an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.
The Intersection of Psychology and Business
Cvijanovic’s understanding of human behavior has been a cornerstone of his leadership style. His background in neuropsychology, social psychology and industrial-organizational psychology informs how he mentors teams. “I’ve applied all of my knowledge to help train, mentor, and enhance organizational performance,” he says. “What I thought would help individuals with life problems—I’ve applied at a broader, organizational level.”
While he still continues to work one-on-one as part of his pro bono efforts, his drive remains rooted in a strict code of reciprocity—giving back what he’s learned to those who seek to grow. Whether working with Fortune 500 companies or government agencies, Cvijanovic’s ability to connect with people—regardless of their title—has been a contributing factor to this own successes. “No matter how successful or influential you become, treat everybody like they’re your boss—with the same respect, same attention, and same genuine desire to engage.”
A Future Fueled by Purpose —and Clear Goals
Looking ahead, Cvijanovic’s ambitions remain as bold as ever. With aspirations set on a C-suite role at a large global enterprise company and part-time teaching positions at university level, his vision extends beyond personal success. His ultimate goal is to achieve the financial flexibility to dedicate more time to pro bono work, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. “I want to see a reward at the end of the road for every ounce of energy, time, resources, and passion I invest into something,” he says.
A relentless drive, combined with his dedication to learning and collaboration, has created ripples that continue to inspire the people he leads and mentors. Follow Dr Mladen Cvijanovic’s journey and insights on LinkedIn.
