Mladen Brkic
CFO, Ultra Intelligence & Communications
Mladen Brkic’s most impactful recent work at Ultra Intelligence & Communications focused on encouraging finance leaders to prioritize business partnerships with all other functions. This effort enhanced the understanding of how sales and operations impact the organization’s financial outcomes. And it enabled the company to respond quickly to certain competitive situations and market curveballs, as well as understand how a few new product launches can impact 2025-26 results.
“We developed detailed scenarios with bottoms-up action plans that are being executed well in advance of operational events to maximize success in coming quarters/years,” Brkic said.
Brkic believes discipline is “the greatest form of self-love.”
“Discipline is the greatest form of self-love; repeatedly practicing good habits and avoiding bad ones leads to success no matter where you start in life or business,” he said. “However, the opposite is true as well.”
Why Watch
In 2024, the I&C team is heavily focused on growth in several strategic markets with a number of newly launched products that should translate into significant growth stories for Ultra Intelligence & Communications. Ability to execute on those growth ambitions will depend heavily on discipline in operational execution and ability to quickly act on a range of growth initiatives and market outcomes that could compete for resources, Brkic said.
Ultra I&C CEO, Jon Rucker said Brkic has transformed the company’s finance function into a true strategic partner for the organization.
“His leadership in scenario planning and proactive action planning has positioned us exceptionally well for success in the coming years, particularly as we launch new products and navigate an ever-changing business landscape,” Rucker said. “Mladen’s approach to financial leadership is not just about numbers; it’s about driving sustainable growth and creating value across our entire operation.”
Fun fact: “I was invited for my first professional job interview while I was bartending in college. I have traveled to 59 different countries and counting.”