At the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva, we are proud to support leaders who turn academic insight into global influence. One such alumna is Dr. Marijana P. Donati, a former Chief Economist, IMF advisor, and entrepreneur committed to conscious living, ethics in business, and public well-being.
Dr. Donati completed the Online DBA Dissertation Track at SSBM Geneva, using the program as a springboard to deepen her research, amplify her advocacy, and build a platform for change. Her journey exemplifies the transformative potential of education rooted in purpose.
Can you share your background and what inspired you to pursue the Online DBA Dissertation Track at SSBM Geneva?
My professional journey has taken me across diverse fields – from macroeconomics and corporate leadership to a deep-rooted passion for conscious living, health advocacy, and self-mastery. As a former Chief Economist, strategic advisor, junior advisor for the International Monetary Fund, and entrepreneur, I have always been drawn to research, impact-driven solutions, and the intersection of business, ethics, and well-being.
Pursuing the Online DBA at SSBM Geneva was a natural extension of my lifelong pursuit of knowledge and my mission to empower myself and individuals with transparency and informed choices. I wanted to deepen my academic and practical expertise, particularly in understanding and exposing deceptive marketing practices in the food and beverage industry, specifically greenwashing.
SSBM Geneva provided the flexibility, intellectual rigor, and global perspective that allowed me to integrate my research with my advocacy work while balancing professional and personal commitments. The program enabled me to translate my academic knowledge into real-world applications, which I now share through my book, public speaking engagements, and platform.
Can you share your dissertation research and its impact?
My doctoral research focused on greenwashing in the food and soft drink industry and its impact on well-being. This critical issue misleads consumers into believing they are making healthier or more sustainable choices when they are not. My research dissected how misleading marketing claims shape consumer behaviour, erode trust, and contribute to public health concerns.
A significant aspect of my research introduced a new concept —“Greenwashing through Athletes”. This explores how sports figures, often perceived as symbols of peak health and performance, are used to endorse unhealthy, ultra-processed products under the guise of fitness and well-being. The credibility of these athletes reinforces deceptive marketing, making consumers associate these products with health and performance, despite their harmful effects. This practice exacerbates public health challenges, particularly among younger audiences who idolise these figures.
Another central area of my research was the role of the grab-and-go culture in modern food consumption. The convenience-driven nature of ultra-processed foods damages individual health and weakens local economies by diverting consumer spending away from small-scale, sustainable food producers. I argue that eradicating the grab-and-go culture and revitalising local food systems, inter alia, are essential for sustainable local development. Supporting local farmers and markets fosters economic resilience and promotes healthier, less processed food choices.
The impact of my dissertation extends far beyond academia. It is a foundation for my work in conscious consumerism and conscious living, helping individuals recognise marketing deceptions and make informed choices. These insights form the basis of my international bestseller, It Is Never Late for a Healthy Childhood – a book that equips readers with practical tools to uncover food industry deception and reclaim control over their health and their lives.
Beyond publishing, I am actively translating this research, my book, into actionable insights through workshops, public speaking, and corporate consulting. My findings will influence ethical brand dialogues, regulatory discussions, and consumer education initiatives, helping people worldwide rethink purchasing decisions and their impact on health, sustainability, and the economy.
How has your DBA experience shaped your career and leadership style?
The DBA experience at SSBM Geneva refined my critical thinking, research acumen, and strategic leadership skills. It reinforced my ability to analyse complex global issues, translate research into practical impact, and lead with evidence-based decision-making.
More importantly, it strengthened my role as an advocate for conscious living and informed consumer choices. I approach leadership with intellectual curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to transformation—whether in business, education, or personal development. The DBA journey deepened my ability to challenge industry norms, foster meaningful change, and engage in thought leadership on an international scale.
This academic journey also empowered me to expand my reach globally, connecting with diverse experts, policymakers, and changemakers, all of whom play a role in shaping a more conscious and sustainable future.
As the founder of the Conscious Living Community “Care to Dare,” what inspired you to create this initiative, and how did your DBA journey at SSBM Geneva contribute to its development?
“Care to Dare” was born from my commitment to self-governance, conscious living, and sustainability—some pillars guiding my personal and professional life. Over the years, I realised that many people feel powerless against the food industry’s misleading practices and the modern culture of convenience.
I wanted to create a community where people could gain knowledge, take control of their choices, and inspire one another to live healthier, more sustainable lives. My book, “It Is Never Late for a Healthy Childhood”, aligns perfectly with this mission, offering readers practical tools to navigate food choices, recognise industry deception, and embrace conscious living.
Importantly, this isn’t just theory—I live what I teach. I have maintained vibrant health for over 20 years without the use of any medication. This lived experience reinforces the “Conscious Living Community” foundation and reminds others that change is possible and within reach. I walk the talk.
My DBA program at SSBM Geneva was instrumental in shaping this initiative. My research validated my work scientifically, allowing me to structure the community’s educational resources based on evidence rather than opinion. The rigorous academic framework also helped me refine my communication strategies, build credibility, and develop a global network, which has been essential in expanding “Care to Dare” beyond local impact into an international movement.
This is for those looking to make informed, empowered decisions about their health and environment. If you resonate with any of these, I invite you to explore my book, www.neverlateforhealth.com, and my work at www.marijanapdonati.com.
Looking back, what’s the most valuable lesson you learned during your DBA journey?
The most valuable lesson I learned is that knowledge is only as powerful as its application. No matter how groundbreaking, research has little impact unless it reaches people in a way that resonates and drives action. My DBA journey taught me how to bridge the gap between theory and real-world change, turning insights into solutions that empower individuals and communities.
I also learned the importance of resilience and adaptability. A DBA is not just an academic journey but a test of patience, endurance, and strategic thinking. It reinforced my belief that complex challenges—in academia, business, or life – can be overcome with the right mindset, discipline, and willingness to evolve.
What advice would you give current or prospective students considering the Online DBA program?
Engage with the global network. One of the greatest assets of SSBM Geneva is its diverse international community. Connect with peers, professors, and industry experts to enrich your learning experience and open doors to new opportunities.
Dr. Marijana P. Donati exemplifies the values that define SSBM Geneva: academic excellence, purpose-driven leadership, and global vision. Her journey from researcher to thought leader is a testament to what becomes possible when education is aligned with passion and impact.
We are honoured to celebrate her achievements and look forward to seeing her continued influence in shaping a healthier, more conscious world.