Valentina Jotovic

In the world of music and art education and entrepreneurship, few names stand out like Valentina Jotovic. As the CEO of Cy-Fair Music and Arts and co-owner of three thriving music schools serving over 2,100 students, Jotovic exemplifies leadership in its truest, most multidimensional form. But her story is not just about business — it’s about resilience, empathy, and community.

When asked how she defines a leader, Jotovic doesn’t hesitate: a leader is someone who feels responsible for those around them and is willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team. That’s not just a philosophy — it’s how she has lived, especially in the last five years, when she was focused on salvaging her business, and more importantly, the lives and livelihoods it supports.

During the pandemic, Jotovic stood shoulder to shoulder with her faculty, leading them through uncertainty with honesty, patience, and hope. “We had to come together to make a difference in the lives of the kids we teach and to keep our employees afloat,” she says.

Originally trained in prestigious European conservatories, Jotovic’s early experiences taught her the value of teamwork and the importance of being part of something bigger than oneself. Those lessons have carried into her leadership today, where she fosters collaboration, empowers staff, and encourages individual strengths. “Alone, we really can’t achieve much,” she notes. “It’s always a team effort.”

Together with her husband, Dr. Antonius Bittmann (himself a distinguished, award-winning musician), Jotovic runs the business with mutual respect and clear boundaries. “It’s an ongoing negotiation,” she laughs, “a growth process that sometimes strengthens the marriage and sometimes challenges it.”Their success lies in a shared vision and the wisdom to let each partner lead in their respective areas.

Jotovic has worked with some of the most well-known business coaches in the U.S. to improve various operational aspects of her performing arts schools. As a result, she has become a strong advocate for high-performance standards, quality service, effective time-management, and efficiency in managing her staff.

Jotovic’s leadership also extends into her industry. Owning and managing multiple music schools of this scale is rare. With over 100 faculty members and a student base across two states, Jotovic is setting a new benchmark. Through her involvement in national networks of music educators and school owners, she regularly shares insights and mentors peers. “We’re in the arts — an industry often first on the chopping block during tough times,” she explains. “That’s why we constantly innovate, support one another, and advocate for the arts’ vital place in children’s lives.”

Community is the heartbeat of her work. In their respective areas, her campuses serve almost like community centers, offering stability, joy, and a creative outlet for families. “What we do for the kids and their families is our community leadership,” she says. “It’s not always visible, but it’s deeply impactful.”

Whether it’s leading staff through crisis, mentoring peers in her industry, or offering a safe, creative space for children, Valentina Jotovic is proof that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about showing up, standing strong, and lifting others as you climb.