Zafirovski Fellows Completed Two-Day Executive Training with Ron Thomas

On 14 and 15 May 2026, over 30 Zafirovski Fellows took part in a custom-developed two-day executive training titled “Building Accountable, High-Performing Organizations.” The workshop was facilitated by Ron Thomas, a globally recognized executive advisor, leadership strategist, Global CHRO, Workforce Architect, and speaker at the Macedonia2025 Summit 2026.

The training was designed specifically for the Zafirovski Fellows cohort, with the goal of strengthening leadership capacity, accountability, organizational effectiveness, and future-ready management practices among Macedonian executives.

Over the course of two intensive sessions, participants explored some of the most relevant leadership challenges facing organizations today - from building strong accountability systems and empowering the manager layer, to leading change, developing a culture of ownership, and understanding the human dimension of AI and workforce transformation.

The first day of the workshop focused on “The Accountability Engine”, addressing how organizations can build the manager layer needed to deliver on strategy. Through diagnostics, practical frameworks, and a case study, participants reflected on where accountability breaks down within organizations and how leaders can strengthen role clarity, decision rights, ownership, and consequence loops.

The second day focused on “Leading Change”, with a particular emphasis on moving organizations from compliance to ownership in the age of AI. Fellows worked through topics such as organizational change, silent resistance, culture-building, decision-making, and the leadership questions that must be addressed before AI initiatives become operational.

A key part of the training was the practical and interactive approach. Participants worked through real-life inspired case studies, group discussions, personal leadership commitments, and 90-day action plans. This allowed them not only to reflect on the concepts presented but also to connect them directly to their own companies, teams, and leadership responsibilities.

The training forms part of Macedonia2025’s continued commitment to developing a stronger generation of business and organizational leaders in Macedonia through the Zafirovski Executive Education Program. By the end of 2025, the program reached an important milestone - 51 Zafirovski Fellows, marking more than half of the long-term goal to support the development of 100 executives in Macedonia.

Macedonia2025 extends its sincere gratitude to Robin and Mike Zafirovski, patrons of the Zafirovski Executive Education Program, and to The Zafirovski Foundation, for their lasting commitment to leadership development, executive education, and giving back to Macedonia. Their vision and support continue to create opportunities for Macedonian executives to learn from world-class institutions and experts, and to bring that knowledge back into their organizations and communities.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Ron Thomas for sharing his exceptional expertise, practical insights, and leadership perspective with the Zafirovski Fellows. His contribution provided the group with valuable tools and inspiration for building more accountable, adaptive, and high-performing organizations.

Special appreciation goes to LEORON Institute for enabling this collaboration and supporting the delivery of this high-level executive training.

Macedonia2025 is also grateful to Triglav Osiguruvanje AD Skopje for generously hosting the training and providing a professional and welcoming setting for this important gathering.

Through initiatives like this, Macedonia2025 continues to invest in leadership development, executive education, and the long-term competitiveness of Macedonian companies and institutions.