More Than a Program: Kristijan Stojoski’s Leadership Journey in Canada

Through the Macedonia2025 Executive Education Program in Canada, talented Macedonian managers gain access to world-class executive education and meaningful exposure to the North American business environment.

Participants can attend either the Leadership Program or the Strategic Execution Program at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, complemented by opportunities to connect with accomplished professionals and members of the Macedonian community in Canada.

From June 8 to 12, 2026, scholarship recipient Kristijan Stojoski, Director of Operations at Agro Junikom LTD Skopje, participated in the Queen’s Leadership Program at Smith School of Business in Kingston, Canada. In this interview, he reflects on the lessons, friendships and professional connections that made the experience much more than a traditional executive education program.

How would you describe your experience at Queen’s University?

It was one of the most rewarding professional development experiences I have had.

The value of the program came not only from the knowledge we gained, but also from the people we had the opportunity to meet. I arrived in Canada expecting to learn new leadership concepts, frameworks and approaches that I could apply in my professional life. The program certainly met those expectations, but it also offered much more.

The faculty brought together academic research, practical tools and real-world leadership challenges. At the same time, the participants created an environment in which we could openly exchange experiences, challenge our assumptions and learn from one another.

What was the most valuable leadership lesson you took away from the program?

The most valuable lesson was that there is rarely only one correct way to lead.

Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to engage with leaders from different industries, organizations and professional backgrounds. Although we all had leadership responsibilities, each participant approached challenges from a different perspective.

Listening to how others handled difficult situations, motivated their teams, managed uncertainty and made important decisions reminded me that people with different personalities, experiences and circumstances can achieve successful outcomes through entirely different approaches.

As leaders, we often search for the “right” answer to a challenge. The program reinforced the idea that effective leadership can take many different forms. Since returning from Canada, I have become more conscious of alternative ways of approaching challenges and more appreciative of the different leadership styles that can produce positive results.

What made the academic component of the program particularly valuable?

The academic part of the week was highly enriching because the faculty members brought different strengths, perspectives and teaching styles to the classroom.

Some sessions focused more strongly on leadership concepts and research, while others emphasized practical application and real-life business situations. This combination created a balanced learning experience.

I particularly appreciated the open discussions in which participants were encouraged to challenge ideas, share their own experiences and learn from one another. We were not simply receiving information—we were actively examining how the concepts could be applied within our own organizations and professional environments.

How did the environment at Queen’s University contribute to the experience?

Spending a week on the Queen’s University campus felt like stepping outside the usual rhythm of everyday work.

Being temporarily removed from the constant demands of emails, meetings and deadlines created valuable space for reflection, learning and meaningful conversations that might otherwise never have happened.

The environment allowed us to focus fully on our personal and professional development. It also gave us the time to examine our own leadership approaches, consider new perspectives and engage more deeply with the other participants.

How important were the relationships you formed with the other Macedonian participants?

They were an extremely important part of the experience.

I participated in the program alongside Orde Gjorgjioski and Aleksandar Milevski. Although the three of us came from different industries and professional backgrounds, we quickly discovered that we shared many of the same ambitions, challenges and values.

Over the course of the week, what began as a professional connection developed into a genuine friendship. That alone says a great deal about the experience and the type of environment the program created.

These relationships are among the most meaningful outcomes of the program, and I believe they will continue well beyond our time in Canada.

What stood out from your meeting with Professor Goce Andrevski?

Meeting Professor Goce Andrevski was one of the most memorable parts of the visit.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, what stood out most was his passion for teaching and his ability to connect with people. Learning about his approach to the modern classroom and the way he works with students at Queen’s University was genuinely inspiring.

His energy, humility and enthusiasm for developing future professionals were evident throughout our interaction. I left our conversation feeling motivated both professionally and personally.

What did connecting with members of the Macedonian community in Canada mean to you?

Meeting members of the Macedonia2025 Ambassadors Club was another highlight of the experience.

It was a privilege to spend time with individuals who have built successful careers in Canada while maintaining strong connections with Macedonia and actively supporting the next generation of Macedonian professionals.

In particular, meeting Margarita, Iko and Alex was a genuine pleasure. Despite the relatively short time we spent together, they made a lasting impression on all of us. They were welcoming, approachable and generous with their advice, and they demonstrated a sincere interest in helping others.

These conversations reminded us of the strength of the Macedonian professional community around the world and the importance of maintaining and strengthening those connections.

How did Macedonia2025 support you throughout the process?

The organization and support provided by the Macedonia2025 team were excellent.

From the application and participant-selection stages to communication, logistics and coordination, every part of the process was handled professionally and efficiently.

International programs of this nature require significant preparation and effort behind the scenes. The team ensured that we could focus entirely on learning, connecting with others and making the most of the experience. 

Their support played an essential role in creating a smooth and meaningful journey for all participants.

How could the experience be further strengthened in the future?

One possible area for further development would be to create additional opportunities for participants to connect the leadership concepts discussed in Canada with the realities of leading organizations in the Macedonian business environment.

The Canadian perspective was extremely valuable, but participants return to organizations operating within a different economic, cultural and regulatory context.

Creating a stronger bridge between the two environments—through alumni events, panel discussions or conversations with Macedonian business leaders—could help participants further explore how the knowledge gained in Canada can be adapted and applied locally.

This would provide an additional dimension to an already excellent program and help ensure that its impact continues after participants return to Macedonia.

What advice would you give to managers considering applying?

My advice is simple: apply. 

Opportunities to step away from your daily responsibilities, learn from world-class faculty, engage with accomplished professionals and challenge your own thinking do not come often.

The value of the program extends far beyond the classroom. Whether you come from a large corporation, a family business, a growing company or the public sector, you will find something valuable in the experience.

For me, the program was not simply a week of executive education. It was an investment in my personal and professional growth—and one I would gladly make again.

I returned from Canada with new ideas, new connections and renewed motivation. More importantly, I returned with a deeper appreciation for continuous learning and for the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge, inspire and encourage you to grow.

I am grateful to Macedonia2025, Queen’s University, the faculty, my fellow participants and everyone who contributed to making the experience so memorable. I would wholeheartedly recommend the program to any leader seeking to grow, learn and broaden their perspective.

The Macedonia2025 Executive Education Program in Canada supports the development of talented Macedonian managers by providing access to leading executive education courses at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, as well as opportunities to connect with Canadian professionals and members of the Macedonian diaspora.

Through its Leadership and Strategic Execution learning pathways, the program strengthens participants’ leadership capabilities, expands their international professional networks and equips them with knowledge and experiences they can apply within their organizations and communities in Macedonia.