Returning from Canada with New Perspectives, Inspiration and Valuable Connections: Orde Gjorgjioski’s Leadership Journey

Through the Macedonia2025 Executive Education Program in Canada, talented Macedonian managers gain access to world-class executive education and authentic 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 meet accomplished professionals and members of the Macedonian community in Canada.

From June 8 to 12, 2026, scholarship recipient Orde Gjorgjioski, Director of Legal and General Affairs at Vitaminka SC Prilep, attended the intensive Queen’s Leadership Program at the Donald Gordon Conference Centre in Kingston. In this interview, he shares the most valuable lessons, experiences and connections he brought home from Canada.

How would you describe your experience at the Queen’s Leadership Program?

I would describe it as unique, exciting and highly motivating.

The program brought together approximately 30 participants, most of whom were professionals from Canada representing leading companies and organizations, alongside three participants from Macedonia.

The diversity of professional backgrounds created an excellent environment for learning. We were able to exchange experiences, hear different perspectives and examine leadership challenges through approaches that may be different from those we usually encounter in our own workplaces.

What made the academic component of the program particularly valuable?

We had an extraordinary opportunity to learn from highly respected professors, educators and leadership professionals.

Professor Julian Barling introduced us to the principles of transformational and charismatic leadership. His sessions helped us better understand how leaders can influence, inspire and motivate people, not simply through their formal position, but through their behaviour, communication and personal example.

We also worked with Peggy Baumgartner, an experienced educator, thought leader and coach who has supported high performers in both business and sport. Her sessions focused on building self-awareness and becoming a more self-aware leader.

Another important part of the program was the individual TAIS feedback session. Each participant had a one-on-one discussion about their personal profile, strengths and potential areas for development. I received very strong results, and the conversation provided me with useful guidance about how I should approach and collaborate with the people around me.

We also had the opportunity to learn from Monique Kavelaars, a Canadian Olympian, award-winning athlete and experienced consultant. Her contribution demonstrated how lessons from high-performance sport can be applied to leadership, teamwork and professional development.

How important was the practical aspect of the course?

The practical approach was one of the strongest features of the program.

A significant amount of attention was dedicated to exercises, group activities and the active involvement of every participant. We were not only listening to lectures—we were expected to participate, reflect, discuss and apply the concepts to real situations.

Particularly valuable were the group sessions dedicated to challenges submitted by participants as part of the preparation before the course. During these sessions, participants took on different roles, including the role of the person seeking support, a helper or an observer.

This method allowed us to explore each challenge from several perspectives. It was extremely useful to hear suggestions directly from professionals working in different industries and coming from completely different backgrounds.

What impressed me most was the high level of cooperation, professionalism and genuine support among all the participants.

Did the program change the way you think about leadership?

The program reinforced the importance of self-awareness and of understanding the people with whom we work.

Leadership is not only about making decisions or achieving results. It is also about recognizing how your own behavior affects others, adapting your communication and creating an environment in which people can contribute and develop.

The combination of academic knowledge, personal assessment and practical exercises encouraged me to think more deeply about my own leadership approach and how I can use my strengths more effectively when working with others.

How valuable was the opportunity to connect with Canadian professionals?

Networking was another extremely valuable dimension of the experience.

The program provided an opportunity to establish contacts with professionals from Canada and other parts of the world, to become familiar with their ways of thinking and working, and to compare their experiences with our own.

Many meaningful conversations took place during breaks, group exercises and informal activities. A special networking dinner was also organized, allowing participants to get to know one another beyond the formal course setting.

At the end of the program, we returned not only with new knowledge and inspiration, but also with several important new professional contacts.

What were some of the highlights outside the classroom?

It was a special pleasure to meet Professor Goce Andrevski, a full professor at Queen’s University with extensive expertise in management and economic analysis.

He organized a tour of the Queen’s University campus and joined us during a visit to the Thousand Islands on Lake Ontario. His knowledge, openness and hospitality made these experiences particularly memorable.

I would also like to recognize Iko, Margarita, and Aleksandar, who dedicated a significant amount of their time to us during our stay, especially while we were in Toronto. They are exceptional professionals and individuals who wholeheartedly support Macedonia2025's work. Every conversation with them was valuable and inspiring.

We are also grateful to Lillian Stojanovski for kindly arranging our visits to Fairview Mall and Alcon Canada. These meetings gave us additional insight into the Canadian business environment and further enriched the overall experience.

How did Macedonia2025 support you throughout the process?

The support provided by Macedonia2025 was exceptional.

The team assisted us throughout the entire process—from visa guidance and travel preparations to connecting us with members of the Macedonian community and coordinating our activities in Canada.

I would particularly like to thank Nena Manchev for her dedication, guidance and continuous support.

Receiving a scholarship was especially important, as it enabled us to participate in such a prestigious and valuable executive education program. The scholarship opened the door to an experience that will have a lasting impact on both our professional and personal development.

Would you recommend the program to other Macedonian managers?

Absolutely. The program has my highest recommendation.

It provides knowledge, practical experience, international exposure and meaningful professional connections. However, perhaps the most valuable outcome is the inspiration with which participants return home.

You come back motivated to apply what you have learned, to improve the way you lead and collaborate, and to remain connected with the new people you have met.

For talented Macedonian managers committed to their development and ready to gain a broader international perspective, the Macedonia2025 Executive Education Program in Canada offers an exceptional opportunity.

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 exposure to Canadian companies, 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 that they can apply within their organizations and communities in Macedonia.