Category: Testimonials

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Zoran Ilievski – The Executive Education Experience at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management


I participated in the Executive Development Program (EDP) in 2025, organized by Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management in Evanston and Chicago, USA, supported through the Macedonia2025 Zafirovski Executive Education Program. The program was an exceptionally rich and intense experience that left a deep mark on my way of thinking, leadership, and personal discipline.

From the very beginning, the program’s structure and the quality of its professors impressed me. The lectures were not only theoretically grounded but also highly practical, with an exceptional balance between strategic thinking, financial analysis, organizational psychology, and ethical leadership. The Kellogg methodology – through constant interaction, case studies, and group discussions – enabled sharing experiences across different industries and cultures, which was one of the most valuable aspects of this journey.

I would especially emphasize the influence of the group – participants from various companies and sectors, each with a unique story and perspective. These interactions not only created new friendships but also expanded my perspective on what modern leadership means in a global context.

The program had a significant impact on my personality and work habits. After completion, I began paying more attention to the process of leadership listening, to my ability to motivate, and to build systems that create value through people. I introduced specific changes in the way I lead teams and make decisions – more data, more empathy, more discipline.

The leadership coaching experience was transformative. It encouraged me to face my behavioral patterns, reassess my strengths and weaknesses, and establish a new balance between my professional and personal life.

Regarding organization, the MK2025 team and the Kellogg staff were exceptional. Communication was continuous and clear, logistics flawless, and the entire process – from application to completion – transparent and inspiring. My only suggestion for improvement would be to include more follow-up activities among alumni, to maintain momentum and build a long-term network of practical collaboration.

To all future participants, I would say: This program is not just an academic course – it is a true leadership journey. If you are ready to face yourself honestly, learn from top professors, and build lifelong friendships, this experience will change the way you view leadership, team dynamics, and your role in society.

Zoran Ilievski, COO & Business Development Manager at Aktiva DOO, Shtip

Attended the Executive Development Program (EDP) in October 2025



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Aleksandra Davcheva – One Year as an Atanas Bliznakoff Scholar

It is our great pleasure to highlight the positive impact of the Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarship through the story of Aleksandra Davcheva, a dedicated student at the Faculty of Economics at the “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje.

“The scholarship from the “Atanas Bliznakoff” Foundation was not only financial support but also a strong motivation during my studies. During the first academic year, the scholarship helped me focus on what I love – learning, research and progress.

Now I don’t see my studies as an obligation, but as an opportunity to develop, progress and build myself as a successful person. I participated in events, connected with young people from different faculties, which was of key importance for my further academic and personal development.

Thanks to the scholarship, I had the honor of being an “Ambassador for a Day” – a moment that I carry with me as a lasting inspiration and motivation.

This event allowed me to find myself in a role that requires leadership, communication, and self-confidence.

I had the chance to meet the British Ambassador, discuss various topics, and was honored to be a guest of the President of our country.

The scholarship not only brought me financial security, it also gave me the courage to believe in myself and strive for more with a sincere desire for progress. ”

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Iva Parapanski – One Year as an Atanas Bliznakoff Scholar

It is our great pleasure to highlight the positive impact of the Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarship through the story of Iva Parapanski, a dedicated student at the Faculty of Philology at the “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje.

“The Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarship was a crucial pillar of support throughout my first year of college. It covered my apartment rent and all academic essentials, but more importantly, it lifted the weight of financial stress from my shoulders.

Thanks to this generous support, I was able to go through exam sessions with a clear mind—carefree, focused, and fully committed to my studies. I didn’t have to worry about rent or expenses; I could simply be a student.

I’m deeply thankful for this empowering opportunity, which allowed me to grow academically and emotionally in a pressure-free environment.”

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Jana Dukleska– One Year as an Atanas Bliznakoff Scholar

It is our great pleasure to highlight the positive impact of the Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarship through the story of Jana Dukleska, a dedicated student at the Faculty of Economics at the “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje.

“Becoming an ABF scholar was not just a recognition of my past achievements—it was the beginning of a transformative journey. From the very start, the program offered more than just financial support; it gave me a sense of purpose, community, and confidence.

During my first year, I grew tremendously, both academically and personally. Surrounded by ambitious and like-minded peers, I was constantly inspired to push beyond my limits. The mentorship, workshops, and events organized by ABF helped me refine my goals and discover new perspectives on leadership and impact.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that being a scholar is not just about excelling in studies—it’s about using your potential to uplift others and contribute to positive change. ABF reminded me that with opportunity comes responsibility.

To the new scholars: embrace every moment. Stay curious, ask questions, get involved, and don’t be afraid to dream bigger than ever before. You are part of something special—make the most of it.

I’m deeply grateful to ABF for believing in me. This first year has laid the foundation for everything that comes next, and I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead. ”

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Sabina Gudzevic – One Year as an Atanas Bliznakoff Scholar

It is our great pleasure to highlight the positive impact of the Atanas Bliznakoff Scholarship through the story of Sabina Gudzevic, a dedicated medical student at the “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje.

“Becoming a first-year university student has been one of the most exciting, but also most challenging experiences of my life. Moving away from home for the first time, adjusting to a new environment, and starting a demanding course like medicine came with a lot of pressure and responsibility.

In this journey, the “Atanas Bliznakoff” Scholarship provided more than just financial support. It gave me a sense of security and allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about expenses.

Because of the scholarship, I was able to afford important textbooks, attend all my classes, and stay dedicated to the intense demands of medical school. Having this kind of support in my first year of studies, which can often be critical for students, made a big difference, not just in my academic results, but also in how confident and motivated I feel.

To every student thinking about applying, I sincerely recommend it. The scholarship is not only help with money, it is support for your future and your hard work.

I am deeply grateful to the foundation for believing in students like me and giving us the chance to succeed. With the right support, achieving your dreams is a step closer.”

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Zane Ivanovska – Growth, Insight, and Purpose of my Leadership Evolution: My journey Through the Macedonia2025 Executive Education Program in Canada

The Executive Education program in Canada has been a truly rewarding and enriching experience for me. As part of the Executive Leadership program, I’ve successfully completed the Queen’s Executive Leadership Program at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in Kingston, followed by a job-shadowing experience at the leading company in Toronto, the Toronto Star.

The Leadership Program at the Smith School of Business was focused on learning and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange while exposing participants to diverse leadership environments, focusing on strategic leadership, innovation, team performance, and organizational transformation.

Queen’s University gave me the opportunity to learn alongside and from professors, executive coaches, an incredible group of peers who challenged, inspired, and supported each other throughout the program. The curriculum included a series of inspiring lectures on transformational, charismatic, and self-aware leadership, advanced one-on-one coaching, as well as team meetings with an extraordinary Seeker Challenge exercise. This aided in developing skills and expertise, with awareness as the foundation for more effective, authentic guidance, persuasive communication, and empathetic leadership.

My Executive journey culminated in the unforgettable experience at the Toronto Star, with the opportunity to job-shadow across multiple departments at one of Canada’s leading and most respected news organizations. I gained valuable insight into how different functions come together to support high-impact journalism. It was inspiring to see the collaboration, creativity, and commitment that drive every part of the organization.

I’m extremely grateful to Mr. Jonatan Bitove for the incredible organization and exclusive access across a spectrum of departments, and to everyone at the Toronto Star who took the time to share their proficiency and make this practice so meaningful. This knowledge deepened my appreciation for the power of storytelling, innovation, and cross-functional teamwork in the media industry.

Kudos to Prof. Goce Andreevski, for his warm hospitality and personalized engagement in providing a customized training session for strategy and competitive advantage. Also, glad to meet and exchange ideas with the members of the Ambassador’s Club of the Macedonia 2025 organization in Canada.

This experience expanded my perspective on leadership, strategic decision-making, and the power of authentic influence. I am looking forward to applying these insights and driving meaningful impact in my company, Makedonski Telekom, to lead with elevated confidence and purpose, and carry these learnings into the next stage of my professional career.

A huge thank you to Macedonia2025 for their incredible support and for allowing me to be part of this journey! Although I entered the program with high expectations, it exceeded every educational, practical, and professional level.

Honored and excited for the voyage ahead and the opportunity to grow, learn, and give back!

Zane Ivanovska, Lead for Customer Experience and Customer Value Management – AD Makedonski Telekom (part of DT Group)

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Ivana Nikolikj’s Journey Through the Macedonia2025 Executive Education Program in Canada

The Strategic Execution executive course at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University Canada, is a truly standout experience for any leader looking to turn strategic intent into tangible results. It strikes the perfect balance between high-level strategic thinking and the practical realities of execution in complex organizations.

From aligning cross-functional teams to building execution rhythms that endure, the course gave me both the mindset and the methods to lead more effectively. Being part of a global cohort of leaders while engaging with world-class faculty created a rich environment for dialogue, reflection and growth.

This executive program is for leaders ready to move from intention to action in a more focused and sustainable way! 

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Danica Alacka Dukoska – The Executive Education Experience at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management

I cannot recommend Kellogg’s Executive Development Program enough. From the moment I stepped onto the beautiful campus, I felt the program’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to transforming leaders.

The curriculum is cutting-edge, blending theoretical insights with practical tools that I could immediately apply to my organization.

The program challenged my thinking and inspired me to approach problems in innovative ways. Thanks to the EDP, I’ve gained better clarity on my leadership style and developed a comprehensive strategy for inspiring and scaling my team. I feel more confident navigating complex challenges, lead with impact and drive meaningful change.

Beyond the cutting-edge business insights, the program helped me master leadership in line with my own core values, sparked a journey of self-reflection and refined the soft skills essential for inspiring and empowering others. This program was not just about gaining knowledge but about becoming my best self.

What also sets Kellogg apart is the diverse and remarkable group of participants. Collaborating with leaders from different industries and cultures, the exchange of ideas and perspectives broadened my horizons and fostered lifelong friendships and a robust professional network.

I left the program with a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger ability to navigate challenges and the inspiration to lead authentically.

It was an incredibly well-rounded program with extremely vibrant and diverse content. I’m deeply grateful for this insightful and enriching experience.

Danica Alacka Dukoska, General Manager, Bi-MEK Healthcare Technologies

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Metodija Papazoski – The Executive Education Experience at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management

The Zafirovski Executive Education Program, in partnership with Macedonia2025, offers professionals from Macedonia and the region a unique opportunity to gain insights from world-class institutions and leaders. Participants explore cutting-edge strategies, build global networks, and return inspired to drive impact in their organizations.

Here’s how Metodija Papazoski, Managing Partner at EMBS Group, reflects on his transformative experience at the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management:

“Wow! Where do I begin? It has been two weeks since we got back from the Executive Development Program at Kellogg – Spring 2025.

I am still trying to organize my thoughts, review my notes, and digest everything I learned there. It was quite a ride!

In a nutshell, the EDP was an extraordinary journey of personal and professional growth. In more detail:

Curriculum: Well-balanced and focusing on the development of soft skills (leadership, negotiation, trustworthiness) and update of more tangible skills like finance, change management, and operations, among others. At the same time, very intense. By the end of the program, we all felt overwhelmed. Due to the blended structure (two weeks of online classes and ten days of onsite courses), there were no breaks or days off.

Teaching staff: World-class.

Venue: State-of-the-art.

Cohort: A Small group of 15 people worked perfectly for engaged discussion in and out of the classroom. Executives from all over the world. Friends for life.

The EDP was a rewarding experience that challenged me and helped me grow in ways I did not expect. As a result, I now feel more confident in my abilities to lead, communicate effectively, and take my company to the next level.

I highly encourage executives from Macedonia to consider participating in the EDP. Friendships and connections are invaluable, and the curriculum is designed to equip one with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their professional career.

Big thanks to Robin and Mike Zafirovski, as well as Macedonia 2025, for making this happen.”

This testimonial reflects the program’s ability to inspire, challenge, and transform. Are you ready to embark on your own leadership journey?

Reach out to us to learn more about the Zafirovski Executive Education Program!

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Monika Joshevska – The Executive Education Experience at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management

The Zafirovski Executive Education Program, powered by Macedonia2025, connects Macedonian professionals with transformative learning experiences at world-class institutions like Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. Participants gain not only cutting-edge knowledge but also global networks and fresh perspectives that elevate their leadership journey.

Here’s how Monika Joshevska, Group COO & Country Manager at Sopro, reflects on her experience:

“Attending the Kellogg Executive Development Program has been a truly transformative experience. One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to engage with an incredible cohort of leaders from diverse industries and geographies. Sharing experiences and tackling common challenges together created a strong sense of connection and reminded me that leadership is both universal and deeply personal. These conversations not only enhanced my self-awareness—clarifying my strengths and development areas—but also broadened my thinking by showing how different perspectives can lead to equally effective solutions.

The academic component of the program was equally enriching. Learning directly from former C-level executives and distinguished faculty through real-world case studies brought a level of insight that was both practical and inspiring. The structure of the curriculum ensured a well-rounded exploration of key leadership themes, from strategy and operations to trust, innovation, and the impact of AI.

I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and am looking forward to giving back—both to my team and the wider community—by applying these insights and continuing to foster growth, collaboration, and impact through everything we do.”

Testimonials like Monika’s showcase the incredible value of the Zafirovski Executive Education Program – where leaders not only learn but also grow, connect, and inspire others.

If you’re ready to embark on a similar journey, we’d love to hear from you!