Category: The Zafirovski Executive

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and enthusiasm for my experience attending the Kellogg Executive Education Program at Northwestern Kellogg. This program has been nothing short of transformative, both professionally and personally.
The instant I set foot on the Northwestern Kellogg campus, I sensed that I was embarking on a unique journey. The quality of the faculty, the depth of expertise, and the degree of involvement surpassed even my most optimistic projections. The program’s syllabus had been meticulously crafted, providing a perfect blend of cutting-edge theory and hands-on application.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the program was the diversity of the cohort. Interacting with professionals from various industries and backgrounds provided a rich and dynamic learning environment. The collaborative spirit that permeated our group discussions and team projects was truly inspiring.
The faculty at Kellogg are not only renowned experts in their fields but also exceptional educators. They fostered an environment where questions were encouraged, and dialogue was open and enlightening. The real-world insights and case studies they shared were invaluable, and I left each session with a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Beyond the classroom, the Kellogg Executive Education Program offers unparalleled networking opportunities. I had the privilege of connecting with accomplished individuals from around the world, building lasting relationships that I believe will continue to benefit me both personally and professionally.
As I reflect on my time at Kellogg, I am filled with a sense of empowerment and renewed ambition. The knowledge and skills I acquired have had a direct and positive impact on my work, allowing me to approach challenges with greater confidence and creativity. I feel better equipped to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change within my organization.
In conclusion, attending the Kellogg Executive Education Program was a defining moment in my career journey. It has sharpened my strategic thinking, broadened my perspective, and elevated my leadership abilities. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking to take their career to the next level and look forward to the opportunity to return for further learning in the future.
Thank you to the entire Kellogg community and special gratitude to Macedonia2025 and Mike Zafirovski for this life-changing experience.
Participants: Toni Jankovski
Company: Product Development & Innovation at Diners Club Macedonia

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Executive Development Program at Kellogg School of Management through your generous scholarship. My participation took place in May and June 2023, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the program and its impact on my personal and professional journey.

Program Review
The campus at Northwestern University was nothing short of remarkable—state-of-the-art facilities, meticulous attention to detail, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that fostered learning and camaraderie. The caliber of the teaching staff exceeded my expectations. Lectures that stood out included Sergio Rebelo’s ‘Mega Trends in International Economics, “Dan Kraemer’s ‘Design Your Next Disruptor Workshop”, and Loran Nordgren’s courses on “Leading and Managing Innovation” and “Influence Without Authority.”
The learning approach was hands-on and facilitative, encouraging rich discussions among participants. That said, the group size was slightly smaller than expected, yet it contributed to a more intimate and engaging learning experience. The diversity and spirit of the group were absolutely amazing. I do believe the in-person lectures significantly surpassed online interactions in terms of engagement and depth.

Suggestions for Improvement
Expectations and Participant Feedback: Given the program’s intensity, it might be beneficial to gauge the expectations and wishes of the participants. Fewer, more focused lectures could allow for deeper engagement.
  
Personal and Professional Impact
This program has had a monumental impact on my personality and work habits. It has broadened my perspective, improved my leadership abilities, and equipped me with tools to navigate the complex business landscape.

Campus Experience
The facilities and resources at Kellogg are world-class, and I found the environment to be intellectually invigorating. The friendships and networks one can build during this period can prove invaluable.

Final Thoughts
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Macedonia2025 for this life-changing experience. The logistical and organizational aspects from both MK2025 and Kellogg were well-executed, ensuring a smooth experience throughout.

To those considering this training, the experience you will gain is unparalleled. You will not just be learning; you will be evolving, in an environment that encourages you to find out what it takes and learn to be the best version of yourself, not only in the professional aspects of life.

Thank you and looking forward to a continued engagement with Macedonia2025.

Participants: Zarko Dimistrioski
Company: Managing Partner & Creative Director at BD GRUPA DOOEL (BDG Agency)

We all come across chances in life, and success often depends on our focus and commitment to seize them. When I had the chance to join Kellogg’s Executive Development Program, which had a mix of online and in-person sessions, I didn’t think twice. The online portion of two weeks gave us the opportunity to understand the information better, and the following two weeks in Evanston were extraordinary and intense. But, it wasn’t just about learning during this time; we also formed strong and lasting friendships.

Now, in perspective, it was an incredible two-month experience that greatly impacted my management style and overall personality. The program helped me develop a deeper understanding of people’s motivations, which has improved my ability to lead and collaborate effectively. The coaching sessions provided in the program were immensely valuable. They allowed me to address real-world challenges I face in my workplace. I learned how to break down these issues and develop strategies to overcome them. What stood out about the program was its practical approach. The knowledge and skills I gained were directly applicable to my everyday work, enabling me to drive positive change within my team and organization.

Overall, the Kellogg Executive Development Program exceeded my expectations in every way. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and gain valuable insights into managing complex organizational challenges. Thank you, Kellogg, for this incredible journey of learning and growth. It has been an honor to be a part of this program.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to Macedonia2025 and Mike Zafirovski for their support in bringing this program to Macedonia and giving young professionals the chance to have such an impactful learning experience. Their practical way of leading and empowering others is truly inspiring and motivates us all to keep going on this journey.

Participants: Goran Stojanovski
Company: Head of Business at Scalefocus

Enrolling in the Executive Development Program from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University was one of the most rewarding decisions for my professional and personal development and the experience throughout this journey has been nothing short of transformative.

The program’s meticulously crafted curriculum seamlessly combined theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, equipping us with a comprehensive skill set essential for excelling in today’s dynamic business landscape.

The distinguished, world-class, interdisciplinary professors brought a wealth of profound knowledge and industry expertise to the table, delivering engaging lectures and fostering thought-provoking discussions. The range of topics spanned from value-based leadership, valuation models, international economic megatrends, AI, data analytics, Omni channels, and innovation strategies, to cultural differences, politics in organizations, and talent management; subsequently resulting in an impeccable educational mosaic of timeless value that changed my thinking process and future outlooks.

What truly set this program apart was its emphasis on practicality and collaboration. The interactive group projects not only honed my leadership and teamwork abilities but also exposed me to diverse perspectives and opportunities to interact with a remarkable group of like-minded professionals from various industries and cultural backgrounds from all over the world. The exchanged experiences, strategies, and solutions to common issues made it easier to navigate the complex world of executive leadership. Moreover, I had the privilege to work with a coach who took the time to listen attentively to my goals and concerns, tailoring our coaching sessions to address my specific needs, thus making this experience extremely rewarding and imperative for my personal and professional growth.

Reflecting on my journey, I am proud of the growth I’ve achieved, and I credit Kellogg EDP for playing a pivotal role in my development. As I venture into the next phase of my career, I carry with me not only a prestigious certificate but also a renewed sense of purpose and a heightened set of skills needed to tackle the challenges of the contemporary business world.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Kellogg Executive Development Program to any aspiring leader or executive seeking to elevate their career trajectory. The program’s commitment to excellence, coupled with its pragmatic approach to learning, make it a standout choice for all individuals committed to life-long learning and professional growth.

My sincere gratitude goes out to Mike Zafirovski, Macedonia2025, and Alkaloid AD Skopje for giving me the opportunity and unreserved support to acquire this enriching experience, but more importantly for their inspiring vision and commitment to promoting value-based leadership and positively impacting our society.

Leadership is not a destination; it’s an ever-evolving journey.

Keep growing, keep learning, and keep leading.

Participant: Tatjana Trajkova,

Company: Alkaloid AD Skopje, Associate Director Innovations, Strategic projects, M&As

Participating in the Executive Development Program from April 19 to June 16, 2023, at Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management in Chicago, US has been an incredible and enriching experience. Right from the beginning, my expectations were high, as I aimed to enhance my leadership skills and gain valuable insights for personal and professional growth. Looking back on this transformative journey, I now realize that the program far surpassed my initial hopes, profoundly impacting my personal and work-related habits in unforeseen ways.
The four-week program was intensive, and the online format and well-equipped Northwestern University campus made it exceptionally convenient and functional. The program featured exceptional professors and practitioners, and I had the privilege of interacting with a remarkable group of global executives. Together, we delved into a range of cutting-edge business topics, including growth and innovation, leadership, human capital, artificial intelligence, cyber security, data analytics, and organizational change. The exchange of experiences and knowledge was invaluable, providing a well-rounded understanding of contemporary business challenges and strategies.
The Kellogg Schools of Management – Executive Development Program’s prestigious reputation among top management schools is well-deserved, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to enhance their leadership and management skills with the best practices in the industry.
This program has had a profound impact on both my professional and personal life. It has enabled me to refine my leadership capabilities and has also positively influenced my overall well-being. The emphasis on open-mindedness, active engagement, networking, and applying newfound knowledge has been instrumental in my growth as a leader.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Mike Zafirovski and Macedonia2025 for their unwavering support and boundless positive energy throughout this remarkable journey. Their ongoing dedication to enhancing our business environment and creating a more vibrant society for living and working has been truly inspiring.
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this life-changing experience. The program exceeded my expectations, and I am confident that it will have the same transformative effect on future participants. I encourage all aspiring leaders to seize this extraordinary opportunity, unlock their full potential, and embark on their own path of growth and success.
Participants: Stevcho Risteski
Company: A1, B2B & ICT Sales Director