Category: The Zafirovski Executive

I was part of the Executive Development Program (EDP) at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management in Spring 2024. I had very high expectations before going to the program as it was set by the previous participants who suggested I should go in the first place. This is not wise as the bar was put high, but this program exceeded even this high bar.

The program is designed to prepare potential high flyers for senior management and C-suite roles and to help senior managers and executives enhance their leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to drive organizational success in the updated global business environment. The program was structured in logical order with very intense modules for 3 weeks, where all relevant business management parts are covered within the right dose that is required for a business leader. The staff that was delivering the modules were all world-renowned practitioners or academics, that are transferring their real-world knowledge and experience. Learning principles were mostly based on case studies, simulations, and experiences with some mix of theories where this was applicable. Another important part was the group of participants, and this was decisive in whether quality discussion would be developed and how everybody could describe the points taken or add their own experience to it. That is how you learn.

I must admit it is not that easy to break the already implemented corporate management style in an organization where the way of doing business has not changed for more than a decade. However, I am trying to implement some of the things personally and in the local team, although the functioning of the local team mainly depends on the general corporate functionality matrix. I am trying to form the smaller things: like being a better listener, listening not only hearing. Compare the companies’ operations, marketing, and strategy approaches with the frameworks I learned at Kellogg.

My experience with Kellogg was profound, broadening my horizons and looking at what is coming soon in the business. What would be relevant, and what would lose the relevance? How to position your company and yourself in the new setting!

The whole process was very well organized both from Mkd2025 and Kellogg sides. I would perhaps allow more people to be eligible to apply for the Zafirovski Executive Development Program, as I believe the potential needs to be valued much more than the ethnicity if that person is somehow related to Macedonia or wants to help Macedonia.

My message to future scholars

Applying for the Executive Development Program (EDP) at Northwestern Kellogg is a pivotal step toward elevating your leadership capabilities and strategic insight. This immersive program offers unparalleled access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge business strategies, and a diverse network of senior leaders, providing you with the skills and connections necessary to drive significant organizational impact and personal growth. Embrace this opportunity to transform your career and become a catalyst for innovation and success within your organization.

Participant: Nikola Kjurchiski

Company: Regional Manager- Balkans at WEIR Group plc.

I attended the Executive Development Program at Kellogg in June 2024. Prior to my arrival there, my only expectation was to be surprised by it. And surprised I was.

EDP has helped me simultaneously focus and expand my thinking. Sounds counterintuitive, however during the program you internalize looking at challenges from a wider perspective and addressing them thoroughly from multiple angles. You are trained to zoom out, understand, zoom in bit by bit and apply specific technical knowledge and skills to problem-solving. 

The program is heavily condensed and squeezed into 3 weeks. It is well structured and follows a very logical flow of subjects and topics. You get to grasp the practical applications and logic of the latest business concepts and use them on real-life examples, all in a matter of hours per topic (marketing, strategy, operations…).

I appreciated the concise and straight forward teaching and well managed discussions. Lectures were quite interactive and while I learned a lot from our professors, I learned at least an equal amount from my peers. 

The skills and knowledge gained are widely applicable in businesses, but also in other organizations, in society and in life. This makes the program really engaging and empowering. It encourages you to think about a wider array of challenges that could be solved in your environment.

I am especially thankful for the new people I got to meet and study with. The group was very diverse geographically and professionally, and I was really eager to learn from each and every other participant in the group. The group breathes together throughout the program. We studied, hanged out, partied, solved problems and discovered a lot about each other’s cultures. We’ve made lifelong bonds and friendships.

The Northwestern University Campus in Evanston wraps up this wonderful learning experience in a cosy and historical atmosphere with all amenities a person would need during their stay.

The program is aimed at building better leaders, and it is for my environment to judge whether I have become a better leader. However, I do feel much more confident and prepared in that role after going through those unforgettable 3 weeks.

In the end, I must emphasize the gratitude I feel towards the team at Macedonia2025 for selecting and supporting us along the way, and making this experience really seamless. At the same time, I would also point out the exceptional organization and support by the EDP program team at Kellogg, who have made sure that our experience is focused on learning and developing.

Coaching 

I opted for the coaching sessions alongside EDP. The program assigns a coach for the duration of the program and several sessions prior and after that. The coach had very relevant experience in the business world and has coached many leaders before. He took a couple of sessions to understand my environment and my positioning, and afterwards guided me in the process of planning how to apply the newly gained skills in my environment. I really appreciated the sessions after the ending of the EDP program, because they’ve helped me maintain my direction even after coming back to everyday work and life.

My message to future scholars

Prepare to be surprised by this world-class experience and learning journey. Kellogg will help you simultaneously focus and expand your thinking. It will improve your problem-solving skills and give you confidence to take on bigger and more meaningful challenges. You get to learn from globally renowned practitioners and scholars about current business issues and movements.

Regardless of your current role, prepare to be propelled to the leader version of you. 

Participant: Vojdan Jordanov

Company: Executive director and Executive member of Board of Directors in Triglav Osiguruvanje AD, Skopje (Triglav Insurance JSC, Skopje)

The Executive Education experience at Northwestern Kellogg in October 2023 was nothing short of extraordinary. Having participated in the program, I can confidently assert that it stands as the best in the world. The meticulously crafted content covered precisely the areas crucial for an executive education program, exceeding my expectations in every aspect.

One of the defining features of the program was the unparalleled quality of the teaching staff. The faculty comprised numerous seasoned ex-senior executives, including three former CEOs of billion-dollar companies. The presence of advisors from the Federal Reserve and the World Bank, along with renowned professors, added immense value to the learning experience.

The learning approach employed by Kellogg was particularly effective, utilizing a plethora of business cases and fostering dynamic discussions among participants. This approach not only enhanced the theoretical understanding but also provided practical insights that could be immediately applied in the real business world. The participants themselves, a cohort of senior managers from major corporations, were not only intelligent but also brought a wealth of experience and thoughtfulness to the discussions.

Upon returning, I wasted no time in implementing the wealth of knowledge gained. Already, I have conducted a workshop, applying the insights acquired during the program. The impact was palpable, demonstrating the immediate applicability of the lessons learned.

The campus facilities were top-notch, providing an ideal environment for focused learning. The move for the last week to Chicago from Evanston added a refreshing change to the overall experience, contributing to a stimulating learning atmosphere.

While the leadership coaching was available, I found it unnecessary as the lessons were comprehensive, and post-lesson interactions with professors provided ample opportunities for clarification and discussion.

I must commend Macedonia2025 for their impeccable organization throughout the entire experience. To any leader in Macedonia contemplating such a program, my unequivocal recommendation is to seize the opportunity without hesitation. The Executive Education program at Northwestern Kellogg is not just a learning experience; it is a transformative journey that equips leaders with the tools to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.

Participant: Petar Andreevski

Company: CEO at WVP Fund Management AD Skopje

Surrounded by CEOs and top managers from 17 countries, the learning at the Executive Development Program at Kellogg School of Management was truly global and eye-opening. From polishing hard business skills to refining soft skills, this experience has been life-changing. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with brilliant minds across industries. 

The insights gained will undoubtedly elevate my career and contribute to my personal development.
I would like to extend a very special thanks to the person who established and sponsors this program in Macedonia, a true visionary leader and a passionate Macedonian-American, Mike Zafrovski. 

Participant: Nikica Mojsoska Blazhevski

Company: CEO at Macedonia2025

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)