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
Macedonia2025 is thrilled to announce the Zafirovski Executive Education Program 2023 Scholarship Recipients who started attending the EDP Kellogg blended program in May and June 2023:
1. Goran Stojanovski, Head of Business at Scalefocus
2. Tatjana Trajkova, Associate Director Innovations, Strategic Projects, M&A at Alkaloid AD Skopje
3. Stevcho Risteski, B2B & ICT Sales Director at A1 Macedonia, A1 Telekom Austria Group
4. Zarko Dimitrioski, Managing Partner & Creative Director at BD GRUPA DOOEL (BDG Agency)
5. Toni Jankovski, Product Development & Innovation at Diners Club Macedonia
These exceptional individuals have been selected for their outstanding leadership potential and commitment to professional development. We’re proud to partner with Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, US to provide a dynamic and immersive educational experience for our Macedonia2025 cohort.
The EDP program combines online learning and intensive in-person sessions, providing the opportunity to engage with leading faculty members and industry experts, while also learning from the diverse perspectives and experiences of their fellow peers. We’re confident that these scholars will make the most of this opportunity to develop their leadership skills and contribute to their organizations’ success.
Congratulations to the Zafirovski Executive Education Program 2023 Scholarship Recipients!
We can’t wait to hear about your experiences and achievements as you continue on your professional development journeys.
Macedonia2025 supports Macedonian business leaders to grow, enhance their competencies and performance, and to contribute to the further development of the Macedonian economy and workforce. Congratulations to Aleksandar Manev, Klime Buloski, Dimitar Popovski, Vladimir Nikolikj, and Marko Kutrevski, our Zafirovski Executive Education Program scholarship recipients, for successfully completing the Executive Development Program (EDP) at Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University. Welcome to the Kellogg Global Alumni family! During their three-week immersive experience in Chicago, the Macedonian scholars had the opportunity to meet the patron of the program, Mike Zafirovski and his wife Robin, as well as Mitre Kutanovski, a Macedonia2025 Board Member, and his wife Sophie. Macedonia2025 is grateful to the Zafirovski family for elevating leadership in Macedonia!
Macedonia2025 announces the 2023 Open Call for scholarships for executive training at the globally renowned Kellogg School of Management
Since 2017 the Zafirovski Executive Education Program of Macedonia2025, in partnership with the Kellogg School of Management (KSM), provides scholarships for Macedonian business leaders to the globally renowned Kellogg Executive Development Program. The program aims to enhance the competencies and performance of Macedonian business leaders and contribute to the further development of the Macedonian economy and society.
The Kellogg School of Management, since 1908, has been at the forefront of transforming business education. Kellogg is a global business school with a vibrant community of faculty, staff, students and alumni who shape the practice of businesses and organizations around the world. Kellogg brings a blend of theory and practice to its rigorous academic experience, creating a dynamic learning environment. Watch the promotional video of the Kellogg School of Management HERE
The Robin and Mike Zafirovski Foundation support the Zafirovski Executive Education Program. Macedonia2025 sincerely appreciates their dedication and commitment to elevating the development of the future 100 business leaders in the country. By supporting the business leaders’ growth, we hope they become progressive members of Macedonian society and contribute to building a stronger nation.
The Zafirovski Executive Education Program offers three (3) scholarships in 2023 for the Executive Development Program (EDP). Note: the posts are open only for the blended program which combines online and on-site training.
Kellogg Executive Development Program (EDP) trains high-performing managers to become successful leaders. They can learn what it takes to guide organizations through uncertainty and disruption, from general management fundamentals to topics at the forefront of modern strategy. Kellogg EDP provides the most comprehensive general management overview. It’s a unique balance of business school essentials and emerging topics—from digital transformation to design thinking. The curriculum extends beyond the fundamentals to prepare future leaders for the challenges ahead. This intensive program focuses on a highly immersive and supportive learning environment that emphasizes the foundational business skills needed by general managers to understand and lead the workforce in which the business operates, the key functional areas of management, the development, and implementation of corporate and business strategy, and the promotion of organizational learning. With a finger on the pulse of business, Kellogg ensures the curriculum keeps pace with the ever-evolving challenges and complexity of executive leadership.
Program details:
• The program consists of a blend of live virtual and in-person delivery sessions of the Kellogg Executive Development Program (EDP) delivered by the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA;
• Rigorous & interactive curriculum (In-person capstone week; distinctive workshop integrating design and business thinking to create an actionable plan; delivered across two months to suit the busy executive’s schedule; modular in design; each week aligns with a core theme; digital-first collaboration and group work tools; managed by a dedicated Virtual Delivery Support Team);
• Each participant contributes a fee of $8,500 USD, which includes lodging and most meals;
• The total value of the program is approx. $33,550 per participant (blended experience);
• Additionally, each participant covers his/her transport cost and visa requirements.
The program additionally offers: Comprehensive Leadership Accelerator Opportunities: mentoring, networking, experiential learning, recognition, and benefits via Kellogg Alumni Status, as well as ongoing support.
Macedonia2025 requirement:
Each participant should: i) prepare and present an individual capstone project for a specific business/challenge in Macedonia and ii) actively contribute to the preparation and presentation of a group capstone project for the betterment of the Macedonia2025 program/activity of choice.
Target participants:
• High-performing mid-level to senior management executives on a path to becoming general managers;
• 10+ years of professional experience;
• Functional senior leaders who must interface with other functional areas outside of their expertise;
• Principals of small and medium-sized firms, and entrepreneurs or owners of small companies with growth potential.
• All candidates should have budget responsibilities and be able to contribute to discussions.
Additional requirements:
• Candidates must be fully supported by the existing employer.
• Strong English reading, listening and speaking skills are required.
• Written recommendations by Macedonian Zafirovski Fellows are strongly encouraged and will be considered. Please see a list of our Zafirovski Fellows HERE
• We strongly encourage female candidates to apply!
Optional Item: Leadership Coaching Package at a price of $ 3,000
Leadership coaching is provided for those who want to maximize their impact as a leader. You’ll work one-on-one with a Kellogg leadership coach to set personal goals and explore situation-specific leadership strategies. On-site coaching sessions occur during the early mornings, lunchtimes or evenings.
The 2023 Executive Education Programs – The Blended Experience Scheduled Dates
A blend of live virtual and in-person delivery sessions from May 1 – June 16, 2023Live Virtual Zoom Half-Days (May 1-5: Faculty Sessions (Required); May 15-19: Faculty Sessions (Required)) In-Person Full Days (June 3-16: Faculty Sessions (Required) at Evanston Campus, Illinois, USA)
Please visit the EDP’s official website HERE or the program’s brochure HERE for more information.
Three scholarships are available for 2023 (open posts for the blended program only)
To see written/video testimonials from Zafirovski Fellows, clickHERE.
How to apply?
In order to apply, you will need to fill-in the APPLICATIONASSESSMENT FORM, and attach the required documents within. At the end of the process, you should have submitted:
• Administrative pre-selection of the applications is done by Macedonia2025;
• During the review process, candidates may be asked to submit additional documents;
• Pre-selection of potential candidates is done by an expert commission by 15 March 2023;
• Final selection will follow after a personal interview with Mike Zafirovski;
• Notifying all selected candidates by end of March/beginning of April 2023.
Important Note
The Call is only open to Macedonian executives and managers of companies located in Macedonia, who plan to develop their professional careers in the Republic of Macedonia and contribute to the economic development of the country.
Scholarship recipients of Macedonia2025 education programs in the previous three years are not qualified to apply. Please note that priority will be given to applicants from companies whose employees have not been previous scholarship recipients of this program.
The Open Call for Kellogg EDP closes on March 10tt, 2023.
What a journey it has been to be part of the Executive Development Program 2022 at Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University. Being a scholarship recipient of the prestigious “Zafirovski Executive Development Program” within Macedonia 2025, the privilege is even bigger, because Kellogg is ranked in the top three Schools of Management in the United States of America for 2022!
The EDP surpassed all my expectations. As a many years’ corporate professional in various managerial positions, I was looking for a program that would help me further enhance my leadership and managerial skills and prepare me for the next level of my career.
The curriculum was challenging, but the top-class faculty members were engaging and provided a variety of knowledge and insights. I was able to learn from their practical and industry experiences and apply the lessons learned to my own professional development.
What I appreciated most about the program was the accent on practical application. The program provided numerous opportunities to practice new business skills and apply what we learned to real-world scenarios. This approach helped me to build confidence in my abilities and become a more effective leader. But what is more important is that the Kellogg faculties taught us value-based leadership and the ability for self-reflection because leadership is a journey requiring constant improvement as a key takeaway. With this, we learned how to unlock a new customer’s values more easily in the demanding digital environment.
As a supplement to the academic curriculum, the program offered various opportunities for networking and collaboration with other executives coming from large international companies and various countries worldwide. I am more than confident that this cohort will make a positive contribution as well to my continued growth and development as a leader in general.
Overall, I highly recommend the Executive Development Program to anyone who is looking to enhance their leadership skills and advance their career. The program provided me with the means and knowledge I needed to be a more effective and successful leader.
Finally, I am extremely grateful to Macedonia 2025, its executive team, and especially to Mr. Mike Zafirovski for the opportunity to acquire this priceless experience.
Participant: Vladimir Nikolikj, Ph.D., MBA, General Manager, University Professor Company: Lycamobile, EU, UKIM
