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.