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MEGA INTERVIEW
Macedonia has a engineering, math) the future of the labor ally, our companies, and the country.
special place in the market? Second,become more engaged and become
world and we must
work hard for it to M.Zafirovski:Math has served me extreme- a bigger part of the solution.Invest your time
secure its place and ly well. Not just because math is everywhere and talents in business organizations and
for the country to in the business world, but because of the think tanks (e.g. chambers of commerce, MK
realize itself into what discipline and clarity of thinking it instilled 2025, etc.) promoting smart policies and re-
it can become. We are in me early-on in terms of how I approach forms; voice expectations and priorities for
living in very exciting problems. We need to continue to encour- the education; become involved the political
and challenging times age our young people to explore the STEM process by having your voice and needs be
where societies must fields, and pursue them if they feel passion. heard.
transform not to STEM education and STEM professions are
become obsolete. That enormous drivers of innovation in the econ- Mr. Zafirovski, let us finish this inter-
is the challenge for omy, and therefore, the well-being of citi- view on a personal note. In Macedonia there
Macedonia zens and nations. is an overwhelming perception about you be-
ing very successful in your professional ca-
You have a truly impressive profession- reer, but at the same time investing so much
al career. You served 21 years as President/ efforts and energy, for many years, to help
CEO/COO at Nortel, Motorola, etc. In those Macedonia. Wheredoes all this love and pas-
21 years revenue growth of the companies sion for Macedonia come from?
in which you worked exceeded 8 percent per
annum. You have also served on the board of M. Zafirovski: For starters, this is the
directors of Boeing for 11 years now, and you country of my birth and predecessors. Now
are chairing a number of companies for The I am a proud American, but also a proud
Blackstone Group. Having this professional Macedonian. Both carry significant respon-
exposure, what is your message to the busi- sibilities, including never forgetting where
ness sector in Macedonia? you came from as well as helping others to
the best of your ability. In addition, it is criti-
M.Zafirovski: Have them come to the sum- cal to remember (and to remind the world)
mit! (and yes, I am only half joking). This is a that a stable, prosperous, inclusive and dem-
broad question and it can take several hours ocratic Macedonia is very much needed in
to answer completely. But, let me make a this important and volatile part of the world.
couple of very general observations, followed
by two specific recommendations. To start As such, besides having beautiful land-
with observations, first, business is not easy scapes, a very interesting and quite unique
per se, but it is relatively easy compared to cultural tradition, I would love to see Mace-
challenges like solving world hunger or re- donia become a better and stronger nation,
solving territorial disputes. We should not an inclusive country with good rule of law
overcomplicate and/or over think our busi- and good institutions. Macedonia has a spe-
ness activities. The 2nd observation, well- cial place in the world and we must work
run businesses are a true gift to society, they hard for it to secure its place and for the
provide employment, the dignity of work, country to realize itself into what it can
quality of life, needed services and products become. We are living in very exciting and
at affordable costs, innovation etc. The im- challenging times where societies must
plied opportunities and responsibilities for transform not to become obsolete. That is
us in business (whether we are employees, the challenge for Macedonia. It is a good
managers, owners) are significant and lim- challenge, it is worth participating in it, it
itless. My two specific messages to the busi- is worth being an enabler, a factor of posi-
ness sector are: tivity. This is why I invite everyone to share
the passion of “Macedonia2025” in helping
First, lead the way.Start by doing all you Macedonia become stronger nation!
can to be the best you can be. For most of us,
it is a long list, but that is the good news. The Zoran Jovanovski
list represents opportunities for us individu-
November 2015 21
