Packa Antovska – From Strategy to Innovation: My Journey Through the Executive Education Program in Canada

Participating in this year’s Executive Education program in Canada has been an exciting and enriching journey. This program included a comprehensive five-day course on strategy execution, held from November 11 to 15 at the prestigious Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, located in the charming town of Kingston.

The course focused on strategic planning, organizational integration, process prioritization, and strategic decision-making. Each topic was explored in depth through practical examples and dynamic group discussions, where we brainstormed not only with mentors but also with fellow participants. This program equipped leaders to understand the critical role of strategy in organizations, the necessity of adapting to modern transformative environments, and the importance of effectively executing strategic goals across departments through clear communication.

While I had high expectations, this course exceeded them with its detailed and practical lectures and the extraordinary approach of the professors.

The second phase of the program involved job-shadowing at several companies in Toronto. Our first visit was to Martinrea, a global leader in the automotive industry, renowned for its innovative engineering and R&D. At Martinrea, we gained insights into the company’s lean processes, problem-solving methodologies, and robust safety culture. Engaging in discussions on topics such as lean practices, product launches, and R&D processes was particularly beneficial, thanks to the open and collaborative attitude of the professionals we met during our three-day stay.

Following Martinrea, we visited Bombardier, a company celebrated for designing and manufacturing high-performance aircraft, and Summer Fresh, producing healthy foods and dressings. Each of these successful companies demonstrated a strong commitment to quality, safety, and their people, which was truly inspiring.

Throughout the program, we received invaluable support from the Ambassador’s Club of the Macedonia 2025 organization in Canada, as well as one of its founders, Mr. John Bitove.

I am deeply honored to have been part of this exceptional program. It provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with outstanding Canadian companies and gain insights on how I can contribute more effectively to Alkaloid’s R&D department and the organization as a whole.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Macedonia 2025 for facilitating this comprehensive advancement of my knowledge and career, as well as to my company, Alkaloid AD, for their invaluable support in enabling this education.

Packa Antovska, Senior manager, Research & development, Alkaloid AD Skopje