Prague Leaders Magazine Issue 06/2009

NO 6/2009

www.leadersmagazine.cz

195,- CZK

g a z i n e

Leaders Magazine No 6/2009

incl. electronic version

now available in Brussels

Martin Diviš Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kooperativa insurance company photo: Archive

CRISIS IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY City of Prague

Comenius

EU Matters

Seoul Days in Prague

Patriotic Mission

Chambers Meet MEPs

US Vice-President

Not Giving Up

Gala Performance at Obecní dům

Jerusalem, Masada, Ein Gedi, Tel Aviv

Debate and Reception with Members of the European Parliament

The topic for the joint discussions was a new strategic concept for anti-missile defence. VicePresident Biden said that the new concept will prepare the Alliance for current threats...

A talk with Daniela Kovářová, Minister of Justice

Organized by Comenius on the Occasion of the Official Visit of the Minister of Interior Martin Pecina to Israel... 

page 128

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page 136

Chambers meet MEPs: European chamber representatives discussed with MEPs their... 

page 98

State Visit

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page 78

Interview

JUDr. Daniela Kovářová graduated from the Law School of J.E. Purkyně in Brno (currently Masaryk’s University). In the years... 

page 14

23.11.2009 16:04:44

Celebrate the Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution with the Authentic Cognac THE LIMITED EDITION OF 99 PIECES IS INTENDED TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS FROM THE EVENTS IN NOVEMBER 1989 Each dedication personally numbered and signed by Jean-Jacques Godet

I aam honoured to share with you Goodet Folle Blanche, an exceptional coggnac, year 1989. This bottle combinnes the exceptionality of grape croops in 1989 with Folle Blanche.

Thhe history of Folle Blanche dates baack to the 16th century. In 1870s, thiis grape variety was ravaged by thee Phyloxera in 99 % of Cognac vinneyards. More resistant grape variieeties have been used to pr p oduce coggnac ever since. Making cognac froom Folle Blanche grapes, Godet is currently one of the few of such maanufacturers in the world. The ressult is a cognac of unique aromaa and taste; the limited edition of 999 pieces is intended to celebrate 200 years from f the eventts in th i November 1989 and is only distributed to cuustomers in the Czech Republic. At thiis sppeciiall momentt, enjoy th j th the only l coggnac that can consider itself to be exxactly the type off cognac drank by Freench impressionists, Victor Hugo annd Napo p leon Bonapparte.

The price: 4890,– CZK without VAT Th The Velvet Revolution Cognac

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19.11.2009 16:34:58

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An interview with Dagmar Grossmann, CEO, Grossmann Jet Service spol. s r.o.

The Very Light Jet Era Has Arrived Very light jets (VLJ), a category of small jet aircrafts, are strengthening their position on Europe’s business jet charter market. The category’s growing popularity is being driven by their lower purchase price and lower operational costs compared to midsize or heavy jets. Renowned aircraft manufacturers are all introducing their own models of the VLJ, for example Honda Jet, Embraer and Cessna. The biggest attention gets Cessna’s Citation Mustang and Embraer’s Phenom 100. Czech Republic-based business jet operator Grossmann Jet Services has counted a Citation Mustang as a part of its fleet since the end of 2008. The aircraft was the first VLJ registered in the Czech Republic, and “is doing quite well,” says CEO of Grossmann Jet Service, Dagmar Grossmann.

GROSSMANN JET SERVICE’S CITATION MUSTANG VS. CZECH AIRLINES AND LUFTHANSA ROUNDTRIP FLIGHTS FOR A FOUR MEMBER TEAM TO A MEETING IN GENEVA Sept. 17, 09, Prague – Geneva – Prague Czech Airlines Price for one passenger in business class: 56 722 CZK* (2,146 EUR) Lufthansa Price for one passenger in business class: 38 930 CZK* (1,473 EUR) * Prices are taken from the official web sites of both airlines for a flight on Sept. 17, 2009.

Neither Czech Airlines nor Lufthansa offer direct flights to the destination, so layovers are included.

Citation Mustang Jet rental with crew, including all airport fees: 88 024 CZK* (3,330 EUR) Final price for one passenger: 22 006 CZK* (832 EUR) *The price is calculated according to the estimated average annual flight time of 300 flight hours. The flight is direct to Geneva.

Overall financial comparison in four passengers: Czech Airlines: 227 088 CZK (8,594 EUR) Lufthansa: 155 720 CZK (5,892 EUR) Citation Mustang: 88 024 CZK (3,330 EUR) Savings of a jet owner is following: Compared to Czech airlines: 138 864 CZK (5,254 EUR) Compared to Lufthansa: 67 696 CZK (2,561 EUR) In addition to increasing the assets of a company, flying with your own business jet gives you the following advantages: ® Flexible departure – an aircraft is waiting for you until your meeting is finished. ® Flexibility of passengers – the list of passengers can be changed anytime. ® You are not limited by restrictions regarding the amount of luggage and you can make full use of the luggage compartment of the aircraft. ® You are not limited by restrictions on what you can or can not take on board. ® Smaller jets can use smaller airports where most airlines do not land, getting you as close as possible to your final destination and reducing the time you spend in a car. ® Make more efficient use of your time – arrive at the airport only 15 minutes before departure, and leave the airport within the same amount of time upon landing. Your luggage travels with you at all times, eliminating the need to wait for it be unloaded. ® No need to put your business on hold during the flight; hold meetings by making full use of the communication technology on board.

4

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What were the key reasons behind adding the Mustang to your fleet?

We have been approached regularly from several owners to take in an aircraft under our license, known as an Aircraft operating certificate (AOC). As I’ve said many times before, fifirs rstt we hhav avee to mak makee su sure re tthe he oown wner er iiss th thee ririgh ghtt fifitt fo forr ou ourr company’s structure, and secondly we make sure the aircraft itself fits into our portfolio. In this case, the Mustang, a VLJ, was a perfect match with our current fleet. We can serve a completely different segment of customers with this aircraft. In terms of pricing, it is very attractive to clients, and as we’ve based it abroad for the most part, we’ve been able to be more flexible in terms of destinations.

Are you happy with its performance?

The Mustang is a very modern aircraft. The aircraft is able to land on shorter runways, and through its capabilities we’ve found yet another market in which we can successfully compete. This particular plane is very fast. I’ve personally flown with it a couple of times and I like it very much. I would also compare the Mustang to a flying car, in that it’s meant for short trips to nearby destinations.

Are you happy with the amount of demand you’ve had for it?

The planning and the costs are very satisfying. The pilots flying it are extremely experienced. Our Mustang captain, Mr. Brodmann, is himself a trainer for other pilots. His performance is exemplary and he knows the aircraft like the back of his hand.

Talk about its maintenance. Have you encountered any problems, and how available are spare parts?

In terms of maintenance the aircraft is very specific. This particular one has been running very smoothly. We’ve been lucky, we had to do some adjustments after the presale inspection, but it went without a hitch. We cooperate with a maintenance facility in Austria and Germany and we are satisfied with that partnership. The only issue is that it requires a skilled aviation expert, as the aircraft’s instruments are largely computerized. So in the event that the system has a problem, it’s largely an IT issue. But we’ve never had any serious pr p oblems with it in the pa p st year that we’ve been flyi y ngg it.

What are the best and worst features of this plane?

From the clients’ perspective, the best part is the price and the flexible availability. As an operator, we benefit from the competitive edge it gives us for chartered flights. The

Photo: Martin Indra

Mustang can compete not only in its class, but also against mid-size jets. The disadvantage we have is the smaller range. Personally, I was always worried about the fact that there is no toilet, but my concerns were negated by the short distances it flies and the great price. The Mustang allows us to offer a service that’s a huge g advantage g for clients,, that is a flexible alternative to the strictly scheduled commercial flight times. The Mustang is already very well established on the market, and has gained a great amount of confidence from the companies and clients using it.

What are the best reasons for buying a private jet?

Grossmann Jet Services offers a consultancy service that can guide the purchase of a private jet for both individuals and companies. The decision to buy a private jet should be made only after a thorough analysis of the client’s needs and resources; for example the frequency of travel and the amount a firm spends on air travel for employees. If employees are required to travel extensively, it would be worth it to consider buying a jet, particularly a VLJ which cost about $3 million new. To completely illustrate the difference, we’ve run the number in the table on the left that shows the cost of flying business class on leading airlines compared to the costs of a flight on a private business jet, in this case Grossmann Jet Service’s Citation Mustangg.

Compiled by LM I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Citation Mustang

Leaders Magazine VI/2009

20.11.2009 15:14:22

Flights on Wings of Business Jets all around the World Individual Approach Exclusive Catering Check-in in 15 minutes Aircraft Management Consultancy upon Purchase of a Business Jet Staff Available 24/7

Citation Mustang

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analysis

THE EXPLOITERS AND THE EXPLOITED? The relationship between employers and employees has been a popular theme since the era of Marx. It will make no harm to mention a couple of principles of common sense: The wages of workers do not increase by the oppression of those from whose means they are paid. Cooperation of people cannot be intensified by the intensification of hatred. You cannot get out of problems if you spend more than you earn.

There are companies, and I stress, that they exist even in our country, where the cooperation between the two “antagonistic” groups is ideal. People do not go to work but they go there to work, they like their work. Their employers try to create such conditions so that they will enjoy working, support their company, be proud of it. It does not have to be a family business, where this is obvious. It is easier to create such harmony in a company where there are people with similar interests, education and abilities. It may be more difficult in a company of blue and white collars, but it certainly is possible, remember the pride of people of “their” Skoda, CKD, Poldi or glass works.

It is easier to say what does not work. I do not object to trade unions but I certainly quarrel with trade union representatives. They make politics out of any difficulty and they keep trying to squeeze into the Parliament by any means, into the European one at best. For them, trade unionists mean just a means how to reach this goal; they could not care less for the interests of employees and their problems.

Populism rules. Dozens of paragraphs in the Labour Code “protecting” employees are neither the stuff. If we protect slackers, it will be everybody that will buy it, not only employers.

How to find a solution? Everybody who has worked with people knows that the least working and shortest motivation is money.

It is of course important what you get from the company, but it is not the only thing that keeps you there. The important thing is the immediate assessment of your success, the possibility of further advancement and education, good work conditions. You can also motivate the employees by their share in the company. Rewards alone cannot work, some level of punishment is necessary. Those

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

who just travel along or harm the company, harm everybody.

If you belong among those who envy your boss a car, you can choose the same way and start your own business. Everyone who has tried it, very quickly loses the dreams about “easy” money. You’d better keep clear of a company whose bosses drive cabriolets in the company of beautiful blondes and

bodyguards. They will end up in hell, but you will get there with them, too.

By Ivan Pilný I President of Tuesday Business Network Former Chairman of Czech Telecom In partnership with Leaders Magazine český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine VI/ I 2009

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23.11.2009 12:19:18

Dear Readers, Coldness, snow and the winter weather are upon us, and my advice to you all is to light up candles at home, tryy to gget et that homely-feeling atmo mosp mo sphe sp here he re, wh re whic ich ch helps light up the he Chr Chr hris istt mas spi is piriririt.t. TToo have that sp spiririritit meaans to ca care re abo bouut your bo neares ess t and de est dear ares ar estt , andd aalss o th es t os osee who ha have ve les ess, s who havee no nowh wher wh eree to ggo, er o whoo may be fee wh eelililing ee ng lonneelly in a tim me when fam wh amilililie am iess ge ie gett tooge gethheerr to celeebr brat atee at Chhrir ist stmaas. st s.

Whaat we shou Wh ould ou ld ddoo is be b mo m rree geenerouss, sh shar aree a littlee bit of what we ha ar h ve ve, show sh ow k indnes ess s an andd interest st in th thos osee os who have les e s or not othing. Th This is iiss thhe reaal al CChristmass sp spiritt, and n whe henn yo you share that spiririritt it giv ives iv ess so mu m ch ch back too you – a smi m le le,, a lo look okk of un u de derstanding, a th thannk you from th t he he hheaartt – andd you feel f l pa part rt off th thee human fami faamily ly, y, re reggardl dlesss of rel eliggionn or ccol el olor. ol In t he hese see difficultt eecono nomi no mic tiime mi mes there aree mi xe xedd fe feel elin el ings in gs ggoi oing oi ng aro r un u d.

Meaanwhhille na Me natuure sslo lowl lo wly sl wl slid ides id es innto its long ng winte terr sl te slee eep. How will the fuutu ee ture re look? Wi lo Will t he herre re bee jo job security ty? Wh ty What at w wilillll cl clim im mat atee chan han ange ge br ing?

Itt is go goin ing n too t ake a few go goood men to leadd t his world toowaardd a brighterr fu futu turee. tu Andd so here att LLea An eade ea ders de rs w wee ne neve verr sleep. ve pW We arre working haardder to cr crea eate ea te a uni niqu ni quee qu maga ma gazine wititithh a mi ga mixt xtur xt uree off hhiigh quality in ur intterv rvieews ws,, an anal alys al yses ys es,, an es andd to topp le level ph photo reepo port rts. rt s TToo he help lp us achi h ev eve ou o r goal we have ve a nnew emp mplo mp loyee – Mrs. VVla lo l di la d míra Václ Vá claavík cl íkov ík o á – former Manag agin ingg Di in Dire rect re ctor ct or ooff Cana Cana nadi dian di a Cha h mbers of Com mme mercce and Chie an ieff F ina ie n ncial Of Offf icer ceer of PPGRLF LF. She will bee resspo LF sponsible forr acccoun u titing un ng andd fifina an nan ancia ncial al pl plan anni an niing ng,, as as wel welll ass ddrivving ving new new sub sub ubsscri script ptio pt ions and nd hanndling inng ou ourr newlyy es esta tabl blis ishe hedd Addvisory Boardd. We Welccom o e on bboa oard rd Vl Vladi dimí míra r .

In tthi hiss Publishe herss nnote I don’tt no normal ally ly w wririte te abo bout ut personaal th thinngss so this is an eexcception, Deear RRea eade ders rs. Be Belo low w yo youu ca can se s e wh why.

Rece Re cently I was as attt ac acke kedd andd sl slandered in an arr ticle writtenn by a man an,, a fo foreig ignnerr he here re aass I am am, (W (Wee ca can caall him M.E.)), wh whoo wo woul u d lilike ke to cl clai aim th thee so s le ririgh ghts ts to to th thee trut uthh of what happ ppen ened in thiss ccou ountryy bbef efor oree th the ve velv lvet revolut utio ion. n.

This Th is man f in ingger points and sla landder erss wi with thou outt di disc scer ernm nmen entt, insuultt ing anyone whho doesn’t sharre hi do his vi v ews. He sh show owss no sshamee, calling men co com mmuunists and othherr outrageouss names ou es,, an andd ev even en iinsulteed th the President of thhiss grrea e t co c untrr y. TThi his mann do ma does esn’ n’tt lilike ke tha t hatt I runn my magazinee as a bbusiness, t ha hatt I don’ n’tt ch chec eckk ever eryy clie cl ient nt’s ’s pas ast,t, tthat all I ca carre for is making ng m mon oney ey. Th This is m man an m mus ustt ha have v for forgo gott ten en that years ago he was very eager to be in my magazine, that we published without payment many of his events, which were sponsored by various companies. This man is very keen to get his costs covered. This man, who is perhaps among the worst name droppers of all – just read his articles – tries to be an important middleman in solving crises, flying around the world (I wonder who pays for his trips?) and likes only to be surrounded

by Yes Sayers. This man is more interested in his own selfpromotion, and in boasting his own ego, than really solving any so-called crises under various Panels and Social umbrellas.

In this number of the magazine we are proud to have Martin Diviš, MBA, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kooperativa, recently chosen” Insurance Company of the Year 2009“ on our front page, followed by an interview. Other interesting interviews are with Joe Biden, US Vice President, JUDr. Miroslav Jansta, Mrs. Kovářová, Minister of Justice, Mrs. Myy ddo M dog og R og Rhheeaa Machačová, CEO of Kooperativa, MUDr. Marian Hošek, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Pavel Telička, partner BXL Consulting, Karel Cudlín, legendary Czech Photographer, Jovo Savič, Co-owner Kogo Restaurant Network to mention a few. You will also find in this issue many interesting top level photo reports from the Cultural, Political and Business sphere.

Dear readers, I sincerely hope that you will like this November issue, that it som omeh ehow ow bbririgh ghte tens ns uupp th thee co cold ld, darkk weath ther, annd I wi wish sh allll off you, iinncluudi d ng thee ma th man whho so unn nnec e esssarily sland ndeereed me, a merryy, ha happ ppy, y joyful Chrr istt mas, s, and a pr pros osperous New ew YYea ear.

events 20 22 25 26 30 40 48 52 54 56 58 61 66 72 74 78 80 82 85 94 95 108 120 122 128 136 141 144

page 134 – Opera Viva

Lions Club Prague Eagle Opening of the New Aquacenter at the Grand Hotel Permon Sanofi-aventis and Zentiva in New Premises Benefit Auction of Works by Blind Sculptors Albatross Golf Resort Opening the Best Golf Resort in the Czech Republic Opening Windows – the Professional Women Initiative Jean-Jacques Godet Visited Václav Havel SYNOT as a Patron of Wine Celebrations and Folklore New Lions Club Praha Egyptair Gala Dinner & Concert Jazz at the Castle with Pavel J. Ryba and the Fish Men Oberbank Business Trip in the Czech Republic Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador New KOGO on the Green Mediatel/EADP Conference Prague Hosts 44th Congress of the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers (EADP) Prime Minister Fischer Held Talks with the US Vice-President Lions Club Prague Eagle Round Table of Comenius with Lord Mayor of the City of Prague Pavel Bém and 1st Deputy Chairman of ODS David Vodrážka AISA International at Charityy Eveningg in ARIA Hotel Unibon Grows Stronger Opening Its Branch in Prague Russian Boxers Dominate the Ostrava Grand Prix Procomer Comes to Prague with a Tropical Breeze ICC East – West Business Forum 2009 ONKO Europe Prague ’09 Seoul Days in Prague Patriotic Mission Organized by Comenius on the Occasion of the Official Visit of the Minister of Interior Martin Pecina to Israel Jazz at the Castle Jana Koubková 65 Skanska’s Office Building Nordica Ostrava won the Czech Energy and Ecological Project of 2008 Award

contributors 7 29 46 77 90 132

The Exploiters and the Exploited?/Ivan Pilný Communication: A Golden Opportunity/ y Karin Genton L'Eppée The Revolution will not Be TTelevised/Emil Jimenez The Vienna “Pastelka” is Developing Thanks to the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute/Ing. Simona Dunglová and HEBR Become More of Who You Are/Jan Muehlfeit Business May Be Your Life – But – Life Is Your Business Part I: The Power of Passion, The Fallacy of Fear1,2/James A. Cusumano, PhD.

Your Yo u s si sincer errel elyy, Benkke Aike kell ell I benkee.aaikellll@l @lea eade ders rsma maga gazi zine ne.c .czz www. ww w.le lead adersm mag agaazine.cz

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Lead Le adeers Ma ad Maga g ziine VI/ 20 20099 page 78 – Prime Minister Fischer Held Talks with the US Vice-President

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23.11.2009 11:45:04

interviews 4 11

14 16 18 34 36

38 68 70 86

88 96

The Very Light Jet Era Has Arrived An interview with Dagmar Grossmann, CEO, Grossmann Jet Service spol. s r.o.

There Is no Fast Track to Success in the Insurance Business An interview with Martin Diviš, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kooperativa Insurance Company Not Giving Up Womanhood in Politics A talk with Daniela Kovářová, Minister of Justice Lawyers Are Always Needed A talk with JUDr. Miroslav Jansta and not only about law Role of Insurance Is Growing During the Crisis An interview with Hana Machačová, Member of the Board of Directors of Kooperativa I Simply Take Pictures of People A talk with Karel Cudlín, a significant Czech Photographer Theatre Experience in a Service of Diplomacy An interview with Milan Sedláček, Deputy Minister and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs We Are a Regional Aviation Superpower A talk with Maj. Gen. (ret) Pavel Štrůbl, Director of the Air Accidents Investigation Institute Responsibility and Solidarity An interview with Marián Hošek, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs The Competition Means Sports to Me A talk with Jovo Savič, the Co-owner and the Chef of the Kogo Restaurant Network Politicking of the Czech Establishment Begins to Affect Interests of the Czech Industry and Businesses Within the EU A talk with Pavel Telička, President of the Consultancy Company BXL Consulting U.S. Administration’s Policy An interview with Joe Biden, U.S. Vice President Woman to Coach A talk with Andrea Linhartová-Palánová, new President Elect of International Coach Federation

pagge 96 – in intervieew withh Andr wit ndrea e Linha ea Linnhhaar Li ar tov tooovváá---PPalááno noovvá

diplomatic events 50 116 138

118–119

National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Celebration of the National Day of Algeria 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

92–95

culture events 110 111 112 113 114 125 126 134

Opening Concert National Theatre Benefactors’ Club Czech Statehood Day Tribute to Architect Josef Zítek Prague Symphony Orchestra Opening of the 75th Concert Season Oppera Concert of the Members of Eva Blahová Master Class Orga g nized byy MIRO Gallery Prague in Hilton Hotel Istanbul, Turkey Miro Gallery, Your Space For Happiness, Delight and Favourable Investment Opera Viva

page 32 – Albatross Golf Resort Opening

EU matters 98

100

102 103 104 107

page 44 – Japan, Part II

contents.indd 9

Europe rope Future Should Be One in Growth Grow Gr ow – Growth in Skills, lls, G Growth rowt ro w h in Sustainability Sustainabilitiitt y and G Growth in Markets An interview terview with with wi th Arnaldo Arnal aalldo lddoo Abruzzini, Abruz uzzzini Secretary General of Eurochambers r rs "Chambers Meet MEPs" Eurochambers uroch Event: Debate and Reception with Members of the European Parliament CzechFlash Facts of Life or Political Fiction/Vincent J. Derudder Annual Conference of the European Values Association Business News

the good things in life 23.11.2009 18:14:32

We are pleased to announce that we have considerably extended Leaders Magazine spread to include 80 top– notch restaurants in Prague.

Total circulation: cca 18.000 bi-monthly including electronic version.

Coda restaurant

225 334 791

Le Papillon p

Crowne Plaza Harvest Restaurant

224 393 692

Prague Marriott Hotel Brasserie restaurant 222 888 888

Readership total: cca 500.000

Račanská vinárna

224 393 855

Leaders Magazine is sent as a compliment to: Those who are the most influential, powerful and affluent readers in the Czech Republic. To representatives of the businesssphere, diplomatic corps and to top goverment and mayor’s officials.

On the board of the ČSA business class & VIP lounges of Prague aiport.

We are also cooperating with Prague City Hall, Czech Invest, Czech Centre, Thee Cz Th Czeech Medica cal Ch Cham ambe ber,r, aallll C Cha ham mbers be rs oof Commer erce ce,, Fo Foru rum m Frannco cophone Afffairres Af es,, Če Česk skáá Ma Manažersská Asociace, CMC CM C Gr Grad aduaate School of B Bus usin ines ess, s, Universityy oof Ne Un New York in Pr Prag ague ue, An Angl go Americann S Schoo ool,l, U Uni nive vers rsitity of Pititts ts-b rggh, C bu CEE EELI LI IIns nstititu tutee, Lions Clubbs, Rota Ro tarr y Cluubs, The Pr Prag ague ue Societyy ffoor Int. In t. Coo ooperation, CZ CZEC CH TO TOPP 10 100, 0, Czecch 10 100 Best st, CEBRE, Eurotelegraph, The Senate, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ano pro Evropu andd manny more. ma

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Leaderss Ma Maga gazine is avvai ailablee in aallll rooms of theese ttop op ssta tar fine hhot otel elss andd thheir re an rest stau st aura au rant nts: ts: (tel (t elep el epho ep hone ho ne nnumbe berr fo be f r reservation) re Aria Ar ia Hoote o te l

Hilton Prague CzechHouse Grill & Rotisserie

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Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel La Rotonde 222 820 000 Restaurant Alcron

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Rezidence Lundborg Praha 257 011 911 224 842 700

Hilton Prague Old Town – Maze Restaurant 221 822 303 Holiday Inn Prague Congress Center Espr Es p itt

61 6 1 17 175 5 03 030 0

Hoote tel Be B llagioo Restauura rant nt IIssabe bellllaa Hotel Hoff Hot ffme meissteer Restaurantt AAdaa

Sieber Hotel Restaurace h. Sieber 224 250 025 Top Hotel Praha Rest Re staura rant nt Bohemia iato topp Rece cepc pcee 267 67 2 284 111 11

22 21 77 778 8 999 251 51 017 7 133 133

Hotel Inte H terc rcon ontitine nent ntal al Praha ha Zlat Zl atáá Pr Praahaa 296 29 6 631 111 Hote tell Pa P laace Praha Gourme met Cluub

Rezidence Nosticova Restaurant Alchymist 257 011 670

Auddien ence Deci De cisi sion on mak aker erss inn the fieldss of b sinness, public reelaatio bu ions, indepe penndent de nt professions ns and nd ddip iplo loma macy cy,, govern go rnme ment nt offi officia ials ls, lo loca call of o ficial als. s.

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19.11.2009 16:40:43

interview

Martin Diviš Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kooperativa insurance company Photos: Archive

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23.11.2009 11:21:04

An interview with Martin Diviš, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kooperativa insurance company

THERE IS NO FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS IN THE INSURANCE BUSINES Ing. Martin Diviš, MBA (1973) linked his professional life with the Kooperativa insurance company, Vienna Insurance Group.

After graduating in economics with a specialization in management and marketing, he took up work at Kooperativa as a press sppokesman in 1995. In 1999 he became respponsible for advertisingg strateggy, spponsoringg and PR,, and two years later took the post of marketing and product development manager. He has been involved in the top Kooperativa management since 2005. In 2006, he was appointed deputy general manager and director responsible for vehicle insurance, marketing, product development, collaboration with assistant services, strategic cooperation with the ČS Finance Group and adjustment of insured accidents.

Simultaneously, he became a member of the broader management of the parent company Wiener Städtidsche Versicherung AG Vienna Insurance Group. In May 2008, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kooperativa and, one year later Member of the Board of Directors of the Wiener Städtidsche Versicherung AG Vienna Insurance Group. He is a member of the Presidium of the Czech Insurance Association; Chairman of the Board of the SBA ZASO Kupala a ZASO Victoria (Belarus), and Member of the Board of the Bulstrad Insurance & Reinsurance plc and of Bulgarski Imoti Life a Non Life (Bulgaria).

There is talk that the economic crisis is finally turning in a positive direction and we can hope for growth. Do you share this view?

I would be rather cautious with such a statement. Naturally, I would be very pleased if the slowdown of the Czech economy stopped and we could expect revitalization in the next year. But there will certainly be an aftermath to the crisis – for example the growing unemployment. Economic theory says that the numb nu mber er of of un unem empl ploy oyed ed can can ste stead adililyy ri rise se du du ring the year following the restart of economic growth. And if we look at the household indebtedness, the trend has not turned positive here either – people keep borrowing money but at the same time save less; that does not show h evid idence peoplle learn l edd th theiir lessons l from the crisis.

How did the crisis influence your company and the whole insurance business sector? One can recall the case of AIG… The world insurance market has surely been hitt by tthhe criisis, hi i especiialllly th the U.S S. companies. In Europe, and so in the Czech Republic, a strict reggulation of the insurance companies’ investments played a positive role; the regulation determines how and where the insurance companies can invest their clients’ money so that it is as safe as possible. For example, the part of our assets which can be kept in shares is very limited, so the loss on the market was

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marginal for the insurance companies. Vienna Insurance Group, a parent company of Kooperativa, Česká podnikatelská pojišťovna and Pojišťovna ČS in the Czech Republic Republic, has al always been known as a conservative investor, so the slowdown of the financial markets had relatively very little impact. However, the crisis naturally influences a demand for insurance, too – the clients are more cautious and conservative. The Czech insurance market has experienced its own slowdown; the only fair dyna dy nami mics cs is is in the the seg segme ment nt of of cu curr rren entt pr prem emiu ium m life insurance. On the other hand, the overall bad economic situation forces the insurance companies to focus on possible cuts and the streamlining of its activities. In this sense, the current crisis is also an opportunity – and if iitt teachhes us hhow tto manage tthi hings bett tter, it would be beneficial not only from the insurance companies’ point of view.

The insurance business is very specific – the turnout of a company is growing before the payment of loss. Is there a need for specific management in this sector?

The insurance business has its specifics and attraction; from my point of view it is first and foremost that it is a long term process.

Whoever wants to have success in this business has to bear in mind that there is no fast track to it. One has to build slowly not only their clients’ trust, but also to perform a long term strategy and take into account the

obligations. Take, for example, a payment from the damage liability of a young person who was injured in an accident, with long term effects – a good insurance company knows that the quality of this person’s life will depend on that payment for dozens of years. Or that a 20 year-old can obtain retirement insurance – and must trust that the money he’s been saving for 45 years will be paid back to him by the company. I believe in a long term relationship with a client, and that’s also al so w wha hatt I ex expe pect ct fro from m my eemp mplo loye yees es.

You have experience from Belarus. Can you compare the insurance business here and there?

To the east of our lands, more specifically to the east of Slovakia, the insurance business iis in ffactt in tthhe same stt ate t thatt tthhe C Czechh insurance market was five, ten or even fifteen years ago. Belarus and Ukraine also have their cultural, historic and political specifics, and their citizens have a different mentality than we do. You have to bear this in mind when dealiling with ith people l th there, or when h ttryiing to address the clients. The Belorussian insurance market cannot compare to the Czech market, neither by its GDP share nor by the scope of products offered. However, I need to note that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe where Vienna Insurance Group is present, promise a huge insurance potential. It was not by chance that the insurance share of the

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countries of the ex-soviet block has grown steadily within the Group; it now stands for over a half share already.

How would you compare the corporate culture here and in Austria, the home of your parent company?

As far as I can judge – in the segment of insurance business and management, there are no fundamental differences. Ultimately, Vienna Insurance Group is a multinational compa p nyy, which owns insurance companies in more than 20 European countries, and the principles of the insurance business hold the same everywhere and for everyone.

Alt-hough I am the only foreigner in the management of the parent company, I do not feel “foreiggn” in Austria. And there is no reason for it, since one can meet people with a Czech background and at almost every turn. I am pleased and proud to be a Czech in the Vienna Insurance Group management – it reflects the importance of the Czech mark ma rket et for for the the who whole le gro group up.. It is is de defifini nite tely ly positive that our voice is heard in the Vienna Insurance Group.

In your opinion, is there anything like the persisting Austro-Hungarian esprit – for

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example, the early bird working hours as a heritage of the insomniac emperor?

There is a simple answer to this question.

Those who care about their job are also hardworking; g; and not onlyy are theyy able to be the early birds, but they often cannot sleep at all because of their work. People like me cannot leave their work behind the office doors without thinking about it. It is up to everyone to decide whether it is good or bad, but I would sayy it is rather normal,, not excepptional,, in any top management. As far as the AustroHungarian esprit is concerned – to me that represents a certain solidity and tradition, which is tied not only to our insurance companies but also to our resident cities. Such historical ge g nius loci works hardlyy anyy where but in Prague and Vienna – the cities where the biggest insurance companies of the Vienna Insurance Group sit. It is as if Prague and Vienna embody the fundamental principles of the insurance business – tradition, stability, andd so an solilidi dity ty and and ffirirm m gr grou ound nds. s.

Many consider studying an MBA these days. In which particular way did the MBA degree help you in your career?

Besides the fact that this type of education

is reasonablyy based on solvingg particular issues, and on numerous practical case studies, it definitely provided me with better insight into the firm’s finances. And not only from the knowledge g point of view,, but also byy focusing on the angle from which a manager should regard a firm. On the other hand, the numbers are not everything. I am well-known for my opinion that a top manager cannot master all alone; the most important job he or she has and his or her bigg ge g st asset is what team he or she can put together. To some it might be surprising, but I always wish that my colleagues are better experts in their given area than I am. My task is first and foremost to coordinate the team and motivate it. With all resppect for education,, one can,, nonetheless,, learn this only in real life.

By Vera Řiháčková ■

český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

23.11.2009 12:20:30

A talk with Daniela Kovářová, Minister of Justice

NOT GIVING UP Womanhood in Politics JU UDr. Daniela Kovářová graduated from the Law School of J.E. Purkyně in Brrno (currently Masaryk’s Univerrsity). In the years 19 990–2008 she ran her own law practice in Pilsen, specializing in criminal law, fam mily law and contracts agenda. Beetween 1999–2005 shhe served as the Head of Criminal Law section of the Czech Bar Associationn. In the period 2005–2008 she was the Head of Edducation Committee of CBA. Since 2008 she has been the Principal of Justicee Academy in Kroměříž. In Aprill, when the second caabinet of Mirek Topolánek lost their non-confidence vote, she was appointed as thhe Minister of Justice in the care-taking government.

In 2008 she published a book of mysterious short stories called ‘Minute Stories’ unnder the pseudonym of Ida Sebastiani. In November off this year she should publish her second book ‘Amorous Stories’. She is currentlly working on two other books off short stories.

When looking over the width of your activities and interests, one has to ask whether studying at law school was the first and clear choice from the very beginning?

I’ve had a number of interestss. I actually played the piano very well. I was into drama and wrote short stories too. I even had a band. Law school just som mewhat happened. It was not a dream choice. However, from today’s perspective, it was not a bad choice at all. One can do so many things with law school nowadays.

What was the path from the Law School in Brno to the Principal’s office at the Justice Academy in Kroměříž, from which position you were nominated for the Ministry of Justice.

The family I come from neverr had any lawyer. I could not follow in anybody’s footsteps, nor had I anybody to ask for mature advice on what direction to take. When there were internships at the law school thhe choices were Court, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, or thhe notary’s office. One day I was passing a house with a sign that said ‘Legal Aid Bureau’.

I went in and asked if I could do my internship there. Sitting behind the table was Dr. Jirousekk, until recently the President of the Board of Directors of the Czech Bar Association, and he said that I could come. It was in his office where I fell in love with the legal professionn and advocacy. Since then I knew it was the only thing I wantted to do. It is a communicative profession where one can help common people. Besides, it is about the practical applicatiion of law.

When I was leaving law schoool it was not an easy thing to become a woman barrister, esppecially in Moravia. In those days a numerus clausus was alsoo applied, and one could not just simply open a law practice. So I sent an application letter to all the regional associations and got a reply from Western and Northern Bohemia. I chose Pilsen.

Later, I started to commute too Prague and work in one of the sections of the Czech Bar Ass sociation. After some time I got elected to the Board of the CBA. At the point when I started to suffer from the burnt-out syndrome, after 17 years in my own law firm, I goot an offer to move to Prague full-time, to build up an educatioonal institution for barristers and lawyers at the CBA. It was there where I got the offer to move to Kroměříž to head the Jusstice Academy. In April I was then approached by the Civic Democrats with the offer to take the Ministry of Justice in thee care-taking government.

How big of a leap is that to come from a non-Prague institution, which is away from the “center”, to the Ministry of Justice with much wider responsibilities and agendas?

Pho PPh ho hoto tos: Arch tos rc ive

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19.11.2009 19:30:55

Managerially there is no diffeerence. In the Justice Academy I had 70 subordinates in compaarison to 350 here. Generally, there is no difference in managging such numbers of people.

Managerial methods, communication and levels of responsibilities are more or less alike. All A this has been rather similar to the Justice Academy.

Absolutely new to me was thee cabinet agenda. Totally new was also the Parliamentary agennda, though I could find a relative closeness to what I did bbefore. Speeches in the Parliament are very similar to speecches in court. The argumentative defense of materials at the ccabinet meetings reminds me of speeches in front of the grannd jury. The area that was new to me indeed has been all the communication with media.

The law profession has not received much positive coverage in the media lately. The legal environment has been portrayed in rather negative contexts. On the list of the most respected professions the top positions are occupied by other professions. Is it within the reach of the Minister of Justice to somewhat rehabilitate the reputation of the legal profession?

Interesting you asked that. It takes as little as a single dishonest representative of any profession to have a negative effect upon the professionn itself. We have more or less ten thousand lawyers and barristers and 3036 judges.

Positive news about the 99 perr cent of them who do a great job is not interesting for the media. m A case when someone gets drunk, or carries out an unnjust ruling is immediately interpreted as the state of the whole legal community.

I want to do my best to improove the reputation of the legal profession. Any visible positivee example can help to change the public opinion. On the otherr hand, I realize how difficult it is to sell positive stories to the m media. Positive news spreads much slower than negative new ws. But interestingly enough, despite the drop in the credibillity of lawyers, the interest in studying at law schools remains high. A huge number of young students still want to beccome judges or barristers.

What was it like for you, as a woman, to enter the world of rather masculine Czech politics?

If you are asking me how I felt in the legal positions in comparison to politics, at the law schools there are a few more women than men. In som me legal professions, such as civil law judges, the representation of women is much higher than of men. However, the higheer you get in the hierarchy, the more men you meet, and the peendulum swings the other way.

But overall more women hold top positions in justice than in politics.

Concerning behavior and thee atmosphere in Czech politics I know what you are hinting at.. I do not want to give up my womanhood. I do not intend to change the modes and styles of communication nor to atteempt a “male” approach to

politics. Proobably, I would not even be able to do it accurately. If politics do change people, I hope it will not happen to me in this sense.

Does it help that there are, exceptionally for the Czech environment, three women in the government?

I am so happy that we are at least three there. Sometimes we meet innformally outside the cabinet. We get on with each other very well. We have a number of things in common, common vieews and opinions on many things which bring us closer.

Concerning our position in the government as such, I am positivve that the simple fact that we are women has got no effect onn the proceedings in the cabinet. By no means do our materials get through more easily because we are women.

In a cabinett debate it is all about well built arguments and the quality of materials presented.

What is your view of the law in general? What ‘philosophical’ interpretation of law do you represent as a lawyer?

I am very much interested in the area of ethics. The law profession, as any other, has got its own professional ethics.

Today, new and more clearly defined limits of lawyers’ and judges’ ethiical behaviour are being formed. I am of the opinion that it iss necessary to continue educating students and law professsionals in this sense. There is never enough debate about thosee limits. A man who wants to become a judge or a barrister should maybe even spend more time thinking about the ethical aspects of their profession than about the law constructions and formulations themselves. In situations when the ethical barriers are not obvious from the situation or by a written code, and they have to be allured for the specific casse, then it is essential for lawyers to have a sense of the ethiccal barriers developed inside them. This abstract feeling of ethical limits is born foremost in discussions and debatees, together with the individual questions one constantly asks oneself. You cannot read about it and simply learn it.

Now, back to your question. I feel sad that our law often leans toward strong positivism. Sometimes judges do not make decissions that are fair, just because they seek the one and only paaragraph of a law under which they can classify the committed act. I would welcome it if the legal environment would allow w judges to state, “I haven’t got an exact sentence of the law to back my ruling, but it is the right and only fair decision.”

The realiity is that a judge often makes a ruling, and the explanationn, instead of containing clear and readable text, from which the involved parties could learn about the decision, is insttead a fifteen-page theoretical comment on everything in thhe case. The resulting text is unreadable. They do

this because they are aware that the Appeal Court will go overr paragraph after paragraph, and if anything is missing they would have the ruling simply dismissed or sent back. I find this practice rather unfortunate. Rulings ought to be for the common people who are influenced by the decision and nott for the Appeal Courts. The explanations should be short, clear readable texts and not theoretical essays.

Do you think you will return to Kroměříž after your ministerial experience in Prague as the same Principal when you left?

This is such a unique experience. Surely I will return very much different. I think that my whole future life will be in a way influenced by the experiences I have had here. I can see now the position of Justice Academy in the context of ourr system absolutely differently. When I get back I could be a better Principal actually. I shall know that some steps are rather pointless, and some need to be done differently. My role in the Justice Academy was not finished in April.

I still have many plans. I can see great possibilities for the development of life-long education in the Czech justice system.

By Filip Hubáček ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzii magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.czz

Leaders Magazine VI/ I 2009

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23.11.2009 10:32:31

A talk with JUDr. Miroslav Jansta and not only about law w

Lawyers Are Always Needed Miroslav Jansta is a managing partner in the Jansta, Kostka Law Firm. He graduated from the Law w School of Charles University in 1985. Between the years 1985–1997 he was a lecturer and researcher in the field of labour law and social security law at the Law School of Charles University. In the years 19 989–1992, he served as a deputy in the House of Commons of the Federal Assembly. He was a member of the constitutionnal committee and deputy chhair of the immunity committee. He is the owner and president of the most successful Czecch basketball team of recennt years, Nymburk.

This summer he was elected the president of the Czech Basketball Federaation.

How would you characterize the Czech legal service market from the view of big domestic and international law firms?

International law firms came here around the years 1991 and 1992. Their arrival was connected mainly with restitutions, transfers of properties, investments and the general transformation which took place here at that time.

They had a great advantage at the beginning, certainly. They possessed the know-how, and were given priority by the Czechs who were viewed as linked with the previous communist society. The biggest contracts were assigned to international law firms, and Czech lawyers did not get much regarding the transformation of businesses.

Larger Czech law firms began to emerge somewhat in the mid 90s. Our firm was established on September 1st, 1995 when I made an agreement with a colleague of mine from the university that we would start working together.

At the outset we were five people. Today, we are more than sixty.

Your firm belongs among the relatively big players. What is the difference today between a big domestic and international law firm?

Not many of the international firms have remained here. Two big firms, White & Case and Weil, Gotshal & Manges operate here, and the rest are mid size or smaller firms. The Czech firms have gotten ahead of them.

Is there then any difference at all between international and domestic firms? For instance, in certain types of know-how?

Czech law firms can match the international ones in everything. The international firms are led by Czech lawyers anyway. Any good international firm has got a top Czech lawyer as a managing head. Just a brief look around the international players proves that. The international firms retain just one advantage. They are parts of international networks. However, we have been closing this gap, too. We are becoming a partner in an international network of mid-sized law firms. It is not only a European

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Photo: Vladimír Weiss

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19.11.2009 19:32:40

network, but also firms from the USA and Canada are representedd. It will not have the form of a single company, but it will be more about cooperation wit hin the network and specific cases.

What is the domain of your firm? What do you specialize in?

Our firm specializes in business, civil, competition, and administrativee law. We are three managing partners in our firrm. I specialize in business law. So I overlook primarily bigger projects in the area of business law. Otherwise, my role has shifted partly towardds the role of communicator internally as well ass externally.

To what extent are your activities and your firm affected by the crisis? Are there any significant impacts of the financial and economical crisis in the area of legal services?

Lawyers are always needed. Nothing has changed in that. What changes is the intensity and the dynamics in vaarious segments of the provided services. Mergeers and acquisitions are over. The property markeet collapsed. Law firms which specialized in thosse areas were forced to reduce their staff. We diid not have to do that.

We have seven or eightt main areas which we specialize in and thus we diversify our work. This makes us more solid andd stable. The only segment we had planned to develop and invest into was real estate. But beforre we managed to invest the crisis arrived. Luckily for us we had not hired new specialists for that aarea yet.

Your next activity is sport. In summer, you were elected the President of the Czech Basketball Federation. The time of economic recession is not a good time for sport officials to get finances for their sports...

For a Czech sport officcial the situation is now extremely difficult, indeeed. Since its founding in 1993 the Czech state haas absolutely neglected its approach to physical education e and sport. All of the ministers of educaation, youth and sports have been either strong inn the area of education, and so not much interesteed in sport, or they were very weak ministers.

So you see the problem of financing Czech sport as a question of the government?

Certainly, it is a probllem of the system and conceptual character. Itt is a question of the functioning of sport ass an industry branch.

Sport produces a signiificant income for the Czech Republic, and by ffar it is not getting back what it deserves. Recenntly the question of the betting industry has opeened, which should be the source of finances for culture and sport, but the money does not go where it should. We have the relic of the communist era – the Czech Sport Association. Nexxt to it we have the Czech Olympic Committeee. A sport department is at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

All of this is rather unsysttematic. It is necessary

to makee clear where the finances go, and make the paths clear cut, so that it really supports physicaal education and sport. We need to cut down on the number of officials who adhere to theirr posts but do not contribute to sport one singgle bit.

Is it only a question of finances? Or is it also a problem of general perception of the importance of physical activity for society?

It is not exclusively a question of money. We need to ensure better accessibility to sport and physical education in general. It is essential to include physical education in schools’ curriculums. We have to bear in mind that with the professionaalization of the Army the liability of enlistment ennded. This had a negative effect on the general fitness of the young population. Sport and phyysical activity is healthy and an inseparable partt of prevention.

We’vee witnessed the boom of fitness and wellnesss clubs. However, this is not a cheap option, and it is lacking the form of normal physical acc tivity. The gap in our approach to sport haas several layers, and it is not only about financess. Nonetheless, sufficient finances is the first problem that needs to be dealt with.

Ice-hoockey and football have been almost exclusively preferred here since the 90s. Certainly, it has been linked to the successes of the national teeams in those sports. Football, obviously, is a mass s thing in general. But a very expensive NHL maatch in Prague does not help much in changinng the attitude of the people towards athletics.

Or foor another paradox, consider the golf boom. Golf is becoming almost a mass sport here, wiith an enormous boost in the number of registered golfers and golf courses. On the other hand, trraditional sports such as athletics, handball, vollleyball, and basketball struggle for life.

This is due to the fact that new gyms are not being builtt, no investments go to regional stadiums, and the youth are not encouraged to spend time doing spport.

You are very opinionated about the situation about sport in the Czech Republic. What does your involvement in sport mean for you?

I can afford the luxury of speaking openly about thhe situation in which our physical education andd sport find themselves. I do not expect to makee any money from my activities in sport.

I simplyy enjoy it. It is a hobby for me. A very expensive hobby. I perceive the reality that we have reeached a stalemate under the current state of affairs.

In the reality and the context you have described here, what is then the position of sport you are responsible for now – in Czech basketball?

Baskeetball, or better specifically Nymburk, has beeen lucky to have a sponsor since the

1990s – ČEZ company. That has been a source of financial stability, around which we manage to gather other sponsors, and so we are able to operate with a decent budget. Nymburk ranks around 46th, 47th place in Europe, which is a great achievement considering the competition. Our budget which oscillates around 50 million CZK is a fraction of what the teams in front of us have. This is possible thanks to the many people who work in sport for free, and the costs are still lower here as well.

Basketball is a phenomenon which is not appreciated here much. It is such a phenomenon thanks to the USA and its high school and college environment. We can also thank the commercial and marketing success of the NBA, as it transfers to Europe and other parts of the World.

In Southern Europe basketball is often sport number two after football. In former Yugoslavia it is often sport number one. In Europe basketball is overall a mass sport. Unfortunately here, due to the fact that ice-hockey is the national sport, and consumes a significant amount of finances, not that many resources remain for the other sports.

What direction should then Czech sport take in the future? Should it be organizing big events such as a Final Four and various championships? Or should we rather get back to working from the bottom up, improving facilities in regions and working with the public?

Everything is connected. We have got indisputable success on the international scene for a country such as ours. However, the system is slowly reaching its maximum, and we need to get back to the start. We need to start again with sports centers which would work systematically with the youth. But those have to be set in a new economic reality, with a different system of financing and management. We have to say openly that we need fit youth, and we have to start working accordingly. However, it cannot be done by volunteers. The state has to get involved. The role currently played by the Ministry of Education did not prove to be the right one. New and clear competencies and responsibilities have to be pronounced. It is necessary to reconsider the role of SAZKA and generally of the whole betting business.

That should be the basis for a new system that would give us the prospect of producing a new generation of sport professionals and athletes in the horizon of seven or ten years. Otherwise, we will keep hoping for random individual stars to light up.

By Filip Hubáček ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine VI/ I 2009

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23.11.2009 10:34:02

Hanna Mach c aฤ o a ovรก v vรก Me ber off the Mem the Boar o rdd o Dir of Direct ectors ors oof Ko Koope operat rattivaa rativa Photo: Pho to: Archi Archi ch vvee

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19.11.2009 19:38:20

An interview with Hana Machačová, Member of the Board of Directors of Kooperativa

Role of Insurance Is Growing During the Crisis

JUDr. Hana Machačová graduated from the Law Faculty of Charles University in Prague. Between the years 1973–1984 she worked for the civil service and then for 11 years at the Czech State Insurance Company as the head of department.

Since 1995 she has worked at Česká Kooperativa at various positions; firstly as sales director, in 1998 she became agency director, and now she is a member of the Board of Directors responsible for commercial activities of Kooperativa.

What brought you to insurance?

It was a coincidence. I lived in Prague-Chodov where at the beginning of the 1980s a building was reco re cons nstr truc ucte tedd in a ver veryy in inte tere rest stin ingg wa wayy. I lik liked ed itit, my my maternal leave was about to finish, so I was interested in who owned that building. I found out that it belonged to the Česká pojišťovna insurance comcom pany. If someone had told me before to go to work at an insurance company, I probably would not have listened. But the building inspired me, it literally captivated me. And then however it sounds strange the whole world of insurance captivated me. I fell for it despite of that I had worked as a lawyer in administrative law before.

How was the insurance market influenced by the economic crisis?

The insurance market is a part of financial and capital market, so we definitely see the impacts. For example even now we are taking in that clients are much more interested in context, look for more information, and decide more carefully. The insurance market was surely affected all over the world, but in E rope and thus Europe th s in the Czech C ech Republic Rep blic strict regulareg la regula tion in investments had a positive effect. That means the definition of where the insurance company can put technical reserves, their clients’ money. These resources must be of course deposited as safely as possible. For instance part of finances that we can have in shares is very limited, so the losses of the stock market influenced the insurance companies only partially.

Do you witness a fall of interest in insurance?

We certainly see a change in clients’ behaviour – a certain divergence from investment products towards d the h guaranteedd ones. Th T he sense off saffety, guaranty of securities, and a guaranteed amount of the valorisation of invested money – these are now the topics which our clients are very much inte in tere rest sted ed iin. n.

What is your opinion on hints that sometimes emerge in the media that people should not spend money on insurance?

It is sad to see someone claiming that the costs for insurance belong to expenses that should be

reduced or cancelled. In my opinion the truth is just the opposite. It is impossible to compare the expenses for insurance with the cost of holidays or luxu lu xury ry cclo loth thin ingg. TThe he iins nsur uran ance ce ppro rote tect ctss me me, my ffam amililyy, and property against the risks life brings and its role is growing during the crisis. Today not many people – whether companies companies, families or individuals – have such financial reserve to be able to ignore the insurance, and rely on their own forces if something happens. Nobody is probably able to compensate immediately for example a long-term income failure caused by an injury or completely destroyed flat or house.

What is your strategy to reduce the crisis impact?

The strategy of the Vienna Insurance Group (VIG), whose members are also the Kooperativa, Česká podnikatelská pojišťovna and Pojišťovna ČS, has been more conservative in the investment area than our competitors in the past years. This means that the fall of stock markets affected us minimally. The current development confirmed the rightness of our conser ati e strategy conservative strateg strategy, and wee will ill follow follo it in the future, too. However, now it is not possible to rely on yields of investments as it was in the past. We have to be simply effective and profitable also in our basic activity – in insurance. I think the crisis cannot be perceived only in the negative way – it is also the opportunity to learn to be a good manager, and by far more to look for the increased efficiency of all activities, and focus on savings.

Statistics show that Czech people in comparison to developed European countries underestimate life insurance and secure very little for retirement.

What else can be said about their approach to take precautions against various risks?

This is certainly true and it is up to insurance companies and their sales representatives to explain this issu is suee to cclilien ents ts iint ntel elliligi gibl bly. y. FFro rom m th thee av aver erag agee fifigu gure ress it is clear that almost everybody has “some” life insurance, it is, however, absolutely insufficient in an overwhelming majority of clients, many risks simply are not covered at all. It is thus necessary to consider which risks can be taken into consideration, what

impact they could have, and then seek suitable amendment of the current insurance contracts.

Today, there is a range of flexible products on the mark ma rket et ttha hatt ca cann be ccha hang nged ed aacc ccor ordi ding ng ttoo th thee cu curr rren entt situation, and accommodate the insurance protection to changing conditions. Of course, it also always depends on the capabilities of every individual individual. For instance in the developed EU countries it is entirely common that people in a working age set aside about 8–10 percent of their income for retirement. They do that immediately when they start their first job.

This fact then represents approximately 40 years of regular savings and yields.

How do you view the problem of the lack of women in politics and at high positions?

I say one thing: it does not matter whether it is a man or woman, but above all it has to be an unbiased human being and a professional. In my experience, it is possible to get along with everybody. I do not distinguish between male and female colleagues.

The important thing is how they work. That applies to me as well. Even if I am the only woman in our board of directors, I do not get any directors an pardons because beca se of that. that On the other hand, my colleagues treat me in a gallant and correct way, and that I appreciate a lot.

Do you have time for your hobbies?

Unfortunately, today’s complicated times limit me very much. Although I try hard, I do not have much time for my hobbies. I can find time for my family, but my favoured painting suffers from my lack of time.

Luckily I find time occasionally, and in winter in particular I spend more time at the tripod. As for my profession I would like to return to insurance law.

Unfortunately, I do not have much time to follow legislature in i insurance in det d ailil. Someti S imes I manage to pay attention to an interesting insurance case, client or damage, and find more scope for these issues.

I use the opportunity to consult it with my colleagues andd I am ggla an ladd th that at tthe here re aare re ttop op eexp xper erts ts iinn th this is aare reaa among them.

By Zuzana Kasáková I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine VI/ I 2009

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23.11.2009 12:58:59

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible

networking/charity

Wine provided by Michal Zazvonil, Managing Director Vino & spol.

From left: Ing. Andor Šándor, Brigadier General (ret.) and President of the Lions Club Prague Eagle, Michal Zazvonil, Managing Director, Víno & spol. and Ing. Alexander Lochman, Chairman of the Board, Bacchus Vins & Champagnes a.s.

Lions Club Prague Eagle

From left: JUDr. Vratislav Janda, Head of CORA, British American Tobacco, Czech Republic, Mr. Jaroslav Kubišta, former Chief Public Officer, Telefónica O2, Jiří Bílý, Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine

JUDr. Klára Veselá-Samková, Advocate and Ing. Petr Nevický, Portfolio Investor Prof. Dr.h.c. JUDr. Jan Kříž, CSc., Advocate, Kříž a Bělina

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Mrs. Anna Žaludová and Ing. Stanislav Slavík, Consultant

From left: Miroslav Votruba, Sales Director, Eurest, spol. s.r.o.; Mr. Spiridon Germenis, Director of Castle Blatná and Mr. Jaroslav Kubišta, former Chief Public Officer, Telefónica O2

19.11.2009 18:23:45

From left: Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, Consultant, Dr. Tomáš Finger, General Director, Onkocet Europe o.p.s., Jiří Bílý, Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Mr. František Janů

From left: Miroslav Vaněk, General Director of the Governments Representation in Prague and Ing. Andor Šándor, Brigadier General (ret.) and President of the Lions Club Prague Eagle

From left: Miroslav Vaněk, General Director of the Governments Representation in Prague and Prof. Dr.h.c.

JUDr. Jan Kříž, CSc., Advocate, Kříž a Bělina

From left: JUDr. František Zelenický, Ing. Arch. Iva Drebitková, President of Triga, Patrons´Club of the National Theatre, Mrs. Baroness Jana Germenis, Owner of Castle Blatná and Joseph Drebitko, Chairman/CEO, Active, a.s.

From left: Ing. Zbyněk Štáf, Quality Season Product s.r.o, Production Director, Ing. Václav Červenka, Managing Director, PBM and Ing. Andor Šándor, Brigadier General (ret.) and President of the Lions Club Prague Eagle

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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From left: Jiří Bílý, Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Mr. František Janů

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY 19.11.2009 18:24:26

Grand Hotel Permon front view

Opening of the New Aquacenter at the Grand Hotel Permon

HIGH TATRAS MOUNTAINS

The Grand Hotel Permon stands at the gateway to the High Tatras, in the middle of an unspoiled natural setting, offering fascinating views of the Krivan peak. As one of the largest Slovak hotels, the Grand Hotel Permon can satisfy everybody’s needs – whether it is a biking vacation, a ski holiday, a corporate event, or simply a relaxing weekend stay. The Grand Hotel Permon is also home to the largest hotel wellness complex in Slovakia. The new Permon’s Paradise has recently reopened after an extensive reconstruction. Hotel guests can now enjoy Aqua Paradise (including a 25 meter swimming pool and 63 meter toboggan), Kids‘ Paradise, Sauna Paradise (featuring a unique complex of saunas and baths), Spa Paradise and Beauty Paradise.

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The new Grand Hotel Permon’s Paradise Aqua Paradise 25 meter swimming pool

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

23.11.2009 13:30:11

Benke Aikell, your Publisher

Mrs. Jana Vozárová, Director and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, TV Barrandov and Zoltán Berghauer, Hotel Hubert, High Tatras

Vladimír Štefanovský, General Manager, Grand Hotel Permon

Josef Laufer, Actor and Singer

Július Porubän, Mayor of the City of Liptovská Kokava, High Tatras and his daughter

From left: Eva Trotter, Member of the Board, PEM-INVEST, a.s., Petra Pataki, Member of the Supervisory Board, PEM-INVEST, a.s. and Martina Tichá, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, Grand Hotel Permon

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Milan Canibal, Director of the Supervisory Board, Karvinská hornická nemocnice with his wife

www.peminvest.cz

19.11.2009 19:05:42

Mrs. Jiřina Nepálová, Director and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, RENOMIA, a.s., Josef Laufer, Actor and Singer, Mrs. Helena Bílková, Chief Financial Officer, TV Barrandov and Milan Canibal, Director of the Supervisory Board, Karvinská hornická nemocnice

Petra Pataki with her son

Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius and Mrs. Eva Trotter, Member of the Board, PEM-INVEST, a.s.

From left: Marek Sosna, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Grand Hotel Permon, Mrs. Martina Tichá, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, Grand Hotel Permon and Mrs. Petra Pataki, Member of the Supervisory Board, PEM-INVEST, a.s.

One of the new renovated suites

The hotel has up to 8 congress rooms of various sizes available, not only for holding congresses, but also symposia, seminars, training sessions, working meetings, commercial negotiations and family celebrations as well. Congress capacity is up to 980 people. The hotel can provide a complete range of technical equipment and refreshments to suit every client‘s requirements. For those who seek something very special, the Grand Hotel Permon is proud to present its new 215 m2 Presidential Suite. With its elegant design, it is the ultimate place to enjoy the breathtaking views of both the High and Low Tatras, perhaps with a glass of wine from the suite’s private wine room. As part of a growing hotel group, Grand Hotel Permon is proud to recommend its partner hotels – for more information please visit www.hotelpermon.sk.

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19.11.2009 19:06:14

On Thursday October 22nd new representative offices of the pharmaceutical number ones in the Czech Republic and Europe, the companies sanofi-aventis and Zentiva were opened. Among the guests there were outstanding representatives of Czech healthcare, medicine and clinical medicine and pharmacy. The guests were welcomed by the Country Manager of the combined commercial operations sanofi-aventis and Zentiva, MUDr. Ivo Žídek, Chairman of the Board of Zentiva, Ing. Jiří Michal, the new President of Zentiva and Vice President of the European Generic Platform of the Group sanofi-aventis Robert Koremans and Hanspeter Spek, President of the Global Operations of the Group sanofi-aventis, who flew to Prague from Paris. The first Deputy Minister of Health of the Czech Republic, Bc. Marek Šnajdr spoke on behalf of Czech health service and wished to the newly merged company in new offices a successful future.

Sanofi-aventis is a prominent pharmaceutical company in Europe and in the newly emerging markets it is the fourth largest company in the world.

During the first quarter of this year sanofi-aventis finished the offer to take-over the Zentiva company, a prominent producer of top-quality patent generic products which will create the platform for the increase in the sphere of patent generic medicaments in the markets of Central and East Europe, Turkey and Russia.

The division of vaccines – Sanofi Pasteur – is one of the leading companies in the world in the sphere of the production of human vaccines and their commercialization.

Sanofi-aventis and Zentiva in New Premises Cutting the ribbon, from left: Eva Chaloupková, Communication Director sanofi-aventis and Zentiva, Ivo Žídek, Country Manager sanofi-aventis and Zentiva ČR, Rob Koremans, President Zentiva, Marek Šnajdr, First Deputy Minister of Health, Hanspeter Spek, President Global Operations sanofiaventis, Jiří Michal, Chairman of the Board, Zentiva and Jozef Belčík, General Manager Zentiva, k.s.

The offices of the commercial company sanofi-aventis and Zentiva are to be found at: Evropská 846/176a in Prague 6.

Hanspeter Spek, President Global Operations sanofi-aventis in his speech

Toast

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

MUDr. Ivo Žídek, Country Manager, sanofi-aventis and Zentiva Czech Republic, welcoming guests

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From left: Belén Garijo, Senior Vice President Europe&Canada Region sanofi-aventis at conversation with Rob Koremans and Jozef Belčík

20.11.2009 15:36:43

sculptors charity event

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible

Under the auspices of H.E. the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the Czech Republic, Dr. Mario Quagliotti.

Benefit Auction

Members of the Board, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic

of Works by Blind Sculptors

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY PLM_0906_events___3.indd 26

From left: Kateřina Krylová, Chairman, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic, Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy, George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Ing. Arch. Iva Drebitko, Member of the Board, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic and President of Triga, Patron´s Club of the National Theatre

19.11.2009 19:17:01

From left: Mrs. Renata Hochelber, Countess Mathilda Nostitz, SONS, Czech Blind United and Michael Hochelberger

From left: Mrs. Eliska Coolidge and Mrs. Maya Ryšavý

Sculptures for the auction

From left: Petra Caineová, Member of the Board, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic and Helena Leisztner, Artist/ Fashion Designer

Trio Makabara, from left: Marie Vostatková, Kateřina Uličná and Barbora Janová Ing. Jan Prachar, Director, Private Banking, Sal. Oppenheim and his wife

Countess Mathilda Nostitz, SONS, Czech Blind United and H.E. Dr. Mario Quagliotti, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the Czech Republic, Lenka Dušková, Vice Chairman, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic and Mgr. Ilona Bedrnová, iB

PLM_0906_events___3.indd 27

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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19.11.2009 19:17:25

From left: Renata Strnadová, Broker, Engel & Volkers, Jitka Stechmilerova, Member of the Board, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic, Pavel Langer, Curator, PPF Art and Lenka Dušková, Vice Chairman, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic

Zdena Safka Reháková, Artist and Jan Rehák, Director, Artistic Collection, PPF Art

Alena Stanická, Blind Sculptor

From left: Mrs. Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy, Marianna Machalová-Jánošíková, Blind Artist/Sculptor and Mr. George Parobek, CEO IField Computer Consultancy

Alojz Ryšavý, CEO, Alo Jewelery and MUDr. Věra Terzijská, Esthetic Medicine Petra Caineová, Member of the Board, Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Czech Republic and Ing. Michal Záveský, PhD., Deputy Chairman of the Board, Company Director, Expandia

Anne-Catherine Boidin, French Embassy

From left: H.E. Dr. Mario Quagliotti, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the Czech Republic comforting Golden Retriever, trained guide dog and Ondřej Pavelka, Moderator and Actor

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Organizer: The Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Czech Republic in cooperation with Mathilda.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to train guide dogs as well as to support young blind artists.

The following sculptors have provided their works for the auction: Jana Boudová, Jarmila Hochsteigerová, Božena Přikrylová, Alena Stanická, Petra Vogelová and Marianna Machalová-Jánošíková.

The auction was conducted

by Ondřej Pavelka.

Musical performance by the womens´s trio MAKABARA of the Jan Deyl Conservatory in Prague.

20.11.2009 15:50:24

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COMMUNICATION: Karin Genton-L’Epée has 15 years of management experience in the United States, France and the Czech Republic.

For the last 10 years Karin has worked as a successful business coach in the Czech Republic offering international professional expertise. As a business coach, Karin has developed a range of coaching and training programs for mid- and top-level managers to focus on leadership development, cross-cultural understanding and effective communication in an international environment. With her knowledge, skills and range of experience, Karin has been a frequent guest speaker at business conferences and educational institutions. She is also a regular contributor to business journals and magazines. Karin works in English and French and can be reached at karin@coaching.cz Have you ever attended a boring corporate presentation and wondered when the speaker will actually get to the point and stop wasting time; received an email that led you to believe that the sender wasn’t thinking about nor telling what you needed to know; or delivered a speech yourself and realized, in retrospect, that your message didn’t get the measure of your audience’s needs and expectations?

Situations like these, at best, are frustrating. At worst, they are missed opportunities that can produce the exact opposite of what was intended, with long-lasting negative consequences.

Ineffective communication can be avoided. The process and techniques for achieving effective communication are easy to implement. Whether you want to communicate day-to-day information or important news about major changes in your organization, before sending an email, moderating a meeting, delivering a presentation or communicating in any other way, just ask yourself three basic questions: ● Is my communication focused; what is my core message and can it be expressed in one short sentence? ● Is my communication relevant; is what I am saying or writing useful and pertinent to my audience? ● Is my communication compelling; will the delivery of my message grab and keep my audience’s attention?

Communication is the primary tool we use to interact with others. However unless we start by thinking about the meaning of our communications, what we want to say, who we want to say it to and what is the most productive way to deliver our message, we miss golden opportunities to achieve our goals.

Focused Communication Focused communication can be likened to marketing.

You have a message (product) that you need to ‘sell’ to your audience (customers). If they are going to ‘buy’ it, you must make sure that your message is heard and understood.

To do that, you must make your message clear and concise. A short and simple message is easier to grasp and understand than one that is long-winded or rhetorical. You must also make sure the value and benefit outweigh any downsides (the ‘price’ you are asking your listeners to pay).

Then you must reach your audience through the right communication channels and, following the communication (promotion), you must be able to measure the

effectiveness and how well the he message was ‘bought’ (perceived and accepted by your list sten e ers).

Most marketing messages are very ry short, because marketers know that they have a very short tim i e to capture the attention of people who are constantly bussy or whose attention is easily diverted. Advertising headlines, s ssound bites, slogans, roadside billboards and even television ad ads try to get messages across in as few as five to ten words.

Of course, we can rarely communicate everything we need to in a business environment in five to ten words, but there are communication tools, e.g. Twitter and SMS messaging, available to us all today that, by their nature, require that we focus on the core message. Both allow just 140 characters per message, forcing us to think about the most effective way to communicate clearly and concisely.

Communication formats without limits make it more challenging to communicate effectively and efficiently.

Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which many cite as the most memorable speech in history, was only ten sentences long and took barely two minutes to deliver.

To increase your communication performance, start distilling your messages down to their essential elements.

Relevant Communication Too often, instead of focusing on the listeners’ needs and expectations we focus on ourselves and what is important to us versus what is important and relevant to them.

Communicating to others isn’t about how smart we are or would like to be perceived or how important and impressive we are or wish to be. It is about making sure that the audience understands that our message carries a benefit for them, and that we are genuinely interested in connecting with them.

To make sure that our communication is relevant to our listeners, we need to think about the information we want to share and ‘customize’ our messages to the specific people we are addressing. And instead of worrying about what they think of us or if they like us, we need to think about what the people receiving our email, hearing our speech or sitting through our presentation want to know, need to hear, and what would be most interesting and persuasive to them. If we concentrate on informing them in a way that is relevant to their needs, we have no reason to worry that there will be anything less than a positive reaction.

The ultimate success of our communication also depends on our ability to identify both the people we are

communicating with and their expectations. For example, when we are communicating to a European audience, it is useful to keep our communication in line with some general European cultural expectations. A German audience would expect some very specific and detailed information. The English members of an audience would certainly expect a well written and presented speech, whereas the French would appreciate a sign of intellectual understanding and a little bit of flair. Catering to thhe expectations our audience is not always easy, but if we pay ay attention to it, we can craft our communication appropriat ately.

Compelling Communication Having a clear ar message customized to the targeted audience is critical ttoo compelling communication. How we deliver this messagee wh w ether written or spoken requires some thinking to makke sure it is tailored to the audience. Effective communicat ation is taking place when what the listeners has understood is aligned with what we meant to say and communicate.

In times of crisis, uncertainty and channge ge, compelling communication is required more than ever to un unite people behind a common goal. In today’s challenging bus usiness environment, many people are looking for a clear sen ense of direction that will help them make sense of what they doo at work and why they do it. Inspiring business leaders who are able to harness their communication to convey a simple, compelling message and connect people to the journey the business is on, both rationally and emotionally, will improve productivity and efficiency and strengthen their team involvement, participation and commitment.

If Martin Luther King had said, “I have a vision and strategy to execute that vision,” there is a good chance that nothing would have changed in the United States for many years.

But with “I have a dream,” he set in motion events that contributed to last year’s election of a black president in America’s White House.

Communication explains, shapes, and defines the world(s) in which we live. For thousands of years, scholars have studied the art and science of communication, but a large chasm remains between what we expect our communication to achieve and how we actually communicate with others. When we have a sense of our goals (what we want to say and why), a sense of our audiences’ goals (what they want and need to know) and the capacity to deliver our messages in a way that meets everyone’s expectations, then we have truly maximized our opportunity. I

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launching event

From left: Jiří Šimáně, Chairman Unimex Group and Owner of Albatross Golf Resort, Salvador Anglada, CEO, Telefónica O2 with wife Monika

Albatross Golf Resort Opening The Best Golf Resort in the Czech Republic

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Albatross Golf Resort

In recent years golf courses have been springing up like mushrooms in our country but only few of them have the necessary predispositions to become a true place of pilgrimage of golf lovers. This is the case of the brand new Golf Resort Albatross which opened to the public on 21st September at Vysoký Újezd near Prague. The course is set in a beautiful landscape at the borders of Český kras which will charm its visitors together with its top parameters; at the same time it offers top-quality services that will fully satisfy even the most demanding club members and guests. Josef Šimáně, a successful businessman and one of the richest people in the Czech Republic had the idea to offer Czech golf lovers a complex resort which can be with no exaggeration compared with the best golf resorts all over the world for ten years. That was the time he needed before he finally found a suitable land, got all necessary permissions and built the resort. He spent the time also by searching inspiration all over the world. A good idea itself is not enough, of course. It was necessary to invest about 400 million crowns, choose a top architect, a well-known foreign construction company and other experts so that the idea could come into existence with no compromise. Outstanding projects can be carried out only this way. Albatross has high goals, which is guaranteed by the name of the outstanding architect Keith Preston whose sensitive approach to the landscape is admired by visitors of a number of golf courses in many count30 ries, which is also evident when he speaks about the Albatross project: “I was inspired by the gently downy landscape.

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From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Jiří Nekovář, Eurotrend Group and Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius

From left: Mrs. Gabriela Kunert, Jiří Kunert, Chairman of the Board of Directors, UniCreditBank and Mrs. Renata Savič

Jiří Šimáně, Chairman Unimex Group and Owner of Albatross Golf Resort in his welcoming speech

The final shape of the course will underline the current landscape profile, so that the result will be a timeless work of art, full of both dramatic and harmonious elements. The landing zones and greens are perfectly visible, which is of special importance for me. Golfers should get the chance to see where the hazards are and to use their abilities to overcome them. I would like the players to be successful!” Another guarantee is the renowned Austrian company Pittel und Brausewetter whose work is acclaimed e.g. by the guests of the well-known golf resort Fontana near Vienna. The selection of the head greenskeeper, club restaurant and Pro-shop operators were equally meticulous.

Albatross Golf Resort

The greens-keeper will be a well-experienced Jiří Dvořák, golfers’ taste buds will certainly be satisfied by the well-known Prague restaurant Kogo and the shop will be operated by the dynamically spreading Golf Arts company.

The course with the overall area of more than 80 hectares is par 72, the greens area varies from 459 to 812 square metres, depending on the overall concept and difficulty of the hole.

The total area of greens including foregreens is 11,677 square metres. Holes have four or five tees with the area of 12,500 square metres. The area of fairways was built on the area of 16.58 hectares and the total area of sand hazards is 10,400 square metres. The Golf Resort at Vysoký Újezd opens to public in its half-time: at the end of this year’s season the guests will be able to use nine holes, the club house, restaurant and driving range. As early as next year, all eighteen holes will be ready for the guests. Also the playground for children will be finished and golf academy will open. WELCOME TO THE CLUB!

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From left: Jiří Šimáně, Chairman Unimex Group and Owner of Albatross Golf Resort, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia with wife Andrea

From left: Mr. Jiří Poletín and Jiří Kejval, Techo

From left: Martin Horák, Golf Centre Munchen, Ing. Jakub Horáček, Re-Max and Tomáš Němec, Česká Gumárenská Společnost a.s.

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Albatross Golf Resort Opening

From left: Pavel Novák, Nopik, Vladimír Dzurenda, Bang & Olfusen

From left: Omar Koleilat, CEO, Crestyl, Ajit Jirk, Chairman, Crestyl with Kateřina

From left: Tomas Otta, Managing Director, Global Wines, Miroslav Dvořák, new CEO/Chairman of CSA

Albatross Club House with putting green

19.11.2009 17:58:12

Jiří Šimáně, Chairman Unimex Group and Owner of Albatross Golf Resort with partner Eva Chmelová, Artist

From left: Philip Saran, Jiří Šimáně, Chairman Unimex Group and Owner of Albatross Golf Resort, Michael Saran and Eloy Guillaume From left: Andreas Simek, Director, Private Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank Switzerland AG and Marco Sipione, Investor

Jaromír Šmejkal, Unimex and Ing. Kateřina Böhmová, Director, Department of External Affairs and Communications

From left: Ing. Lubomír Šilhavý, Matsumora Investment, Jiří Pos, Senior Executive, Director, Prague Airport and Ing.Jan Herman, Chairman of Branko

From left: Mr. Eloy Guillaume, Mrs. Sim Guillaume and Jiří Šimáně, Chairman Unimex Group and Owner of Albatross Golf Resort

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I SIMPLY TAKE PICTURES OF PEOPLE Photo: Pho to:: Ma M rek ekk M Malůš ůšek ek

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Leaders Magazine VI/2009

19.11.2009 19:44:03

A talk with Karel Cudlín, a significant Czech Photographer Karel Cudlín (1960) is a Czech photographer dealing primarily with documentary photography. He graduated from the Film and the TV School of Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU), the Department of Photography in 1987. He became a cameraman at the weekly Mladý svět in 1988. After 1989 he was engaged in the issues of refugees; he photographed the Valdice prison; and the withdrawal of the Soviet forces from then Czechoslovakia.

Mr. Cudlín cooperated with the dailies Prostor and Lidové Noviny since 1992. He has been following the daily life against a background of a longterm political conflict in Israel since 1996. In 2005, the National Theatre published his book documenting the artistic season of the first scene. He cooperates with the newspapers Respekt and Revolver Revue at present. Karel Cudlín was sixteen times awarded in the prestigious competition the Czech Press Photo. The official webpage of Karel Cudlín is: www.cudlin.com. Selected Bibliography: Cudlín Karel. Photographie. Prague: Torst, 1994. Cudlín Karel, Marco Jindřich. Izrael (50). Argo: Prague 1998. Silverio, Robert, ed. Karel Cudlín. Torst: Prague 2001.

What interests you in photography?

It is an aesthetical picture containing some hidden symbol or message. Moreover, I am very much interested in waning worlds, as was for inst in stan ance ce tthe he w witithd hdra rawa wall of tthe he R Rus ussi sian anss fr from om Czechoslovakia. Yet, in the course of time I came to understand that I did not want to make photos of politics. You are simply taking pictures of the ordinary soldiers who are just the same victims of the system as other people.

The aesthetics is always the goal?

The aesthetics and the message have to be interconnected. But I mainly take into concern the communication. One obviously does not always achieve amazing picture quality. When I am taking photographs, it does not necessarily mean that the results will be quintessential, and that I am fully satisfied. However, one can experience great things – like meeting someone new, or broadening up one one’ss horizons. horizons I learned a lot about people and things thanks to photography.

That was the main reason you chose to study photography at FAMU? Yes, but I actually attended the social work school before going to study at FAMU. I did it partly because I wanted to devote myself to photography, and I also wanted to meet various people. In doing so, people’s stories began to appeal to me. It was a very interesting school primarily because I was able to get to the sociably variable environments which had not been talked about at the time.

What was the environment about?

It was an environment of minorities. Various institutions, children’s homes, addicts rehabilitation centres. When I was seventeen I started to t ake k pictures i off the h Gypsiies communiity in Žižkov as well.

Did the divergence of environment attract you?

No, on the contrary. The environment was very close to me, as I grew up at Žižkov. I was meeting people on the street, and taking pictures of them as they invited me into their homes.

It did not concern any targeted sociological study.

I hadn’t thought in such categories at the time.

I simply took pictures of people. It was a slightly different community in the seventies and eighties. They had still preserved their old family ties at that time. The situation has considerably changed today.

And other issues?

I liked taking pictures for instance of labourers at that time. My father was working as a factory doctor in the Public Transports and I began to visi vi sitt hi him m. I lik liked ed Boh Bohum umilil Hra Hraba ball, and and all all of of a su sudd den I could see in reality what I had read in books.

Moreover, time was unchanging then. The factory’s things looked perhaps as they did twenty years ago. It was a completely dead period during the seventies and eighties.

What photographers inspired you?

Firstly, it was definitely my uncle who was making photos of designers. He let me take a look inside many photography books and journals published in then Czechoslovakia. It concerned primarily profiles from the sixties, when the political liberalisation began to take shape.

Could you elaborate?

Among the first was the famous Josef Koudelka.

His books “Cikáni” Cikáni (Gypsies), (Gypsies) “Exily” Exily (Exiles) and other books had been published abroad. And then, Vojta Dukát whose pictures I had not known until 1984. He is a great friend, and I can say a role model as well. Regarding photographers from the photographic past I would state plenty of people from America, plenty of people from Magna, for instance Eugen Smith and definitely the French photographer Henri Cartier Bresson.

You are known as the photographer of Václav Havel as well.

I was one of the photographers of Václav Havel.

I used to take pictures of the Prague Castle Administration for a long time. And I took pictures of Václav Havel from 1997 to 2002. The photography itself had two settings. One was obviously the official documentation of the events off thhe Off Offiice off thhe Pre P sid ident. At thhe same time, i I tried to photograph some more personal and unofficial issues. It was really exceptional.

Could you be more specific?

I had a great opportunity to take pictures so that people did not perceive a camera as a danger, and me as a journalist of a tabloid.

President Václav Havel was really exceptional in that. Part of that was obviously the fact that history was changing, empires had broken down, simply the whole system had been transformed.

Apart from that, Václav Havel enabled Pavel Koutecký to record him de facto for ten years and to make a movie out of it. Not every politician or famous person would allow that.

You never wanted to make movies?

Once in two years, I actually had the feeling that I am not able to capture some things, and that it would be better to make a movie of it.

I do nnot ot kkno now w if iitt wo woul uldd be eeas asie ierr. PPer erha haps ps iitt would be more complicated, yet one could possibly say more than with classic traditional static photography. I have never made professional movies other than for myself.

What issues would it involve?

It would obviously concern documentary movies and people. Now, for instance, I am photographing the anthology of Hagibor, a rest home opened up by the Jewish community centre in Prague. Again, I am looking for people, the atmosphere, the communication, etc. Sometimes, I have a feeling that with a movie I could say more. On the other hand, I could perhaps find out that the static photography is able to express something in a much better way. way Yet, Yet there is an obvious continuum of movement in a film including the sound. So, for example, there is a man in a wheelchair in a corridor, and there is a woman walking next to him with a stick. They meet, she kisses him, and he sends her a kiss and says he would love it if she could go with him to have a cup of coffee. Then, they split up and everybody goes alone. Yet, you can not express the entire atmosphere of the image photographically. You can perhaps take a picture of a single caress and it still will not be fully obvious.

You have been exposed a lot in both domestic and world galleries. What exhibition do you recall preferably?

I was very happy that we managed to make an exhibition in the Leica Gallery in New York in 2003 20 03. Th Thiings are indeed d d a lilittlle bi bit off a coiincii dence, but they work nonetheless once they are rightly arranged. My work was being shown in the Prague Castle and the Leica Gallery owners just came by chance to Prague. My monograph was issued in the Torst publishing house at the time and it served as a catalogue. Yes, I have already had quite a few exhibitions in both the Czech Republic and abroad. However, the New York exhibition you mentioned was a possible objective with regard to this kind of photography.

By Pavlína Holancová I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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19.11.2009 19:44:22

An interview with Milan Sedláček, Deputy Minister and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

THEATRE EXPERIENCE IN A SERVICE OF DIPLOMACY PhDr. Milan Sedláček was involved in theatre; he was Secretary of “HaDivadlo” theatre, Director of the National Theatre in Brno and Director of the Center of Experimental Theatre “Husa na provázku”. He joined the diplomatic service in 1993 and became Director of the Czech Centre in Vienna. After four years he moved to Moscow where he held a post of the Director of the Czech Centre until 2001. After his return, he became General Director of Czech Centres. He was appointed Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 2003. He has been back to the ministry since 2007.

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

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You state in your official CV that your interest is serenity, in what sense?

It is rather a movement or gravitation towards a personal serenity and peace. The older I get, the more I feel there are other values to follow than, for example, a career, personal success or money. Since I have been living in Asia for some time, and have been occupying myself with Eastern philosophy in a laic way since youth, serenity represents an ideal state of body and mind for me.

Do you plan to go somewhere for meditation?

Not really; but I cannot fully identify with the societal values as they are set now. I don’t think I would leave for an Eastern monastery to meditate – neither have I the strength, nor resources to do it, but I can imagine a serener way of life which would be more beneficial for me.

You had been involved in theatre for a long time and then dashed into diplomacy, which is a much more rigid structure. How did you perceive this change?

I have been around theatre since I was eight; I experienced a lot – from an amateur kids’ puppet group to the National Theatre in Brno, from a stagehand to director. I “feel” theatre. However, I was always able to separate the artistic and management side, and with regard to the positions I held, administration was nothing new to me. In addition, I joined the foreign ministry in 1993; it was a newly established institution of the independent Czech Republic at that time.

I was also heading for a structure of Czech Centres, which was undergoing a significant change. The “rigidization” process happened only gradually so it was not such a shock at that time.

Do you see the Czech Centres as “free” institutions?

It is definitely a creative milieu. In different stages of their development the Czech Centres accentuated culture or economic diplomacy. For example, in 1994 we started doing presentations of Czech firms and regions and it was a new activity then. But even this PR effort brought about creativity since there was no prescript format of how to proceed. So, tasks like this made my

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transition from the theatre milieu to diplomacy rather gentle. Many Czech Centres remained very creative places until now; they are intersections of culture genres, and the Czech artists are usually very happy to cooperate with them. Naturally, the quality of performance depends largely on a director.

Do you miss theatre?

It is a bit theatre here, too, perhaps sometimes even more than one would think. Maybe I’ll return to theatre when I’m older. As the late director of Husa na provázku Theatre, Petr Scherhaufer, put it, a true avant-garde can be perhaps staged only when we get really old – the actors will not remember text, a director will not remember what play was rehearsed, and the stage manager will not remember to which city the theatre goes for a show – only then it will be a true improvisation.

And this is all still ahead of us.

You were director of the Czech Center in Moscow at the end of 1990’s. Moscow at that time is pictured as a wild city where money played the most important part. How did you feel there, and was it a friendly place to carry out a promotion of Czech culture?

Truly these were times of wild Russian capitalism; it was Jelcin’s Russia where different structures looked for their place. Gun fire was common on the streets and we experienced the big bank crash in 1998. It was a very dynamic milieu and truly problematic to “sell” a culture there. My first main task was not really in the cultural area, it was the management of a major part of the “Czech House”. Managerial lapses occurred there, and I was called in as a crisis manager for a period of three months to fix the situation. In the end I succeeded – but nevertheless, the Czech House was privatized in one year’s time, and after two years “renationalized” again. Most of the readers perhaps remember this case. I stayed in Moscow for four more years and better times for culture came. For example, I had an opportunity to cooperate on a guest appearance of Petr Lébl, whom I knew from theatre. It was unfortunately my last chance to see him alive. Fine literature and theatre was very popular and powerful there. But there are ten million people in Moscow, and we naturally started with a group of persons who were interested in Czech culture, and gradually we enlarged the circle of our visitors. To attract attention in Moscow is similarly difficult to a situation in New York, or any other big city.

Russia was not and still isn’t a place with an ideal state of democracy and respect to human rights.

Did you feel a presentation of Czech literature, for example, could contribute to the overall awareness of lack of democracy?

I am not to speak about freedom or lack of freedom in Russia, that’s the politicians’ task, but an interest in literature is huge in Moscow. When you take the subway you can see almost everyone is reading. An interest in Czech literature is there and is not limited to Hašek’s Švejk only. Our events presenting fine literature were very successful in Moscow and many authors came over for readings. I was lucky to be in Moscow in parallel with Mr. Ambassador Dobrovský who supported me.

You returned from Moscow to the Czech Centres’ headquarters with the position of a director. What was your reform aim?

I promoted content transformation. Before I arrived, the Centres experienced personal turmoil from the position of Director General, so my first task was stabilization. Then we focused on better presentation and PR of the Czech Republic abroad; we tried to find a common denominator in creating an image of our country, but we haven’t succeeded in it even until now. However, some interesting things originated from this, for example the project “Czech Idea”. Everyone realizes that the brand and PR of the Czech Republic must essentially change – all politicians nod to this but the plans are still on paper. The Czech Centres are an ideal platform to fulfill this task, but for the time being, unfortunately, all efforts are leading nowhere.

Are there any plans to close any of the Czech Centres?

It is rather a question for the current Director General, but I hope he will suggest measures allowing for overcoming the current crisis and lack of financial resources. The budget of the ministry was cut by 20%, which can have fatal consequences for performing its tasks. However, closing any of the Czech Centres is not, according to my information, on the agenda of the day.

You were ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan; was it difficult to harmonize Czech economic interests in the region with a priority to promote democracy and human rights?

Not really; I had a chance to observe a situation on the ground and I think that the so called sovereign democracy, which functions there, is exactly what there should be now. President Nursultan Nazarbayev responded to any Western criticism in this field by the following: “Look, you have been building democracy two hundred years; we are doing it only fifteen years.

Give us little more time.” And he is probably right.

A post-soviet model functions there and if we imagine the history this region has been through, we can be glad that geopolitically it has been so stable. Kazakhstan is the ninth biggest country in the world, and after its secession from the Soviet Union it became a nuclear superpower. It could have played its political game on the world’s chessboard but they themselves resigned such a role, and eliminated their nuclear arsenal in the 1990’s. No country has done it before. Kazakhstan could have been a great source of instability. On the top of that, the country has the second biggest reserves of uranium in the world, and enormous stocks of oil, gas and other important minerals. It is geopolitically placed between China, Russia and Europe. I do not say there are no problems there, but at the given stage of development, sovereign democracy is probably the only possibility.

From your point of view, a direct support of democracy and human rights in the country is rather counterproductive?

We were very active when Kazakhstan was a candidate country for OSCE chairmanship; we offered them assistance in a form of debates with Czech deputies and senators who came to talk about democracy with Kazakh representatives. Kazakhstan, at the end, gained the OSCE chairmanship for 2010 and OSCE is an organization dedicated to human rights protection.

What was the major discrepancy between your expectations and reality in Central Asia?

I was naturally preparing for my new post, and I had

some experience with the “soviet” space from Moscow.

But it is true that I only physically visited Central Asia when taking the office of ambassador. The big cities in Kazakhstan are, compared to Moscow, roughly the same; and globalization, of course, hit the region as well. Thanks to mineral resources the cities experienced a boom. But when you go out to the countryside, it feels like 19th century – there are yurts and nomads living the old-fashioned way. You happen to be in a different world and it is a unique experience. And this is Central Asia in a nutshell – a region sui generis, which has been always an intersection of big powers’ interests – those of Russia, Great Britain and the USA. The essence of it materializes in Afghanistan.

How do you regard the ambitions of the EU in securing oil, gas and mineral resources in the region?

The policy initiative came, unfortunately, very late.

We have considered Central Asia a non-interesting region for quite a long time. Only two years ago, under the German EU Presidency, an EU strategy towards Central Asia was elaborated. Europe slept away at least ten years. The recent development, however, has been positive. The Central Asian countries do not want to be unilaterally dependent. They consider EU a natural choice; it is their second biggest trading partner after Russia. It is a pity we lingered for such a long time; we should be much more assertive now.

How did the coordination of the EU Member States work there, and which countries are the most active?

A standard coordination within the regular meetings of the Heads of missions took part every month, but when it came to the economic interests everyone minded their own business. However, together in a coordinated effort the EU diplomats contributed to attracting EU’s attention to the region. Out of the Member States, Germany was very active since it has a very strong historical position in Kazakhstan; millions of Germans lived there. Kazakhstan always played a role of better Siberia, and be it under a Tsar or Bolsheviks, the inconvenient people and people of different nations were always relocated there. The Germans were moved to Kazakh savannas several times, as were the Caucasus nations and Koreans. Thanks to this policy there are people of 46 nationalities and 126 faiths there. The other active EU Member States were those with strong energy businesses – Italians, Dutch and French, but also Poles because there is also a large Polish minority. Out of the new members the Czech Republic was one of the most active; our bilateral trade increased five times during my tenure and an important contribution to our economic relations was also building with the Skoda Auto manufacturing company.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are also starting to be attractive tourist places…

Unfortunately the touristic infrastructure and services are largely missing there. However, especially in Kyrgyzstan, there is beautiful untouched nature; the lake Issyk Kul is sometimes considered a Shambala, the lost paradise. But overall, it is still rather a region for adventure tourism.

By Věra Řiháčková ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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A talk with Maj. Gen. (ret) Pavel Štrůbl, Director of the Air Accidents Investiggation Institute

WE ARE A REGIONAL AVIATION SUPERPOWER Pavel Štrůbl served as a military pilot; his careerr in the army continued through several commanding positioons, up to the post of Inspector of the Air Forces, and Commander of thhe Air Forces of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. He holds the US military decoration Legion of Merit. After his retirement frrom the military service he started working at the ministry off transport, preparing the establishment of the Air Accidents Investigattion Institute; he has been heading AAII since its official starr t in January 2003.

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

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How did you come to the task of establishing AAII? At the beginning of 20 002, I decided to end my career in the Czechoslovak and Czech Air Force, and after 33 years of service I left the army. I was considering my options for a new career direction.

I learned that one of our EU accession conditions, a directive to be transpoosed, contained an establishment of a self-stannding institute, or organization, dealing with the innvestigation of the causes of air accidents. Until that time the investigations were managed by the Civil Aviation Authority. But the EU demanded that thhe investigations be independent from the publlic administration in the area of civil aviation. Thhis included an independence from the state oveersight of the Civil Aviation Authority, and any administrative and potentially repressive procedures. The Ministry of Transport was tasked with preparing a new organization, and I took up work therre as a common civil servant, preparing new leggislation and the statutes of AAII. I was named a director of the Institute in October 2002, and we fully took over the investigations of causes in January 2003.

Do you personally take part in investigating causes of the accidents?

Very rarely; I was invoolved in several cases but these were exceptions. I have to fulfill many other tasks as a director. Of coourse, if there was a major accident – and I wish it never happens – I would have to take part in the investigation as well. I am ready and trained to do it. But otherwise we have groups of specialized insspectors here – a department of former pilots, tecchnicians or specialists in air navigation service, who go or fly to accidents.

How important for qualified investigation is a personal experience in the cockpit?

It is vital. The most efficient inspectors are those who experienced some problems when flying, who have a long-staanding piloting or aircraft handling practice, who faced technical malfunctions and made mistakes during a flight. I have received many applicatiions from fresh university

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graduates of technical sccience and air engineering lately, but I cannot take them without practical experience; it would mean years of training without a guaranteed resuult. Moreover, pilots who work here are still active. I put into the rules of organization that they have tto maintain their piloting qualification, but only oon general aviation aircrafts, i.e. on aircrafts likee L-200 Morava, Cessna and alike. Every year theree are many changes in all the areas of flying, and oone mustn’t lose touch with reality, and become a mere civil servant – for some details of the job w would then become incomprehensible.

Are the inspectors specialized according to a type of an accident?

Yes, a bit. Roughly half of my inspectors are former military pilots or personnel who dealt with different military aircraftss and ground technical support; the other half is from f civil aviation. I have an inspector here who flew w with the government’s wing, i.e. with TU aircraffts, and naturally, he is a specialist in big aircraftts and their defects. The others are specializing in smaller s aircrafts. Among technicians, a specialization depends on which functional part of an aircraaft one focused on – the engine, electric gear and sso on.

What trend can you see in the total number of air accidents in the Czech Republic?

There are different cattegories – air accident, serious and major incident, and significant incident. Significant incident in fact mean any defect during a flight. There aree many petty defects of small aircrafts, and of thhe so called ultra lights during a flight; it is very common and most of them are not reported by the pilots. As to the other two categories, accidentss and serious and major incidents, the trend is more or less stable. This is good because the num mber of general aviation aircrafts is constantly ggrowing in the country.

A month ago, the directoor of the Czech Civil Aviation Authority announcced the registration of a general aviation aircraft number three thousand.

On the top of this, there aare 3500 ultra light aircrafts, including rogallos and gliders, registered by the Light Aircraft Asssociation of the Czech Republic, which is an indeependent body. This represents a great numbeer per head; I haven’t counted it yet, but I would say that compared to other Central and Easternn European countries we are certainly a superpow wer. As far as sport and leisure aviation is conceerned, general safety is evaluated on the basis oof the number of accidents’ victims. This number has been as much as 20 persons per year since the start of AAII; in average around 12 victimss per year. Of course it is a tragedy and very often a needless loss of lives, since in most cases an acccident is caused by the pilot’s mistake.

How does the process of reporting look like, and how do you share your findings and experience with other countries?

We introduced a well-fuunctioning system of reporting. Whatever happens in Czech air space – and it does not concern Czzech aircrafts only, must

be promptly reported. There are different channels on which to proceed – via email, fax, phone or website. The reports go not only to us but in parallel to the Czech Civil Aviation Authoritt y, so that they have at least some basic information available right from the beginning of a casee. Our emergency service works 24/7; there is alwaays an inspector on a mobile phone that can immediately go to an accident. Our number is well-know wn to all relevant organizations, companies and airrlines in the country. When something happens, they contact us and we start to organize a conseqquent procedure. But we do not go to every accident, we decide on a gravity basis; the trivial ones are managed by pilots, operators or thosee who are involved; afterwards, they are obliged to send us a final report only. When a fatal air acccident occurs, the data collection, investigation, caauses assessment and recommendations naturallyy take longer. When we finish a final report, it is made available to the public on our website. If a fooreign aircraft is involved, or an air accident was caaused by a non-Czech technology or non-Czech made product, we translate the report into Englishh and send it abroad. If big aircrafts are involved,, precise categories are set concerning what to report and to whom. We are currently using a repoorting system called ECCAIRS; it is a database where information can be inserted during an invesstigation of causes, and a report is sent to a ceentral database. There are numerous reporting categories, and every organization – for exaample EUROCONTROL or the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – demands different pieeces.

Fortunately we are able to extract what we need from our report and send the information where needed.

How often does the cause of an accident remain unknown?

It is quite a complicated issue. Let me go back to the recent accident of Air France airliner, f lying from Brazil to Paris – it is still not certain what caused the crash. Especially when dealingg with small aircrafts, which do not carry the datt a recording device – the so called black box, it happens very often that a cause cannot be establiished with 100% certitude. In that case, a presum mable cause or causes are listed; the investigating commission then states in a report which cauuse it considers the most likely. For example, wheen an airplane flew in bad weather and poor visibility and we know that the aircraft and the pilot weere all right, the cause is more or less clear – the fatal underestimation of weather conditions. However, sometimes it gets very difficult to estaablish a cause. I do not want to speculate but I think that as far as the Air France airliner is concerned, the conclusions of the French commissionn will take the form of a number of likely causes, tooo.

When a cause of a crash is not established, it is negatively perceived by the public. In your opinion, how severely does it harm the passengers’ trust?

The French commission will certainly com me out

with likely causes; I am sure there will be a small technical defect on the list, and we have already witnessed the Airbus Company try to improve these aircrafts at all costs. Certainly the human factor can also be involved, which has nothing to do with the aircraft. When there is a big car accident on a highway involving tens of vehicles, and with twenty victims, it does not mean that people will stop driving. It is the same with flying. I think the number of passengers is more influenced by the economic crisis than by any accident. Every driver, as well as pilot, believes an accident will not happen to him or her.

Do you also investigate parachuting accidents?

If someone breaks a leg or gets bruised we leave the matter with the organization responsible, i.e. aeroclubs and alike. If an accident is fatal, we always investigate the causes. When none of our specialists are available, since there are only seven in-house “universal” inspectors, we can invite an expert from the outside. We share agreements with experts from Czech Airlines, the Air Navigation Service, Chiefs of Staff, and other institutions and organizations. This also safeguards us in case of a major accident, because our stable team could not handle a massive investigation of causes, and for budgetary reasons we cannot keep a larger team of in-house experts.

What psychological impact does the investigation, and seeing the consequences of an accident have on your inspectors who are also active pilots?

It is not enjoyable. When the phone rings that an airplane went down, it is stressful, not only for us but also for our family members. After some time one of course develops a thick-skin, but psychologically it is very demanding. I have been working on some stress-compensating and relieving measures since the beginning. We have an agreement with the Institute of Aviation Medicine, which allows our inspectors for regular visits; the service also includes psychologists. As one of a few of its kind, our institute also introduced preventative spa therapies; our employees can leave for one or two weeks of spa treatment – where they can rest and do other activities.

Do you fancy piloting less because of the investigations that you carry out?

No, I am flying very rarely now. I have been piloting jets and supersonic aircrafts all my life.

Our institute has only one small plane with one assigned pilot. Otherwise we are renting out planes for our practical exercises and training. And that, of course, costs money. But I feel, after the experiences that we’ve had, that every one of us has internalized a notion that to fly perfectly is an absolute must – so as not to make the slightest mistake, with safety being the top priority.

By Věra Řiháčková I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine VI/ I 2009

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Official Launch by Microsoft, s.r.o. and US Business School Praha The event was held under the auspices of Jane Gilson, General Manager, Microsoft, s.r.o. and Markus Köhler, HR Director, Microsoft, s.r.o. The host of the evening was Jana Ryšlinková, Dean of the US Business School Praha.

Special guests: Klára Poláčková, Communication Specialist, McKinsey & Company and the first Czech woman to climb Mt. Everest; Jiří Pavlíček, Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson CR and Vice-President for Finance, American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic.

From left: Jana Ryšlinková, Executive Director and Dean USBSP and Jane Gilson, CEO Microsoft, s.r.o.

OPENING WINDOWS THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN INITIATIVE

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Some of the invited women

19.11.2009 18:08:55

Gary Webster, Recruitment Manager Microsoft, s.r.o. and Klára Poláčková, Communication Specialist McKinsey & Company, Inc. Prague Maria Jahnová, Marketing and Communication Specialist Wings 4U

Jiří Pavlíček, CEO Johnson & Johnson and Monika Kubičková, Director TalentOn

Markus Köhler, HR Director, Microsoft, s.r.o.

From left: Tereza Rubešová, HR Coordinator Microsoft, s.r.o. and Tara Seppa, Microsoft, CEE Application Platform Product Manager

From left: Andrea Květoňová, Finance and Business Control Team Lead, Nokia/Siemens, Anastasia Pattison, Project Manager Aspire Soft Inc., Monika Kubičková, Director TalentOn and Michaela Prach Kotrčková, Alternative Distribution Specialist, Unicredit Bank

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From left: Marcela Suchánková, Direct Marketing, Senior Product Manager, CSOB, Monika Kubičková, Director TalentOn and Jana Ryšlinková, Executive Director and Dean USBSP

From left: Monika Kubičková, Director TalentOn and Lucie Kučerová, Z1 TV Presenter & PR Manager, Mediatel Michaela Neprašová, Director of IR and Corporate Communications, ECM Real Estate group

From left: Lucia Čečková, Risk Senior Project Manager, DHL, Markéta Mulhoferová, Director of Corporate Finance, ECM Asset Management and Jane Gilson, CEO Microsoft, s.r.o.

From left: Marcela Suchánková, Direct Marketing, Senior Product Manager, ČSOB, and Anastasia Pattison, Project Manager Aspire Soft Inc.

From left: Laura Grigerová, Financial Analyst at Finance and Planning, IBM and Jaroslava Gregová, Product Specialist, Unicredit Bank

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From left: Lucie Kučerová, Z1 TV Presenter & PR Manager, Mediatel, Gary Webster, Recruitment Manager Microsoft, s.r.o., Klára Hromasová, Risk & Administration Manager, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Monika Čížková, Trade Marketing Manager, Groupe Seb

19.11.2009 18:10:12

Klára Poláčková, Communication Specialist, McKinsey & Company, Inc. Prague describing her way to conquer Mount Everest

Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Jane Gilson, CEO Microsoft, s.r.o.

From left: Klára Hromasová, Risk & Administration Manager, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Monika Čížková, Trade Marketing Manager, Groupe Seb

From left: Kateřina Adamová, Channel Marketing Specialist CR and SR, LG Electronics, Anastasia Pattison, Project Manager Aspire Soft Inc., Gary Webster, Recruitment Manager Microsoft, s.r.o. and Michala Králová, Marketing Manager, Quatre Telecoms

From left: Vítězslav Bogac, EPG Lead, Microsoft, s.r.o. and Markus Köhler, HR Director, Microsoft, s.r.o.

OPENING WINDOWS The Professional Women Initiative Senta Cermakova, Director Worldwide Technology Services and Industries Analyst and Public Relations, Hewlett-Packard, s.r.o.

Villa Richter

Markus Köhler, HR Director, Microsoft, s.r.o. and Jana Knesplová, Business Development Manager, USBSP

Professional women in the Czech Republic have a new networking opportunity. It’s called Opening Windows and it was officially launched in Villa Richter on September 17th.

This project is driven by Microsoft, s.r.o. in close co-operation with US Business School Praha. Its purpose is to provide women with over five years of professional experience with a chance to meet together. And not only that. It should also help them to become more successful in the future. As Jane Gilson, General Manager at Microsoft, s.r.o. puts it, they can potentially advance their career growth. “Opening Windows is all about building a platform for women to get together, share ideas, ask questions and talk about professional career growth in a safe environment.” To combine family and professional lives can be very difficult sometimes. Therefore the Executive Director and Dean of the US Business School Praha, Jana Ryšlinková emphasizes the importance of giving a hand to each other: “Nothing in our lives can be achieved if you don’t have people around you who help you in achieving that.” Even though the Opening Windows aims at women, it doesn’t mean that it is closed to men.

By Barbora Zychová

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Markus Köhler, HR Director at Microsoft, s.r.o. and a member of this initiative is a living proof: “We don’t want to do it only exclusively for females, we want to have a good mixture – but of course, we’ll be concentrating on them.” According to him it is vital to enable women to meet in order to exchange their experiences and to learn from each other. Opening Windows is not only about getting together during exclusive evening events but also during informal coffee meetings on weekdays. If you are 43at a professional woman who would like to participate in the Opening Windows activities, visit its website at http://openingwindows.cz or join its LinkedIn group OpeningWindows where you’ll also find videos, photos and presentations from the launch, news, interviews, interesting articles and information about coming events.

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JAPAN PART 2

GASTRONOMY T e Ja Th Japaneessee stilll rev ever ever ere lo loca loca c l an and se and s as ason oonnal a pro-ducts andd yo y u can can fifind ca ndd end ndleesss vvar a ieetyy of lo ar loccaal speccialities ther e e.. Conteemp er mpor o arr y To or Toky kyyo co cook okin ok ing iiss m mor oree modernn and oft f ten mixed edd witth Eu Euro r pe ro pean an coookin kiing. The way wa ay ooff dinninng, g, how owev ever ev er,, reem maainns ve very ry sspe ppeeci cial aall. Inn Tok ok yyoo at hot otel elss an andd iinn reg egul ular lar cit citt y caafe fess yo youu caan si s t at a t aabble in the h “Eu Eurro ropeann wayy””.. Traadi d tit on o al resta esta taur uran ur aannts inv nvol vol olvvee siittin t tingg onn mat tt atss att ssma malllll llow ma o ttab ow abble less wi with thh leg egs cr egs c os o se sedd unnde derr thhe bo body d , wh dy whic icch may maay re r suultt in a to tort rttur u e fo forr a fooreign ei gner gn er;; fo f rttun unat aattel ely, y rres esta es taaur u annts are re usu s al ally lyy eequ quip qu ippe ip pedd with wi th hoollles th e for es for o leg e s. s. Shooes e aree alw wayys taake kenn of offf at a thee eenntr t annce c to to su s ch a rres essta taur u an ur ant.t Bef efor oree leeavvin or ing ng it iiss noot unus un ussua uall th t att the he own wner er of th thee reest stau aura raant nt w wiis ishe hess to ex-pres pr esss he es her th t annks ks for you our viisi s t an andd he help lpps you yoou pu putt yo your urr shhoe oess onn. Th Thee Eu Euro roope pean ans ffeee an eel el bet ette t tteer inn res esta taur aur uraan antss w tthh a barr where wi heree tthe he heey ca can si can sit “n “nor “nor orma m lly” ma llly” y and nd aatt th t e saam mee tim me tthhey ey can wat atch chh the ppre repa re para raatit onn ooff me meal as al with wi t the th heirir oown w eye wn yess annd se see th thee se secr crret cret et s ooff the kititchhen e .

Thhe uusse off sttiick ckss is nott nec eces esssa es sary r y in luuxu xurryy reessta xury t autauur nt ra nts, s, in or s, o di din inary nary res esta t urrannts ta ts, s, th the gu gues ueessts t s are re nnot oott off-fere fe redd rreegu gula larr cuutlt err y. la y. TThe h m he men enu iss soom en mettim imees es eve ve n ven tran tran a sllat ated iint ntoo En Engl glis ish. h.

Thhe diningg cer e em e onny ca c nnnnot lac aacck ririce ce and n the “misoo” s up so up witithh ssooya y bea e ns ns,, wh whichh ar aree then tthhen e acc accom ccccom ompa mpa p ni nied b a gre by reatt nnum um mber ber off ssma be mallller ma er andd vvaar ieed rooas aste t d, te d boi oiilleed, d stteewe w dd,, ccru rumb mbed ed, gr grilille lleed or marr in inat ated at ed m mea e ls withh ea fiish fish s ess, se s aa--fo f odd, se s a-we w ed e s, mea eatt an a d ve v geeta t ables.

S sh Su shii (c (col oollldd ririce c fflaavo ce vour u edd byy a sl slic lic icee of rraw aaw w or cooked fish sh),), mak aki-i-i su sush shii (v sh (var ar ie ar i d raw fishh or vegeeta tabl bles e rolledd es in sea in ea-w -wee -w weeed) d),, saash shim imi (raw aw fis i h served wititho h utt r ic ho ice) e),, aree ex ar expe pens pe nsiv ivee forr thee or o di dina n ry Jap a an a esee an a d arre no nott coonsumed edd as as of ofte ten as oth thher e gririlllledd or co c okkedd mea e lss.

Also noodles, tempura, shabu-s -sha habu ha b , ettc. bu c , ar a e eaate tenn more often. Beef from m thee Koobe reg eggio ion, n, con connsi s de d r ed a sp spec ecia ialiity, tyy, iss del e icate an a d or orig igin inal al, ex exce c llen ent, and knnow ownn in Europe as lux uxur uriious steaks. T he nutriritition on anndd breeedi br ding ng ooff ca catt ttlee is un undder strictt ccon ontr trol ol and the ccow ow hass to get ttoo th ha thee sl slau augh ghte terh rhou ouse se ““in calm m and and nnoot streessed” sss ” annd ac acccomp mpan anie ieed bbyy claass s ic ical a mus usicc! Thhe exxcceellllen exce ent “Kobe Beeeff ” we we atee was as “cutt to t death eaath t whi hile le Moza Mo oza zartt ’s ’ violilin lilin co conc ncerto was as ppla as laayed!” wee wer laye ere ttoold l d in bbrrok rok okeenn Engglilish sh by thhe ch chef chef e in a lu luxu xuriiou ouss ffaami mily lyy res ressttaaurant ra nt Ash nt shyi yiaa iinn thhee cen e tr t e of Kyo yoto too, whhic ichh yo youu mu must st not miiss m s s, if you ss, ou haavve th t e opppo port rtun unnitit y to to bbee on onee of of thee 12 gueestt s du duri urirngg tthe he eve v ni ning ng .

KYOTO T he SShhin Th inkkans kansen en tra train in get e s yo youu frfrom m Tookk yo yo to th thhee h st hi stor oric or ical ic al cra radl dlee ooff Jap dl Japan apan ap an, n, to the the Kyyooto citi y inn jus ust thre us thhree r ee re houur s.. A wal ho a k arrou o ndd Kyo Kyoto too iiss a jo jour urne neyy stt ar tiing ne ng iinn th thee ellev elev even enn cen cen entu turiries ies es of Ja Japa paneese se his histo t ry. to ryy. Ky Kyot o o aannd neear ot arby b N ra werre thhe se Na seat att ooff Jaappaane nessee imp mper per eria r ia iall co couurr t,t ccenntr tree of JJap of apan ap anes nes ese reli ese reliligi re ligi gion on, mu m si sic, c the heat atre re,, danc daanc nce, e,, aart rrtt, ge gee nerall cultture urre an andd eedduc ducat ucattio uc ion. n. Kyo yoto to was as saavveedd iinn thhe boomb mb atttt ac acks ks dur urin r inng th the Wo Worrlld Wa War IIII and War and nd tod oday ay it hold hold ho lds ab abou out 255 % of al out ou all JJaapaane all neese se monnum se umen men e ts t s, ov ts, over er 1,77000 Budd 1,70 1, Buddddhhiist Bu istt templ em mpl ples les es, 30 3000 SShhinno sh s ririne ine nes es sc scat at te at atte tere red re ed aalll ov overr the over he ccititt y, y, often f ten ft en bbur ur ieed am ur a on o g moode dern rrnn bbui uild ui ldin inngs g s.

V si Vi s to torss as weell as th the loca locals caalss can an div ive in ive into into to th the he past as t as duriring a wal duri du alkk iinn a num umbe bbeer of o gar arde denss that dens de haat innvviitee theeirr visi sitorss to me m di dita tate te tha hank nkss to nk to the he aabbs bsollute utte haarm rmon o y c eaateed in colou cr ours, spatiaal, spi piriritu itu tual andd vegget tual etat ativ at ive iv ve s ttin se inng beeyo y nd the h borders of timee and ndd sspa ppaace ace c .

OKINAWA Japa Ja pann is tthe he most va varied archipela lagoo iinn th the he woorlrld i its in its nat atur urra and climaticc diversity. T he ural h sou outh ther th ernm er mosst paartt of Ja Japa paan, the islan andd Okinaw awa, iss faamo mous forr itss

exceppttiona exce n l ge geni niius us loc o i. IItt is is aabo bove bove bo ve tthe he rres he estt off the he wor orld ld by thhee hig by i heestt avveeera r ge aage ra g of itits inha ge innha habbiittaaant habi nts; nt t s; s; in av avee-rage ra agee the he ppeo eopl plle hheere ple re aare re mor mor oree th than one hun than unddrreedd yea e rs rs o d an ol and st and stilill in in ful ful ulll foorm rm. m. Th T he wa way ay off llififfe, e, stit ll adhher eredd too tra r di dititit on o , is a ccom ombi om bbiina natition tition of riigh ght lilivingg, ba base ase sedd on veege vege geta taable bles bl es andd fru fru ruititt s, s, rreeg egul egul ular ar phy ar hysi sica ica cal wo work orrkk ouutttdo door oo s, ffuulll soc soc o ia iall so soli olliidaarriity ity, tyy, muutu tuaall dis iscr c et cr etio ionn an io and nd ovver e aalll harm ha harm mon ony of collivvin ing ng of of all inh nhab habitititaan ants ts. TThhe ol old on onees es aree reespec ecte ec teed an andd list lilistten ened e to onn the ed thee bassiss of an ance cestra ce ssttra rall hierar hi hier erar arcch chyy.. T he sec sec e reet of tthhe he hea ealtltth of the he loc ocaalls lilies es in in health heal he thhyy,, t as astyy, vari vaariied e llow ow w cal alor alor orie r ie ie ffoo o d ririch oo ich ch in vi v taami minns ns andd anntiti-o -ooxxiida d nntt s. s TToogethe herr wi with th thhee wililliling n neess s to keepp movvin ke i g an and wi with th the opttim misstitic vi view view ews off thhee worrldd liife of th lif thee lo loca call in inha h bi b taantt s reese semb mble les a ddrrea eam th that a c am cam ca mee ttruue. A rel elaative issol o at atio ion frf om m thee ssur urro ur roounndi ding ding ng w rlrldd an wo andd looca call co c nd ndittio ionnss ena nabl bblledd the the hem m too devvel elop o p an e tr ex t ao aord rdin rd inar in aryy wa w y ooff lifife ife th thatt eveen toda tooda day in mod day odeerrn Jaapa Japa p n en e ab ablle les th them em to lliive v a lon loonng an andd pl p ea e sa sant ant nt liffe. e.

The Th he an ancest cceest stoorr s in stor in Oki kina nawa wa emp mpiririric ical ic allyy found ouund nd thee t wo wo basi ba asi sic fu sic functi nc tit onns caappaable nc ble off sloowi bl wingg thee age geinng pr proc oces oces es s,, deg de egr grad rad a attio ion on of of cel elllllss anndd the the herefo reefo forree of lilifee-iimp mpor or ta t antt tant bboody dy org rga gan ans an ans andd too ddeec ecre ecre rease asse the thhe rir isk sks ks of of deggen ener ner erat attiv i ve d se di seas ases as ess ccon o ne on necctteedd witth aggei nect eing ng, wh ng whic ich we were re lat ater err on ddeesc scriribe scri beed iinn thee Wes bed Wes e teern rn world oorrldd. TThhese arre: e thee dee-crease se of thhe am mouuntt oof caalo l riries ess (base base ba sed on sed on ccho hooic ice, cee,, not no ot on th the he red educ uctitit on of a ppaartt of fo food odd)) an andd the thhe ch choi oic oi ice ce o foood thhat of a giv ives ves e the hem m a gr g ea eat at am a ou ount nt ooff pr prot otec ot ecectit ve sub ubst bst stan a ce an ces, s, ssuc uchh as ant annttii--ox oxid idan ants ts,, om meg ega3 a33-fat -ffat a s, s, etcc..... in wh et whic whic ich ch th they as iff by puuree ccha haanc ncee aggreee wi with th thee fo th foun unde derr of de o our ur med edic dic iciin ine, ine, e Hipppo pocr crat cr a ess: “L at “ ett youur f odd be al fo also lso so youur re rem medy me dy.” .” T he “co corr rrec rr ect” ec t” food oood fo for thhe

Private Emperorś Garden in his Koyto Palace

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Tra TTr raadit ditio ion ion onal onal al din dinnnne di ner er er inn Ok Oka kaayyam ama

Japa Ja paane nese se ffro room Okkinnaw awaa is tthe he necces essssaar y con ondi ditition on,, on a thhouugh al gh nott the h suff fici fiiciien ent on ent onee. e. T he hey co hey conns nsider er eequ quual allly ly iim mpo p rt r annt allso s goo ood ph p ysic yssiccal al con con ondi ditit on diti di on wi with th thee st stre ress re ss o cor on orreect c bre reat a h ex e eerrci cise sees aannd medi meedi dita t atitionn, wh tat w icch is b ouugh br ghtt too the hem em byy yogga an and mart marttia ma ial al ar ar ttss, th t e Ok O in inaw aw wa ppeeop ople plee arree the he foouundders eerr s off KKar arat arat ate. e. TThe e. hheey unde d rs de rsto toood od tthhe nec neece cesssssititit y to to avo avvooiidd unnnec e ess sa saryy str t eess s andd to kee eepp a ppoosi s tivvee vvie ieew of of the he wor orld lldd, thei thei th eir sur eir surr su rrounddin ings gss and n evennttss, to ev to be be meerrrry, r y, to cr crea e te ea t , coont ntrol rol th ro t em mse selv lves ess, to reely ly on coohe here here renc nce nc ce an a d so socciall sup uppoort ooff thei eirr co co-i-inh inh nhaab taantt s annd to bi t be be toole lera rant ra nntt andd pos ositittiv ive in ive in generral a . Even Evven Sumo Su moo, th m the he prof proofffes pr essi es s onnal si al and n gen ener ener e ally alllyy the h mos ostt ap os appr prepr e ec at ci ated spoortt amo mong the he Jap apan paanneesse, e witith 2000 years eaars ooff ttrrad adititio ion, n, dra raws wss on tthhe Sh Shiinnttooisstitic ha ha harvest t fest feest stiv ival iv al (Shi (S Shi hint ntooiism s iiss thhe olde oollde d st s Jap apan anes ese se re relililigi iggiionn) andd it cor or-relate re late la tess wi with th tthe hhee att ttitiittuddes e and nd cuulltu ture of ever ture e y cu er cultltlti-ivate va t d Jaapa pane nese se.

Thhe cu c lttur ural llev evvel e of of a na natitit on is re reflec flleecc te t d al also so in th thee poliliitee beh po e av avio iour io u in pu ur p bbllic. icc. Or Ordi dina naryy maannifes na esstaattiionns fo forr

Schools visiting Kyoto Kiyomizudera Temple complex founded in 8th century

thee Eu th Euro rope peaans, suchh ass ccou ough ghin ingg an andd bl bloowinng one’s nose no see in pu pubbl bl spa blic pace cess ar aree co cons nsid ider ered ed tthe he strrongest soci so c all m mis isco coonduc uctt byy thee JJap apan anes ese. e. If th the Ja Japa pane n se s wear we ar whi hite te mouth-scrree eenss, it is is not becaaus usee they ey w want too bbee pr p ot otec eccted frfrom om ooth ther ers, s, bbut ut ttoo pr prot otec ect ot others rs whhenn tthe heyy haave a col old. d. TThe he EEur urop opea eans ns ccouuld lea earn rn a lot t erre in vvar th arioous situaation ons.

We m mus ustt not forgget tthat thee Ja Japa pane nese se dev evel elop opme ment nt of cciv ivililiz izat atio ion and ec econ o om my is you oung. Ja Japa pan keptt fifigh ghtiting ng ttoo ootth and nd nai a l ag a ainst an a y contacc ts t witith forreign ei gner erss an a d the firsst ch chan ange g occ ccur urre red as late as in 1853 18 53 thank hank nks to the he AAme meririca cann breakthrouugh. Japan then th en qqui u ck ui cklly traansfo form rmedd dirirecc tltlyy from a medievall sttru r ct ctur uree too a moder ur e n Gr G ea eatt Po Powe werr and at thee end of thee 19 th 19th th century en y it st starr te tedd to exp xpan and. d. T he h trium mph p ant begi be ginn nnin nn i gss with Ruussia in ia ( Th T e Russsia ian-Japaanese War 1904 19 044-1 -190 9055),) with China (19931 31) an andd thhe US U A (Pearl Haarbo rbbor, or, 19 19441) ended, howev e er, by the heirir defeat after the Amer Am e ic er ican an at t ack in 1945 (Nagasaki an and Hiro r shima).

The post-war economic developmentt of Jap appan an wass outstanding. New technologies annd thhe im implementation of modern production weere re enoorm mou ously succes essful and the Japanese dominnate tedd We West ster ernn ma mark rket etss with top-quality products. In thhe 19 1980’s 8800’ss Jaappan beccaam me the second economic Greaat Pow wer in we in tthhe he world ldd aafter err the USA. After a visit to Japan, even a short one, one has to c ange their European/ ch n Americcan approach to life, learns and gets new experien e ce which is not really new, it may be forgotten and therefore much more humane; it would bee great to use them again in our “local” conditions.

By Joseph Drebitko ■ Photos: Archive of the author č ský překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi če magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz Satoai, Geisha in Kyoto Ashiya restaurant

Author Au Aut hor o in in Heian Heian Sh SShrin hrine rine gard ririn a enss in Kyyot ooto ttoo

Lead Le ader erss Maga g zinee VI/ 20 2 09

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THE REVOLUTION Emil Jimenez started working in the communications industry in 1998 as a web designer in NYC. After graduating Rutgers University with a degree in Psychology he moved to Miami where he continued his education and received a Masters in Creative Communications from Florida International University and the renowned Miami Ad School. Mr. Jimenez has worked for United Bank of Switzerland, Citibank, MTV Latin America, Leo Burnett Budapest, Leo Burnett Prague, Lowe worldwide Prague and has recently opened Passion Communications. Passion Communications is a full service communications agency which specializes in bridging traditional media with the digital world. emil@passioncommunications.com

Photo: Archive

Gill Scott Heron’s poem “the revolution will not be televised” was first published in 1970 telling people to be weary of the media and their portrayal of American society. According to Heron, the revolution will not come sitting down watching television but by being actively involved on the streets. This was a time of great social strife in an American society coming to grips with the civil rights movement. And even though some laws were changed and new ones implemented, life still remained the same for most people.

Today his words strike a new meaning for my generation. My generation isn’t out on the streets protesting. Our revolution will be Twittered and broadcast on YouTube. Our clandestine meetings will be on Facebook and chat rooms. We send emails to politicians ranting about their policies and if we really don’t like them we’ll hack their computer. The way we express ourselves and interact with each other is very different from other generations. We are a generation of immediacy. We are the generation that wants things now. We don’t wait for the scheduled time if we want to watch a show, we stream it online. If we want to hear a song

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we don’t wait by the radio hoping the Dj will play it. We download it. When a new movie is released we search to see what other people think and based on their opinion decide whether it’s worth paying to go to see it at the cinema or wait for a decent downloadable version.

Barack Obama understands my generation.

When he declared his candidacy for President his website was printed on the podium. This website then introduced you to his blog, Facebook page, MySpace page, video content, and a plethora of information and links. Barack Obama became President of the United States because he understood the way my generation consumes media. Interaction online leads to action offline.

A fact I don’t deny is that television still has the largest amount of consumers than any other media. Nielsen’s President of Global Media Client Services, Dave Thomas, recently said, “Media has become a digital funhouse: phones deliver TV programming. Computers enable phone calls. Televisions serve as gaming arcades. Consumers access video wherever and whenever they can. But the fact remains that TV still dominates.”

In terms of numbers of “viewers” reached Mr. Thomas is right. However, as I write this my TV is on, I’m chatting with a friend on Skype, and listening to streaming internet radio. Millions of advertising dollars are going through my screen right now competing for my attention. Having worked in the industry long enough, there is a part of me that feels a bit guilty for creating something that goes to waste. An ad is printed on a magazine and a commercial is shown on the TV, but unfortunately the conversation usually ends there. Rarely is a traditional advertisement interactive. Things are slowly beginning to change. Once in a while I’ll see an ad with a website, or a print ad with a code for your mobile. This is a step in the right direction. The conversation with your consumers should not

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end at the end of the commercial break. The advantage of digital media consumption is that it is interactive and requires responses from consumers Furthermore, it’s highly targeted, mobile, trackable, and most importantly, shareable.

A campaign can hit the sweet spot when all the various channels work together. Companies must leverage traditional media to drive traffic to the digital campaign. If people like what you are offering they become advocates of your message and share it online. That is the power of a cohesive campaign that works together with social media groups and digital PR. Brands must be brave in the digital age because your message has the ability to spread like wild-fire and multiply exponentially without your control. Once the content is digital, people will mold it whichever way they see fit. They might take your commercial and spoof it with friends. Marketers must embrace that because even though you have no control of what they do, these people have taken the time to interact with your brand. Brands must also be brave enough to face criticism and fast enough to act on them. Customers will break down your product and post their experiences.

Brands must see that criticism as the tip of a vast underwater iceberg. According to the rule for participation inequality, 90 % of users are lurkers who never contribute, 9 % of users contribute a little, and 1% of users account for most of the action. That small 1% who are active online and communicate can be your best friends or your worst enemies. They are the ones who can sway social opinion online and decide the difference between success and failure of a campaign. These are the people who post blogs, twitter a number of times a day, forward links to friends and can become your best advocates.

A perfect example of a campaign that understood its users and used digital media to create awareness was Google. Recently Google announced a new communication tool called Google Wave. It is basically a modernized form

of email with some new and interesting functions. When they launched this new tool they invited hundreds of programmers to the launch event. That’s Google’s 1%. At the event they all were given Google phones with the Google Wave application already installed and were shown a demonstration of what it could do. Google then encouraged these programmers to go out and create other uses for this application. This is what the industry calls crowd sourcing. It is much cheaper for Google to ask thousands of programmers to go out and create programs that can work with Wave then having them on their payroll. Google then sent out 100,000 invitations to people to test drive Wave. These are Google’s 9%. What resulted was Google creating a community base of people talking about and sharing information for this new tool. It received countless blog entries, news publicity, over 5.6 million views on YouTube, and a lot of people Twittering, asking for an invite. The product has not even been launched yet and there is a demand. This is the power of smart marketing and good publicity. We must begin to realize that the television is just another medium for content.

At the end of the day humans are simple creatures with simple desires. Since the beginning of time we have had a desire to belong.

A desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. For a time it was the cave, then the village, then the nation, and now online communities. We want to interact with people and learn from them. Hear what they have to say, exchange information and possibly make our lives a bit better. It’s this interaction that creates the stories of our lives which we reflect in our poetry, cinema, theatre and music. In the words of Gill Scott Heron, “The revolution will not be televised, the revolution will be no-reruns brothers. The revolution will be live.” It is our responsibility as marketers to be good storytellers because inside every good story lies a piece of ourselves that others can relate to in their lives.

■

19.11.2009 19:47:11

pperex erex

Jean-Jacques Godet – producer of the eponymous cognac came to Prague at the beginning of October to make a celebratory presentation to Václav Havel of Godet Folle Blanche 1989, The Velvet Revolution, no. 1 of 99 limited editions.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Jean-Jacques Godet Xxx Visited Václav Havel This special series of Cognacs is available only in the Czech Republic and commemorates the 20th anniversary of the November revolution of 1989. According to supplier’s information, Berentzen has only 20 bottles of this very special cognac left.

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19.11.2009 19:15:48

launching

TeTa and the PRE ENERGY ADVISORY CENTRE Just a few informed persons really know what to imagine when the TeTa Palace in Prague is mentioned. This is a residential house with archway running between Jungmannova Street No. 28 and Franciscan Garden in Prague 1 and this whole estate bears the title TeTa (named after Messrs Teweles and Taussig – authors of the house).

Contemporaries will be certainly more familiar with the former premises of the House of Sports. This is precisely the location to which the existing Advisory Centre of Pražská energetika, a.s., was moved at the beginning of September – with the new name PRE Energy Advisory Centre Reloca-tion provided for significant enhancement of advisory options and Pražská energetika thus succeeded to come even closer to the needs of customers with a single objective – to advise the customers how to utilize energy efficiently, how saving can be achieved and, least but not last, how to cut the annual energy costs by up to one quarter. Such advisory is intended not only for the customers of Pražská energetika but for all the inhabitants of the capital city and vi-sitors to Prague, who will call on. Exposition as such is divided into eleven units focused on individual areas – heating, water heating, air-con-

ditioning and ventilation, lighting, heat losses, renewable energy sources, energy saving, reference project, modern house-hold (living room, kitchen and bathroom). Specialized advisors are assigned to each unit, which has its physical section and multimedia interactive section, where large touch-screens are located providing information, charts and principles for individual units. Using additional six small touch-screens everybody can calculate different values, such as transfers, profits, sizes, saving, return rates. In the Modern Household unit the visitors can try the smart management system of the whole household. Activities of PRE advisors are extended also with programs for primary and secondary schools, regular consultancy sessions with invited experts held on Wednesdays, lectures for professionals and the broad public in the lecture hall, exhibitions aimed at testing different appliances and, least but not last, attractive events are offered in the new gallery located on the first floor. Children’s play-room is available for the young- est visitors. Commencing September the centre offers to the PRE customers electro-thermal equipment (storage heaters, hot-water boilers, small pressure- and non-pressure tanks,

On the occasion of the opening of the new centre, JUDr. Petr Hulinsky, Ph. D., (on the right), Finance Committee Chair and the Chairman of the PRE Supervisory Board, marked this event as a positive step, which will the people of Prague surely appreciate. Ing. Drahomir Ruta, (on the left), Chairman of the Board and CEO of PRE, stated that this new Prague centre has no equivalent in our republic.

through-flow heaters) and a number of other home appliances from renowned companies with significant discount.

If there is somebody who still hesitates to visit the new PRE Energy Advisory Centre, the advisory web site with views and visualizations might be the aid to find a reason for visit.

Pavel Janík, PRE I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz TToouc ouucch ssccreen reen re ens be beelo longg to ma lo many ny inntteerrac active tiivvee ffeeaattur ures es of a ne new el elec e tr t icciti y saavi vinggs ce c nt ntre ntre re. e.

Prague inhabitants knew the new venue of the centre from earlier times, the building was known as Sports House and TeTa Palace.

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19.11.2009 19:47:42

diplomatic event

Deputy Acting Saudi Arabia Ambassador welcomed many guests and colleagues at a reception in the Grand Ballroom of the Prague Hilton on the occasion of the Saudi Arabia National Day.

National Day

From left: H.E. Athar Mahmood, Ambassador of Pakistan is welcomed by H.E. Mohammed Abduldaim, Deputy Ambassador, Chargé d’affairs, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and Mohammed Khayat, 1st Secretary, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

From left: H.E. Dr. Mohamed M. Salaymeh, Ambassador of Palestine, H.E. Ole E. Moesby, Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy, H.E. Hannu Kyröläinen, Ambassador of Finland, and H.E. Zdravko Popov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria

From left: Dr. Faisal Al-Hamati, CSc., General Manager, Gulf Of Aden LTD. and Mr. Saiel, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

Fathi Abdel Halim Youssef, Administrative Attaché, Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt with son

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Josef Rychtar, Director, Middle East and North Africa Department and Mgr. Barbora Králíková, Managing Director, Grapo s.r.o.

From left: Clemes Hoerth, General Manager, Mandarin Oriental Prague, Stefan Gallon, Minister - Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Prague and Cagri Sakar, Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Turkish Embassy

19.11.2009 18:02:34

From left: Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine, Zuzana Bártová and Ing. Miloš Janů, Consultant, C. K. Trading, s.r.o.

From left: Major-General Tom de Faye (ret’d), H.E. Valerie Raymond, Ambassador of Canada and Vesselin Barliev, Corporate Affairs Manager, Tesco Stores ČR, a.s.

Jadran Šetlík and his wife

From left: Gen. Mjr. JUDr. Lubomír Kvíčala, Director, Police of the Czech Republic, H.E. PhDr. Huo Yuzhen, Chinese Ambassador and PhDr. Lubor Kazda, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Právo

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From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Petr Eisler, Sales Director of ICZ group, ICZ a.s. and Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman, Czecho Slovak Foreign Institute

Cutting the cake: Deputy Acting Saudi Arabia Ambassador, H.E. Mohammed Abduldaim, surrounded left by Mohammed Khayat, 1st Secretary of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and right Talatt Muslamon, Consul of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

19.11.2009 18:03:13

event

Company SYNOT TIP and Foundation Children – Culture – Sport are initiators and supporters of traditional Slovácký Festival of Wine and Open Sights, which held on 11th to 13th September this year in Uherské Hradište. The event, which was attended by nearly 4000 folk costumes, is one of the largest festivals of folk culture in our country and each year attracts thousands of tourists.

Mrs. Kateřina Luisa Paděra-Daňhelová, MBA, SYNOT Holding CEO, in a speech at the opening ceremony of Slovácký Festival of Wine and Open Sights, with Ing. Libor Karásek, Mayor of Uherské Hradiště (on the left) and MVDr. Stanislav Mišák, President of the Zlín Region

SYNOT AS A PATRON

of wine celebrations and folklore In the middle of the historic monuments of the beautiful royal city Uherské Hradiště, more than fifty villages present their folklore, cimbal and brass music, gastronomic specialties and of course wine and new wine. A pearl of the journey is Vinohradská street, where the initiative of holding SYNOT revives the historic wine cellars, which are unique examples of the growing bourgeois culture. More on www.slavnostivinauh.cz. Before Slovácký Festival of Wine and Open Sights the fourth annual Vintage at Prague Castle took place on 5th and 7th September 2009. SYNOT TIP is a strong partner and supporter of this Vintage, Moravian wine and folklore, this time hosted by the Prague Castle in Riding Hall Terrace.

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Ivo Valenta, SYNOT Holding Owner, gives an award for the Champions of Slovácký Festival of Wine and Open Sights. On the left there is Stanislav Pištěk in a traditional costume, the second one with diploma is a winer Jiří Pospěch and in the middle is PhDr. Romana Habartová, Ethnografer of Slovacké museum in Uherské Hradiště.

19.11.2009 18:27:37

Ivo Valenta, SYNOT Holding Owner, with Kateřina Luisa Paděra – Daňhelová, MBA, SYNOT Holding CEO, at the ceremonial toast of Vinohradská street Walking Opening

Illustrative photo from Slovácký Festival of Wine and Open Sights, 11th to 13th September 2009, Uherské Hradiště

Jiří Pavlica, First Violinist and Hradišťan Art Manager

Mgr. Igor Stránský, Slovácké divadlo Theatre Uherské Hradiště Director and PhDr. Ondřej Černý, National Theatre Director in a wine cellar called SYNOT in Uherské Hradiště – Mařatice.

Mrs. Gabriela Jelínková, Executive Manager of Children – Culture – Sport Foundation, at the ceremonial toast with Libor Lukáš, Deputy President of the Zlín Region

Illustrative photo from Slovácký Festival of Wine and Open Sights, 11th to 13th September 2009, Uherské Hradiště

Illustrative photo from Slovácký Festival of Wine and Open Sights, 11th to 13th September 2009, Uherské Hradiště

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19.11.2009 18:27:58

networking/ charity

From left: Petra Mohylová, Deputy European Commisary, Brigadier General (retired) Richard Smith, British Embassy and Mrs. Lenka Bartáková, new Charter President of the New Lions Club Praha

New Lions Club Praha A new Lions Club saw the light of the day at Lví Dvůr on September 30th. A special celebration was held for 4 star Army General Ing. Karel Pezl (ret.) and Archbishop Kryštof.

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: 4star Army Gen. Karel Pezl (ret.), Ing. Tomáš Sedláček, Army Gen. (ret.) v.v., Honorary President, Czecho-Slovak Legionary Community, Lubomír Adamus and František Padělek, Deputy Minister of Defense, genpor. vz.

23.11.2009 11:29:14

From left: MUDr. Jaroslav Barták, President of Poliklinika Modřany and Secretary ot the Club, MUDr. Jiří Bek, Director ČNZP and Mrs. Lenka Bartáková, new Charter President of the New Lions Club Praha

From left: Ing. Jan Málek, Deputy Minister of Finance and 4star Army Gen. Karel Pezl (ret.)

From left: Colonel Stefano Mariotti, Defence Attaché of the Republic of Italy, Embassy of the Republic of Italy, Colonel Viorel Georgiu, Defense, Military and Air Attaché, Embassy of Romania and Walter E. Scales, Colonel, United States Air Force, Defense and Air Attaché

JUDr. Stanislav Křeček, ČSSD, Parliament of the Czech Republic, Chamber of Deputies with his wife From left: Mr. Luboš Dobrovský and Ing. Jiří Martinek, Security Director, Metrostav a.s., genpor. vz.

From left: MUDr. Jaroslav Barták, President of Poliklinika Modřany and Secretary of the Club, Martin Vlasta and JUDr. Pavel Smutný, President, CzechIsraeli Chamber of Commerce

From left: H.E. Jiří Nekvasil, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Afghanistan and 4star Army Gen. Karel Pezl (ret.)

From left: Mr. Alexandr Dubinin, Mrs. Svetlana Dubinin, Dr. Kronny and Archbishop Kr yštof

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From left: František Padělek, Deputy Minister of Defense, genpor. vz. and Ing. Jiří Morstadt, Deputy Chairman of the Board, Metropol, a.s.

20.11.2009 20:26:47

gala concert event

Raffle – drawing the lucky winners Photo: Petr M. Ulrych, C.O.T. Media

EGYPTAIR Gala Dinner & Concert

From left: Jiří Písař, Sales Manager, Austrian Airlines and Lech Walicki, Sales Manager, LOT Polish Airlines

The El Hefny Musicians group

H.E. Kamel Haj Sassi, Ambassador of Tunisia

From left: Fatma Yuceler, Director for Czech and Slovak Republic, Turkish Airlines and Mrs. Souhad Al-Dabbass, wife of the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq

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From left: H.E. Mohamed Rachid Idrissi Kaitouni, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Martin Niklfeld, Executive Director Blue Sky Travel and Mr. Mohamed Moneir, General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe, EGYPTAIR

19.11.2009 18:14:26

H.E. Mrs. Amal Morad, Ambassador of Egypt

Mr. Mohamed Moneir, General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe, EGYPTAIR

Mrs. Dr. Ratiba El Hefny, El Hefny Group Foundress

Mrs. Marwa Nagi, Singer, El Hefny group

H.E. Mrs. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria

From left: Mr. Mohamed Moneir, General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe, EGYPTAIR, Pilot. Ahmed El Beltagi, Vice President of Egypt Air Tourism company and Mr. Adel Latif, Financial Manager, EGYPTAIR

From left: Martin Sýkora, Irena Sedláčková and Michal Sedláček

EGYPTAIR enters the Czech and Slovak markets in style On the 29th of September EGYPTAIR officially inaugurated their representative office for the Czech Republic and Slovakia in style, with a gala dinner and concert at the Hotel Ambassador in Prague.

Guests from the diplomatic corps, and from the airline and travel industry were treated to a memorable evening of entertainment, including a concert by the renowned Egyptian musical group El Hefny, a spectacular display of Egyptian dancing, and a raffle for the guests.

The evening was graced by the presence of Her Excellency, Mrs. Amal Morad, the Egyptian Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Mr. Mohamed Moneir, General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe. Mr. Moneir said in his speech: “Today, EgyptAir wants not only to make travel and trade possible, but to make it even better. This is why we have assigned Blue Sky Travel, one of the best Czech travel agents, to be our General Sales Agent for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

This will provide not only a better service for our customers, but could lead eventually to the re-launching of a direct flight from Prague to Cairo.”

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TANOURA dancer

Photo: Petr M. Ulrych, C.O.T. Media

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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19.11.2009 18:15:00

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

prague castle event

Pavel J. Ryba: bassguitar ● Fredy Bittmer: guitar ● Petr Valášek: bassclarinet, vocals ● Tomáš Křemenák: saxophone ● Milan Krajíc: saxophone ● Mikoláš Nop: drums, percussion ● Jiťí Kollman: percussion ●

Pavel J. Ryba in action

Jazz at the Castle with Pavel J. Ryba and the Fish Men

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Ing. Karel Pleva, MBA, General Director, EGAP, Lubomír Pokorný, CEO, Czech Export Bank and Ing. Vladimír Plášil, Chairman of the Board, ALTA a.s.

19.11.2009 18:03:56

From left: H.E. Franc But, Ambassador of Slovenia and H.E. Dr. László Szöke, Ambassador of Hungary

From left: Mrs. Gallon, Stefan Gallon, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Prague and their daughter in the middle

From left: Miroslav Šindelář, Chief Executive, Morton Consulting, s.r.o. with his wife, Viktor Korček, MBA, Lexum Eye Clinic and his partner

From left: Ing. Martin Pánek, Chairman of the Board, Vyšehrad Gastro & Travel Services and Zdeněk Kronberger, N-Gastro CZ s.r.o.

From left: Soňa Pokorná, Ing. Bronislav Šimek, Deputy Chairman of the Board, ALTA, a.s.and Jana Šimková

Mrs. Helena Kubalová and Ing. Karel Pleva, MBA, General Director, EGAP

From left: Mrs. Haindl, H.E. Johannes Haindl, New Ambassador of Germany and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia with his wife

Pavel J. Ryba, Bass Guitar and Ms. Alena Veliká, Press Service Head, Office of the President

From left: Mrs. Gil, H.E. Vicente Espeche Gil, Ambassador of Argentina and wife of Johannes Haindl, Ambassador of Germany

From left: Petra Petrlíková, MUDr. Richard Drechsler, Psychiatrist and Petra Kozáková, Green Tree ELC Director, Embassy of the United States of America

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19.11.2009 18:04:25

From left: Ladislav Moravec, Director, Political Department, Office of the President, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Benke Aikell, your Publisher and H.E. Ole E. Moesby, Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy

From left: Ing. Karel Kloud and Jiří Stivín, Legendary Musician and Flute Player

Petra Hrochová and Miroslav Macek

Augustin Sobol, Pharmacom with his wife

Tomáš Křemenák, Saxophone

Fredy Bittner in action

From left: Martin Šiler, Advisor of General Director, SŽDC and Ing. Miloš Janů, Vyšehrad gastro & travel services

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From left: Ing. Karel Pleva, MBA, General Director, EGAP, Lubomír Pokorný, CEO, Czech Export Bank, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Matúš Jakabčic, Ing. Vladimír Plášil, Chairman of the Board, ALTA a.s. and Karel Vágner, Music Producer

19.11.2009 18:05:09

Business Lunch at Hotel Mandarin Oberbank, a regional bank headquartered in Upper Austria’s capital Linz, operates 17 branches in the Czech Republic and, along with top first-hand information, offers a comprehensive range of products and services for business and private banking customers.

Dr. Franz Gasselsberger, MBA, CEO, Oberbank AG

A delegation of 60 high ranking entrepreneurs and media representatives headed by CEO Dr. Franz Gasselsberger participated in the Oberbank business trip in November 2009.

Oberbank Business Trip in the Czech Republic

From left: Bohdan Hejduk, Deputy Minister of Finance, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor, Austrian Embassy and Prof. Paul Lendvai, Editor in Chief, Europäische Rundschau

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Trip on which occasion the President of the Association of Banks and Insurance Companies Ing. David Formánek, Deputy Minister of Finance Ing. Bohdan Hejduk, the Governor of the Czech National Bank Ing. Zdeněk Tůma and Count Karl Schwarzenberg offered interesting insights into the current political and economic situation in the Czech Republic.

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

23.11.2009 10:55:06

Business Lunch at Hotel Mandarin

From left: Mag. Markus Wiesner, Wiesner-Hager Möbel GmbH, Dr. Günther Schwaiger, Managing Director, A TEC Production & Services GmbH, KommR. Dr. Rudolf Trauner, President, WKO – Economic Chamber of Austria and DI. Christian Kitzmüller, Kronenzeitung OÖ

From left: Gerhard Haggenmiller, Financial Director, Pappas Gruppe and Mag. Peter Kottbauer, Head of Corporate Investment and Financing, Oberbank AG

From left: Dr. Josef Weissl, MBA, Member of the Board, Oberbank AG, Florian Rauch, Vereinigte Fettwarenindustrie, GmbH and Robert Fellinger, DB Schenker

From left: Walter Sticht, STIWA Holding GmbH and Ernst Mayr, Fussl Modestrasse, Mayr GmbH

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David Formánek, Chairman of the Board, Union of Banks and Insurance Companies

Prof. Paul Lendvai, Editor in Chief, Europäische Rundschau

From left: Helmut Edlbauer, MBA, Head of Global Financial Markets, Oberbank AG, Dr. Franz Gasselsberger, MBA, CEO, Oberbank AG and Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor, Austrian Embassy

From left: Mag. Kerstin Czink, Neues Volksblatt, Mrs. Karin Theresa Mühlberger, Redactor, Rundschau am Sonntag and Günther Hosner, Chief redactor, WKO – Economic Chamber of Austria

From left: Mag. Hubert Schuhleitner, General Manager, Zizala Lightsystems, Pia Kruckenhauser, Chefinfo, Dipl. Ing. Mag. Markus Wiesner, Wiesner-Hager Möbel GmbH and Mag. Andreas Asamer, Board of Directors Asamer Holding AG

23.11.2009 10:17:46

interviews interview Dr. Franz Gasselsberger MBA, CEO, Oberbank AG

How would you characterize Oberbank? What is Oberbank?

Oberbank is the oldest autonomous and independent Austrian joint-stock bank. We are 140-years old. With 2000 employees, a balance sheet total of 16 billion Euro, and 135 branches we belong to the ten big Austrian banks. With regards to our size, we count to the profit strongest Austrian banks.

We are a commercial bank, a bank for industry and small and midsize businesses. However, we are also a bank for private customers.

We are active between Bavaria, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Vienna, Burgenland, Hungary, Slovakia, and in the Czech Republic. We have 330 000 customers, of which 300 000 are private and approximately 35 000 corporate clients.

Why has an Austrian regional bank entered the Czech market?

The Czech Republic is Austria´s most important trading partner among the CEE countries. There are 2500 Austrian enterprises with branch offices or capital participation here in the Czech Republic.

While we want to accompany our Austrian and Bavarian customers here in the Czech market we also want to engage in original, Czech business.

With our market entry in the Czech Republic in 2004, we adequately secured our ongoing profit strength and stable growth, which is vital for a bank.

What is the purpose of today´s business delegation?

The objective of this business delegation is quite ingenious: to present the economic and political situation of our most important trading partner in Central Europe to important clients of Oberbank.

We would like to know how the situation in the Czech Republic will take shape, economically and politically, as it influences both, our enterprises and our bank.

Who is taking part in this business delegation?

About 30 leading Austrian enterprises are taking part in this business delegation including the Economic Chamber of Upper Austria under the guidance of President Dr. Rudolf Trauner and the Upper Austria Industrial Union under the guidance of Dkfm. Dr. Joachim Haindl-Grutsch, together with the leading Austrian media representatives. The delegation consists of 50 members and is therefore very strong.

Dkfm. Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counselor, Austrian Embassy What services does the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy offer to Austrian businesses?

You know, the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy has a special position within Austrian Embassy, because we are solely and entirely financed by the Austrian economy, i.e. by the Austrian companies, who are by law members of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. As a consequence, we report rather to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber in Vienna than to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vienna. On the other hand, we are part of the Embassy and therefore also represent the Austrian government in economic matters.

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– We improve the ability of Austrian businesses to compete in the global marketplace by providing our members with valuable tools, resources and information, as well as cutting-edge events that bring world business leaders to our members.

– We organize trade missions and official participations in international trade fairs and provides advice and assistance for inward buying missions.

– We help Austrian companies find new contacts and strengthen existing business connections.

– We also act as a central contact platform for companies looking for world-class suppliers and partners as well as for investors wishing to establish in Austria and looking for top-quality business partners.

We are thus the largest provider of services in the area of foreign trade in Austria. With a network of 70 Commercial Sections in 58 countries and another 32 marketing offices in new high-potential markets, we are uniquely positioned to consult and guide Austrian enterprises worldwide and to find suitable foreign business partners for them.

You surely require a good network and professional personnel for these ambitious services.

Well, you know, to achieve these goals and to lift up to the expectations of our companies we really have to offer them a good network. Because nowadays, companies themselves can go into databanks of can simply visit fairs and therefore could easily find out their potential partners. However, we offer them something they cannot do themselves: we guide them through our networks and offer them custom-tailored solutions and hand-picked potential partners. Our network is strong, boasts many different stakeholders in all kinds of businesses. For example, by means of more than 50 events per year and many, many personal contacts we have established a very large network for our clients! Another example of our efforts is the yearly “Jour Fixe” with the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Austrian Ministry of Economy were we exercise our influence and cooperate with them.

Therefore, if an Austrian company has a very large project in mind or is facing problems on the Czech market, we are able to lend a hand in lobbying efforts.

Which of your successes would you like to share with us?

If you look at the Kapsch deal for the road tolls here, we had to intervene strongly. We had to inform the minister of transport (the new minister at that time) about the advantages, comparing it to how much money they would lose and we integrated him into a press conference and convinced him of our goals.

We went there and told him as a neutral player about the disadvantages and advantages so that he could choose freely and not be exclusively dependent on what his personnel was telling him. We were very successful in our efforts. We are also very involved in the Steyr deal, which was for armoured personnel carriers, and which also ran into some complications. We managed very well and the first ten armoured personnel carriers were successfully delivered three weeks ago.

We have also had a lot of success in our trade. In the last three years CR became our fourth largest trading partner. When I arrived here three years ago, it was our eighth largest partner, and it is now our fourth largest trading partner, having reached a volume of over 8.5 billion Euros in trade with CR. Imagine, Austria’s exports to the Czech Republic reach almost the export volume of China and Russia together This has been a big success and we are proud of it.

Ing. Robert Pokorný, Director of the Czech Republic Branch, Oberbank

How is Oberbank positioned in the Czech Republic?

We are a small dynamic bank with full representation in all regions of the Czech Republic, with network of 17 branch offices and a full range of banking products. We are a universal bank that does not struggle for market share but rather focuses on its own profitability and that of its clients.

In the Czech Republic we have only a 5-year history, unlike our parent company which is celebrating its 140-year anniversary this year.

What are some of the advantages that Oberbank offers to its Czech customers?

First of all, we offer what Austrians call “Fachkompetenz“, which means competence by virtue of professional consultancy. We have bilingual speaking counselors, Czech Austrians, Austrians born in the Czech Republic, or so-called dual account managers who accompany Austrian investors.

We have differentiated ourselves by the speed of our decision making about products, loans, deposits, and in their processing.

Furthermore, we offer our clients the stability of the Austrian background, Austrian concern, Austrian legislature, and a 140-year tradition as I have already mentioned.

Another point that distinguishes us from the rest of the banking market is – it might sound like a cliché but it is true – the speed of decision making and processing, as well as our solutions tailored to each client, whether private or corporate.

What do you expect from Oberbank in 2010?

We are planning with the Board another branch network expansion in 2011 at the earliest. As I have said, we cover 17 branch offices. We opened the newest and the most recent one this February, in Ústí nad Labem, in the North Bohemia region.

The year 2010 will therefore be a year devoted to team stabilization, to new, young branch offices, to efforts to break even for those which have not yet done so, and of course, to the further growth of our client base, whether corporate or private.

We have approximately 2500 corporate clients and over 13,000 private customers. Our balance sheet is around 11 billion CZK (11 billion CZK on the asset side of the balance, just over 9 billion CZK on the liability side – i.e. deposit products).

Thus, 2010 is going to be the year of stabilization, consolidation and further development of the client base. Of course, we want to grow further and, last but not least, are preparing a number of interesting events which unfortunately I cannot reveal as we are currently only in the budgeting phase.

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23.11.2009 10:18:27

Seminar at ČNB / Lobkowicz Palace

From left: Dr. Franz Gasselsberger, MBA, CEO, Oberbank AG, Zdeněk Tůma, Governor of ČNB and Prof. Paul Lendvai, Editor in Chief, Europäische Rundschau

From left: Michal Grusz, General Manager, IMG Management, s.r.o., Ing. Robert Pokorný, Director of the Czech Republic Branch, Oberbank AG and Ing. Libor Svoboda, CEO, Železárny-Annahütte, spol. s.r.o.

From left: Ing. Luděk Fabinger, Owesco, spol. s.r.o., Helmut Edlbauer, MBA, Head of Global Financial Markets, Oberbank AG, Ernst Mayr, Fussl Modestrasse, Mayr GmbH and Günther Süss, Global Financial Markets, Oberbank AG

Mag. Margund Schuh, Managing Director, UBM Bohemia and Mag. Georg Stöger, AUDITOR, spol. s r.o.

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From left: H.E. Dr. Margot Klestil-Löffler, Ambassador of Austria, Dr. Franz Gasselsberger, MBA, CEO, Oberbank AG, Prof. Paul Lendvai, Editor in Chief, Europäische Rundschau, KommR. Dr. Rudolf Trauner, President, WKO – Economic Chamber of Austria, Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor, Austrian Embassy and Dipl. Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of Prague 1

23.11.2009 10:19:25

Lobkowicz Palace i t i

Dipl. Ing. Petr Hejma, Mayor of Prague 1, Martha Gellová, General Secretary, AFIZ and Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor, Austrian Embassy

From left: Gerhard Haggenmiller, Financial Director, Pappas Gruppe and Dipl.-Kfm. Berndt Fritzsche, Mipa AG

Ing. Vladimír Vedral, Economic Director, PSVS

Mag. Yvonne Janko, Oberbank AG, Prague Branch and Mag. Hubert Schuhleitner, General Manager, Zizala Lightsystems GmbH

From left: Dr. Franz Gasselsberger, MBA, CEO, Oberbank AG, H.E. Dr. Margot Klestil-Löffler, Ambassador of Austria and Mag. Stephan Kubinger, IFN-Holding AG

From left: Dr. Franz Gasselsberger, MBA, CEO, Oberbank AG, Karel Schwarzenberg, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee TOP 09, Senator, KommR. Dr. Rudolf Trauner, President, WKO – Economic Chamber of Austria and Dr. Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor, Austrian Embassy

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23.11.2009 10:20:04

networking/charity

Guest of honor: Brigadier General Andor Šándor (ret.) and President of the Lions Club Prague Eagle.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Advocate, Charterpresident and Secretary LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Brigadier General Andor Šándor, (ret.) and Prof. ThDr. Jiří Huber, Dean, Vyšehradská kapitula

Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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From left: JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate, Membership Chairperson LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, JUDr.PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Advocate, Charterpresident and Secretary LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Jiří Opichal, President LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Josef Čekal, Pastpresident LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

19.11.2009 18:57:14

From left: Prof. Dipl. Ing.Franz-Josef Schlapka, Managing Partner, Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc. Authorized Expert in a field of Building Industries and Ing. Jiří Opichal, President LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Advocate, Charterpresident and Secretary LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Brigadier General Andor Šándor, (ret.), Ing. Jiří Opichal, President LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Josef Čekal, Pastpresident LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Ing. Antonín Mika – Regional Director for Foreign Trade, Ing. Ladislav Bouček, CSc., Businessman, Pastgovernor LCI Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, MUDr. Blanka Seifertová, Practicing Physician and Petr Laštovka, Businessman

From left: JUDr. Jaroslav Šátral, Judge, Municipal Court Prague and JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Advocate, Membership Chairperson LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

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From left: Ing. Antonín Mika – Regional Director for Foreign Trade, Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc. Authorized Expert in a field of Building Industries and Ing. Antonín Novotný, General Director,CSI, a.s.

From left: Mgr. Jaroslav Drápal, Analyst, ČSOB Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc. Authorized Expert in a field of Building Industries, Ing.Antonín Novotný, General Director CSI, a.s. and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Charterpresident and Secretary LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Ing. Jaromír Kaulfus, Businessman and PhDr. Ladislav Říha, Owner of Travel Agency RI-Tours, Pastpresident LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Prof. Dipl. Ing. Franz-Josef Schlapka, Managing Partner, Benke Aikell, your Publisher and JUDr. Vojtěch Trapl, Advocate, Pastgovernor LCI Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

23.11.2009 12:04:56

An intervieew with Mariáán Hošek, Deputy Minister of Labour and Soccial Affairrs

Responsibility and Solidarity Marián Hošek graduated in denntistry from the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Brratislava. He has been practicing dentistry sincee 1975. In 1990 he entered the Civic Forum, and five years later the Christian and Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People’s Partyy (KDU-ČSL). He was also a member of Municipal Assemblies of the City of Praague and Praague 6. Between the years 2006–20009 he acted as the vice-chairman of KDU-ČSL. In 2005 he was appointed Depuuty Minister of Labour and Social Affairs with thee responsibility foor social and family policies and social services. Marián Hošek is married with seven children.

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

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The Czech Republic has been commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism currently. How did you live out those days?

Our whole family liived out this dramatic period of time very intensively. My wife’s parents were in dissent, and immediately in the firstt days of the Velvet Revolution we took part in demonstrrations and activities at work. I was elected speaker of the Civic Forum and then Distriict Institute of National Health (OÚNZ) in Praguue 6, where I worked as a dentisst.

How would you assess the past twenty years?

At thee beginning of the 1990’s we lived in euphoriaa with our new freedom. I still consider freedom m to be the basic attribute that the political chhanges broughht, and the climax was the acceession to the EU. Our country thus integratedd into standarrd European democracies, butt with a consideerable historical burden.

There reemained a communist past that, especially inn the normalization period, left an emptineess of ideas, pragmatism, and a general resignation for social involvement. The thorough anesthetizattion of our society contributedd to this, so afteer the revolution we were missing a common iddea on which the new state coould be built. Thhe dispute with Slovakia over thee partition of thhe state only underlined these am mbiguities. How wever, today it is possible to reegard the partition as successful, and Czech-S Slovak relationss are above standard.

Althouugh the Czecch Republic has been doing quite well econoomically, politically the country has been polarizing considerably, and I feel thhe lack of unity in key issues. This showed in particular during the Czech EU presidenncy, when the political representation did not manage to avooid governmental turbulences, and thus causeed an incomprehensible fall of thhe governmentt and the loss of confidence inn our country in the European Union.

Dances around the signature of the Lisbon

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Treaty are only another example of the same problem.

What brought you into politics?

It is maybe a cliché, but I perceive politics as a service. At the sam me time, there is a certain motivation and satisfaction when you can influence things accordding to your iddeas. In Prague I took part in tthe health andd social committee that corresponded with myy education and experience – I aam a doctor and I have a big family – I am thereefore more respponsive to social situations thatt families with children go through. The healtth sector undderwent a big change as well. I was there whhen the system of health insuraance was builtt; I was a member of the board of trustees of the VZP insurance company for two years. Soccial and health issues often blennd, and so I alsso used this experience as depuuty minister forr labour and social affairs.

In 1995 you became a member of the KDU-ČSL party, which has been facing lower support from voters lately. However, one of your long-term objectives is to get more voters. How do you want to achieve that?

Our party went througgh several unppleasant situations in the last few years. Aff ter the strong chairmanship off Josef Lux theere was a period of changes thaat did not do the credibility of our politics anny good. In particular, under the chairman Miroslav Kaloussek, the policy of leadership chaanged from whaat common party members haad promoted. His departure from the party iss a dénouemennt of the story, and it is up to thee current leadership to try and unite all membeers and sympaathizers.

I am the chairman of thee Prague organnization, where we have already registered new w members. Our party is now m more legible annd convincing since Kalousek’ss departure.

So were the internal problems of the party solved by the departure of Miroslav Kalousek and other KDU-ČSL members?

The main ideologicaal (but also human) dispute was certainly solved s by it. Miroslav Kalousek and the peopple who follow wed him had different views on thhe ideological anchoring of the party, as well as a on how to influence things behind the scenees.

You are talking about a palpable place of KDU-ČSL on the political stage and legible politics. Where do you personally see the place of KDU-ČSL in politics?

We are a centrist paarty that is grounded on Christian values; wee are conservaatives in the good sense of the word. We refuse a rightleft perception of the world; w we folloow tried methods, and are baseed on commonn sense.

Our programme avoids eextremes, it triees to be balanced, supports family and respponsible

economic policy. We put an emphasis on responsibility and solidarity.

In your programme you stipulated a generous family policy. You even would like to set up a special ministry for family affairs.

How would you finance these steps? Especially now in this period of budget cuts.

Generous is not the right expression. We only hope to compensate the inequality that families have been going through while bringing up children, which is a demanding and long-term investment.

From the economic point of view, a child is an entirely unprofitable investment, although in the long-term it will carry out essential duties in tax levies and pensions, even for those who do not have children. Therefore, the financing of family policy is a question of priorities; of course, we have to work on real proportions and budget possibilities. Nevertheless, family policy is not only about money, it has a much broader dimension.

Strengthening the position of the family is a basic starting point to a partially balanced demographic debt, which may become an unbearable economic burden for the next generations, who will need to secure pensions as well as care for the elderly.

During your work at the ministry a new concept of family policy was adopted. What is it based on? To what extent were the priorities of KDU-ČSL reflected in it?

The concept is based on formulating objectives in support of families in all aspects and at all levels. It mentions the necessity of the parent’s role in a functional family, as well as the need to extend services for families, and to try to change public opinion not only at the state level, but also in municipalities. At the same time it aims to develop and promote substitute family care in cases where children need guidance outside of their own families, and thus reduce institutional care. All of these are programme priorities of KDU-ČSL stemming from our long-term objectives.

In January 2007, the Social Services Act came into effect. The act was generally well accepted, although some parts were criticized, such as the process of community planning not being linked with the financing of services, and the poor quality and experience of inspectors, and the maintenance of the subsidies principle. Do you consider such criticism well-founded?

Social services have experienced a good deal of progress lately; thanks to the Social Services Act much more money has come into the system. But soon it will be necessary to adjust some of its weak passages – such as the community planning of municipalities,

which we did not manage to push through the Parliam ment. The bigger prroblem, however, is a yearlyy fight for the amount of subsidies for servicees providers, whichh creates an uncertainty in the activities planning of most providers.. At the time of buddget cuts this is a much bigger problem, and now our task is to secuure these resourcess, which we are intensivelyy seeking to do. Thhe system of inspections certainly suffers from a shortage of experieenced and qualifiedd people. Fortunately thiss has been improvinng gradually, and one of the ministry’s prioritiess is to strengthen it at all levvels.

The Soccial Services Act broought significant changes into the system andd I generally assess it poositively. In the futuure we will focus on the staability of financing, and on a more detailed analysis of the effiiciency of spent resourcess. Quality communiity planning belongs to thhese priorities as weell.

You have been working at the ministry for more than four years. What do you consider the greatest success of your work there?

Several significant changges were implemented att the ministry that had been started before myy arrival. In addition to the already mentionedd concept of familyy policy and the Social Seccurity Act, it is the Act on Assistance in Materiaal Need. This tighteens the rules for receiving allowances, and motivates more people to support those who try to work or educate themselves. We beggan the transformation of the endangered chhildren care system with the aim to unify thee care and lower the numbber of children in institutions. We succeeded in stabilizing the Office for International Legal Protection of Children in Brno.

What are your future plans?

First of all, I would like too stabilize social services and ensure their longg-term financing, continue to support pro-family measures, and improve the system of care for endangered children. As a member of KD DU-ČSL I also intend to proomote pension refoorm that sustains the system m in the long term, and takes into consideration those who givve a substantial contribution to the system – well-raised and educated children. There is also very demanding work concerning the unnification of the long-term care system, which is divided into health andd social issues. I believe that even after the elections there will be a suitable solution for these priorities to be enforced and implemented.

By Zuzaana Kasáková ■ českk ý překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.le leadersmagazine.cz

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A talk with Jovo Savič, the Co-owner and the Chef of the Kogo Restaurant Network

The Competition Means Sports to Me Jovo Savič was born in Sarajevo in 1959. After graduating from a hotel management school, he began his university study at The Faculty of Economy. He was later forced, however, to break up his studies because of financial reasons. He worked as a waiter in a café-bar in Sarajevo, and after three years with this company he became the head of the restaurant. After acquiring experience in this field, he then opened up his own restaurant, which lead to further business ventures. But the outbreak of the war and the worsening political situation in the Balkans made him immigrate with his family to Belgrade, and finally he decided upon moving to the Czech Republic. Initially Mr. Savič rented out a gift-shop in Prague, and in 1994 he opened up the first Kogo restaurant in Havelská Street, together with his friend, which is still operating today. In the following years Jovo Savič launched the successful Kogo restaurant in Slovanský dům, followed by the L’Angolo by Kogo in Dlouhá Street, where he changed the concept and renamed it the Kogo Fragola.

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When and where was the concept of the Kogo restaurants established?

With my partner we opened up the first Kogo restaurant in Havelská Street 15 years ago. I had been in the Czech Republic already for two years. I did not think at that time that the restaurants were going to be such a great success. It was rather an idea to earn money and support myself. After launching the smaller part of a restaurant for 20 to 30 guests, and when everything worked well, we started thinking about expanding on the restaurant and the kitchen. Finally, we opened up another space and the total capacity grew up to 60 places. The restaurant worked well even with this capacity and I started to suggest further plans.

What was the key breakthrough when you launched the Kogo restaurant in Slovanský dům more than 9 years ago?

A key thing became Sebastian Pawlowski’s offer to launch a restaurant in Slovanský dům. In April 2010 it will be ten years since the restaurant was opened, and it remains as one of the best in Prague. We have appealed to representatives of cultural, sports and political life, and many of our regular guests appreciate our honesty and diligence. We have become one of the best European restaurants as well. Nowadays, we are well-known in Italy, Germany, Spain, Russia and in other European countries.

Could you mention what particularly interconnects your restaurants and, on the contrary, how do they differ from each other?

Our restaurants have a very similar menu. We focus on those products we are very well familiar with. We mostly offer meals made from fresh sea-fishes, various meats, pastas and pizzas. Particularly this season we were very successful with fresh fishes. The Slovanský dům environment is rather modern, with a glassed-in area and a great garden, where we would like to launch a new cocktail bar with live Djs next year. The Havelská restaurant, on the other hand, is a rather traditional, romantic and quite place. The Kogo Fragola in Dlouhá Street is done in refined style.

So, the Kogo restaurant has been famous primarily for its Mediterranean kitchen; but you are newly offering sushi in the Kogo Fragola as well.

We recently added sushi to the menu in Kogo Fragola.

This is a modern restaurant, and we wanted to attract new guests who want to eat something different than the typical meals that we offer.

Prague has improved gastronomically in the last few years, primarily concerning the food quality and service. How do you manage to make your business better in this more and more competitive environment?

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It is true that Prague has improved a lot in this field. It has started to resemble many other European cities, like Barcelona and Berlin, where people live a similar lifestyle. The gastronomy service here is getting better and more modern. Every day, new restaurants and coffee bars are offering new things in gastronomy. Established businesses like ourselves have to follow the trend and continue to improve. I am personally happy with competition and enjoy competing with my colleagues about who wins and who operates better. So, the competition means sports to me. I enjoy my work very much; I am involved in it from morning till evening. Moreover, I like meeting new people and talking to them as well.

So, what should the well established restaurant never lack?

I suppose it should not lack a hardworking owner, a cook, a waiter, and a staff taking care of the paperwork – all of them have to work like the Swiss watch.

And in par a ticu cular,, itt is nec eces essa saryy to buyy abso solute telyy fresh and high-quality raw materials. Once this is accomplished, one can expect great success. I assume we are doing very well with regard to the economic crisis, and with the evident drop in tourism – it has been stated at about 20%–30%. I can say that we are further going to improve ourselves and offer the best products, vegetables, fishes and meats. I know we can make a mistake sometimes, when something does not come right, yet in this case we try to set everything right.

Another project you are taking part in is the recently opened Golf Resort Albatross in Vysoký Újezd near Prague. Could you tell us about the design of the golf course and its specifics?

As it has already been outlined by the architect of the golf course, Keith Preston, the inspiration for the design

of the golf course was a finely wavy countryside. The course highlights its present terrain profile, and thus achieves a time-less artwork which comprises both dramatic and harmonious components. A great visibility of the dropping zones and greens is especially important for us. A golfer should have a chance to recognize the possible obstacles, and utilize his abilities to overcome them. Our wish is that the golfer gets an appropriate challenge up to his or her standard, and that they are able to perceive various playing options.

Part of the resort is the Golf Academy. What is its content?

Resort Albatross will open the Golf Academy in the beginning of the 2010 season. Their main goal is to create complex products of golf training aimed at a wide variety of clients, and to satisfy their training needs. It primarily concerns working with the best golfers, including kids and juniors. They would like to provide aid to reecr c ea eation o al golferss as weell. That at was as the rea easo son they ey have built the high-quality driving range icluding the fullscale base, class room, and technological tools to assure for modern training.

How did you get the Kogo restaurant running within the Golf Resort Albatross?

The Kogo restaurant within the Golf Resort Albatross was opened about a month ago. I was made this offer by the golf course owner, Jiří Šimáně. He had recognized my work and my ability to bring the restaurant concept which would gastronomically accomplish anything he has seen at various golf courses across both Europe and the world.

In addition to that, we are really good friends. I can say after a month of work that I am really happy I was able to get to such a beautiful place. I have been meeting plenty of our guests here who acknowledge our superior

quality. They can have a meal that they are used to and a glass of good wine after spending a nice day on the golf course. Regarding the resort itself, I can say, it is outstanding and functional. The clubroom, the bar and the restaurant hall all are of the highest-quality. Golfers and restaurant guests praise the golf course as well.

I hope it becomes a much-frequented place near Prague after the winter break. We also want to include in our offer weekend brunches, which will interest both golfers and guests coming randomly with their family to the beautiful area of Beroun.

Are you preparing any new projects at present?

We are about to launch a new café at the Fruit Market in Kolowrat Palace very soon. It should be a place very similar to the legendary café in Milan, the Cova. It is a space for 120 guests. Mainly, we want to focus on the Prague clientele. The guests can have a cup of coffee, a glass of champagne and various kinds of wines there. A real Italian candyy st ca stor o e is goingg to be theree too oo. A kitc tchen aimeed at various cocktail snacks is going to be part of it. We will try to make typical Milan afternoons during which people come after work to have a good aperitif, and sit for a while in the beautiful spa-ces of the Kolowrat Palace. Various delicacies will be served at the bar, and any guest can pick the wine or champagne of their taste. I have chosen this concept for many of my Italian friends living in Prague who are missing such a restaurant – a place where you go after work to have a glass of good wine and watch, for instance, a football match with your friends at the same time.

By Pavlína Holancová I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Restaurant Kogo at Slovanský dům

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23.11.2009 17:02:53

New KOGO on the Green

A brand new golf resort Albatross was opened on September 21st 2009. Members of the club, partners of the resort and visitors can play nine holes for the rest of this season and enjoy a completely equipped modern driving range, fully functional club house with a reception, golf shop and restaurant Kogo.

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The approximate capacity of the restaurant Kogo is 120 guests, with a total area of 186 square meters. In the event of a golf tournament or other public event, the capacity of the restaurant can be extended. The Albatross Bar is available for the guests as well, allowing more private relaxation. From the terrace you will have a wonderful view of the golf course.

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19.11.2009 19:07:30

business event

Prof. Dr. BJ Fogg, Director, Persuasive Technology Lab, Stanford University

Mediatel/EADP Conference Prague Hosts 44th Congress of the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers (EADP)

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From the conference room

Over 180 members from 32 countries met in Prague in September for the 44th congress of the European Association of Directory and Database Publishers.

The congress is held each year in different European Host cities. This year’s congress focused on changing demands in the information business and the new technologies and trends surrounding access to information. Special guest speakers such as Dr. B.J. Fogg of Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford University, who was instrumental in the start-up phase of Facebook, as well as Julian Moore, Head of Media Sector Advisory, RBS, Global Banking and Markets, all discussed the latest trends in the business. The event was chaired by Kimberli Lewis, CEO of Mediatel and the President of the EADP which is located in Brussels. The gala evening was held at Palais Lobkowicz and hosted by Mediatel and European Directories, Mediatel’s mother company.

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19.11.2009 18:45:31

From left: Mr. Nikolaus Futter, Compass-Verlag GmbH, EADP Advisory President, Dr. Gerhard Baier, IT2media GmbH & Co. KG and Hermann Futter, Compass-Verlag GmbH

From left: Peter Buxton, Buxton Independent Consulting, DE, Jim Easton, Director, AMR International Limited, UK and Kimberli Lewis, CEO Mediatel, CZ and EADP President

From left: Simon Greenman, European Directories, UK and Marc Perusat, European Directories, UK

From left: Michael Oschmann, Telefonbuch Verlag Hans Müller GmbH & Co. KG, EADP Board Member, Valerie Shwartz and Tony Bristol, SVP, International Business Development

From left: Ulrike and Rhett-Christian Grammatik , VDAV and Richard Duggleby, Yell UK, EADP Treasurer

Geoff Avard, CSO, Sensis, AU Juliette Duboz, ATG and Jack Wilson, ATG

Pavel Mucha, CEO Centrum Holdings, CZ

Miha Pogačnik, Diplomat, Violinist, Business Advisor and Visionary

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Julian Moore, RBS Global Banking & Markets, UK

Rick van Boekel, CEO ClearSense, European Directories

19.11.2009 18:45:56

GALA EVENING AT LOBKOWICZ PALACE

All together, Kimberli Lewis, CEO, Mediatel CZ and EADP President is sitting in the middle

From left: Claudia Poepperl, Adaffix, Austria, Nikolaus Futter, Compass Verlag, Austria, EADP Advisory President and Werner Kraus, Amdocs Qpass Austria, Austria

From left: Bob Copp, Australia, Amanda Bence, Mediatel, CZ and Geoff Avard, Sensis, Australia

From left: Bernhard L端ders, Sutter Telefonbuchverlag, Germany, Michael Wolf, DeTeMedien, Germany, and JensFriedrich Kr端ckemeier, Hans Heise Verlag, Germany

Lubo邸 Cipera, Mediatel, CZ, Mario Joachim, Local Matters, USA with his wife Lydia and John Kemp, Local Matters, USA

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Serguei Soukharev, RU and Luisa Piazza, Seat Pagine Gialle, Italy, EADP Vice President

From left: Dennis Bills, USA, Nontando & Thabo Seopa, Trudon Ltd., South Africa and BJ Fogg, Stanford University, USA

Irene Riedel, Verlag Hans M端ller, Germany and Gerhard Baier, IT2 Media, Germany

19.11.2009 18:48:42

The Vienna “Pastelka” is developing thanks to the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute The Czech school of the Komenský School Association in Vienna is a unique institution attended by over 400 pupils.

The instruction is in Czech, Slovak and German and the students are obliged to take a further language so that when they leave the school after their Maturita examination they are fluent in at least four languages.

In addition, over the past five years the school has a unique stance in the arts, due mainly to the Czechos ch oslo lova vakk Fo Fore reig ignn In Inst stititut utee in Pra Pragu guee, whi which ch sin since ce 2004 has provided the institution with an instructor and necessary equipment for their arts circle.

“The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute’s main goal is to support the national awareness of our countrymen through the realisation of projects in the area of culture and education,” stated Jaromír Šlápota, the Institute’s chairman. “Artistic expression is a typical part of national culture and that is why we decided to support the development of the project of the arts circle in the Czech school in Vienna,” he added. For a number of years at the Komenský School in Vienna, voluntary courses in the arts circle have been offered alongside obligatory ones, in large part due to the help offered by the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute in Prague, which makes it possible p for students to have their accommodation in the circle subsidised.

Since the academic year of 2008–2009 Ing. Simona Dunglová has been teaching in the arts circle. “The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute approached me and I gladly accepted because work with children has always given me pleasure and satisfaction. And, thanks to the Institute’s support, I was able to engage with the children in work that would not have been possible otherwise. The Institute bought a workshop graphic press and a pottery kiln for the school, which fundamentally changed and enriched the artistic work of

the students,” Dunglová remarked about her work in Vienna.

“From the very beginning, a number of students interested in art joined the circle, which the children called Pastelka. I am aware that it is often the children who are naturally predisposed to the arts who have artistic sensitivity and who join in such interesting activities. Creative work amuses them. These are often children from artistically active families, which you cann te ca tellll at at on once ce,” ssai aidd In Ingg. Dun Dungl glov ováá. “Bu Butt mo more re and and more children join up in the course of the school year.

The school put part of an artist’s workshop at the disposal of the circle, as well as a large display wall on the fifth floor of the school building where the members of the circle are currently exhibiting their work.

This has simply become an inseparable part of the Czech school in Vienna.” Moreover, Ing. Dunglová has written articles for the school journal and provided photographs so that the entire school remains informed about the work of the circle. “In the Pastelka circle we paint and make things. Right now we are working on a project called Boots. We’ve painted some boots and now have to think up an incident for them.

I think that those of us who go to Pastelka find it very enjoyable j y and we always y look forward to the next Tuesday, when we meet again,” wrote Milica Radojkovič, one of the female pupils, in her contribution to the school journal.

That’s not all. The members of the circle have also the students. Together with the educators, they assessed and rewarded the competition entries and instead of marks they used little clay stars which they made themselves by hand. The winners received small presents (again financed by the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute) and the best work was exhibited in a place of honour on the display wall next

to the school directorate.

At the end of the school year the work done by the circle was evident. The studio was full of the children’s works of arts: in pencil, coloured InIng. Simona Dunglová dian di an ink ink, te temp mper eraa, charcoal, first linocuts, dry pastel paintings of the autumn, engraved or glazed ceramics, and many more.

But the contribution of the Pastelka arts circle is not confined to these crafts on display. “Children from different classes meet in the circle and form a collective, frequently working together on a given task. They ask me a lot of questions, discuss among themselves, and assert their views and attitudes. Perhaps for the first time in their lives they have to defend their work in front of their peers,” Ing. Duglová said, explaining the deeper importance of the voluntary arts courses. The members of the circle often come to discover that they enjoy spending their afternoons in these courses, because the tasks are presented in the form of a game. Furthermore, the students learn and tryy out a lot of new ideas. “I am convinced that the arts circle, as indeed any guided outof-school activity, plays a major role in the life of a child, that it enriches it and should therefore be supported,” emphasized the Czech teacher, herself a witness to the exceptional value of the voluntary arts for the children and their development.

By Ing. Simona Dunglová and HEBR ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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From left: Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister and Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President

state visit

The topic for the joint discussions was a new strategic concept for anti-missile defence. VicePresident Biden said that the new concept will prepare the Alliance for current threats and emphasised that the United States was interested in having the preparation “also have Czech input”. “We spoke of the potential role of the Czech Republic in a new architecture capable of protecting not just the United States but also yourselves and Europe”, said Biden and Prime Minister Fischer confirmed that “the Czech Republic is ready to to share in the design of a new architecture for anti-missile defence”. The Prime Minister said that for the moment the Czech Republic will be seeking a place in the project and will further specify its role.

Prime Minister Fischer

Held Talks with the US Vice-President

Photos: Karel Pazderka

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From left: Marin Barták, Minister of Defence, Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President, Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister and H.E. Petr Kolář, Czech Ambassador to the US

The Prime Minister also pointed out that the system is now configured as a NATO project. At a press conference the Vice-President highlighted the Czech Republic’s success in resolving the gas crisis at the beginning of the year and its involvement in the Nabucco project. He also said that he sees the Czech Republic as a model in the successful building of democracy and that the Czech Republic is also an inspiration for other countries where democracy is still taking root. Biden also expressed appreciation for the Czech Army’s mission in Afghanistan and the activities of the provincial reconstruction team in Logar, where American and Czech units stand side by side.

19.11.2009 19:10:14

Press conference with Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President and Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister

From left: Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister and Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President Mr. Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister thumb up – saying goodbye to Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President

From left: Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister and Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President, Jan Kohout, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vladimír Tošovský, Minister of Industry and Trade and Mrs. Miroslava Kopicová, Minister of Education

From left: Václav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic, Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President with his granddaughter, Finnegan James Biden, and his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Kathleen Biden

Mrs. Barbora Loudová, Director of the Protocol Department of the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic

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From left: Jan Fischer, Czech Prime Minister and Joseph R. Biden, US Vice President

19.11.2009 19:12:46

networking/charity

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible From left: Brigadier General Andor Šándor (ret.), President of the Lions Club Eagle and Mr. Miroslav Toman, President, Federation of the Food and Drink Industries of the Czech Republic and new member of the Lions Club Prague Eagle

Lions Club Prague Eagle

From left: Mr. Zbyněk Štáf, Food Agency Consulting, Mr. Tomáš Finger, Chairman of the Board, FWDS Europe, a. s. and Count Jan Dobrzensky, Owner of Chotěboř Castle

Baroness Jana Germenis, Owner of Castle Blatná and her husband, Spiridon Germenis, Director of Castle Blatná

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: H.E. Václav Bartuška, Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Brigadier General Andor Šándor (ret.), President of the Lions Club Eagle

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19.11.2009 18:58:33

From left: Mr. Květoslav Němec, Sales Manager, Consulting Programs Equipment, Brigadier General Andor Šándor (ret.), President of the Lions Club Eagle and Mrs. Svatava Němcová, President, Lions Club Praha Hartig

Mr. Miroslav Votruba, Sales Director, EUREST, spol. s.r.o., and Mrs. Karla Říhová, Senior Executive, County Hygienic Station Olomouc From left: Mr. Petr Nevický, Supervisory Board, Business School Praha and Brigadier General Andor Šándor (ret.), President of the Lions Club Eagle

From left: Mr. Miloslav Vaněk, Managing Director, ÚZSVM, Brigadier General Andor Šándor (ret.), President of the Lions Club Eagle and Mr. Jan Bříza, Director, General University Hospital in Prague

From left: Mr. Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Count Jan Dobrzensky, Owner of Chotěboř Castle

Ing. Arch. Iva Drebitko, President of Triga, Patron´s Club of the National Thetre

From left: Mr. Michael Vít, Chief Public Health Officer of the Czech Republic and Viceminister, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Karla Říhová, Senior Executive, County Hygienic Station Olomouc, Mr. Petr Materna, Managing Director (ret.), Air Navigation Service and Mr. Stanislav Slavík, Marketing Senior Adviser

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networking/discussion event

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible

From left: Patrik Roman, General Director, PRAŽSKÉ SLUŽBY, a.s., Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius, Ing. David Vodrážka, 1st Deputy Chairman of ODS and Mayor of Prague 13, MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of Prague and Ing. Petr Kuchár, Chairman of the Board and General Director, Navatyp Group, a.s.

Round Table of Comenius with Lord Mayor of the City of Prague Pavel Bém and 1st Deputy Chairman of ODS David Vodrážka Pyramida Hotel, September 23, 2009 The tenthh Round Th R d Table T bl off Comenius C in 2009 tookk place l on September S b 23 in the h Pyramida P d Hotel H l in Prague P andd had h d two VIP guests, Lord Mayor of the City of Prague Pavel Bém and David Vodrážka, 1st Deputy Chairman of ODS and Mayor of Prague 13.

As Mr. Bém said, their original aim was to prepare a presentation of the best parts of ODS program for early elections in October. Therefore both gentlemen considered the postponing of these elections as very unfortunate and blamed mainly ČSSD and its chairman Jiří Paroubek for it. Further on the discussion focused on more pragmatic topics. The fact that both gentlemen work in municipal sphere (Lord Mayor of the City of Prague and Mayor of Prague 13) led the discussion to urban and economical development of the Capital. Mr. Bém stressed out his confidence about the necessity of finishing the Blanka Tunnel even despite of the pressure of the economic crisis on the municipal budget. He did not forget to mention on this occasion that Prague, as one of the very few of European capitals spreading the burden equally on cities and state, finances its projects from its own resources. Both gentlemen then rejected any debate on possible contributions of wealthier regions to the poorer ones which was one of the proposed anti-crisis precautions. However they emphasized that they do not want to enhance any quarrels between Prague and other regions in any way. On the contrary Lord Mayor reminded that in the times of crisis it is necessary to find a fundamental consensus across the political spectrum for the sake of the whole society and he also mentioned the critical situation after the floods in summer 2002 when Prague municipality and the opposition fought together with the destructive impacts of the floods.

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Congress Hall, Hotel Pyramida

19.11.2009 17:51:25

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of Prague

networking/discussion event

Ing. Fawad Nadri, President, CzechAfghan Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Jan Rafaj, HR Director ELTODO EG, a.s.

Ing. David Vodrážka, 1st Deputy Chairman of ODS and Mayor of Prague 13

Ing. Miroslav Příkop, Gen. Director, CIMEX INVEST a.s.

From left: Milena Veselá, CEO and Economic Director, ProMoPro s.r.o., and Miloslava Procházková, Owner, AVANTI

From left: Ing. Josef Šťastný, CEO, AKCENT s.r.o., Gustav Šimáček, CEO, AKCENT s.r.o., and Ing. Ladislav Blažek, Member of the Board and Owner of BLAŽEK PRAHA a.s.

Ing. František Lusk, Director, ELTODO dopravní systémy s.r.o.

From left: Ing. Zdeněk Muzikář, Director, MERKURIA HAN, Albín Sybera Jr., Advisor to the President, Comenius and PhDr. Albín Sybera, General Director, Sybera Enterprises spol. s r.o.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

networking/discussion event

From left: Karel Janeček, PhD, CFO and Member of the Board of Directors, RSJ Invest, a.s. and Tomáš Rutrle, General Director, Fujitsu Siemens Computers s.r.o.

Marek Bareš, Director, ELEKTRO-INSTAL and Jana Nagyová, ODS

From left: Martin Gerstman, Director, Hotel Pyramida and Michal Donath, General Director, DONATH-BURSON-MARSTELLER s.r.o.

From left: Ing. Vlastimil Kaňovský, Commercial Director, NAVATYP GROUP a.s. and Ing. Radoslav Dvořák, Director, INOS Zličín, a.s.

From left: Ing. Jan Tříška, Area Director, Čechy střed EUROVIA CS, a.s., and Pavel Hlinka, General Director, OREA HOTELS a.s.

JUDr. Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner, Weil, Gotshal&Manges, v.o.s.

Jan Ondřich, Partner, Candole Partners

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From left: Michal Donath, General Director, DONATH-BURSON-MARSTELLER s.r.o., Ing. Libor Ťupa, Financial Director, ELTODO dopravní systémy s.r.o., and Ing. Tomáš Tašek, Executive Director, ASE, s.r.o.

19.11.2009 17:52:41

anniversary event

From left: Ray Worman, Operations Director, Aisa International, Mrs. Marta Gellová, Secretary General AFIZ and Eduard Janota, Minister of Finance

AISA International at Charity Evening in ARIA Hotel IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE AND AFIZ – ASSOCIATION OF FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES AND FINANCIAL ADVISERS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Aisa International launched itself at a fantastic charity evening at the Aria hotel. Success is natural to the creators and owners of Aisa, who are actually highly qualified financial experts from the UK; in 2009 they have been finalists in two Financial Planner Awards, including being rated in the top 2 investment advisers in the UK and receiving the accolade at the recent Money Management awards in London. Bringing this expertise to their Czech firm of financial advisers, and combining the skills, service and advice standards of their UK sister firm, Aisa Professional, (registered and authorised by the FSA in the UK) allows Aisa to be unique in Prague. They will be looking for people in Prague to share their future success with and are excited about the investment and financial opportunities available, looking forward. more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: James Pearcy-Caldwell, Director Aisa International, Mrs. Lorraine Reddaway, Enduro Africa, Martin Hoffman, Operations Manager Aria Hotel and Miss Pavlína Němcová

From left: Miss Jitka Tothová, Ray Worman, Operations Director, Aisa International (in the back) and Marcel Berny, Advisor, Aisa International

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James Pearcy-Caldwell, Director Aisa International

From left: Tony Van Gool, Artemis Investment Managers, Clive Tutton, Director Aisa International and Michael Portillio, former UK politician

23.11.2009 13:06:12

Pavel Te Pavel Teličk ič a PPre reesid s ent of the Consult sid u anc ancyy Compan Com panyy BXL Con pan Consul sultin ing Photo: Pho to: Archi Arrchi c vee

Politicking of the Czech Establishment Begins to Affect Interests of the Czech Industry and

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23.11.2009 17:23:55

A talkk with Pavel Telička, President of the Consultancy Com mpany BXL Consulting Pavel Telička (1965, Washhington, USA) is a former Czech diplomat and a strategic consultant at present. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Charles University inn Prague in 1986. He worked at the Permanent Delegation of the Czech Repubblic to the EU in the years 1991 to 1995.

In 1998, he became the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and in 1999, the 1st Deputy Minister andd the Minister of State of the EU Affairs.

During the accession negootiations on the Czech Republic EU accession he led the Czech negotiations teaam. Affterwards Mr. Telička served as the Ambassador and the Headd of the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU. He was shortly appointed member of the European Commission of Prodi in 2004. In 2004, Paavel Telička co-founded the consultancy company based both in Brussels and Praguee – BXL Consulting www.bxl.cz.

The European Union is your daily bread. How do you perceive the disunited position of the Czech political representation regarding the negotiations of the Lisbon Treaty, which is such an essential code for Europe?

It does not primarily concern a disunited position of the Czech political representation in relation to the Lisbon Treaty.

The negotiations themselves havve actually been already completed; the Treaty has been rattified in all member states and the ratification in the Czech Republic took quite a long time. To try, only after the ratificaation completion, and we should admit that out of solely political reasons, to bargain anything new regarding the issuees of the Beneš decrees, which the Lisbon Treaty can not rettroactively refer to anyway, is among solid partners an unpreceedented levity. Moreover, in this way, we did not only exhibit thee weakness but also implicitly admitted that some legal instrument could by return relate to the Decrees. This is wrong. What were the people responsible for that doing during the Treaty negotiations? Why did not they put forward their requirementss at that time? What is even more embarrassing for me, however, is the fact that the Czech political representation was not able to unite in order to make pressure on the head of state to siggn the document for a long time. After all, both chambers appproved it. Additionally, the Constitutional Court has already disstinctly demonstrated that from the Czech constitutional pointt of view the document was absolutely alright. It shows both weakness and self-interest of our political representation and the absence of any vision within the EU as well, the shallowneess and the inability to see where really our national interestss lie. This politicking really affected the interests of the Czech industry and business.

Do you consider the requirement of the Czech President to perhaps integrate the Czech opt-out to the Lisbon Treaty in this phase of ratification legitimate and necessary for the Czech Republic?

I guess I have already partiallyy answered the question.

According to the former Vice-pressident Václav Vondra, the Czech President had not laid this claaim during the Treaty negotiations. Neither had we as the puublic heard it out from the President’s mouth at that time. Altthough even at that time it would have been redundant and according to all legal views unnecessary, it would be at least well-timed. Why did not the head of the state say it at least before the Irish plebiscite?

Could he rely on the Irish “no”? It is not correct that the President de facto unconstitutionaally and insidiously established the semi-presidential system m. After all, he had raised the requirement in question withoout negotiating it with the Czech Government. The proceduree chosen by Mr. President called forth a mistrust that he really cared about the Beneš Decrees.

In this context, does by any chance the implementation of the two-speed Europe system look like a better solution than the growing number of various exceptions that are constantly being implemented?

The two-speed Europe system has been de facto already established due to various opt-ouuts available in particular EU policies. I suppose that the EU with 27 members at present and in future even with more mem mbers will not be able to avoid it. Some opt-outs are interconnected with the interior

politically sensitive issues which are acceptable immediately, others result from political conditions in particular member states. As long as the exceptions do not essentially touch upon other member states or the internal market and the EU policies operation, certain clemency towards any sensitive question is all right. We can expect some opt-outs to be reviewed by particular member states in the near future for it appears that they are restricted by the exceptions or they even weaken their position within the EU. Thus, the current development regarding the Lisbon Treaty ratification in the Czech Republic spoiled its picture towards the EU. There have been speculations about the possible loss of the Czech EU Commissioner’s position in case of an unsuccessful ratification. According to your experience, what real consequences could it have brought to our country?

I personally did not believe in this scenario very much.

It would be rather short-sighted and counter-productive to punish the Czech Republic for the behaviour of its President.

Even those somehow stupid declarations coming from a few politicians from Western Europe desiring the dismissal of President Klaus do not help either. It is really nothing they should care of, they only offer an opportunity to increase demagogy and generalize their declarations. However, I do not have a problem with the smaller EU Commission in which each member state would not have “its” Commissioner, whereas an equal rotating system would be established. A first-quality Commissioner of a strong and not artificially created portfolio can represent a country much better in every other term of office than a dead fish of an unimportant portfolio. Generally speaking.

Unfortunately, the Czech Republic does not have any representatives even in the position of the Chief of Cabinet crucial for pre-talk legal proposals with particular member states or interest groups. Does this fact have an essential impact on promoting the Czech businessmen interests within the EU structures?

Both the Commissioner and the Chef of Cabinet have to be independent from their country. This is a basic principle. The Commissioners can introduce their colleagues at most in key questions of the national interest of their country to what impact can this or that decision in their country have. And this lies rather with a Commissioner. The Chef of Cabinet is an official. Therefore, I can not see any problem with that within the context you have mentioned. It is rather sad that our people do not succeed in getting up at higher positions and that Czech diplomacy perhaps does not have any great conception. The synergy with the Czech Commissioner should work better, too. However, these things can be discussed and negotiated.

For several years the European Commission has declared that it would enhance the support of Small and Medium Sized enterprises [SMBs] on the EU level as the key for the higher grow and employment. On the other hand, the global economy crisis has proven that the EU member states choose to find successful solutions to it rather on the national level. Do you consider it to be an unfortunate trend?

The support of SMBs is only one of the important political aspectt s. The EUU has brought many positive elements in this area. Yes, of couurse, it can be even more effective. It is necessary to find a beetter coherence with further aspects, see these things cross-sectional with further policies and push for drop in adm ministrativve burdens as well. I have been engaged in these things myyself a lot as a member of group of 15 persons out of the wholee EU, advising the European Commission how to makke the leggislative changes in ord er to decrease its burdens. We havee already submitted recommendations worth several tens of billion Euros and the EU Commission has implemennted them m.

What attracted you most when deciding to be a lobbyist?

Trulyy, workinng as a lobbyist attracts me much less than workingg in the position of a strategic consultant, which is what our com mpany is primarily about. Yet, ten percent of our activities aree interconnected with lobbying on the EU level. We are really happy when we can give our client a particular economic contribbution by the means of a correct anticipation of a further EU poliicy development, or of an analysis of possible impacts and strrategic addvice and by the means of the enforcement of his inteerest as well. Moreover, we are trying to solve a problem or a laww-suit. Too sum it up, we are actually negotiators as well.

What type of clients does the Company BXL mainly focus on, is it Czech clients or foreign ones?

The ratio is approximately half and half, we obviously do not disstinguish between them. Altogether, it concerns big corporaate clientt s. Yet, we have been working for smaller businessess as well. We have sometimes worked for the public sector as well or for instance for Cuban dissidents. In this case, the coopperation, however, has been set up on noncommeercial, ratther friendship basis.

Could you tell us what activities are your clients mostly interested in?

It differs a loot. Someone requires complex services, someone neeeds a heelp how to solve a particular problem, for instance in the spphere of economic competition. Someone, on the othher hand,, wants to expand to new markets. We are not dealingg solely with the EU issues nowadays, but we are able to supporr t clients on certain new markets as well.

The European Commission has launched an “optional” registry for lobbyists in order to streamline the backroom bargaining within the EU institutions. The non-profit organizations state that an obligatory registration will be more effective. What is your opinion?

I think the reegistry works quite well, yet the evaluation of it is rather up too the European Commission. I suppose any creditaable comppany is going to behave ethically even without a regisstry if it wants to operate on the local market. So, the registryy is a goood thing, however, the form of it does not bother me at all. Moreoover, what about non-profit organizations and think-taanks? Doon’t they lobby? In addition to that, shouldn’t they bee involvedd in the registry as well?

By Pavlína Holancová ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leadeers Magazine VI/ I 2009

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19.11.2009 19:54:57

An interview with Joe Biden, U.S. Vice President

U.S. Administration’s POLICY In an exclusive interview, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke with RFE/RL correspondents Brian Whitmore and Abu-bakar Siddique about the U.S. administration’s policy on Russia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.

Biden assured Central and Eastern Europeans of the United States’ commitment to the region, and said that the United States will not ignore concerns about democracy in dealing with Iran on its nuclear program.

Joe Biden U.S. Vice President Photo: Archive RFE/RL

Mr. Vice President, thank you for seeing us today.

It was just a few months ago, you were in Tbilisi and Kyiv reassuring the Ukrainians and the Georgians that the “reset” with Russia was not going to come at their expense. Here you are in Central Europe doing the same thing again. Despite all the reassuring words that are coming out of the administration right now on this subject, there is a lot of fear that the reset could turn into appeasement in this region.

Well, I think I settled that. I don’t believe that is the case now. I think, look, it is totally understandable that, particularly for the generation like mine, in which I spent half my public life as a young man in the midst of the Cold War and the remaining half of my public life in this new reality – it is understandable that if you are sitting in any one of the Central European or Eastern European capitals, you see the incredible, universal, worldwide obligations the United States has, and you are sitting there and saying, “Now, wait a minute. How can they

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be focusing on the Korean peninsula? How can they be focusing on China, India, Pakistan, Iran and still have us in mind?” And my message is simple: that is preciselyy whyy we need to stayy deepl p y involved in Europe p .

Because in order for us to meet those obligations, we need a secure, whole, free Europe that is expanding, and we will not do anything... when I made the speech in Moscow, excuse me, in Munich, people in Moscow heard what I said.

We want to set the reset button. But we did not press the erase button, the memory erase button. We made it absolutely clear. I made it clear that there are two things, two principles that were not negotiable: no spheres of influence would we tolerate or be part of, number one, and number two, no veto power on the ability of any nation in any part of Europe or for anywhere in the world, for that matter, to make their own decisions, what alliances or unions they wish to join. And this is a process, but it is understandable that there is

so much going on, it is a new administration, and I hope that the reassurance is understood and is taking hold.

Staying on the subject of Russia, “Banks not tanks” has been one of the phrases that have been batted around to describe Russia’s strategy of buying up strategic assets in Eastern Europe, in particular, as a way to gain political influence in this region. Is the administration concerned about this?

No. Look, we do not look at Russia and see a zero-sum game here. That’s not how we view this relationship. The truth of the matter is that European countries, eastern, central, western, all have to deal with the reality we all are dealing with, and that is, if not energy independence, [then] not absolute dependence. It is not a healthy thing for any country to be in a position where their only source comes from a single source. We outlawed monopolies in the United States a long time ago, and so it is in the interest of everyone, and I would argue even in the interest of Russia, for there to be competition.

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And that is why I think, for example, the Czechs are pushing hard for the European Union to begin to decide on alternative routes for energy that could come out of the “stans” [Central Asia]. There are a number of opportunities dealing with gas and oil. That’s why we are all working so very hard on alternative as well as renewable energy sources. So, you know, my experience has been in my 37 years in national public office that those concerns about any one nation being able to buy up assets of countries have proven never to be within their capacity. This world is too flat, it is too integrated, it is too complicated for anyone to be able to do that in the first place. But energy diversity is in the interest of the Europeans, it is in our interest, and I would argue it is in Russia’s interest.

Moving on to Afghanistan, Mr. Vice President, today’s issue of “The Economist” follows up on a lot of rumors in Kabul and Washington suggesting that your special regional envoy, Richard Holbrooke, is not welcome in Afghanistan. Can you comment on this?

It’s not true. That’s my comment.

And it is well known that the White House has an uneasy relationship with [Afghan President Hamid] Karzai, but it is almost certain that he will win in the run-off. What will he need to do to gain your trust?

Well, look. He has to gain the trust of the Afghan people, not our trust. The question is the trust of the Afghan people, and I think he has begun that process by agreeing to a run-off, by saying, now I’m paraphrasing, it’s close to a quote, he said it is consistent with the Afghan Constitution, and he is looking forward to it and doing it. This is about the Afghan people. This is not about us.

On Pakistan, do you see progress against extremism there, given that insecurity seems to increase after every new military offensive in that country?

The answer is I do. I think that the fact of the matter is that the new military operation is in direct response to the real, legitimate threats they see. Look, once the Afghan Taliban, Baitullah Mehsud and others, along with some help from Al-Qaeda moved into Swat Valley, 60 to 80 [kilometers] from Islamabad, it got everybody’s attention. You see, for the first time, you saw both [Pakistani President Asif Ali] Zardari and [opposition leader Nawaz] Sharif agreeing on a common policy relative to how to deal with this issue.

The [Pakistani] military is reacting appropriately, and they face a very difficult problem, but I would argue the opppo p site. It is not the action of the militaryy that has produced the reaction of the jihadis and the radical Islamicists there. It has been that the military has had to react to the overreaching on the part of the TTP [Tehrek-e Taliban Pakistan or Movement of the Pakistani Taliban] and others, the Haqqani network, and others in the region. And so we look at their actions as being appropriate.

We are prepared to be of whatever assistance they want us to be, not in terms of American forces, but in providing for their ability to deal with that. And it is a real, serious concern that the Pakistani government, the Pakistani military, and the Pakistani opposition have become seized with. My understanding is, for the first time in a considerable amount of time, that a significant portion of the Pakistani population realizes that

there has to be a response to these horrific actions being taken by extremists, blowing up people and taking over large swaths of territory. So it is for Pakistan to decide, but it seems to me the action they are taking is consistent with their national interest.

Shifting gears to the South Caucasus, Mr. Vice President, the geopolitical landscape in that region, which is increasingly important for us as an energy transit route, has changed dramatically in the last year since the Russia-Georgia war. Russia’s consolidating its position in the occupied territories in Georgia [Abkhazia and South Ossetia], NagornoKarabakh peace talks are actually gaining steam, Turkey and Armenia have opened up their border.

There seems to be a lot of opportunity on the one hand, but a lot of danger on the other. Can you talk a little bit about both – what does the administration see here?

I think you’ve described it accurately. I’m always quoting William Butler Yeats’ famous poem “Easter Sunday, 1916” about the first rising in Ireland. He used a line in that poem that better describes the situation in the Caucasus and the world today than it did Ireland then. He said, “All’s changed, changed utterly. A terrible beauty has been born.” It presents great danger and great opportunity. And that’s what great nations and great alliances do. They take advantage of, in a positive way, these changes to make them opportunities. This is an opportunity. I compliment Secretary Clinton – you saw what’s happened between Turkey and Armenia, as you mentioned, you see what’s happening now in other long and festering disputes...

What’s happening, from my perspective, is that people in the region are beginning to understand their self-interest lies in greater cooperation now. Not out of love and affection, but out of necessity and opportunity. And at the same time, Europe is waking up – I shouldn’t say waking up, I don’t mean it in a critical sense – Europe is beginning to focus on how, in fact, they can play a constructive role in providing for access to their markets of the great natural resources that rest there.

This is going to be a very difficult period. It is fraught with danger, but I would argue it’s fraught with more opportunity than danger. And I see more positive things happening than negative things happening. But this is, as my grandfather used to say, this requires a lot of skill and a lot more luck. So we’re working with our friends in Turkey, we’re working with our friends in Europpe,, we’re workingg with the various states in Central Europe and the Caucasus that are dealing with a real transition here.

Let me put it another way. Ten years from now, where we are...are in that region of the world will be the real measure and test that our grandchildren are going to apply as to whether or not we succeeded in making a real change in the world in this 21st century. So I think everyone’s seized with the consequence of not making progress in that region of the world. Therefore, because so many are focused on it, I’m more hopeful than I am pessimistic.

Even given Russia’s stance right now?

Even given Russia’s stance. Russia, like the United States, like all countries, is responding to a changed world. Not through anyone’s fault. We’re at one of those

inflection points in history, and Russia is deciding on its new identity, its new role. We think Russia is a major power, a major player, and could be a major force for positive progress.

But Russia is going through, just like we are, dealing with difficult economic times, dealing with a political system that is emerging... Let me put it this way. I look at Russia with eyes wide open, as a realist. And my expectation is that Russia will decide over the next decade that its interest lies in more integration rather than what some in Russia seem to be thinking may be a different course. So we just have to keep the dialogue going.

But there are certain things that are not up for compromise with us. And that is the notion of a sphere of influence, and the notion of being able to veto. But you know, these are changing times, and it requires us, as tthe us he ppre resi side dent nt ssay ayss, ttoo ta talk lk, bu butt al also so bbee re real alis istiticc.

And I still think there is more hope than there is danger.

Mr. Vice President, one last question on Iran.

Some Iranians argue that your administration might ignore concerns about democracy and human rights while negotiating with Tehran on the nuclear issue.

How do you address such concerns?

We never have, and we never will [ignore such concerns]. Look at our track record, and the track record of those who people this administration. That is not who we have been in our past incarnation as senators and governors and members of administrations. It’s not who we are.

The message that I delivered here in Central Europe – it sounds almost corny to say it – is: nothing about you without you. Nothing about you without you.

We are not going to sell anyone out or any democratic forces out because at the end of the day, that is not in our interests. It is counterproductive to our long-term interests.

But we also know that we cannot dictate democratic outcomes. You’ve got to grow institutions. Elections a democracy doesn’t make. An election is a necessary precondition, but not sufficient. So we believe the bulk of the people of Iran are friendly toward the United States. They are not hostile. And they’re going through a difficult period of deciding how to deal with their own government right now.

But it is in the interests of the world, it is in the interests of the people of Iran, it is in the interests of the people of Europe that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, not merely for the threat it may pose, less to us than to Europpe and other pa p rts of the world,, but because of the cycle it may begin to generate, in terms of expansion of nuclear states. I’ve been working my whole career as a U.S. senator and a vice president to put that genie back in the bottle [rather] than to expand it. And the most destabilizing thing that could occur in terms of the spread of nuclear weapons would be the impact of a nuclear Iran on Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and the list goes on.

So it matters, but in the process of us discussing Iran’s future nuclear activities with our European partners, Russia, China, we don’t have any intention nor has it crossed our minds that we would sell out any democratic forces.

Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty I

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BECOME MORE OF WHO YOU ARE Photo: Paul Pacey

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It always makes me wonder why majority of people in the world is so obsessed by our own weaknesses, rather than focusing on our strengths. Almost like there is not enough from global to sometimes very personal challenges that everyone has to cope with on a day to day basis, to me it seems that for some reason many people tend to be much more focused on the negative side of things. In fact when youu th yo thin inkk ab abou outt wh what at psy psych chol olog ogis ists ts do do, you you quickly realize that they spend 90 % of their time fixing the broken parts of one’s soul instead of developing his or her strengths… As a matter of fact, 10 years ago a very smart British leading motivational speaker, author and researcher Markus Buckingham in cooperation with the Gallup Organization, developed an extremely interesting set of tools which they called the Strengths-Finder. This methodology allows you to discover your own unique top strengths, subsequently allowing you to build on those rather than trying to fix your weaknesses. Over the past decade more than 2 million people around the world have taken the StrengthsFinder test and this huge sample revealed quite worrying results: only 20 % of the respondents felt fully engaged at work and willing to perform at their fullest potential by using their strongest skills. In other words this fact implies that the world is running on only 1/5 of its potential overall capacity! If you just imagine all the untapped potential, you quickly realize that despite of any current economical volatility, what lies ahead of us is not a sea, but an entire ocean of opportunities.

I always say I am brutal optimist and the truth is that throughout my youth athletic and later on professional business career I developed a mentality of positive thinking and approach to finding the right solutions even to the biggest problems. Therefore I am also a strong believer that in the current increasingly competitive global marketplace, the right way to go both for individuals, but also for companies and even for nations, is to focus primarily on development of their particular strengths. Let’s face it – we are living in the 21st century and anything that

Leaders Magazine VI/2009

23.11.2009 13:16:40

can be automated has either already been or will be automated soon. Hence we can only succeed and gain a unique competitive advantage by building on individual unique strengths hand in hand with strong focus on finding complementarities.

That was why when I took over responsibility for Microsoft’s operations across the Central & Eastern European region back in 2000, I have partnered and worked very closely with our Company’s Executives and Human Resources to evolve the personal development model that we have been using for our employees. As we were entering the new millennium, it became apparent to us that we needed to move exactly into the direction of building on the positive.

I believe and my experience proved to me that it is the right way of getting people to reach out of their daily comfort zone, ultimately it is where and how progress is made.

Whililee th Wh thee va variriou ouss co corp rpor orat atee em empl ploy oyee ee ddeevelopment models indeed have a major role to play, at the end of the day I don’t actually believe that those should be our primary focus. I am convinced that we need to go the roots of this challenge, which can be found in the educational system. It is at school where our individual talents are first suppressed thru uniform curriculums. Therefore if we want to succeed in tackling this problem and therefore open up completely new broad horizons of creati-vity, innovation and increased competitiveness, the educational systems will simply need to be reformed. It is clear that there will always be a part of the curriculum that would be the same for everyone and that all students will need to learn, however it is my belief that majority, in fact as far as 70%, of what the young people learn at school should be tailored to their individual talents.

What’s important to realize here as well – and

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I often discuss this with Ministers of Education in various European countries – is that such reform cannot be done only at the university level.

In fact it’s the other way around as should it make a real positive impact, such personalized approach to students has to start at the elementary school. When they are 18 or 19 years old and enter the university, it is too late for any dramatic shifts as their learning and behavioral habits are largely formed. All in all this is clearly a big challenge, yet I can see a huge help that information technologies will be able to provide in making what might seem such a revolutionary move. From personalized student desktop, access to research materials online or the remote e-learning, one thing is certain: over the next decade the classrooms of European schools will change like never before.

Now having read this you might be asking yourself a critical question – why should we care that th at m muc uchh ab abou outt al alll of tthi hiss if tthe he ccur urre rent nt eedu duca ca-tional system has worked pretty much unchanged for many centuries and produced some great thinkers, talent, innovation and ultimately phenomenal technological, economical as well as societal progress? Well, while I hope that it is obvious that such shift in focus on individual strengths and talent might only further accelerate all this progress, I am also deeply convinced that much more importantly there is one more reason why we should care. That reason is you.

Until employees at work, either in public or in private sector, are “forced” to self-develop in skills and areas in which they are naturally not at their best, they will never become really happy. Regardless of the job title and amount of pay, on a long-term, unfortunately this can only lead to one’s frustration. So unless you are given the right tools as well the appropriate level of empowerment to do what you are best at

while being surrounded by colleagues with complementary skills and strengths, based on many years of my experience I can guarantee you that you will never reach a full personal satisfaction.

In order to get there it’s clearly important to start with yourself. Begin today and invest time in increasing your own self-awareness – many of the models and typological tests you can now take online including the already mentioned Strengths-Finder or equally useful Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Everybody has busy work and travel schedules, yet this is an investment into us. It is an investment of time that you can not only afford, but which you should do. When I took my first StrengthsFinder assessment, my top 5 strengths came out loud and clear: Vision, Strategic, Communications, Maximizer and Activator. Since then I try to play mostly on them and that is one of the the rea reaso sons ns why why I am am pr prou oudd to hav havee th thee op op-portunity to serve on the European Policy Center’s advisory board for project “Quality of the Life by 2020”, where – among other many topics – we also discuss how the global trends will affect everything from the changing classroom to changing work-place.

As I close let me quote one of Marcus Buckingham’s statements that I believe perfectly encompasses what I have outlined in this article: “The best strategy for building a competitive organization is to help individuals become more of who they are.” This is true about Europe, it is true about European corporations and most importantly it is true about all us.

Jan Muehlfeit Chairman Europe Microsoft Corporation IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

19.11.2009 19:57:55

OSTRAVA WOULD LIKE to Host the Cultural Olympiad in 2015!!!

Photo: Robert Mročka

Ostr Os trav tr ava haas de av ava deci ciide dedd to to uusse se thee opp ppor ortu or tuuni n ty to hhos to osst th ost thee “Cu C lt Cu l urral Olyymp mpiaad” in the citi y annd, tooge g thherr witithh Pi Pils lssen and Hrraade decc Krrál álov ové, ov é iiss fifigh é, ghhtiting n ng forr th fo t e pres prreesstigiou ouus tititltlee of thee 201 15 Euuro rope pean pe an Caapiita tall off Culturee. Thee tit tle tlle iss not nott awa ward r edd ffor rd o or u baan oppen-air museuumss aand ur nd hissto toririricc co cons n er ns erva va-va tion o areas, bu b t for neew an andd orig or ginnal or al pro r je ject ccttts, s, w whi hichh hi m nage ma gee to att tr trac ac t no ac act not on not o llyy tthe h loc he o all, bu butt al a soo thee EEuuro rope pean pe ean pub ublililic, for o pro r je jectss th t att willl br b inng a lloongnggteerm beennef term efitit not not o onl n y too thhee citi y, but u the ut h enttiriree reggionn as we re welllll. Th The he Mo M raavian-Silesiaan Reegi gion on is thhe se secoond largest stt urb r ann conce c ntra ratitition onn in the C ech Cz ec Re ec Repu ppuubl b icc, raankkin i g after the capita tal,l Pra ta r gu g e. e T e reegi Th g on o has an advantag a eous location aatt thee bord bo rder rd derr ooff th thre reee countrie ies, s, aalm s, lm mos o t in the h cen entrre of Eurrop of o e.

ItIt’s t ’ss a reggioon wi with thh ddev evel elop oped ed tou ourirism sm. For insst anc ta tanc nce ce 2, 2,20 2 0 km ooff cy cycl clinng roout utes e , 5 goolf cou o rses andd 14 an 4 ski res esor orts t aree located in thee te t rritory. In thee pa th past s it wa st was burdened with an industrial hi h story, namely lyy in thhe Osstr ava an a d Ka Karv rvin rv inná ar area eaas. T hi h s ha hass beeenn chhaang ngin ing. in g. T hee transformation of Ost s ra ravaa iiss a grreeaat op oppo p rttun po u ityy not onnly for the city itse selflflf,, butt also s for the entiree regi g onn. The title of the 2015 European Capital of Cuultture would mean ano Eu nother no im mpo port r t an rt ant sttep ffor us inn the h trans n format a ion of o the reegi g on o anndd itss inccreas reas re asin ing aatt trac ing acttiveneess for orr visitors r from th t e whole off Europ o e. e The Moravian an-S Silesian Reegi gion on is preppared e too part pa rttic icippat atee in the he creeattion of a possiti iv ive ur u ba bann cu cull t ra tu rall laand n sc scap apee inn whi which hich ch domin d i ants will emerge g whic wh ichh wi ic w lll be geenera nerall ne raallly acce accceept pted eedd aass a symbboll iinn thee tr th tran ansi an sitition si on of of itt s meetr t opol oppol o iss fro r m innduusttririal aall paastt to ann imppor o ta t nt regio eggiona ona n l ce cent ent ntre tre r of cuultl ur uree an andd inno in nova no vatititon va on..

T his Th i tittlee hass a possititiv is itivve im impa pact pact pa c t on the tthhe ec econ onom omyy om a d em an empl ploy pl oyme oy yme ment nntt. Thhe ci city ity t y hol oldi diingg tthe h title he ittle le is at atrac tr actitit vee to innve ac v st sttoor or s and ors annd toour uris r ists issttsss. Ma Manyy ffor Many orme or mer me Euuro rope pean pe pean an cap capit appitt al als of cul als ulture tuure re (LLiiverp veerp rpoo ool,l, L ille oo illlee, Gllasas as goow annd ot othe heers rs)) haave exp x er e ieenc nced ed thee dirirec ed eecc t

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innflflue u nc ue n e of of cul ultu ture tu ree oonn stt ar artititing n uupp th ng the ec econ o om on my. y Thhe seeleect The c tio i n pr p oc ocedduu ree is peerf r forme or me or m d in t woo rooun u ds aand nd thhee win inne nnneer is is deci de c deed byy a ccom ci om mmi mitt t ee tt ee cons co nsisstiting ng in 13 1 com mm ss mi s ioonerss, of whi h chh 6 a e ap ar appo p inte teed byy the M ni Mi nist sttryy of Cu C lttur uree an andd 7 byy Euurrop ro ea e n cu c ltural iinnsttitut itituttioons n . By the h end nndd of thi of thi his ye his year ar it willl be know o n wh w et etheer Ostrava will advan ance an ce into thhe secoo round cond ndd, and by b end off 201 010 0 10 itt will ili l bbee knoown w whi h chh Czeech city will beco be c me thee 2 co 201 015 Eu 01 Euro roopeean C Cap apit ap pitital aall of Cu C lture.

Thhe ve The very ryy act ooff subm suubmit bm mititti t titing ng thee aapp ppplilica catitition ca o , wh which wass su wa subm bmitititte bm t te t d by b the Ostra sttra rava vaa 201 15 teeam a hea e ddedd by the the fifilm th f ilm m and teellev evis isio is ion io on pr prod odduc ucer er Čeesstm mír Koope p ck ckýý by b thee eend ndd ooff Oc Octo toobe tobe berr, was accompan edd bbyy a nu ni n mb mber er of ex ex tr extr trao aord ao rdin i aryy cu cultur u al events,, s ch as Vý su Výst stav st avva OS S TR TRAV AVVA? The h 2,4 400 0 m2 nnongaller ga lller e y sppac acee off Pav a iillio ionn A onn thee Černáá lou o kaa eexh ou xhixh i ibitititon groounndss, wh bi wher eree th er t e exhi h bi hi bititition on w was a hel eld, d, ennabbleed th thee pr pres res esen esen enta tatitition ta on of of an ext xtra raor ordi d nary na y colna lect le ctio ct ioon of art rtef tef efac acts ac tss ins nseepppaar ar abbllyy ccon onne necc ted with Ostr Os trav tr ava, av a for or tthe hee f irirst s tim st i e in hhis istto toryy. It of feredd top workss of aart wo work r froom inst rt innst stitititut utio ut iona io n l an na andd prr iv ivat atee coollllec at ec-ec tition onss an andd an ove v rview w of modder e n gr g apphi hicc arr ts ts..

Thee popTh p up pict ctur u e bo book ok Mysste teri riou ouss Os Ostr trav avaa (Tajemná (Taj ná Ostrava) Osttrava) is aalso lso ve vvery ry int innter e essting er tingg. Th Ther her eree aree onlyy t woo cities abou outt whhic i h a book o off thhis sort has been creatted – Pragu g e and Os O trava. Mysterious O trava, a bookk by Lucie Seife Os f rtová, is made of three-dimen-

s onal pic si ictu ture tu ress an re andd iss ful u l of of stooriries e , legends es lee s aannd hist hi s orr y. It re st r la late tes wi tes w thh eas asee tthhe st s or o y of of thee citt y and itt s su an surr rrround ou din ou ings gs fro rom m preh e iisstori torriic tiime to m s to to thhe pr the p es e en entt da day.

Thhe un u veeili inng off a com mme m mo moraati mora tive ve plaaqu ve q e shap sh appedd likke a ca came mera me raa llen e s, en s, ded edic icat ic ated at ed to th thee innte tererrnaatitonnal a ly ren enow ow wneed aauuth thoorr and n Ost stra rava ra va nat a ive ivve Kare Ka r l Re re R iss z, z r an anke k d am ke a onng th t e bigg biigg gges estt ev es even e tss at at thhe fiirs rst st year yeear ooff thhe Inte teernat rnnat a ionall Fiilm lm FFes estitvaal es Osstr trav avaa Kaame av mera raa Oko (Came meerraa Eye), whhiich was a heldd in Ostra sttrava ava v froom 29 Septe t mber er to 4 Oc Octo tober. to Duurirng thee ffes estitval Ostravaa was viisi s tedd bbyy a llarge numb mber e of fifilm l profeess ssiona n lss, in additititioon too thee family ly off Kare r l Reisz, the foundder of th thee Fr Freee Cinema movement and one of thee pas asse seenggers from m Sir Nicholas Winton’s tra r nsport.

Last but not least, we musst m meent n ioon th thee White Book o of Ostravaa Culturee. Itt iiss a book about ut a cityy that was bla th lack ack c for a long time m , thhen e wan anteed to be red, lloo re ooks greenn from abov oo ove, butt is, in fact c , muulticoloured. Ne Nearly thi h rty au a thors give a clear ar pictu ture of the cul u tu t ral history of the city of Ostra rava inn thee book. This i ggenerouslyy illlu l stra rated boook o , whic ich ic will be publisshe hed at the he end off Occ tober, forr ms m thee ba th basi s s of si of the h Int Int n er erne n t En ne E cy cycl clloppaedi aedi ae dia ia of of Cul ultu ture tu re i Osttrava. in raa Ostr Os tr ava, as pa part rt of th thee Moravi vian-Silesia i n Region gi o , wh which is is r ic ichh in traditionns an and cultuural life, iss def efin innitely a ho hott ca candidate in this contest. t.

By Jar arosslaav Paalass I Pres Pr esid iden entt of o the Mor oravia ian-Si Siile lesiian a Reg egion eg

Lead Le adder e s Ma M gazi gaazine ziine VI/ VI//20 2009 099

19.11.2009 17:22:50

OSTRAVA CHCE HOSTIT kulturní olympiádu v roce 2015!!!

Ostrava se rozhodla využít šance hostit ve měěstě „kulturní olympiádu“. Titul se neuděluje za měs ěsts t ké ska ts kanz nzen nz eny en ny a historické památkové rez rvvacce, ze e ale je je ud uděl ělov ěl oovván á za nové a originální prrojekk tyy, kt k er e é dokáážíí upo poout utat at nnej ejjen e lokál á ní, ale i evvro rops pské ps ké pub ubliliku k m, za proj ojekk ttyy, kt k eré erré př přin inessou in neje ne jeen mě m ssttu al a e i ce celému muu reeggioonu nu,, dl dlou ouho ou uho h do d bý b užžititek ek. Moora ek ravs v ko vs kosl s ezz skk ý re sl regi gion onn je mi mm moo hlaavn vníí měst mě ěst sto nejv neejvvět ětší š měs ší ě ts tsko ko aggloome kou ko mera rací ra cí Čes e ké rreeepubl pu b ikk y. bl y K raaj má v ýh ýhod o nou po od polo l huu na hr an lo anicci tří třř í s áttů, ttém st éměř ém ěř ve st s řeedu evr v oppsk s éhho pr pros o to os toru oru ru.

Je to re r gi gion o s rozviinuuto tou turirist ririst stikkou o . Naa jjeh ehoo úúzzem eh e í se nac se achá háázíí nap a řříí kl k add 220 20 kiiloome 200 m tr t ů cy cykl k os o teeze zek, k 5 go gol ovv ýcch hř golf hřiš iššť a 14 4 lyž yžař ž ař ařsk skk ýýcch st střeedi d se sek. k V mii nuloost nu s i byyl za zatít žen induust stririál ální ál níí his i tooririí,í, a to přředevš de vším vš í Ost ím stra r vy a K arvinska ra ka.. To se dn dnes e měn ě í.

Tran Tr ansf an sfor sf orma or maace O Ostravy jee ve v liko k u šanc n í neeje j n pr po měst mě stoo sa st samo motn mo tné, tn é, aale le i pro ccelý tent n o regionn. Tiitu tul Evro Ev rops ro pské ps ké hhla lavn la vníí měěst vn stoo ku kultltltur uryy 20 ur 2015 015 bbyy byyl pr p o ná náss dalším da ím v ýz ýzna n mn na mným ým kkro roke ro kem ke m v tr tran ansf an sfor sf orma or maci ma ci reg egio ionu io nu a jeho ho zat atra at rakttiv ra ivně nění ně ní ppro roo náv ávšt štěv št ěvní ěv níky ní ky z ccel eléé Ev el Evro ropy ro py.. py Moraavs v kosl slez sl e skk ý kraj aj je př přip ipraave ip venn po podí díle dí lett se le na v ytváře řeení n poz ozitititivníí městs oz tské ts ké kul ultu turníí kr tu kraj ajin aj iny, in y, v nníí ž vzni v zni vz niikn knouu ddom kn knou om min inan a ty an t y,, kt k ter kter eréé bu budo dou obec dou obec ob ecněě přř ijím přij jím máánny ja jako ko ssym ym mbo boll v př p ec echo hodu du jjeh eho metr eh troppol oe od industriální minulosst i k významnému reegionálnímu centru kuultury a inovací.

Titul má pozitivvní doppad a na ekonomiku a za-

městnanost. Do města, které titul po dobu jednoho roku hostí přivádí investory a turisty.

Zkušenost o přímém vlivu kultury na nastartování ekonomiky mají mnohá bývalá Evropská hlavní města kultury (Liverpool, Lille, Glasgow a další).

Výběrové řízení je dvoukolové a o vítězi rozhoduje k mise ko see sloože ž ná z 13 komisařů, z nichž 6 jmenuje Mini Mi n st ster erst er stvo st v kkul vo u tury a 7 evropské kulturní instit cee. Zd tu Zdaa Os O tr traava po posstoupí do druhého kola b dee zzná bu náámo na ko námo konc n i to t ho hoto t rok o u, a kkte teré z česte kýých měs ěstt bu bude dee Evropsk skk ým ým hlaavnním m měs měs ě tem kuulttur uryy 20 015 15 budde zn z ám mo naa kon o ci ci rok o u 2010 20 010 10.

Jižž sa Ji samootnné po p dá dání n přiř hlláš ní á ky k , kt kter e ou ttým er ý O ým Ost s raava st 2 155 poodd ved 20 e en ením ím m ffililmo mové mo vého vé h a tellev ho evizzní n ho proodu duuceent n a Čest Čeest stmí míra míra r a Kop o ecckkééhoo, oddev evzd zdal zd all nnaa koonc nc i nci říjn jna, a doppro rovo v di d laa řřad adda mi mimo m řá mo ř dnnýc ýchh kuulttur ur ních nííchh akcí ak cí.. Jako Jaakoo nap apříříř íkl k ad kl a Vý Výsttav avaa OS OSTR TRAV TR AVA? AV A? Neg egal aleerijnní pros prrossto t r pa p vi v loonu n A výssta t vi v št ště Čeern rnáá louk loouk uka, a,, kde d see v ýs ý ttaava ava kon o alla, a umo možn žnnill s pplo loch lo chou ch ou 240 0 0 m2 vůbe vů becc po be popr prr vé preezent prvé zeent ntov ovaat t akk mim moořř ád á nýý záb á ěr arr te tefa tefa fakt k tů neeod kt odmy mysl ysl slititi ellněě spjatt ýc ýchh s Os Ostr t av tr a ouu.

Nabí Na bídl bí dlaa špičkováá umě dl měle leckká dí le d la z insstitu tiituuci cion onál ální ál n ch ní i so souk ukro uk rom ro mých sbíreek i př p eh ehle led ed so souč oučas uččasné ného ého h v ýt ý vaarrnééhoo uumě ného mění mě n.

Urči č tě vel e mi m z aj a ím ímav avvé je avé je Le Lepo Lepo p re r loo Taj ajem emná em náá Ostrava.. Jsou pou ouze ddvě ou věě m města t a, o ktter e ýc ých ch byylaa vytvořenaa taková vá knniihaa – Prahaa a Osttraava va..

Tajemná Ostr trr av a a,, knniiha h Lucie Sei e feertov rttovvé jee t vo vo -

řená prostorovými obrázky a je plná pověstí, legend a historie. Odlehčenou formou vypráví příběh města a jeho okolí od pravěku až do současnosti.

Odhalení pamětní desky v podobě objektivu kamery, mezinárodně proslulému tvůrci a ostravskému rodákovi Karlu Reiszovi, patřilo k největším událostem prvního ročníku Mezinárodního filmového festivalu Ostrava Kamera Oko, jenž se konal v Ostravě od 25. 9. do 4. 10. Během festivalu Ostravu navštívila, kromě rodiny Karlaa Reiss ze z zakladatele hnutí Free Cinema a jednoho z pa passa sažérů sažé rů tra trans n po ns port rtuu Si S ra Nicolase Wintona, celá ř ad ce adaa fifilm lm movýc ý h pr ýc p ooffes esionálůů.

V nneepo p sl sled ední ed ední ní ř addě jee ttře řeebaa zmííni řeba nitt Bíl ílou ou kn ou k ihhu ostr os str t avvsk ské ku kult ltturr y. Je to kn ltur knih ihha o měěst iha stě, ě k te ě, teré réé byl y lo d ouuho dl h čerr néé, paak ch chtě tělo tě lo být ý r ud u é,, z v ýššky v yppad adáá zele ze leené né,, ve sku skuute tečn čnnossti t je aalle ppeeesttré r . Be Bezm zmál zm álaa ál třř ic icet et aaut utor ut orr ů v níí pooddáváá př p eh ehle ledn dnýý ob dn obra r az hi ra h st stor orr iee orie kulttur kult ku u y mě měst staa Ostr st Osstr t aavv y. Boh ohat atěě ililuus at ustr trov ovan ov aná knnihha, an ktter e á vy v yj yjde naa kkon o ci on c ř íjíjna na je záákl k addem int nter err neto erne t vé v Enncyykl klop oped op edd e ost edie stra ravs v ké vs ké kultu ultu ul t ry ry.

Ostr Os trrav avaa ja jako ko sou o čáást s Mor o avvsk skos ossleezs osle z ké kého hoo kkraajee s bo boha h týými ha m ttra radi ra dice di cemi emi m a kul ultu turn r ím ím živ ivot ottem m je urr či čitě tě žhav žh avv ým žeellíz í ke kem m v oh ohni ni tét é o so s uttěž ě e. e Jaaro rosl s avv Pal sl a aass I hejt he jtmaan Mo jt jtma Mora r vs vsko kosl ko slleezzsk slez s éhho kraj krrajee Theatre of Antonín Dvořák

S pp Su ppor o te or ters rs and Gen e er eral al Par artn tnner tner erss of Mor of orav avia av iania n-Si nSSiile lesi s an si a Reg egio ion: io n n:

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Unibon Grows Stronger OPENING ITS BRANCH IN PRAGUE UNIBON – spořitelní a úvěrní družstvo, which as a second among all credit unions in the Czech Republic became a competitor for banks in providing current account services with appropriate licenses issued by the Czech National Bank, continues its planned development. UNIBON entered the second half of 2009 with the balance amount of more than one milliard Czech crowns and is now only the fourth credit union exceeding this threshold. Based on these facts, Union for Providing Savings and Credits has strengthened its territorial coverage by establishing its already third branch in Prague, Senovážné Square, with the opening ceremony held on the 1st September. In the centre of their capital, people can now use all services offered by UNIBON in a pleasant environment. The branch is located in the close proximity to the back entrance of Slovanský dům passage, very clearly visible and also easily accessible for all drivers thanks to underground parking places. The opening ceremony was attended not only by UNIBON top management, but among the guests also by Tereza Maxová, whose fund has been cooperating with credit union already for a couple of years. In relation with financial market activities, UNIBON management continues to believe in potential further growth. Establishment of third branch within the territory of the Czech Republic is one of the steps leading to further consolidation of the union. Already in the next year, number of clients should exceed one thousand, existing product offer is going to be extended and another branch should be launched. This branch shall help to provide adequate competitive advantages of the union within home financial market.

From left: Radek Hradil, Member of the Board, Operational Director, Unibon, Mrs. Tereza Maxová and Ing. David Rusňák, Member of the Board, General Director, Unibon

From left: Ing. Jan Březina, Executive Director, Geofin a.s. and Ing. Bronislav Kohut, Head of Private Clients Department, Unibon

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Oldřich Burda, Moderator and Mrs. Tereza Maxová

From left: Radek Hradil, Member of the Board, Operations Manager, Unibon, Oldřich Burda, Moderator, Mrs. Tereza Maxová and Ing. David Rusňák, Member of the Board, General Director, Unibon

19.11.2009 17:26:46

moravian-silesian region

OSTRAVA – Boxing fans created a magnicifent atmosphere for the participants of the 38th Ostrava Grand Prix and were rewarded with thrilling duels and displays of the sport. This international tournament once again proved that the fans are still interested in boxing and thoroughly appreciate the performance of world-class boxers. This year’s tournament, which was supported by the City of Ostrava, was held between 15th and 17th October under the patronage of Vojtěch Mynář, Deputy Mayor of Ostrava City. The organizers (the Ostrava Boxing Club and the Czech Boxing Association) were delighted with the event. Despite the late withdrawal of the teams from Cuba, Turkey and Kuwait, the level of competition was excellent. The Russians dominated the ring, winning seven of the ten weight categories. Only Parlagi (Slovakia), Johnson (Scotland) and the reigning Czech champion, Zdeněk Chládek were able to defeat the Russian competitors. Chládek, at only 19 years, showed that his age is no obstacle to victory – evidenced by his world class ranking. He is a talent to watch in the future and we look forward to seeing him in the London Olympics in 2012 where he can build on the success of Rudolf Kraj in the Sydney Olympics.

Vojtěch Mynář, Deputy Mayor of Ostrava City took the championships under patronage

Russian Boxers Dominate the OSTRAVA GRAND PRIX

From left: Václav Planka, Secretary to Pavel Drobil, Šárka Froňková, Executive Head, Euro public CZ and Pavel Drobil, Leader of ODS in parliament elections for the Moravian-Silesian Region

Daneš Zátorský, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Geofin, a.s., President of the Czech Boxing Association

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Callum Johnson from Scotland in action

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Zdeněk Chládek as the only Czech won gold in the weight category up to 64 kg

19.11.2009 17:27:16

interview

Ms. Andrea Linhartovรก-Palรกnovรก President of the International Coach Federation Photo: Archive

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A talk with Andrea Linhartová-Palánová, new President Elect of Internationaal Coach Federation Andrea Palánová studied Business at the Faculty of Management, ESMA Barcelona. She also attended Praggue Private Business College, where she studied Economics, Management, Marketing and Applied Psychology. Previously she studied CVUTT, Faculty of Civil Engineering.

She has been elected new President Elect of International Coach Federation for the Czech Republic. She will taake the post from the current President Ms. Marta Anna Petrášová, who was the first PCC coach in the Czech Republic, at the beginning of the neext year. Ms. Andrea Palánová works as an HR consultant and coach. Previously she was running her company IT Global Source, worked for companies like Vodafone, Big Bridge Productions and Sun Microsystems where she was in the management roles in HR and Marketing. At present she is Head of HR Consultancy at Sauter Consulting Group. She is a member off Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Czech Republic.

You are President Elect of the ICF. What is the ICF and what is its role?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is an international non-profit professional organization that gathers professional coaches. Currently ICF has more than 16,000 members in 90 countries worldwide. It provides independent information about coaching and stands on four values – top knowledge, cooperation, integrity, and respect. The ICF’s ambition is to make coaching an integral part of business society, and have members of the ICF represent the highest quality in coaching. The reason for the existence of such an international non-profit organization is to build, support and protect the integrity of coaching as a profession through programs and standards of individual membership.

What is the substance of good coaching?

You know often I come across misleading ideas of what coaching actually is. Coaching is a cross-disciplinary touching on psychology, management skills, and has got systematic resources. It is a synthesis of elements of training, personal development, communication, and self-studying. All this together makes coaching. It is much about a partnership with the client in the creative process of self-development. A coach focuses on what the client needs the most, and works a little bit as a sport coach. However, the role is more complex.

A coach supports the client in their work as well as in their personal life, and helps them to make the most of their resources and potentials. The aim of coaching is to make the client’s work easier, help them with solving complicated situations, and fuel their success through discovering real motivations, and setting up an effective path to achieve the desired aims. This interdisciplinary nature of coaching means that a coach has to have a wider expertise than a psychologist. They have to know how adults learn new things, or how companies work and develop. Coaching teaches people to find their own way based on what they want themselves. They learn to discover resources in themselves.

Has coaching found its ground in the Czech Republic?

In general, coaching is being received positively here. Currently, it is entering the phase of “adulthood” and is gradually securing its ground in the Czech Republic.

Is it more international companies that seek coaching, or have Czech businesses discovered it already too?

Concerning the clients and companies that seek coaches for their professional or personal development, they are mostly international companies. In the Czech Republic, coaching is used mainly by big corporations, banks, telecommunication companies,

pharmaceutical firms, IT and the automotive industry.

Czech businesses that try it out often realize that coaching is an effective method of supporting the development of individuals, and consequently it improves entire companies.

For what managerial level does it pay off to hire a coach?

Generally speaking, it helps all levels of managers who are willing to work on their personal development, who are seeking to get better results faster and more effectively, and who want to get their professional and personal life into a better work-life balance. There can be numerous reasons for someone to seek a coach, and it is up to the individual to choose a coach that would suit them best – for instance a life coach or a business coach.

Who is the typical client seeking coaching?

Based on statistics, in the Czech Republic coaching is sought mostly by managers who lead teams of people and who are under strong pressure coming from their organizations. Or they are managers who have had experience with coaching before.

Is there a difference in coaching a Czech manager to coaching a foreigner manager?

I coach both Czech and foreign clients. Foreigners are more open. They usually have had previous experience with coaching and they know what they can expect. They naturally accept coaching as a tool that helps them to achieve their goals and not simply as something trendy. Foreign managers know why they go for coaching and not for traditional training. They also know how to choose a coach.

On the contrary, the Czech clients are more suspicious. First of all they look for information and learn how to choose a coach. I would recommend that everyone check what training the coach has been through, whether they are accredited, and what their experience is. Also important is whether the coach signed some ethical code and holds certification from a professional organization.

What is the sense and benefit of organizing coaches in a professional organization?

It is important. Coaches should obtain a membership in an organization such as the International Coach Federation (ICF), which teaches high standards of professionalism and follows an ethical code Internationally recognized certifications are included in coach databases, and coaches can benefit from international networks that exchange experience and new ideas.

They have access to information and surveys, and participation at conferences.

In relation to the clients, the ICF is a partner to many companies and clients. Our ambition is to make it easier for them to find the right coach. We tell them

what a professionnal coach should know, how they should behave, andd in case of any unethical behaviour, we have an internnational organization to deal with that. Internationallly accepted standards of competence, self-presentation, and knowledge of our business should be a good guarantee of the professionalism of our members.

Can you see any hurdles for further development of coaching in the Czech Republic?

Coaching has stt arted to expand rather quickly, and as it is a relativelyy new thing it brings certain pains.

Many people switcched to coaching from other professions just by printting out new business cards. Companies do not havee enough information and experience in implementing coaching, and so they don’t always know whom to turn to, and under what conditions.

So the role of a proofessional organization is important for providing clientt s with information about coaching standards, and teaaching them how to use the methods as beneficially as possibly.

On our part wee maintain the quality of coaches through an accreeditation process, which provides a specific educatiion for coaches based on international standards. Consequently we explain this to the clients and compaanies so that they understand the different levels of certifications.

Your other activity is working for NMWA. What is it about?

NMWA is a civic organization - Friends of the National Museum of Womenn in the Arts, Czech Republic. It is the Czech centre for the enhancement, support, and popularization of women artists. Its existence builds on the activities of the National Museum of Women in the Arts based in Washingtton, D.C., to which the legacy of the NMWA refers to. Our aim is to support and organize activities fulfilling the vision of the NMWA. Foremost it means to support the creative work of Czech women artists and womenn artists living in the Czech Republic, and to help to make their work more visible. We also want to stimulate interest in the artworks of Czech women here and abroad, by organizing exhibitions, theme based workkshops and lectures etc.

What were some of your recent activities?

At the beginningg of November we organized a charity auction for the worr ks of blind sculptors in cooperation with Mathilda Sdruuzeni. The proceeds from the auction will be used to traiin guide dogs, as well as to support young blind artistss. More information about our activities is on our web page at www.nmwa.cz.

By Filip Hubáček ■ český překklad naleznete v elektronické verzi maggazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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19.11.2009 20:04:11

An interview with Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General all of of EUROCHAMBERS EUROC

EUROPE FUTURE SHOULD BE ONE IN GROWTH – GROWTH IN SKILLS, GROWTH IN SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH IN MARKETS Dear Arnaldo, last month [October] was quite exciting for the European Chamber network. Can you describe to our readers your key events in October?

Indeed October has been a veery busy mon month for the European Chamber networkk and as you yo rightly say, an exciting one. On 144 October, exactly exa one year after the first edition dition of the “Europea “Eur ean Parliament of Enterprises”, we organised orga another event in the Parliament, “Chambers amb Meet MEPs”.

This initiative comprised of a debate between four hundred national Chamber representatives and four members of the largest parties in the European Parliament. On the agenda, several business-related topics – ranging from the internal market to innovation; from education to energy efficiency – which allowed allow participants to reflect on the priorities of the European Parliament for the new legislat legislative term. The debate was directlyy followed by a networking n reception in the same ame venue, where Chambers Ch presented MEPs with theirr ideas idea and initiatives, as well as with some local cal food and beverage specialities. Overall, the h event proved very successful and contributed to the good work relation between Chambers and the new European Parliament.

The following day, 15 October, marked m the elec el ectition on of of EU EURO ROCH CHAM AMB B BERS‘ new ew w Pr Pres esid iden ency cy.

Alessandro Barberis, ris, President of o the Turin Chamber of Commerce, merce, was unanimously unanimou elected President. He will beginn his mandate on 1 January 2010, taking over ver from the Frenchman Pierre Simon. It is hopedd that the new presidency will build on President Simon’s many successes ses most notably continuing to meet the priorities orities laid out in the Chambers‘ Manifesto.

Also in October, the “European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC)” in India celebrated its first anniversary. The EBTC marks an important step in internationalising EUROCHAMBERS’ operations. Enhancing EU-India cooperation will lead to exciting opportunities for European companies in the future, and EBTC aims to support their activities particularly in the fields of energy, environment, transport and biotechnology.

Last but not least, in October EUROCHAMBERS was awarded by the European Commission the coordination of the second phase of the programme “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs”.

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This was very good news for us, since we are already d actitingg as Supportt Of Offifice ffor tthhe ffiir stt phhase of the programme! With Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, new European entrepreneurs will be able to spend up to six months working with

an experienced entrepreneur in another EU counttry to llearn hhow tto bett tter manage g andd grow their own business. The programme was only launched in February this year, but preliminary reactions from participating entrepreneurs is

Source: www.francedubois.eu

Amsterdam Athinai Berlin Bratislava Bruxelles Bucureşti Budapest Dublin Helsingfors Kobenhavn Lefkosia Lisboa Ljubljana London Luxembourg Madrid Paris Praha Rïga Roma Sofia Stockholm Tallinn Valletta Vilnius Warszawa Wien

19.11.2009 16:55:17

extremely positive and with a little luck the programme will spur a future wave of innovative European entrepreneurs!

You have mentioned the debate with the European Parliament, what do the businesses expect from the new MEPs? In a nutshell, Chambers expect to receive a clear signal from the European Parliament that it means business for the new legislative term.

Chambers look to the EU institutions to put in place priorities, structures, procedures and resources that are fit for the purpose of pursuing a forward looking and innovative agenda for sust su stai aina nabl blee gr grow owth th. In par partiticu cula larr, we we ha have ve ide idenntified four priority areas that should be addressed in the new political term.

The first one concerns markets, rkets, both within w and outside the EU. The ability ity to identify ident and capitalise on market opportunities rtunities is fundamenfu tal to business growth, th, and the economic crisis should h ld galva l nise i polilicy makkers k rs in i this thi his pursuiit, rather than distracting them. m. EEUROCHAMBERS demands a concerted effort rt by policy makers to put in place a legislative and operational framework that enables businesses to provide services freely across the EU, as well as a commitment for a stronger European presence on the global market place.

Secondly, the EU should provide pro small and medium enterprises ses (SMEs) with favourable framework conditions tions that reflect their role as the principal al source of employment, emp innovation and growth. owth. We need to simplify business start-up and transfer ansfe procedures, and practical measures to address add the increasingly acute difficulties encountered c

by SMEs, especially start-ups, in accessing credit and other forms of finance.

The question of skills is also crucial. Currently, C 21 million people in thee EU are un unemployed.

Para Pa rado doxi xica callllyy, mea meanw nwhi hile lee, employe yer erss ar aree un unab able le to fill 4 million vacancies ncies and Europeans Europ remain reluctant to become come entrepreneurs. These T alarming figures highlight the ccontinued skills mismatch often cited by Chambers, ham m as well as policy makers’ persistent inclination c to secure jobs, rather than create employment. The Parliament ent must strive to improve the mobility of Europe’s rope’s youth and workforce, and take into account the needs of SMEs as a basis for the provision of demand-driven vocational training.

Finally, the Chamber network calls for an international climate change agreement that effectively engages the world’s major emissions producers, while not impairing European competitiveness.

The forthcoming review of the EU Budget will be a test of how seriously the EU institutions are taking the business community’s concerns.

EUROCHAMBERS is leading many projects, one of them – the European Business and Technology Centre in Delhi – seems very

-

challenging. Why did you decide to leave the European borders?

Every year, nearly one million companies es in Europe are assisted by their Chambers too ‘go international’ tional’ and India Ind is a country with boundless potential otential in this th respect. India is an increasingly important im rtant ttrade partner for EU businesses, due to its large ppopulation and growth rate of between 8 and 10% 10%. Yet, the World Bank “Doing Business ness 2010” report ranked India 120 out of 183 co countries in terms of how easy it is to do business there. There is definitely a role which EUROCHAMBERS can play in making it that little bitt ea bi easi sier er for for com compa pani nies es to to ac acce cess ss the the Ind India iann market. The EBTC can help to overcome the significant obstacles which remain for European companies attempting to conduct business in India. Its mission is to improve access to the Indian Market for European companies and researchers, especially in relation to clean technol h logies. i The resullt shhould Th ld be enhan h cing i EU-India relations and stimulate innovative research to further the global response to climate change.

The Czech Chamber of Commerce is one of your members. How is the cooperation with “new comers” to the EU? It is important to note that the Czech Chamber of Commerce is not a newcomer to the EUROCHAMBERS family. While the Czech Republic has joined the EU in 2004, it has been an active member of EUROCHAMBERS already since 1994.

You know, at EUROCHAMBERS we tend to be ten years ahead in the accession process!

The close ties that we have with the Czech Chamber could be seen, for example, on the occasion of the 16th EUROCHAMBERS Congress in Prague in May of this year. Also, throughout the Czech Presidency of the EU, the Czech Chamber was invaluable in terms of the assistance it prov pr ovid ided ed.

EUROCHAMBERS has also cooperated er well with the Czech Business Representation ation to the EU (CEBRE). I and senior colleagues es have me met with th CEBRE CE RE on a number of occasio asions over the t past yea ear to discuss a range ge of issues including the Sma mall Business Act, green transport ansport initia initiatives ves and responding re to the financial ial ccrisis.

That is not to say that we agree on o everything.

EUROCHAMBERS hopes that the Czech Chamber will continue to integrate into the big EU family, where individual desires, hopes and wishes are discussed and transformed into collective dreams.

Are there any special measures the Chamber network is taking to help the businesses to come out of the crisis?

The economic crisis has been both harsh and, for some aspects, unexpected. How can Chambers help their member businesses face such a difficult scenario? In my view, there are three ways of doing it.

First of all, access to finance.

Fir Fi nce. nc e Companies are struggling with restrained acc access to finance on one side and cash flow problems on the other, often caused by late payments form public and private organisations. The latter problem could be partly solved if the European Parliament and the Council will adopt the recast Late Payment directive recently tabled by the Commission as early as possible in the coming months.

Chambers carry out constant lobbying on local, national and European institutions for the issue of restoring access to finance for SMEs to be on the top of their agenda.

Seco Se cond ndly ly, bu busi sine ness sses es mus mustt be sup suppo port rted ed in in grasping the opportunities offered by new markets. Chambers must strengthen their mutual cooperation so that businesses can rely on a vast and solid network when carrying out international activities. This is already happening with the “Global Chamber Platform” and the “European Ch “E Chambbers Ab Abroad” d”, networkks thhat count Chamber members all around the globe.

Thirdly, vocational training. Workers should be able to benefit from lifelong learning and reskilling support to make sure that they are able to adapt to change. Chambers have a massivee experience in this respect! Every year, 2.7 7 million people in Europe are trained in the over 1,000 training centres managed by Chambers.

Chambers must continue sharing their experence in this field and enhance the provision of training and education services to their members.

Arnaldo, EUROCHAMBERS is a supporter of the Lisbon treaty. Czech businesses are confused. Why is the ratification positive for them?

The crucial thing about bout the Lis Lisbon Treaty is that it will allow decisions cisions to be tak taken much more rapidly than they hey are now. For exam example, decisions which now require unanimity, nani would only require majo ma joririty ty ifif th thee Li Lisb sbon boon TTre reat atyy is rrat atififie iedd. Thi T hiss means a lot for businesses, who expect the EU to react quickly and provide them with immediate solutions to the challenges they face.

Ireland’s ratification of the Treaty at the beginning of October was very encouraging; the Czech Republic should hopefully come to the same conclusion as the rest of Europe’s governments to enable the process of reform to begin in earnest. The judgment of the Czech Constitutional Court is vital, not just for the future of Czech citizens but also that of their European neighbours.

EUROCHAMBERS is looking at a larger, long term picture when it advocates the Czech Republic’s ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. Europe’s future should be one of growth. Growth in skills, growth in sustainability and growth in markets. The Lisbon Treaty provides a strong footing from which these issues can be addressed.

By Alena Vlačihová I CEBRE

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EU matters

From left: Giles Chichester, British MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR), Alessandro Abruzzini, President of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Torino and Mrs. Edit Herzog, Hungarian MEP, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP (S&D)

CHAMBERS MEET MEPS EUROCHAMBERS EVENT: Debate and Reception with Members of the European Parliament

From left: Laszlo Parragh, President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pierre Cramegna, Director General of the Chamber of Commerce of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Participants of “Chambers meet MEPs” event From left: Pierre Simon, President of the EUROCHAMBERS, Petr Kužel, President of Czech Chamber of Commerce

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From left: Pierre Simon, President of the EUROCHAMBERS, Mrs. Edit Herzog, Hungarian MEP, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP (S&D), Gunnar Hökmark, Swedish Member of the European Parliament, EPP party (European People´s Party) and Philippe Lamberts, Belgian MEP, Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA)

19.11.2009 16:57:49

From left: Mrs. Eirini Konstantinidou, Head of the Hellenic CCI representative office in Brussels and Georgios Kassimatis, President of the Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Representatives from Serbian Chamber with Paul Rubig, Austrian MEP (in the middle) and Wim Martens from DIHK (on the left)

Alessandro Barberis, President of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Torino

From left: Oren Shachor, Vice President of the Federation of Isreali CCI and Urie l Lynn, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce

Petr Kužel, President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce and Mrs. Alena Vlačihová, Deputy Director of CEBRE

Participants of “Chambers meet MEPs” event

14 October 2009 – European Parliament, Brussels EUROCHAMBERS, Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, represents over 19 million enterprises in Europe – 96% of which are SMEs – through members in 45 countries and a European network of 2000 regional and local Chambers.

Chambers meet MEPs: European chamber representatives discussed with MEPs their priorities for next 5 years and aimed to evaluate business credentials of MEPs. More information on “Chambers Meet MEPs” is available on www.eurochambers.eu/content/default.asp?Pageid=266 101 Source: www.francedubois.eu

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PUBLIC FINANCE: 13 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE CZECH REPUBLIC, LABELED HIGH RISK

EU AIRPORTS TO END BAN ON LIQUIDS IN CARRY-ONS AND TO INTRODUCE NEW SCREENING TECHNOLOGY

The European Commission has as included inc the Czech Republic among the group of countries ount it considers to be at high risk in terms of thee lo long-term sustainability of their public finances. The Czechs have been part of this group of countries since 2006. Other member countries are currently Slovakia, Ireland, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Romania, Greece, Slovenia, Spain and Great Britain.

Unless the Czechs adopt the necessary reforms, the Commission claims that the country’s count accumulated budget deficit couldd grow to as much as 487 % of GDP – i.e. nearly five ve times its aannual gross domestic product – by 2060 060 (note: ote: this is of course hypothetical since even with a significan significantly lower level of total debt, the country untry would be unable unab to borrow money andd it w an wou ould ld hhav avee too ddec ecla lare re bban ankr krup uptc tcy) y). “R Res esol olvi ving ng this problem will req require the implementation of ambitious programs tto consolidate and cut its debt and deficit in coming years and will require major reforms to the existing social system,” stated the Commission, which has been particularlyy crit critical of the lack of any pension system reforms.. Due to the hee aaging g of the Czech population, the countr try’ss pension system will become an increasingly greater burden b on the economy. “Based on this year’s project projections, the longterm impact of the he aging of the population popula on the country’s budget is above the average av for other countries in the EU,” the Commission issi warned. Although the Czech Republic’s total government ov debt is presently not that high (37.9 % of GDP), without effective action, this number can be expected to grow to 66 % of GDP by 2020 – which would be a level above that required equired for conversion over to the euro currency, based on the Maastricht criteria.

The ban on liquids in carryon luggage could disappear in the EU – or at least, at its major airports – by 2012. “We are very resolved to get rid of these very awkward and uncomfortable screening operations,” said the EU’s Commissioner for Transport, Antonio Tajani. The removal of the ban will however require the installation of new screening equipment, which will track the liquids passengers are bringing on board. Based on the European Commission proposal, all airports with traffic counts in excess of 10 million passengers annually will have to install these new screening devices within the provided time frame.

Smaller airports are to be given additional two years to install the new devices. The carrying of liquids on board has been heavily controlled since 2006, when Brititis Br ishh au auth thor orititie iess un unco cove vere redd an IIsl slam amic ic tter erro roririst st pplo lott involving an attempt to bomb multiple US-bound aircraft using liquid explosives. Currently, the ban on carrying liquids is set to expire in April 2010; but, the newly proposed plan will effectively extend this ban by another two years. The Commission wants to use this arrangement to gain time for the installation of the new screening system, which is, according to Brussels, “close to being deployment at our airports”.

Under the current system, any containers ne holding more than 100 ml of liquid are bannedd from being carried on bo carrie board an aircraft. Any containers ntainers with liquids quids that are a carried on board must also be placed plac into a sea sealable plastic bag, whichh cannot hold more mo than onne liter. The restrictionn doesn’t apply to just liquids, but bu also to aerosol and gel type products.

Britain, ritain, which whic was the country that pushed push through the current ban, has already announced th ed its opposition to the Commission’s proposals.

New Challenge for Depressed Times Potential problems, which might be encountered as far away as in 2060, will likely not attract much attention in the currently precarious economic environment. But ironically, the current economic cris cr isis is wit withh ititss as asso soci ciat ated ed ffal all-l of offf in gov gover ernm nmen entt income could be exactly the right time to make a strong argument for changes to be made in an area, which no Czech government has openly dared to touch in the past; and, it will be a painful process, which will likely take a toll on one of the more vulnerable parts of society at a time of crisis.

An Extension of an Unnecessary Restriction Not even the British courts were able to prove that the alleged Islamic terrorists were actually planning a dozen terrorist attacks involving aircraft and liquid explosives. Notwithstanding, as a result of an ill-conceived effort byy British authorities,, tens of millions of air passengers within the EU have had to put up with these unnecessary measures over the last three years. The Commission’s recent proposal will just end up extending this useless restriction. It had been set to expire in September, after the courts ruled that none of the accused individuals could be proven to have conspired in a plot targeting aircraft.

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EU AIMS TO PROTECT THE HEARING OF YOUNG EUROPEANS The European Commission plans to restrict the maximum volume of music players to 80 decibels.

According to the Commission, people should be warned about the possible health hazards of listening to loud music. The objective of this measure is to protect peoplle’’s hhearing i – iin partiicular, l the h heariing off young people who are the most frequent users of portable music players. About one hundred million EU citizens ns use these devices on a daily basis. According too the th Commission, five to ten percent of these individuals run the risk of potentially losing their hearing. This primarily applies to those who listen to very loud music for more than an hour a day. “People, especially the young ones, need to know about these risks,” said Meglena Kuneva, the EU’s Consumer Protection Commissioner. She is trying to convey a message to y ungg pe yo p opple to turn down the volume on their music players if they are planning ng to listen to music, m say in forty years. At a volume of 80 decibels, decibels music can be listened to for up to 40 0 hours a week w without any harmful effects. In comparison, omparison, if the th volume is turned up by just 9 decibels, cibels, the safe listening time is just five hours a week. The regulation, ulation, which KKuneva is trying to push through, is expected pect to apply to all portable audio devices. This would wo include not only MP3 players, but also mobile i phones. The reduced volume regulation will be imposed on manufacturers under a standard issued by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC).

A Last Hurrah?

The proposed volume reduction regulation for audio devices may become the last majorr accomplishment of the Bulgarian Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva. Her brief two-year appointment to the European Commission has shown that even a politician from a new member state can transform a relatively insignificant area into an important political arena.

This is because the EU has never devoted as much attention to consumer protection, as it has during Kuneva’s time in office.

europlatform

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19.11.2009 17:05:01

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IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

FACTS OF LIFE OR POLITICAL FICTION

Vincent J. Derudder (61) is French and a lawyer by training; he was elected Secretary General of FECIF in 1999. He is also the CEO of one of the largest pan European distribution network operating out of Luxembourg and one of the independent expert appointed by the European Commission for the revision of the EU Savings Directive.

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There is always ys a huge gap between the true facts of life and what politicians would like us to believe.

Today, if listening to them, it is all about macro economics first; no more funny ny dreams, no more m fairy tales, no more promises, justt solid long term prospective, no more short term speculatio eculation...

A Convenient Hypocrisy on Tax Havens A state lie – we heard ard so much about the t tax havens responsible for the crisis, etc. War wa was declared at Luxembourg, Austria, a, Be Belgium, Monaco and Ando An dorr rraa. TThe he aarm rmie iess of FFel eeldM dMar arsh shal alll Sa Sark rkoz ozyy an andd Leutnant General Markel were w ready for the supreme combat...

However, some of the best instruments with which to hide money are provided by G20 members themselves, especially the United States and the United Kingdom.

In the US, for instance, assets can be held anonymously. The simplest way to do this is to form a ’shell corporation’ in a state such as Delaware, Montana, Nevada or Wyoming, whose procedures mean that the beneficial owner of the company may remain unknown, even to the authorities.

The EU Savings Directive No connection between the two except that when people hear too often about taxation harmonisation, they start to worry...

As if the financial services community did not have problems enough dealing with the global

downturn, the European Commission (EC) proposed an extension of its anti-tax evasion initiative, the EU Savings Directive (EUSD).

It appears to have triggered debate across the whole industry from insurers through to providers of structured products, trusts and investment funds.

There does not seem to be anybody calculating how it is calculating how much it is goingg to cost the insurance companies and fund managers ers to put all alll the he systems in i place to collect the tax ax compared compare withh hho how o muc uchh th thee ta taxx ititse selflf w wou ould ld act actu be wor actually orr th th.

The EU Member States better ter be careful, that they do not use us a sledgehammer to crack a nut in all off this. s. The whole w debate can get quitee em emotive and, equally, when markets are having a difficult time eq it is not good time to confuse people.

In order to facilitate the taxation of savings, both the EC and the larger EU Member States are in favour of an automatic exchange of information between the country where the investor has invested his assets and his country of residence.

In much of the debate surrounding the recent G20 Summit it has been assumed, almost without discussion, that automatic exchange of information represents best practice. What is the reason for this apparent attractiveness of an automatic exchange of information system?

Once received by a revenue authority the data requires a great deal of processing, alignment,

matching and calculation to work out what, if any, tax might be due.

The system is neither streamlined nor efficient.

It is quite different in scale from the OECD model and it iiss no nott au auto toma matiticc. In ffac actt, uusi sing ng a w witithh hhol oldi ding ng ttax ax iiss a more automatic way of ensuring that tax gets paid.

A domestic saving market, by comparison, is quite large and a withholding tax is obviously a much more efficient way of collecting tax arising. Given the development of cross-border banking markets, it would now make sense to use withholding tax approaches here too, in the cross border market. But fiscal authorities seem to be stuck in a time warp.

It shall be regarded as having been made directly to, or secured for the immediate benefit of, any individual who is legally entitled to the assets producing such interest payment or other assets representing such interest payment.

According to the Presidency compromise proposall the EUSD should notably cover any income paid, or credited to an account, relating to securities of any kind where the conditions of a return of capital defined at the issuing date guarantee that the investor, at the end of the term, at least 95% of the capital invested.

The industry (insurers, bankers, fund managers and financial intermediaries) iss among the most mo forthright critics of the EUSD proposals, sals, believing that long term savings should be excluded ed altog altogether. get eth The end result is that the industry indus ustr try will struggle with additional reporting orting requirements r quirements causing cau additional extra costs to the consumer. umer.

In addition, implementing enti the extension may outweigh any of its benefits. its There is always a huge gap between the true facts of life and what politicians would like us to believe.

EU Investigation It sou sound ndss lilike ke a jok jokee, but but app appar aren entltlyy th this is is is tr true ue:: supermarkets in the EU face an investigation into dairy prices. In a new report the EC expresses concern that, while prices for dairy have fallen, the drop in price is not being passed to consumers.

Over the past year the price of skimmed milk powder was down 49%, cheese 18%, and milk 31%, yet consumers have only seen a 2% drop. The distribution of value-added between farmers, milk processing factories, the dairy industry and retailers is in jeopardy.

EU does not benefit from its 450m internal market lilikke CChi hina or Indi dia. G Guess whhy??

There is always a huge gap between the true facts of life and what politicians would like us to believe.

By Vincent J. Derudder I Secretary General, Fédération Européenne des Conseils et Intermédiaires Financiers Brussels

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EU matters conference

The Annual International Conference of the European Values Association under the auspices of the Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Štefan Füle, took place on 5th and 6th November 2009 in Prague’s Lichtenštejnský palác. Under the title “The West in the 21st Century: Doomed to Marginalisation? – Why and How to Strengthen the Transatlantic Partnership” the conference discussed cooperation between the EU and the US in economy and trade as well as in the field of security and defence. The conference was organized in cooperation with the European Parliament, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, European Movement in the Czech Republic, Embassy of the French Republic in Prague, Mladá fronta Dnes, E15 and the LEADERS MAGAZINE. European Values is a non-governmental, non-profit, pro-European think-tank which, trough education and research activities, works for the development of civil society and a healthy market environment.

From left: Mrs. Jane Gilson, General Manager, Microsoft Czech Republic and Jeffrey Gedmin, President, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

ANNUAL CONFERENCE of the European Values Association

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Conference hall

19.11.2009 17:06:08

Evžen Kočenda, Professor of Economics, Charles University, Prague

Tomislav Delinic, Project Manager, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Prague

From left: Jiří Schneider, Programme Director, Prague Security Studies Institute and Jiři Šedivý, NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Defence Policy and Planning

Alexandr Vondra, Senator, former Czech Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs

Jiři Šedivý, NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Defence Policy and Planning

Mrs. Jane Gilson, General Manager, Microsoft Czech Republic, Weston Stacey, Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce, Czech Republic and Erik Best, Publisher, Fleet Sheet/E.S. Best s.r.o.

From left: Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs and Czech nominee for EU Commissioner, Radko Hokovský, Executive Director, European Values Association, Philippe Nemo, Professor at the ESCP-EAP European School of Management, Paris and Tomislav Delinic, Project Manager, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Prague

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19.11.2009 17:14:40

From left: Jeffrey Gedmin, President, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs and Czech nominee for EU Commissioner

From left: Jaroslav Šedivý, former Minister of Foreign Affairs (father) and Jiři Šedivý, NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Defence Policy and Planning (son)

Philippe Nemo, Professor at the ESCP-EAP European School of Management, Paris

From left: Weston Stacey, Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce, Czech Republic and Erik Best, Publisher, Fleet Sheet/E.S. Best s.r.o.

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ANNUAL CONFERENCE...

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From left: Jeffrey Gedmin, President, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Štefan Füle, Minister for European Affairs and Czech nominee for EU Commissioner, Radko Hokovský, Executive Director, European Values Association, Philippe Nemo, Professor at the ESCP-EAP European School of Management, Paris and Tomislav Delinic, Project Manager, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Prague

19.11.2009 17:15:31

BUSINESS NEWS N

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DO YOU KNOW THAT… …there are still many barriers to e-commerce in the EU? Out of 11 000 tested cross-border sales online, 61% would have failed either because traders would refuse to serve the consumer´s country or for other technical reasons (customers could not register on the seller webpage, vendors refused to send the goods d to oth ther country t or di didd nott ensure tthhe mode d off payment convenient for the shopper). Cross-border e-commerce stands only by 7% % in the EU. U. Most M important barriers are fragmentation tation of consumer con protection rules and other rules es on VAT, recycling fees and levies. …Commission proceeds in cutting red tape?

European Commission presented esent a progress report regarding EU actionn plan p for reducing administrative burden in the EU. U. In 2007 Commission set the targget to reduce administrative costs at EU level by 25% by 2012. Reduction measures put in place by the Commission and already adopted could save up to € 7.6 bn. In total the measures already proposed by the Commission and under preparation would enable businesses busi to save around € 40.4 bn. Member Me ber States State add extra 32 % of administrative burden when whe hen requiring more obligations than the EU regula regulation itself during the implementation tion process of EEuropean legislation. …EU agrees aviation and shipping targets?

In October, EU transport trans ministers set up reduction targets for other er two sectors left out of Kjoto Protocol, aviation io and shipping. EU will pursue global targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 10% by 2020 and by 20% from shipping in comparison to the 2005 levels. level Global levy on shipping and airline rline fuel could co raise € 7–€ 12 billion per year and nd be an important imp source of money to help developing oping countries coun adapt to climate change. …SEPA takes delays?

On 2 November 2009 the changeover to single p ym pa y ents across the EU should sho h have started. Some Member States did not manage m to comply with this deadline. Therefore the EU has to wait at least another two years. The changeover should allow ow tthe direct cashing from any EU account and validity of new credit cards in all EU countries. Only a half of 4 500 banks would be able to provide the system of direct cashing at this moment. …how effective is European and Czech lobbing?

Burson Marsteller published its fourth survey with focus on lobbying in the EU. European policy elites evaluated how transparent and credible are Lobb Lo bbyi yist stss in sel selec ecte tedd 15 EU EU co coun untr trie iess, inc inclu ludi ding ng Czech Republic, focusing on both, the EU and national level. Lack of transparency and biased information were cited as the most frequent weak point of lobbyists, namely in Poland, Netherlands and Nordic countries. The most transparent lobbying groups, according to the policy elits, are trade unions, companies and entrepreneurs associa-

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tions, s, far far ahead of NGOs. Three quarters of Czech respondents respon onde d nt ntss say s y lobbyists provide biased inforsa mation on and NGOs conduct coo too much emotion-based campaigns. paign …users of chemicals have only few weeks to register?

European Commission alerted chemical users at the end of October that there are only two months left ft ffor notif t if yiingg tto theiri importers t the use off tthheiir th substances. Registration must be done no later than 30 November 2009 for chemicals to be registered before 1 December 2010. Rules of registration are specified in the List of Facts of European Chemicals Agency. …there is reversal over rules on working times for lorry drivers?

European parliamentarians have changed their position towards the rules regarding working times for lorry drivers when they rejected the report. In May, majority of MEPs agreed that all drivers, employed or self-employed, should come under the same rules to protect them and other road users from the health and road safety hazards created by excessive working hours. Proposal aimed to increase security in the transportation field and avoid the accidents. At the beginning of December MEPs will negotiate with stakeholders and try to submit a new report during plenary next April.

LET´S TALK NUMBERS …Industrial orders slowly increasing – CZ on the top In August, industrial orders in euro-zone increased by 2% compared with July (decreased by 23.1% annually). Total of industrial orders are increasing since May and analysts agree it represents a tip-off on economic recovery. The Czech Republic is one of the countries whose orders are rising very quickly. In August the orders rose by 3.23%. Only nl Slovakia recorded faster growth. Bad results were ere rec recorded d d de in Nordic and Baltic states. …€ 500 bn for transport infrastructure Europe pean Commission announced ounced to allocate alloca € 500 bbn for innovation in transport ransport infrastructure.

Grants sho should be distributed via TEN-T EN-T (European Transport ransport Network) financing constructions nst of missing transport network. Financial ia support will also be used to shift defects hampering the transport of goods and people among Member States. …Busses sales increase by 17% In the light of economic crisis, bus producers witness slight increase in sales by 17% in the EU-27.

Situation is the most dramatic in Central and Eastern Europe p . The worst decrease byy 87% has been recorded in Rumania. Czech and Polish markets witnessed decrease by 40%. Increase has been recorded only in Croatia (by 50%). …Only slight optimism among SMEs for 2010 European Association of crafts, small and medium-sized enterprises – UEAPME released its survey on economic confidence responded by

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25 000 SMEs. More than 40% SMEs expect negative future as they are already witnessing decrease in investment and employment rate. Survey shows a slight increase in optimism compared with the first half of this year.

EU IN THE WORLD …EU and South Korea made a new deal Mid-October EU Commissioner Catherine Asthon andd Ki Kim Jong H Hoon, S Sou thh-Korean K Minister i ffor Trade signed a Free Trade Agreement which will bring new trade opportunities worth € 19 bn. All custom duties between the EU and South Korea should be abolished and markets of both services and investment should be open. The agreement is to be adopted by the European Parliament and it could come into force in summer 2010. …Import duties from China and Vietnam on shoes still remain Europe p an Commission pl p ans to keepp the duties on shoes imported from China and Vietnam for the next 15 months. It fears from overflow of cheap shoes from Asia. Three years ago it avoided the overflow by customs duties for which the Commission i was extremely criticised by producers. According to producers, prices rose by one tenth in last 3 years. Commission says 5 years are not enough, the duties must go on. Final decision will be taken 20 November 2009. …EU and US unemployment quite similar EU unemployment rate reached 9.2% in September 2009 (9.7% in eurozone) rozon compared compa to 9.8% in the US. Unemploymentt rate is slowly but gradually growing in the Czech Republic, c, iti reached 7% in September comparing ring to 5.7% 5.7% 7% in i January 2009.

Among all Member mber States, the highest unemployment rate was recorded in Latvia (19.7%), Spain (19.3%) and Ireland (13%). Low w unemployment une was recorded in the Netherlands (3.6%). .6% …Crisis makes the inflation low The consumer price inflation index in the EU was 109.82 in September 2009 (2005 = 100.00) with almost similar result for the eurozone (108.19). The Czech Republic witnessed first diminution of the index since the beginning of the year and reached 111.8 in September 2009. The highest inflation index was recorded in Bulgaria (132.48), while the Netherlands stood on the other side with 106.46.

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BusinessNews brought by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU (kindly supported by CzechTrade), www.cebre.cz

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commercial trade mission event

From left: Gustavo Guillen, Casa Latina; Paul Drew Espinal, Salicsa; Zdenek Dlesk, CCNLA; Alvaro Piedra, Procomer; Johanna Viquez, Insta Masa; Isabel Simpson, Los Patitos; Zacarias Ayub, Procomer; Miguel Miranda, MONDAISA; Gloria Gurdian, Florida Products and Raul Gurdian, Florida Products

Procomer Comes to Prague with a Tropical Breeze CCNLA (C谩mara de Comercio y Negocios Latina-Americana) is a non-profit institution established in the Czech Republic to promote trade between Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America. Together with PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) it has established a commercial relationship to promote trade between Costa Rican and the Czech Republic and Central and Eastern Europe. Costa Rica is ranked amongst Latin Americas top exports countries; in 2007 the country exported $9.34 billion worth of goods and PROCOMER is very active with its office in Germany responsible for Central and Eastern Europe run by Zacarias Ayub, General Director. Casa Latina a.s., a Czech-based import and distribution company today imports a number of Costa Rican products such as MONDAISA tea, Ron Centenario Rum, Turrones Dore sweets, Pro Snack chips, Navcafe Coffee and Vigui mixed drinks, and its Costa Rican imports are steadily increasing. Florida Products, Insta Masa, Los Patitos and Salicsa are companies in the process of positioning themselves in the Czech Market after successful negotiations with many Czech importers/distributors. The Costa Rican Day event was extremely successful and PROCOMER and CCNLA plan to ensure follow-up to all negotiations held. The Costa Rican Day successful event was held at Barcel贸 Old Town; Barcel贸 Hotels are long standing members of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce and Official Hotel Event Partners for CCNLA.

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From left: Ing. Miguel Miranda Matus, Mondaisa; Jaroslava Snejdarova, Sabores and Mr. Triain Urban, Sabores discussing products from company Mondaisa, Costa Rica

23.11.2009 10:28:54

From left: Jaroslava Snejdarova, Sabores; Gustavo Guillen, Chairman & Founder, Casa Latina a.s. and Luis Diego Soto Clausen, President, Doré

From left: Patricia Carnona Mendoza; Gloria Gurdián; Florida Products and Petra Rowland discussing Florida Products, Costa Rica

From left: Edgar Sánchez, Deputy Director, EU, Procomer and Zdeněk Dlesk, Chairman of the Executive Board, CCNLA

From left: Dimitrij Bilak, Managing Director, Rebico s.r.o. and Paul Drew Espinal, Director of Export Products, Salicsa, Costa Rica

From left: Ing. Johanna Víquez Retana, Gerente General, Insta Masa and Bosh Babovic

From left: Mrs. Maria Guillen; Olga Maria Guillen; Luis Diego Soto Clausen, Dore and Laura Sánchez Mora

From left: Mr. Benke Aikell, your Publisher; Gustavo Guillen, Chairman & Founder, Casa Latina a.s.; Alvaro Piedra, Trade Promotion Manager, Procomer and Zacarias Ayub, General Director Germany, Procomer

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23.11.2009 10:29:30

culture event

New Chef Conductor of the Orchestra of the National Theatre Tomáš Netopil

On 10th September, 2009, the opening concert of the new season 2009/2010 was held at the National Theatre.

The concert was also the inaugural concert of the new principal conductor Tomáš Netopil. During the concert in which Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Opus 88 and the Epic of Gilgamesh by Bohuslav Martinů the National Theatre said good bye to Laurent Goutard who finished his work in the post of the chairman of the board of directors and general director of the Komerční banka.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

OPENING CONCERT

Laurent Goutard (and his wife Valerie) received the medal of the Ministry of Culture Arte Bohemiae Amicis for the spreading of reputation of Czech culture from the Minister of Culture Václav Riedelbauch

Minister of Culture Václav Riedelbauch, Director of the National Theatre Ondřej Černý, benefactress of the National Theatre Dadja Altenburg-Kohl

Soloist Eva Urbanová

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Soloists Jaroslav Březina, Martin Gurbaľ and David Matásek in the role of the Narrator

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

19.11.2009 18:32:28

Dr. Dadja Altenburg-Kohl handing the cheque to the Director of the National Theatre Ondřej Černý for the restoration of the Hynais curtain

Dominika Kolowrat-Krakovská receives the symbolic one crown for the lease of the Kolowrat Palace to the National Theatre

National Theatre Benefactors’ Club In December 2009 the National Theatre Benefactors’ Club will launch its activity. It will be entirely administered by the National Theatre and accessible to the general public. The Benefactors’ Club will make it possible for people to express their affection for the National Theatre’s artistic creation, for instance, by means of financial support for a specific artistic project or interest in repairs to the National Theatre’s buildings – national cultural monuments. Through the Benefactors’ Club, the National Theatre declares its openness to the general public. It concerns a bilateral form of communication between the theatre and arts lovers, connected by the desire to help, a love of culture and reverence for history. As an expression of gratitude for supporting the National Theatre, the Benefactors’ Club will offer its members a number of attractive benefits, active participation in the social life of the foremost Czech stage and linking up to a tradition whose social and cultural value has been revived by the foundation of the National Theatre Benefactors’ Club. Members of the National Theatre Benefactors’ Club will become direct promoters of artistic projects. We are extremely pleased with the close co-operation with the National Theatre artists, several of whom have assumed patronage over the new club (Tereza Podařilová – principal dancer of the National Theatre Ballet; Václav Postránecký – member of the National Theatre Drama; Tomáš Netopil – principal conductor of the National Theatre Orchestra).

There will be several benefaction groups and corresponding benefits. Many interesting advantages are already included in the basic package of benefits. The basic package has been prepared for “Friends” and it is possible to obtain it for an annual financial contribution of CZK 1,500. A “Friend” of the National Theatre will find enclosed a National Theatre Donor Certificate, a Theatre-Goer Loyalty Card for the given season (a possible 50% discount on performances), will have free visits to all dress rehearsals, receive the National Theatre Newsletter in electronic form, have the possibility of participating in the programmes of clubs of friends of artistic ensembles, receive explicit thanks in the National Theatre Almanac and annually in the January issue of the National Theatre Magazine.

A member of the next group – “Patron” of the National Theatre – will for the annual fee of CZK 10,000 obtain the basic package of benefits and, in addition, the right for priority ticket reservation (a week earlier), postal delivery of the National Theatre Magazine every month, the possibility of an excursion backstage (upon request, with three days’ notice), the Christmas gift package containing thanks from the Director of the National Theatre, a present upon joining the Benefactors’ Club, free programmes for the performances attended (upon presenting the National Theatre Benefactors’ Club card), a percentage discount on a theatre performance amounting to the benefactor’s years of age on the day of his/her birthday, a free change in the date for the given title.

A wide spectrum of benefits is earmarked for “Benefactors”. For the annual contribution of CZK 50,000, they will obtain the basic package, the benefits pertaining to Patrons, as well as two tickets to one National Theatre premiere selected by the National Theatre and with an invitation to the subsequent goblet of wine in the lounge for two persons, two tickets to the gala concert marking Mozart’s birthday at the Estates Theatre, including an invitation to the subsequent soiree, an invitation to the gala performance marking the end of the season hosted by the Director of the National Theatre, a free glass of champagne during the intermission of the attended performances (upon presenting the National Theatre Benefactors’ Club card), an invitation to the press conference marking the opening of the new theatre season, explicit thanks in the premises of the National Theatre’s historical building and in all programmes for individual productions.

A member of the top group, “Golden Benefactor”, who donates at least CZK 250,000 a year, will obtain all the above-mentioned benefits plus two tickets to all National Theatre premieres with an invitation to the subsequent goblet of wine in the lounge for two persons, two tickets to the gala concert marking Mozart’s birthday at the Estates Theatre and the gala concert marking the opening of the season at the National Theatre (both invitations include an invitation to the subsequent soiree), two tickets to performances of foreign guest ensembles according to the National Theatre’s offer, an invitation to the gala dinner of Golden Benefactors hosted by the Director of the National Theatre, a guided tour of the National Theatre studios and workshops (upon request), free parking in the National Theatre garage during the time of the attended performances.

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, VISIT www.narodni-divadlo.cz/mecenas

Countess Mathilda Nostitzová with a visually impaired girl during the opening of the haptic path at the National Theatre

Mrs. Iva Drebitko handing the cheque of the Triga Foundation for the support of the performance of the opera A Walk Worthwhile

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23.11.2009 17:41:54

culture event The Czech Statehood Day on 28th September, 2009, was celebrated at the National Theatre by the gala performance of Smetana’s opera The Bartered Bride. This year we celebrate the 185th anniversary of the birth and 125th anniversary of the death of Bedřich Smetana. The performance of his most famous opera was therefore also homage to this outstanding Czech composer. The National Theatre together with the National Museum and Museum of Bedřich Smetana prepared an exhibition in the main foyer of the National Theatre and offered thus its visitors an exceptional opportunity to see original manuscripts and other valuable documents and items connected with this opera.

Czech Statehood Day at the National Theatre was opened by the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Jan Fischer and the Director of the National Theatre Ondřej Černý

Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Jan Fischer and the Chairman of the Czech Social Democratic Party Jiří Paroubek with wife

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The great-great-grandson of Bedřich Smetana Petr Heydušek and Olga Mojžíšová, Director of the Museum of Bedřich Smetana

The exhibition

Czech Statehood Day

Chairman of the TOP 09 Party and the former Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg

From the performance

23.11.2009 14:31:42

From the performance

Tribute to Architect Josef Zítek This year we celebrate 100th anniversary of the death of the architect of the National Theatre, Josef Zítek. All tributes were topped by a large celebration that took place on 5th September at Lčovice and Malenice where Josef Zítek spent the last years of his life. Part of the event was also the unveiling of the memorial plaque, the opening of an exhibition, a mass commemorating Josef Zítek and a sightseeing tour of the town.

The bust by sculptor Hamzík was dedicated by the National Theatre in 1963

Zítek’s granddaughter Růžena Marie Hlavíková-Zítková opened the exhibition of the architect Josef Zítek. On the right Ondřej Černý, Director of the National Theatre.

From the celebrations

The mass was celebrated by the bishop of České Budějovice Jiří Paďour

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19.11.2009 18:35:23

Prague Symphony Orchestra Opening of the 75th Concert Season

The Opening Concert of the 75th season took place in Smetana Hall of the Municipal House on the 16th of September with Chief Conductor of the PSO, Maestro Jiří Kout

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Performance of the wind trio (members of the PSO) at the Press Conference. Jan Hoďánek (oboe), Václav Fürbach (bassoon) and Jan Mach (clarinet)

Press Conference of the PSO at Church of St. Simon and St. Jude

Václav Ferebauer, the 1st Trombonist of the orchestra and Míla Smetáčková

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Jiří Kout, Chief Conductor of the PSO and Miloš Jahoda, Cellist

Ilja Šmíd, Managing Director of the PSO and Tereza Kramplová, Orchestra Manager, PSO

Wind section of the Prague Symphony Orchestra

19.11.2009 18:31:27

Gen. Domenico Bertollo, Zdeneck M. Werner, Vice-President, DSA a.s., Chiara Bertollo and Ilja Šmíd, Managing Director, PSO

Concert in Pradubice with children´s choir of Polabiny Basic School

Photos: Dagmar Kneřová

Petr Daněk, Programme Manager of the PSO, Mrs. Klára Jelínková, Translator, Serge Baudo, Conductor and Marek Zvolánek, Trumpeter

Serge Baudo conducting Prague Symphony Orchestra on the 7th of October

Marek Zvolánek, soloist of the concert on the 7th/8th of October playing André Jolivet´s Concerto

Maestro Serge Baudo, Conductor at the rehearsal

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IN COOPERATION WITH 115 LEADERS MAGAZINE 23.11.2009 17:55:17

diplomatic event

Celebration

Celebration of the National Day of Algeria with the presence of the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Vlček and the Minister of Trade of Algeria, Mr. Lachemi Djaaboub, on his business trip to the Czech Republic

From left: Miloslav Vlček, President of the Chamber of Deputies and H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria

of the National Day of Algeria From left: H.E. Abdullah Al-Hamdi, Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Mohamed KamelHaj Sassi, Ambassador of Tunisia, Mohamed Abduldaim, Chargé d’Affairs of Saudi Arabia and Mohammed A. Khayat, 1st Secretary of Saudi Arabia

On the left Counsellor of the Indonesian Embassy talking with wife of Ambassador of Indonesia and on the right Mr. Salim Said is in discussion with Ambassador of South Korea H.E. Seong-Yong CHO.

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Mrs. Marie Chatardová, Director, Diplomatic Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mgr. Jana Ježková, Mala Sarka Gallery a.s. and Jiří Ježek, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mala Sarka Gallery a.s.

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From left: H.E. Celia-Sanda Botha, Ambassador of South Africa, in the back the wife of the Ambassador of Algeria, Hichem Kimouche, Counsellor and his wife

From left: Mrs. Sabrina Hadjem, wife of the Ambassador of Algeria and his daughter Wafa

19.11.2009 19:13:45

From left: Lachemi Djaaboub, Minister of Trade of Algeria, Milan Hovorka, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Miloslav Vlček, President of the Chamber of Deputies, H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria

From left: Henri Bonner, CEO, Komerční Banka, H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with his wife H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria welcoming Barbara Elena Montalvo Alvarez Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Cuba

From left: H. E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with his wife and H. E. Pavel Klucký, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Algeria

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Ing. Miloš Janů, prof. Ing. Jiří Fárek, CSc., First Deputy Mayor, Praha 6 and Ing. Josef Cílek CSc., Vice President, Czech Chamber of Commerce

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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From left: H.E. Constantinos Kokossis, Ambassador of Greece, MUDr. Jamal Karra CSc., D.D.S, MS, Senior Consultant, Private Dental & Maxillo Facial Clinic and H.E. José Júlio Pereira Gomes, Ambassador of Portugal

From left: H. E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria, H. E. José Luis Bernal, Ambassador of Mexico with his wife, H. E. Ole. E. Moesby, Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy with his wife and H.E. Koray Targay, Ambassador of Turkey

From left: Miloslav Vlček, President of the Chamber of Deputies, H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria and the Minister of Trade of Algeria cutting the cake

Businessmen from Algeria with Karel Muzikář, Comenius

23.11.2009 14:17:14

BRNO IS A BLESSED CITY Life in the Moravian capital continues in its regular pace. At the end of September, however, it experienced historical moments, whhen the head of the Roman Catholic Church was welcomed to the Brno Diocese for the very first time since its founding in 1777. Brno was visited by Pope Benedicct XVI.

Photo: Archive

More than 120 thousand pilgrims came to the Papal Mass at Brno-Tuřany, where a huge stage adorned with a baldachin and Christian symbols had been created. They came from the Czech Republic and neighbouring countries, and also from the more distant Croatia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Chile and Korea. They were all united by the good mood that arose from the expectation of this unique meeting. The Pope spoke of goodness and hope and at the close of his Mass he gave the Apostles blessing not only to the people, but also to the foundation stones, crosses, bells and statues that had been brought hence.

The Mass was made possible by the organisational abilities of and co-operation between several Brno organisations. The dozens of letters of thanks and the smooth running of the event clearly show that the organisers passed with flying colours. The pilgrims received a small gift from the city of Brno – a package containing a map, plastic raincoat and souvenir items. On his arrival in Brno the Pope received from me a gift from the city – a gold-plated bronze chalice and paten – a plate-like liturgical vessel.

On 7th October I welcomed further unique visitors, this time a record number of astronauts, to the New City Hall in Brno in my role as Mayor. As part of the XXII ASE Congress of Space Explorers, sixteen astronauts and cosmonauts came in from all corners of the world. As well as a reception and tour of the New Town Hall, the space explorers also visited the M. Koperník Observatory and Planetarium, and were present at the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the future natural sciences exploratorium.

The foundation stone of the exploratorium has the inscription „Seek and ye shall find“ in Latin.

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Inside it hides a time capsule for citizens of the city one hundred years in the future, and it will not be until 2109 that the capsule will completely reveal its message. When laying the stone I left an everyday work tool for my successors – a platinum pen – along with a message, the content of which remained secret to my contemporaries.

We’re Putting In Some Hard Graft (or, We’re Working On It) Citizens and visitors to the city sometimes complain that the city is all dug up. We couldn’t do it any other way, and building works unfortunately come hand-in-hand with the essential development of the city. The most important building is the re-building of of the Europoint Brno rail junction which includes the reconstruction of the South Centre.

Even though these are projects that are decades old, the citizens and the political scene continue to move. In as early as 1924 the first city plans were drawn up to resolve the rail issues in the city, as the insufficient capacity of the Main Station, the branching of the tracks within the city, the age of the rail infrastructure and the constrained space in front of the station made became more and more clear.

Social changes following 1989 re-opened the question of modernisation of the rail junction in Brno, and today the project is not only alive, but the building work is also under way.

Since October 2007 a marshalling yard has bee under construction, which represents the first step in the modernisation of the Brno rail transit route. It will require an investment of 2.73 billion Czech Crowns and, in addition to its state-of-the-art rail system and safety equipment, it will also include a highly modern carriage washer and a bridge system. An underpass for cars, bikes and pedestrians was formally opened in the area at the beginning of October which linked Bohunická and Sokolova Street.

Mayor Onderka handing a gift to the Pope

This consists of an entire system of bridges, supporting walls and communication routes under four railway bridges annd one road bridge. It is planned that the work on thee railway station will be completed by May 2010.

Traditional Holiday With A New Flavour The end of the year is associated closely with Christmas. Thiis year the streets of Bro will be different from preevious years, and this new theme was commenced with the selection of the Christmas tree, in which the citizens of the city were able to play a role this yearr for the first time. From the four conifer designs recceived it is possible to choose the final selection on thhe Brno city website. It is possible to see the trees inn the forest – just a short visit to Bílovice nad Svitavou is required, as that is where Christmas treees have some since time immemorial.

The Christm mas markets in the streets of the metropolis will taake place this year under the slogan “Traditional Hooliday With A New Flavour”. For the first time they will be organised directly by the City Hall together with the Brno Cultural Centre. There will be a livee animal corner, crib, Santa post, Christmas treee, a bugler, barrels containing carp, the aroma of ivy and hot honey wine – this is how the streets of the Moravian capital will appear during the festive season.

I like Christm mas, and I look forward to it every year.

They are assocciated with the approaching end of the year, weighing up and making wishes for the following year. I therrefore wish all readers of the Leaders Magazine a maagical Christmas and health and good luck for 2010.

By Roman Onderka I Mayor of the City of Brno Photo: Tino Kratochvil

Leaders Magazine VI/2009

19.11.2009 17:45:08

BRNO JE MĚSTO POŽEHNANÉ Moravská metropole žije svým m pravidelným rytmem. Koncem září však zažila i historické chvíle, kdy do brněnské diecéze zavítala hlava katolické církve, vůbecc poprvé od jejího založení v roce 1777. Brno navštívil papež Benedikt XVI. Do Brna-Tuřan, kde se zrodilo obrovské pódium s baldachýnem a křesťanskými symboly, přijelo na papežskou mši více než 120 tisíc poutníků. Přijeli z České republiky a sousedních zemí, ale také ze vzdálenějšího Chorvatska, Ukrajiny, Slovinska, z Chile nebo Koreje. Všechny je spojovala hlavně dobrá nálada v očekávání výjimeččného setkání.

Papež mluvil o dobru a naději a v závěru bohoslužby udělil apoštolské požehnání nnejen lidem, ale i přivezeným základním kamenům, kkřížům, zvonům a sochám.

Slavnostní mše prověřila organizaační schopnosti a součinnost řady brněnských složeek. Desítky děkovných dopisů a hladký průběh aakce pak jasně hovoří o tom, že organizátoři vše zvláddli na jedničku.

Od města Brna dostali poutníci malý ddárek – balíček s mapou, pláštěnkou a upomínkovvými předměty.

Při odletu z Brna papež převzal z m mých rukou dar města – pozlacený bronzový kalich a patenu neboli liturgickou nádobu ve tvaru talířku.

Další výjimečnou návštěvu, tenkktokrát rekordního počtu kosmonautů, jsem přivít al v roli primátora města Brna na Nové radnici 7.. října. V rámci Mezinárodního kongresu účastníků kosmických letů zavítalo do Brna 16 kosmonautů ze všech koutů světa. Kromě přijetí a prohlídky sálůů Nové radnice kosmonauté navštívili také Hvězdárnuu a planetárium M. Koperníka a byli přítomni slavnosttnímu okamžiku poklepání základního kamene budooucího Přírodovědného exploratoria.

Základní kámen exploratoria nese latinský nápis: „Hledej a najdeš“. Ukrývá totiž v sobě časovou schránku určenou občanům města za sto let. Až

v roce 2109 tedy schránka úplně odhalí své poselství. Svému nástupci jsem do ní při poklepání základního kamene uložil každodenní pracovní nástroj, tedy platinové pero a vzkaz, jehož obsah zůstal současníkům utajen.

Bócháme na tom fest (CZ: „Pracujeme na tom tvrdě“) Občané i návštěvníci moravské metropole občas naříkají, že je město rozkopané. Jinak to ale nejde.

Stavební ruch totiž k nezbytnému rozvoji bohužel patří. Nejvýznamnější stavbou je přestavba železničního uzlu Europoint Brno zahrnující také výstavbu Jižního centra.

I když se jedná o projekty staré desítky let, hýbou občany i politickou scénou stále. Přitom již v roce 1924 byla vypsána první urbanistická studie na řešení železniční otázky ve městě, neboť se stále více projevovala nedostatečná kapacita hlavního nádraží, rozvětvení trati na území města, stáří většiny zařízení dráhy a stísněný přednádražní prostor.

Společenské změny po roce 1989 znovu otevřely otázku významu modernizace železničního uzlu pro Brno. A tak projekt dnes nejen žije, ale probíhá i samotná stavba.

Od října roku 2007 se staví odstavné nádraží, které představuje první stupeň v rámci modernizace železničního průjezdu Brnem. Jedná se o investici ve výši 2,73 miliard korun a zahrnuje kromě výstavby moderního kolejiště a zabezpečovacího zařízení také stavbu nejmodernější myčky kolejových vozidel a soustavy mostních konstrukcí. V této oblasti byl počátkem října slavnostně otevřen pro motoristy, cyklisty i pěší silniční podjezd spojující Bohunickou

a Sokolovu ulici. Jedná se o celou soustavu mostů, opěrných zdí a komunikací pod čtyřmi železničními a jedním silničním mostem. Dokončení celé stavby odstavného nádraží je naplánováno na květen 2010.

Tradiční svátky v novém Konec roku je neodmyslitelně spjat s Vánocemi.

Ty letošní budou v ulicích města Brna jiné než v předchozích letech. Nové pojetí odstartoval již samotný výběr vánočního stromu, na kterém se letos poprvé mohou podílet občané. Z nabídky čtyř jehličnanů mohou svým hlasem přispět ke konečnému výběru. Vybírat je možné na webových stránkách města Brna, stromy je možné ale vidět také přímo v lese. Stačí jen malý výlet do Bílovic nad Svitavou, odkud vánoční strom putuje do Brna od nepaměti.

Vánoční trhy v ulicích metropole se letos uskuteční pod heslem „Tradiční svátky v novém“. Poprvé je totiž pořádá přímo magistrát ve spolupráci s Brněnským kulturním centrem. Koutek se živými zvířaty, betlém, Ježíškova pošta, vánoční strom, trubač, kádě s kapry, vůně jmelí a horké medoviny – takové budou letos ulice moravské metropole v době slavnostního adventu.

Vánoce mám rád a těším se na každoročně. Jsou spjaty i s přicházejícím koncem roku, bilancováním a přáním pro rok následující. Přeji tedy i čtenářům časopisu Leaders Magazine kouzelné Vánoce a zdraví a štěstí do roku 2010.

Roman Onderka I primátor statutárního města Brna Cosmonauts swarming in Brno, M. Koperník Observatory Photo: Z. Kolařík

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19.11.2009 17:45:34

international economic conference Vladimír Šiška, Executive Director of ICC CR and Martin Pecina, Minister, Ministry of Interior

ICC East – West Business Forum 2009

Henry Bonnet, General Director, KB, a.s. and Mrs. Meda Mládková, Owner Museum Kampa

From left: Karel Pleva, Chairman of the Board and General Director EGAP, a. s. and Lubomír Pokorný, CEO, Czech Export Bank

Karel Machotka, Director of Business Section, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Michaela Janáková, Deputy Director of ICC CR

From left: Ivan Jukl, Managing Director of CzechTrade, Alexandra Rudyšarová, Managing Director of CzechInvest and Martin Dvořák, Director of Department for Bilateral Economic Relations and Support of Export, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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19.11.2009 18:16:03

From left: Jean Rozwadowski, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce, Jaromír Drábek, Chairman of the ICC CR and Michal Mejstřík, Professor of Banking and Corporate Finace at Charles University in Prague

Jiří Kunert, General Director, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic, a. s.

Tomáš Sedláček, Chief Macroeconomic Strategist, ČSOB

From left: Martin Pospíšil, Director of Department for European and CIS Countries, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Alexander Bělohlávek, Chairman of ICC CR Commission on Arbitration, International Arbitration Court in Vienna

Mrs. Patience Egbe E. Head Office, Nigeria Czech Business Council and Obiora Nzekwu, President, Nigeria Czech Business Council

The International Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic (ICC Czech Republic) organized an economic forum called “East-West Business Forum 2009”, in time for this year’s 90th Anniversary of the International Chamber of Commerce, as well as the 10th Anniversary of the ICC in the Czech Republic. The event was followed by celebrations at a Gala Evening. These two events, which were held on 17th September 2009 in Prague, were accompanied by a week-long business program called “ICC ForumDirector, 2009”.KB,Foreign participants, who came from various parts of the world, first visited the 51st International Engineering Fair in Brno, where they FromEast-West left: Henry Business Bonnet, General a. s., Vladimír Šiška, Executivematchmaking Director of ICC CR, took part in several meetings and established new contacts with Czech businessmen. The ICC economic forum was held under the patronage of Přemysl Martin Pecina, who Minister, of Interior Sobotka, is theMinistry President of theand Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. The forum included three main blocks covering the following topics: 1. World’s economy Jean Rozwadowski, Secretary General of the ICC 20 years after bipolar system disintegration, 2. International economic relations and international trade financing, 3. Trade operations and risks. It was attended by 120 representatives of companies from various sectors, as well as foreign participants, representatives of the embassies, and the state’s administration.

This forum served the purpose of dialogue on recent economic development in the Czech Republic, as well as the rest of the world.

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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From left: Jean Rozwadowski, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Jaromír Drábek, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Czech Republic (ICC CR)

23.11.2009 15:27:35

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

charity event

Dr. Tomáš Finger, General Director, ONKOCET EUROPE o.p.s.

ONKO EUROPE PRAGUE ’09 ONKO EUROPE PRAGUE ’09 continues in the tradition of two successful EUROCONCERTS held in 2007 in the Hybernia theatre and in 2008 in the Municipal House in Prague under the auspices of the Prague City Hall. The charitable events are and will be again focused on the support of development of preventive behaviour of individuals in fight against tumorous conditions. This time, the third year is being organized in a different form. It is a highly prestigious social event bearing the stamp of originality and world credit in terms of its extent. Many social, cultural and political celebrities and personalities not only from the Czech Republic but also from abroad will take part in it. Also, there will be a surprise in form of personal participation of many Hollywood celebrities and magnificent midnight guests, the Brothers of Brazil.

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Mrs. Věra Masopustová, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia with his wife, Ing. Miloslav Vlček, President of the Chamber of Deputies, Member of the Senate of the Czech Republic and Dr. Karel Šimána, Advisor to the Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic

19.11.2009 18:51:17

Special prize awarded by the non-profit organization Válka a paměť o.p.s. – bronze coin of Milan Rastislav Štefánik and Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk by the Kremnice artist and medal maker Miroslav Ronai was awarded to H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia by brigadier general Ándor Šandor (ret.), the current President of the Lions Club Prague Eagle.

From left: Paul Maslanský, Producent, Director and Actor, USA with Zdeněk Troška, Director

Zuzana Kronerová, Actress and Ing. Miloslav Vlček, President of the Chamber of Deputies, Member of the Senate of the Czech Republic

The prize LAUGHTER HEALS for 2009 is awarded by the non-profit organization ONKOCET EUROPE o.p.s.

The prize – a painting representing a fairy on Chinese silk in two layers was created by the artist Dita Dostálková. Each prize winner was also awarded a jewel presented by the LAPIS DIAMOND company.

In the photo, Gustav Oplustil, TV and radio screen-writer, dramaturgist, actor is awarded by Mgr. Milan Pešák, Councillor of the City of Prague.

The proceeds of ONKO EUROPE PRAGUE ’09 shall help cover the costs associated with the whole-year activity of the non-profit organization ONKOCET EUROPE o.p.s., VÁLKA A PAMĚŤ o.p.s., and of the projects “NORMÁLNÍ JE NEKOUŘIT”.

Mrs. Dagmar Havlová, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and Dr. Tomáš FINGER, General Director, ONKOCET EUROPE o.p.s.

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23.11.2009 18:07:47

From left: Dr. Tomáš Finger, General Director, ONKOCET EUROPE o.p.s. awarding the married couple Věra and Josef Masopust with a special prize

Camael Group

Yvetta Blanarovičová, Moderator of the Evening, Chairwoman of the Board, La Sophia

In the middle: Václav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic

Charitable event Children’s Day “Smile for Health” full of games, contests, laughter, entertainment and enlightenment

Václav Vydra, Actor, during interview on the occasion of Children’s Day “Smile for Health”

Bilingual Czech-Slovak puppet performance “Povídejme si pohádku – Rozprávajme si rozprávku” organized

by Slovak Institute in Prague, Martin Matějka, Actor

From left: Mgr. Eduard Zeman, former Minister of Education of the Czech Republic, Jindřich Kitzberger, Deputy Minister of Education, Peter Steenolsen, Producent, USA, Paul Maslanský, Director and Actor, USA, Dr. Tomáš FINGER, General Director, ONKOCET EUROPE o.p.s.

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19.11.2009 18:52:22

From left: Mrs. Rahsan Cebe, President of the American Business Forum in Turkey, Alena Miro, Soprano, Soloist of the State Opera Prague, Paolo Villa, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, Opera Coach and Conductor, Eva Blahová, Professor of the opera singers and Chief of the Master Class, Önay Günay, Baritone, Soloist of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, Özay Günay, Mezzosoprano, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, Armin Zerunyan, General Manager Istanbul Cluster, Hilton Group Hotels in Istanbul

Monday 19th October 2009

culture event

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

OPERA CONCERT OF THE MEMBERS OF EVA BLAHOVÁ MASTER CLASS Organized by MIRO Gallery Prague in Hilton Hotel Istanbul, Turkey

From left: Mr. Doug Pepper, Armin Zerunyan, General Manager Istanbul Cluster, Hilton Group Hotels in Istanbul, Jeffrey Kemprecos, MSD, Corporate Communications Director & ABFT Vice-Chairman

From left: Saziye Güner, Opera Singer, Istanbul, Haluk Bikmen, Architect, Istanbul, Eva Blahová, Professor of the opera singers and Chief of the Master Class, Özay Günay, Mezzosoprano, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet

Armin Zerunyan, General Manager Istanbul Cluster, Hilton Group Hotels in Istanbul at his opening speech

Gülfem Gülher Köseoglu, Architect, Istanbul, Dr. Miro Smolák, Owner of the MIRO Gallery Prague and organizer of the concert

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From left: Paolo Villa, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, Opera Coach and Conductor, Kaya Gönencer, International Legal Advisor, Partner Attorney-Law, Berlin, Fikret Sebilcioglu, SMMM, CFE, Cerebra, Partner, Audit Services, Önay Günay, Baritone, Soloist of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet

19.11.2009 18:43:08

MIRO GALLERY, YOUR SPACE FOR HAPPINESS, DELIGHT AND FAVOURABLE INVESTMENT

T e MI Th MIRO R Gal a lery leeryy, fooun u de d d 19 1987 in Be Berrllinn anndd sinncee 199 9944 loocaateed in in Praagguuue, e, e, off fe f rss ooriririgi g naal work gi worrkks off worrldd cla wo l ss s iiccal a art r tis issttss as we wellll as leead a in ingg co contem nttem mpo p raaryy arttiissts sttss.

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MIIR M RO O Gal allleery ry, y, Ch C ur urch chh of St S .R Roochhus us,, St Stra raho ra hhoovvsskéé náddvo voříí 1/1 voří / 32, 32, 1111188 000 PPra 32 raagguue 1 T l.l.: +4420 Te 20 233 3 3544 066 6 , Fa Fax: x +42 x: 420 2333 35 420 354 54 0775, 5, Cell: elll:: +42 420 737 737 22446 0991 73 E-maailil: mi Emiro miro ro@i @ nnii.ccz, z w ww ww.g .ggaallerriieemi miro r .ccz, ro z, w w ww w.ttre r bb b iaa.eeu

19.11.2009 18:25:38

Jan Zrzavý (1890–1977) SHIPS IN LE FEET, 1937 oil and tempera on wood 13 x 21 cm For sale price ask MIRO Gallery

František Kupka (1871–1957) PRISME, 1974 oil on canvas 66 x 68,5 cm For sale price ask MIRO Gallery Andy Warhol (1928–1987) UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN, 1986 drawing on handmade paper 80 x 60 cm provenance and certificate: estate / Andy Warhol Foundation Pittsburgh For sale price ask MIRO Gallery

Josef Šíma (1891–1971) CLOUD, 1961 pencil drawing on paper 47 x 35 cm For sale price ask MIRO Gallery Kamil Lhoták (1912–1990) LANDSCAPE WITH BALOON, 1981 oil on canvas 40 x 50 cm For sale price ask MIRO Gallery

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23.11.2009 15:33:32

city of prague

Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague in his speech

Opening Ceremony I. Into the Korean Traditional Music World (Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra) II. Dynamic Performance and Traditional Music III. Harmony of Classical, Czech and Korean Traditional Music Chief Conductor: Kim Seong-Jin

Gala Performance at Obecní dům

Seoul Days in Prague

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

In the middle Eun-il, Kang, Soloist on Haegeum and Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul

19.11.2009 18:40:06

In the middle: Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul, with his wife on the left and right Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague with his wife, slightly behind Mr. Bém

From left: Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague welcomes Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul Irena Ondráčková, Deputy Executive Director of the Prague City Hall, welcomes Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul, with MUDr. Pavel Bém, Lord Mayor of Prague in the back

From left: Eun-il, Kang, Soloist on Haegeum and Conductor Kim Seong-Jin

Martina Šandová, Member of the Prague City Assembly, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Prague City Assembly, Irena Ondráčková, Deputy Executive Director of the Prague City Hall and František Cipro, Director of the International Affairs Department of the Prague City Hall

In the middle Mrs. Radmila Bémová with the Taekwondo group Y-Kick

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23.11.2009 15:36:11

From left: Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul and Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague signing the Joint Statement of the Mayor of the City of Prague and the Mayor of the City of Seoul

From left: Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul and Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague signing the Joint Statement of the Mayor of the City of Prague and the Mayor of the City of Seoul

From left: Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague, Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul, Milan Pešák, Councillor of the City of Prague, Martina Šandová, Member of the Prague City Assembly, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Prague City Assembly, and Petr Hulinský, Ph.D., Member of the Prague City Assembly, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Prague City Assembly

Official welcome at the Old Town Hall

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Far right of the Korean Delegation, H.E. SeongYoung Cho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

19.11.2009 18:41:20

From left: Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague, Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul, Radovan Šteiner, Councilman, City of Prague, PhDr. Milan Pešák, Councillor of the City of Prague and Martina Šandová, Member of the Prague City Assembly, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Prague City Assembly

From left: Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul and Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul toasts to all invited guests

From left: Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul receiving the key of Prague from Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague

From left: Pavel Bém, Mayor of the City of Prague (from the back), Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul, Marie Kousalíková, Deputy Mayor of the City of Prague and Radovan Šteiner, Councillor of the City of Prague

131 Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of the City of Seoul at Old Town Square

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19.11.2009 18:41:58

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Business May Be Your Life – But – Life Is Your Business Part I: The Power of Passion, The Fallacy of Fear 1,2

James A. Cusumano, PhD

“Santiago never realized that people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”

Paulo Coelho – “The Alchemist”

KEY CONCEPTS: ■ People under stress of rapid technological and social change ignore global challenges, especially if they are conveniently perceived to occur in the distant future, and if there is even a shred of opposing evidence.

■ Major positive change only occurs through the galvanizing effects of passion.

■ Passion can be instilled by a.) Working for the greater good b.) Seeing progress towards the ultimate goal c.) A genuine promise of appropriate reward for success.

THE CHALLENGE Although many people are aware of the devastating consequences of critical global issues such as oil depletion, climate change, nuclear proliferation, and poverty, why is it that we appear to do almost nothing as the clock ticks forward? Many of us are either in disbelief or denial, as though there will be no ill effects in our lifetime, if ever. Why? I believe there are three reasons. Consider oil depletion and its impact on energy security and climate change, as viewed on the North American continent and in Europe. First, there is the financial motive – politicians don’t want to lose support from major corporate sponsors. For example, because of financial support from oil companies, some politicians are

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reluctant to champion non-fossil fuel, carbon-free technologies regardless of their potential to mitigate the challenges of energy security and climate change.

Until recently, and only subsequent to immense shareholder pressure did ExxonMobil change its negative posture on the science behind global warming and the realities of oil depletion.

Secondly, y we don’t easily give up our creature comforts, especially after having them for so long at low cost. Thus, Americans have received low-taxed, cheap oil for so long that they don’t easily give up their gas-guzzling Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV). Although declining in numbers due to higher oil prices, in 2008 nearly 50 percent of the 250 million registered vehicles in the U.S. were SUVs. Fortunately, the consequences of increasing energy prices are forcing auto companies to admit to a more realistic picture. Once powerful, global, enterprises such as Chrysler and GM are on their way to becoming distant memories.

But there is a thirdd and more fundamental reason, the most powerful effect of all. I call it the Law of Human Survival. This law asserts that human beings under the stress of rapid technological and social change ignore immense global challenges, if they are conveniently perceived to occur in the distant future, and particularly if there is even a shred of opposing evidence. This is our great escape clause. There is only so much stress-induced fear we can handle. Fear constricts the human psyche. It creates a vortex of emotional pain from which we must escape. Sure, fear has its place. In the battlefield, “Keep your head down, or it will be shot off,” works quite well. But not when it comes to developing creative solutions to challenging problems. There are few great innovations in this world that have been created out of motivation by fear.

World renowned Harvard biologist, E. O. Wilson thinks that maybe human beings are hardwired not to worry about future generations. He points out that, “For hundreds of millennia, those who worked for the short-term gain within a small circle of relatives and friends lived longer and left more offspring – even when their collective striving caused their children and empires to crumble around them. The long view that might have saved their distant descendants required a vision and extended altruism instinctively difficult to marshal.” There is only so much fear we can take, and currently there is more than enough to go around without having to overwhelm our spirit with a heavy dose of future fears. Yet in instances such as poverty, energy security, nuclear proliferation and global climate change, we must act now, if we are to have a positive outcome. How do we overcome our protracted paralysis?

THE SOLUTION In my opinion, there is only one force that can erase this self-protecting, laissez faire attitude towards critical global challenges, or any critical change for that matter, and it is the energy of unbridled passion. This creative force is so powerful that it evaporates fear from the deepest level of the human spirit and can literally change the world. It has done so many times before. Most often a passionate vision starts within a single person. Recall Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, and thousands of lesser known changemakers who left their indelible imprint on our planet.

Passion is arguably the most significant competitive advantage an individual or a company can have. It has been estimated that most people work at less than 30 percent of their full efficiency. In my opinion, this is due to the fear and anxiety that accompanies a lack of purpose. We say they are unmotivated.

Although motivation is self generated, passion can be catalyzed by creating an environment that addresses a person’s need for greater purpose. Every one of us is born with this need. This can result in human efficiencies beyond 90 percent. Did you ever do something so motivating that you lost track of time and your desire for food, water or sleep?

CHANGE THE WORLD How do we instill such passion? I think there are three components that must be present. First, and foremost, the challenge must appeal to a person’s need to help the “greater good.” This is the key ingredient of unbridled passion. Both Gandhi and Edison, two disparate innovators, thought that their pursuits would change the world for the better. They never had any doubt. Unless people see that mega-issues such as global warming and energy security are going to significantly affect them immediately – in which case they are likely to act out of fear and make ineffective 1

EDITOR’S NOTE – This is the first in a new series of articles based on the author’s experience as an entrepreneur, having founded several successful businesses, including Catalytica Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a billion-dollar public company.

His experience base currently spans “5 lives” – A multimillion record sales recording artist; R&D Director for Exxon; CEO & founder of 2 public companies; CEO, founder and Executive Producer for Chateau Wally films; Chairman & Owner of Chateau Mcely, an international award-winning luxury hotel & SPA. This article is extracted from his latest book, currently in preparation and entitled, “My Little Book of Business – Tales of Passion, Life & Enterprise.”

2 The author may be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.Com.

Leaders Magazine VI/2009

19.11.2009 16:45:17

TO BE CONTINUED...

Figure 1: Catalytica, 1993 – The growth begins

decisions – they are unlikely to do much. Their perceptions must be altered to a passion for action.

Greek philosopher, Epictetus once said, “Not by facts, but by perceptions is society governed.” This kind of change only occurs by stimulating and exciting the human spirit. People must perceive and believe deep down that they are part of a team that will change the world for the better.r That is the magic. It has been done before quite successfully. U.S. President, John F. Kennedy galvanized Americans after the successful launch of the Soviet’s Sputnik satellite. He raised their passion by his personal commitment to what some saw as a daunting goal, “We must and we will put a man on the moon in less than one decade.” And we did. NASA was formed, which not only achieved this goal, but also spawned numerous new technologies and companies, ultimately creating millions of jobs, and stimulating the world economy with trillions of dollars of GDP.

DEMONSTRATE A VIABLE STRATEGY Second, even though the big picture might entail a long-term plan of magnificent magnitude, up front there must be a perceived high-probability of a few near-term successes. To use an American baseball analogy, don’t try for all homeruns. Hit a few singles, they come sooner. People need positive feedback.

This does a number of valuable things. With companies, it motivates employees; it demonstrates the validity of the corporate strategy; and it always increases the value of the company in the eyes of current and potential shareholders.

Figure 2: Catalytica, 1997 – Acquires Glaxo’s Largest U.S. Manufacturing Plant, growing to 2,000 people

Some years ago when I was Chairman of Catalytica, Inc., we had a strategy that for several years was targeted at hitting several “home runs.” For example, we were developing with PetroCanada and Mitsubishi, a process that would in a single process step inexpensively convert natural gas to a liquid fuel that could be easily shipped anywhere in the world, doing away with the need for expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport, which requires special costly refrigerated tankers, and is considered a dangerous technology and security risk. We were also working on a way to combust fuels with no resulting pollution.

These were very challenging technologies – “home runs” – and we spent millions of dollars in their development. Our stock price languished along the way as investors wondered whether we would ever solve these problems and commercialize the technologies.

Finally, we decided to hit a “few singles.” We identified the pharmaceutical industry as one where our knowledge in catalytic science could have a quick impact by enabling us to manufacture drugs in a more ecologically friendly manner and at lower cost. We quickly demonstrated our capabilities, which led to a $10 million investment by Pfizer and ultimately the growth of Catalytica Pharmaceuticals, in less than 5 years from just a few people to a $500 million business with more than 2,000 people at three manufacturing facilities and a market value of more than $1 billion (see Figures 1–4). Our stock price tripled.

Ultimately, we hit a home run, but it was the singles along the way that helped us get there.

SHARE THE WEALTH Third, there should be a perceived and actual benefit for all involved, whether it is financial, ego massage, or both. You must share the wealth in any successes, whatever that wealth may be. If it is the populace supporting a political agenda such as a strategy to address energy security or climate change, then any tangible successes should bring upfront perceived benefits to the populace, e.g. tax rebates and green technology purchase incentives. If it’s a company, people should know from the very start that they will be appropriately rewarded verbally, financially, with promotions and possibly with stock options. The latter is particularly powerful as it provides employees with a sense of corporate ownership. When Catalytica was successful, even the janitors received a few shares of stock options. There is nothing like ownership!

OUR GLOBAL CHALLENGE Whether you seek to motivate employees or citizens of the world, it is imperative that you create, articulate and support a clear vision that stimulates in them a passion to participate. Anything short of that

Figure 3: Catalytica’s Dynamic Change

Figure 4: Catalytica 1998 – Silicon Valley’s Fastest Growing Company

and you significantly diminish your chances of success. Show them how they can make a difference for the greater good. Present an exciting long-term strategy with visible, achievable near-term successes. Let them play a role in developing the strategic plan. This creates ownership and commitment. And be sure there is something in success for everyone. The discovery of America, Marco Polo’s voyage to China, and Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb were based on passion, not fear. The latter rarely works to create something new and innovative. This is particularly true at this point in our history. As a species, we have evolved not only physically, but also in the amorphous nebulous realm of consciousness, as well. Creative and innovative people no longer work well under autocratic command and control. That world is gone forever. What we so desperately need now is for history to repeat itself by a few courageous leaders stimulating people around the planet with the passion necessary to create a safer, more rewarding future for all.

James A. Cusumano, PhD About the Author: James A. Cusumano is Chairman and owner of Chateau Mcely (www.ChateauMcely.Com), chosen in 2007 by the European Union as the only “Green” 5-star luxury hotel in Central and Eastern Europe and in 2008 by the World Travel Awards as the Leading Green Hotel in the World. He is a former Research Director for Exxon, and subsequently founded two public companies in Silicon Valley, one in clean power generation, the other in pharmaceuticals manufacture via environmentally-benign, low-cost, catalytic technologies. While he was Chairman and CEO, the latter – Catalytica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – grew in less than 5 years, to a $1 billion enterprise with 2,000 employees. He is co-author of “Freedom from Mid-East Oil,” recently released by World Business Academy Press (www.WorldBusiness.Org) and can be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.Com.

Leaders Magazine VI/ I 2009

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culture event

Opera Viva is an opera performance that takes place in the Chateau Trnova which was built in 1720. Chateau Trnova is close to Zbraslav thus only 20 minutes from Prague’s city center. In the second half of the 19th century this baroque style building was reconstructed into neogothical style. It was done by its owner Vincent Danek, a famous Czech industrialist. The genius loci was mostly influenced by famous composers and singers. Inspired by the Italian Musica a Palazzo in Venice, today’s owners have decided to recommence the old musical tradition in the Chateau by Opera Viva.

In 1830 the castle was owned by the family of a famous Czech composer František Škroup who had been inspired by the local countryside to compose the song ”Kde domov můj” – “ Where is my home”, which later became the Czech national anthem. By the end of the 19th century Ema Destinová, a famous Czech opera diva, spent several summers at the chateau.

First performance was held on September 22nd 2009.

The owner Lucie and Ivan Pilip were happy to welcome their friends such as Iva Drebitko – president of Triga Foundation, Jan Bubeník, Alexandr Vondra or Milada Karasová and others.

For more information about the Opera Viva performances please visit www.zamektrnova.cz.

Anna Klamo – Rusalka

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OPERA VIVA

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Lucie and Ivan Pilip with friends

19.11.2009 18:55:22

From left: Michal Sedláček, Lucie Pilipová and Alexandr Vondra

From left: Jan Bubeník, Nicolas Fitaire and Ivan Pilip

Vratislav Kříž – Jacobin

Anna Klamo and Vratislav Kříž – Don Giovanni

Ing. Arch. Iva Drebitko, President of Triga, Patrons Club of the National Theatre with a speech

Martina Kociánová – Delilah

Martina Kociánová – Carmen

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From left: Anna Klamo, Vratislav Kříž and Martina Kociánová

19.11.2009 18:56:04

networking/discussion event

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. for making this reportage possible

Patriotic Mission

Organized by Comenius on the Occasion of the Official Visit of the Minister of Interior Martin Pecina to Israel Jerusalem, Masada, Ein Gedi, Tel Aviv – October 25–27, 2009 O Oct On ctob obbeerr 25– 5 27 27 Com o en e iu i s organiize z d “p “pat atriottic mis issionn” of Czechh bussin ines essm sm men and sev ever eral er al imp mpor orta or taantt publi ubblilicc fifigu f igu gure res, re s, which s, hhiichh acccom omppaani nied edd Minniissste teer off Inte In teri te riiorr Mr. Mrr.. Mar Marrtitin Pe Peci c na ci na on hi hiss of offifci c al vissit to Is Israell fol ollo lowi w ngg the inv nvittat atio ionn from io frrom m the he Isr srae aeeli Dep eput utty PPrrim me Mi Mini nist ni s er and st nd Min inis i ter ter off Int te n erio errio i or M Mrr. El Elili Yish Yi ish shai shai ai. Is ai.

Israaeell’s’s pec Isra ecul ullia ulia i r se secu curi rity ty ssititua uatition on led ttoo th the deeve velo lopm p en ent off per e ha haps ps thee mos ostt so soph phis istititca cate tteed an a d most mosstt effffec mo ecttiive ec ve cou ount nter-t er-tter er e rroori ris ist st sys yste tteeem m. Mai m. ain ain ggooals alls off the h pat atrriiot o ic mis i si s on the henn fo f cu cuse s d on tthe se he dee eepe peni ning n of the tities es bettweeenn thhee C Cze zech c R ch Rep epub ubblliiicc an a d IIssrael raaell wiitth thhe ppaart r iiccul ular lar ar con onsi side d raatition on ooff sseecuuri r tyy iss ssue ues. ue s Misssi s. sion on mem on mbe b rs hhav a e be av been enn aawa waare aand nd connce cern rned abo bout u the connttiinu ut nuou ouss ri r se of of ex extr trrem mis i t pa part rtiiees annd fr f acctition ion onss no not on o ly in thhe C Czzecch Repu Re publ blic bl icc, bu butt as the h Jun unee el elec ectitit ons ec onns to the Euurrop opea eann Pa Parl r ia rl i me ment nt dem mon onst s raatteeed, st d, els l ew e he h re r in thhe EU U. The The mi Th miss ssioon th ther eref eref efore ore ha or had a cl clea e r obje obbje jecti ctiv ct ive ooff supp su pppporrtiting ngg Min inis iste is tteer Peeci cina naa in hi hiss ca c us u e to furth urthherr sstr ur tren tr enngthe gtheen thhe co gt coop oper op erat er atio at ionn be io betw twee eenn Is Isra Isra rael el and nd the he Czzeechh Rep epub ubliic inn f ig ub ight ht aggaain i st st ter erro roori rori rism sm m, extr ex t emis tr em mis ism, m gua m, uarraant ntee ee tthe he seccur urititi y of its cititiz izzen izen e s in incl clud cl udin ud inng co ing comp mpul mp ulso ul s ry mililititar so a y dr ar drafft,t and n mos ostt im impo port rtan rt aanntly ttlly le lear arn ffrrom arn om Isr s ae ael’l’l’ss exte exxtens tennssiivve te ve ex expe peri pe rien ri ence en cee in this th hiiss f ieeld ld. The h mis i si sion on sttaart rted ed in JJeeru rusa ussaaleem w whher eree Mini Mini Mi nist ist ster er Pec ecin inaa, a, his his is Dep epuutty Min Miini M nistterr Ms. nist s. Leennkkaa Ptá táčkkoovvá, váá,, Pre resi resi s de dent n of th the Po Poli olilice c of th ce the Cz C ec echh Repu Re ppuubbllic ic Maj ajor oorr Gen Geenner ner e al al Olddřiich ch Mar Mar artititinů inů nů anndd Suuppre reme me PPub ubli ub blilic Prroossec ecut u or or Ms. s. Ren e át áta Ve V se seck ck á m meet w wiith th thee mis missi isssiion on mem embbeers rs at tthhe ddiisc scus ussi us sion dinne innne nr aatt Kin ing ng Da Davviid Ho Hotel. tell.. On te On Mo Monday ndayy, th nd the pr proggra ram of of the the he mis i ssiion ionn con onti ntitinu tinuued ed with itith th the he mo mornin rnning inng pprres esen entaattiionn abo bout thee his isto tory to rryy anndd the h cur urre rennntt sta tattee ooff Is Isrraael Isra el’s’s securi secu se cuurity rity ri ty sititua uattiioonn deliv ellivver eredd by M Maajo jor Be Benjjam minn Rut utllaand and nd of thhe Ge Gene Gene neraal St nera S afff of of Isr srrae aelili Deffense ae enssee Forrccees. en s. The he pre pre rese sentat ntattio nt ion w waas as ffoolllow owed wed by St Stafff Se Serg Serg rgeeeaaant nt Miich M chaaeel Ze chae Zef wh who ho sppok oke abbou o t ve very ery r y pos ositittiv ive im iv impa pact cts co c om comp mppul ulso lssooryy servi er vi er vice ce in the thhe ID IDF DF ha has on on thhee gen eneerrall seecccur uurrit ritity as as wel ell ass on th the Is Isra raeli eelli yyoouutths hs. Th The re rest est st off the day was devot evvot oted e to thhe hist hiist s or oryy off IIsr srae sr a l an ae a d vi vissiittss to M Maasa sada da ffor da ortr or tres tr e s (t(tra es (tra raditi diitit onnal al locat occat atio i nw whher ere re yo youn ung ID IDF ssoold ldie iieerss are re swoornn in) n) whe heree Maj ajor ajor o Daani D niel el Morge el orrge gens n te ns tern rn delliivveerrred eedd seevveerral ral al spe peec eeeccche hess co he conc ncer ern rni ning n IIsr srae aeel’l s miililitaaryy hiissttoorryy. In ael’ I the he eve eve veni n ngg the he del del eleg eleg e at ation ioon jo join ined in ed the the he rec reccep eptit oonn at tthhe Resi Resi Re side denc nc e o the Cze of zech c Ambbas ch assa sadoor in sa in Teell A Avi v v hheeldd on th vi t e oc occa ccaassiioonn ooff th thee Cz Czec echh N Naatiion onal al Holliday iddayys off Oct c oobbeerr 28 an and nd No Nove Nove vemb m er er 17.

7. T The hhee reecceeppptitition o was as amo mong mong ng ottheer ne netw worrki kinngg opppportu oorrtuunniities titiess a gre reat eat at cha hanncce too mee eet wiithh the the he Cze z chh Isr Isrraeelilis. s. The he f in inal al day ay of th the he m miissio ssssio ionn co cons onnssiisste tedd of of sev sevver eraall sem miinnar ars and an d an pprres e ennta t tit on o s coonc n er erni n ngg the ni he seeccurriitty is issu sueess aand nndd lattes est de d veelo lopm pm men ents ts in thhe fif ielld. ts d. The h morrni ning ng was a spe pent nt aatt the nt tthhe Inst Inst In stit tititut tute uutte ffoor Na N ttiion ion onall Seccuurritityy St Stud Stud udie die ie s (INS (I NSS) NS SSS)) in Tel Teel Av T Aviivv w Aviv whe hheerree an Is Isra rael ra elili eexxpe pert rt Yoorrram rt am m Sch chwe hwe w iz izer er led a sem minnarr foc ocuussedd on the ocus tthhe is isssuue off suuiicciiddee bbom om mbbeers rs and n ove ovveerraalll on me menttal aliitty of of ter ter errro rori ro oriistts. s.

Thee fo Th f llllow low winng se semi minaar wa mi waass le led ed by by the he Briga riggaadi ri addiierr Gen Gen ener ner eral al E Elililiez ezer er Ste Steern rn, ffoorrm mer er IDFF Man anppoower wer Di we Dire reect ctorat oraatte, or e, andd foc ocuusseedd on tthhhee issu issuue in is in whhiich ch he he iss one ne off thee mos ost eexxpe perriien ience ennce ced ex expe ppeerrttss,, th tha hat iss tthe he man he anppoow weer and and huma an huuma m n rreesoour urccees in in army rm my annd st statte se secu curi uri riity tyy ser er vi vice ces. s. The he llas ast pr ast as preessenta ennta tation tiion on too ook ppllac acee on on Tuessddaay af Tu afteern rnoo oooon at oon at the he Teell Avi viv he head adqu quar arteers rs of th thee NE ESSSS whe here ree NES ESS TS TSG Pr Pres esiidden ent Mi Mich chae ael Zi Zind nder erma man an an and nd hhiis ccoolllea eagu gues es inttrroodduuced ceed latest la teesstt NESSS teechhno nolo nolo loggiies es and nd their heir he ir suc ucce ucce cess cess ssfu f l us fu usee by by the he IIDF DFF as we D wellll aass by

by Issrraaeellii pol olic ice ce fo forrcces e s.

Part of the delegation at Masada Fortress

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

23.11.2009 18:01:09

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

Oldřich Martinů, President of the Czech Police, Lenka Ptáčková Melicharová, Deputy Minister of Interior, Martin Pecina, Minister of Interior and Šárka Koutná, Director of Minister`s Office

From left: Pavel Suchánek, Director, International Department, Ministry of Interior, Oldřich Martinů, President of the Czech Police and Lenka Ptáčková Melicharová, Deputy Minister of Interior

From left: Tomáš Chalupa, Mayor of Prague 6, Petr Jiříkovsky, Director of Divison, Ness ČR and Pavel Parma, Chairman of the Board, Evions

From left: Tomáš Chalupa, Mayor of Prague 6, Ladislav Dráb, Chairman of the Board, Česká Energie, Pavel Parma, Chairman of the Board, Evions and Michal Donath, General Director, Donath-Burson-Marsteller

Zdeněk Mudra, Chairman of the Board, Jerus

From left: Renáta Vesecká, Supreme Public Prosecutor, Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius and Blanka Kalcsová, Chairman of the Board, Silnice Jičín

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY

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23.11.2009 14:59:51

diplomatic event

From right: H.E. Huo Yuzhen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and his wife Mrs. Lívia Klausová

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60 Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

The People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949.

In the past 60 years, under the leadership of the Central Government, China made much headway in socio-economic development. A historic jump has been made from a society of having only adequate food and clothing to a well-off society. With improved socio-economic situation, China now plays a more important role in the international community.

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From left: Juan Ricardo Braun, Writer, Danuše Siering, Siering Inc., H.E. Vicente Espeche Gil, Ambassador of Argentina and H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria

19.11.2009 18:21:44

From left: H.E. Mati Vaarmann, Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Franc But, Ambassador of Slovenia and Jan Hamáček, Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, Parliament of the Czech Republic, Chamber of Deputies

From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic and Fei Yixiang, Economic-Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Ing. Miloslav Vlček, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic

From left: Doc. Ing. Miroslav Grégr, former Minister of Industry and Trade, doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chief of the Board of Directors, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries and JUDr. Vojtěch Filip, Vice Chairman, Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic

Mrs. Jana Outratová and and H.E. Athar Mahmood, Ambassador of Pakistan

From left: Jiří Šitler, Director Department of Asia and Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Jiří Nekovář, Euro – Trend Group

From left: H.E. Seong-Yong Cho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and H.E. José Luis Bernal, Ambassador of Mexico

From left: H.E. Diana Espino de Papantonakis, Ambassador of Uruguay with husband Dimitrio

From left: Ing. Radek Dohnal, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Top Hotels Group, a.s. and Ing. Vladimír Dohnal, Top Hotels Group, a.s.

Ing. Pavel Franěk, Director, Department of Travel Movement Development Programs, Ministry for Regional Development of ČR and Ing. Jana Lorenzová, Director of Information System Department, EGAP, a.s.

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H.E. Huo Yuzhen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China with husband

19.11.2009 18:22:09

From left: Kamil Janáček, Chief Economist of Komerční Banka, a.s., with wife, PhDr. Jiří Šíma, DrSc., Chairman, Klub přátel Asie and Mrs. Ariunzul

Jiří Dienstbier, Chairman Comittee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Parliament of the Czech Republic, the Senate with wife From left: Karel Vágner, Multisonic and Ladislav Mravec, Director of Foreign Affairs Department, Office of the President

From left: H.E. Alexey Fedotov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Jan Hamáček, Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Affairs, Parliament of the Czech Republic, Chamber of Deputies

From left: Ing. Edvard Outrata, Senator (ret.), JUDr. Alena Scholzová, Chief of Legal Agenda Department, Municipality of Prague 12 and JUDr. Petr Scholz, Ph.D., Deputy Financial Arbiter CR

From left: H.E. Koray Targay, Ambassador of Turkey, with wife and Dr. Vítězslav Grepl, Director General Section of Non-European Countries and Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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60 Anniversary...

JUDr. Renáta Vesecká, Supreme Public Prosecutor, H.E. Huo Yuzhen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and JUDr. František Mikeš, 1st Deputy Minister of Culture

19.11.2009 18:23:03

prague castle event

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Jana Koubková Quartet Jana Koubková: Singer Ondřej Kabrna: Piano, Accordion, Oud Jan Keller: Violoncello, Bassguitar Jan Červenka: Drums, Djembe

and guests: Heinz Grobheimer: Multiinstrumentalist Alan Vitouš and Miloš Vacík: Percussion Dismanův rozhlasový dětský soubor

Jan Keller, Bassist and Violoncellist and Jana Koubková, Singer

Jazz at the Castle Jana Koubková 65

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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From left: H.E. Ole E. Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark with his son (far left), H.E. Valerie Raymond, Ambassador of Canada and Major General (ret.) Tom de Faye

19.11.2009 18:19:15

JUDr. Jan Mareš, Sileman s.r.o., Agency for International Cooperation and his partner Eugénie

From left: František Bányai, President, Jewish Community of Prague, JUDr. Alena Bányaiová, CSc., Advocate, Salans Europe LLP, Ms. Eva Lorencová, Editor and Ing. Šlais

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Mr. Jakub Nabi

From left: H.E. José Júlio Pereira Gomes, Ambassador of Portugal; Marc Nicholson, American Diplomat and H.E. Leda Lúcia Martins Camargo, Ambassador of Brazil

From left: Mrs. Natali Ruden, Fashion Designer and JUDr. Dagmar Raupachová, Advocate, Černý-Raupachová

From left: JUDr. Jan Černý, Advocate, Černý-Raupachová, JUDr. Dagmar Raupachová, Advocate, Černý-Raupachová and Petr Svoboda

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Jazz at the Castle

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From left: Dalibor Slavíček, Apostolic Nuncio, Most Reverend Diego Causero, Titular Archbishop of Grado, Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Alexey Fedotov. Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs. Tatiana M. Anisova

19.11.2009 18:19:50

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Mr. Petr Kotouč

From left: Dr. Dušan Tříska, Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, Consultant and Mrs. Blanka Dybová

Petr Popálený and Ms. Martina Janků

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Vyšehrad gastro & travel services, Ms. Nora Stříbrná and Pavel J. Ryba, Musician

H.E. Vincente Espeche Gil, Ambassador of Argentina with his wife

From left: Mrs. Hana Kunstová, Josef Vejvoda, Music Publishers with his wife and Ing. Jaromír Kunst, Managing Director, Unirec spol. s.r.o.

Jana Koubková, Singer, receiving an award from Prof.

Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

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19.11.2009 18:20:33

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

czech energy/ecological award

Skanska Property Czech Republic, an experienced developer of commercial real estate properties, has announced that its office building Nordica Ostrava was awarded the best building structure in the Czech Energy and Ecological Project 2008 competition set by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic. Expert jury awarded Nordica Ostrava office building in the category of “Low Energy and Passive Buildings of Investors in the Czech Republic”.

From left: Josef Fiřt, Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Office, Jan Fischer, Prime Minister, Johan Hedve, Leasing Manager, Skanska Property Czech Republic, Radek Vortel, Business Deputy, Skanska CZ – Moravia and the Representative of Skanska CZ – Moravia

SKANSKA’S OFFICE

Building Nordica Ostrava won the Czech Energy and Ecological Project of 2008 Award The goal of the competition is to present energy efficient and passive buildings and projects in the field of energetics, which significantly improve the energy efficiency and utilization of energy sources and contribute to the improvement of the environment in the Czech Republic.

Personal patronage over the competition Czech Energy and Ecology Project of 2008 was given by: Prime Minister Jan Fischer Minister of the Environment Ladislav Miko Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Office Josef Fiřt Rector of ČVUT Václav Havlíček Chairman of ČKAIT Pavel Křeček Director of SFŽP Petr Štěpánek.

“We have been focusing on energy efficiency of buildings and on energy efficient technical solutions in building maintenance and optimization of energy costs for many years. Nordica Ostrava is certified as EC GreenBuilding and we are very proud to receive the Czech Energy and Ecological Project of 2008 Award“ said CEO of Skanska Property Czech Republic Rikard Henriksson, and adds: “We will continue to focus on energy saving solutions for all our future project since it is of benefit both for our tenants and the environment.“ ●

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Joint photoshooting after the official ceremony of all awarded companies, persons, official patrons, organizers and VIP guests. In the middle: standing Ing. Miloslava Veselá, Director and Executive head, TOP EXPO spol. s r.o. and Jan Fischer, Prime Minister, Ladislav Miko, Minister of the Environment, Josef Fiřt, Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Office, Václav Havlíček, Rector of ČVUT, Pavel Křeček, Chairman of ČKAIT and Petr Štěpánek, Director of SFŽP.

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Nordica Ostrava is the first office building in the Czech Republic with EC GreenBuilding certification for energy efficiency. The building, that is designed to have 30% lower energy consumption than required by the Czech norms, was completed in Q1 2009. The seven-floor property with rentable area of approximately 12,000 m2 of high-quality and flexible designed A-class offices has two underground garage floors and restaurant on the ground floor. The location in the periphery of the historical core center of Ostrava, between the Českobratrská and Soukenická streets, provides perfect connection to both public transport and main roads connection.

23.11.2009 18:24:16

czech energy/ecological award

Václav Havlíček, Rector of ČVUT in his speech

Josef Fiřt, Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Office in his speech

From Top Expo, Czech Energy and Ecological Project of 2008 Award

Petr Štěpánek, Director of SFŽP is awarding representative of Direkt Development s. r. o. with the SFŽP Award for “Residential Set of Low-energy Wooden Buildings”, Jílové u Prahy

Gustáv Slamečka, Minister of Transport is awarding representative of the Nuclear Research Institute Řež for the Project of TriHybus: tri-hybrid bus with hydrogen fuel cluster

Ing. Tomáš Hüner, Deputy Minister of the Industry and Trade, Head of the Section of Industry and Energetics, Ing. Irena Plocková, Chairman of the Competition Jury and Director of the program Green for Savings (Zelená úsporám), Ing. Miloslava Veselá, Director and Executive Head, TOP EXPO spol. s r.o. and Ladislav Miko, Minister of the Environment

Jan Fischer, Prime Minister is awarding the representatives of the Atelier ARS, s.r.o. for “Kindergarten Minisvět MRAČ”, District of Benešov

Winners of Student Award Marek Matrtaj and Kateřina Benedová for their “Passive House n. 12” Project

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more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Ing. Irena Plocková, Chairman of the Competition Jury and Director of the program Green for Savings (Zelená úsporám)

Gala Evening in Betlem Chapel with 456 guests

23.11.2009 18:26:00

ZDENE

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19.11.2009 15:05:26

K SORF paintings

STUDIO ART GALLERY PRAGUE

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19.11.2009 15:05:29