Prague Leaders Magazine Issue 01/2011

NO 1/2011

www.leadersmagazine.cz

195,-­CZK

m a g a z i n e

incl. electronic version

now available in Brussels

Ladislav Dráb, Chairman of the Board of Česká energie Company Photo: Martin Kovář

Our Gas Business Is Accelerating Gala Evening

Christmas Charity Concert

Economic Discussion

EU Diplomatic Event

National Theatre

Czech 100 Best

Hilton Annual Christmas

German-Czech Chamber

Hungary Takes Over

The Rite of Spring

Comenius Society, active in the fields of education, culture, science and technology, organized the “CZECH 100 BEST” for already 15th time...

On Sunday, December 19, Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town took pleasure in organizing the annual Christmas Charity Concert...

With the chamber’s members, Nečas discussed about opportunities and challenges for investors in the Czech Republic. The topics...

10th January – The opening event of the Hungarian EU presidency – a festive mass and a concert – in the Břevnov Archabbey...

In November, the corps de ballet of the National Theatre introduced its production of The Rite of Spring, an evening program by Petr Zuska, the ballet artistic director of the National Theatre...

PRAGUE CASTLE - November 26, 2010

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page 22

Charity Concert

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page 70

of Industry and Commerce

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page 90

the EU Presidency

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page 116

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Lime&Tonic is a fresh approach to a traditional city guide – one which combines the new trend of collective purchasing with an online guide. The goal of Lime&Tonic is to get people out and experiencing their city more, and we speak with the Manager of the Prague portal – Mr. Todd Benson – to learn more about how he achieves this with this innovative new venture.

SO, FIRST OFF- WHAT IS COLLECTIVE PURCHASING? Collective purchasing has been around for a while, and basically refers to utilizing the power of group buying to obtain discounts. Recently, a new company called ‘GroupOn’ took collective purchasing to a whole new level by leveraging the power of social media – such as Facebook, which now has 500 m users. GroupOn would basically offer one deal each day at an incredible discount, with the deal being conditional to a minimum number of people agreeing to participate in it. If the minimum number of people is reached, then the deal activates and everyone benefits from the discount. If not, the deal is off and no one gets the discount.

WHAT MAKES LIME&TONIC UNIQUE? Since the advent of GroupOn, there has been very little differentiation in the model at all and this is really where our strength lies. We spent a lot of time refining the model, and most people notice this from the minute they arrive on our site.

The first key element is that we have combined a city guide with our collective purchasing model – something which no one else is doing. People rate their experiences after they’ve completed them which in turn creates a verified, user-generated guide on things to do around town with ongoing discounts available here. We’re currently preparing 37 destinations for launch globally, and by end of next year we hope to be a known city guide with a portal in more than 100 destinations.

The next major difference is that we do one deal per week, rather than each day. We focus on ensuring that the deal is really something special and from a known brand whereas other sites will do little pizzerias and no-

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Lime&Tonic

name hairdressers. Our deals encompass leading restaurants, spas, weekend getaways and cool activities and we’ve had deals from the likes of Hilton, Kempinski and Rocco Forte Hotels. Finally, we have a strong sustainable ethos attached to our site, contributing 10% of all our revenues to supporting local charities.

THAT ALL SOUNDS GREAT, HOW DO PEOPLE START AVAILING OF YOUR DEALS? It’s actually very easy, and there is no cost to start receiving the deals. Just go to our website and enter your email address in the ‘subscribe’ box. Thereafter you

will begin receiving our newsletter every Thursday morning which will provide you with information about the available deal. Once the minimum number of purchasers have been reached, you will be sent your voucher which can then be redeemed at a time of your choosing, typically any time in the next 6 to 12 months.

With Christmas coming up, our site is great for inspiration on interesting gifts – or simply for a special night out with your loved ones or friends. As we like to say – Lime& Tonic is “cool, caring & collective”. www.limeandtonic.com/prague I

20.1.2011 16:40:02

PLM2009_234x325excentrPrava.qxd

14.7.2009

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WE PRINTED THIS MAGAZINE WE ARE READY TO DESIGN AND PRINT YOUR: BILLBOARD, CITYLIGHT, POSTER, STAND, BANNER, CATALOGUE, MAGAZINE, BROCHURE, LEAFLET, ETC.

D&S Design Prague, s.r.o.

Printing & Design Factory – Top Quality Products for Highly Competitive Prices Kounická 957/39, Praha 10 – Nové Strašnice, 100 00, tel.: 274 774 131, fax: 274 774 151, kabes@bigformat.cz

www.bigformat.cz

At the invitation of President Václav Klaus, His Royal Highness Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg visited the Czech Republic on the 24th and 25th November 2010. The visit took place on the occasion of the 700th Anniversary of the Luxembourg’s adhesion to the Czech throne. His Royal Highness visited the Prague Castle as well as Karlštejn Castle.

state visit

WORK VISIT of HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS HENRI, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg in the Czech Republic

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

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21.1.2011 11:31:44

publishers note & contents

Dear Readers, Time is flying. It is again a new year, and with mixed feelings we begin 2011 asking ourselve vess wh ve what at this year might brrin ing. g. The wor orld or ld is a very volatilililee andd se sens nsitititiv ns ivee pl iv plaace. It is now w glo loba baal, and there ree are r manny thinngs tha hatt ca can happ pppen in ou ppen ourr lilive ive ves. s.

Thee climat Th ate, at e, pol o itic ittic ics, and the eco conoomy are factors whiich we ca cann do lilittt lee to in litt inflfuencce, e and whiich cann dramatititica c llllyy ch ca chaange the wayss we liv ivee.

Howe Ho wevver, I thi we hinkk we muustt be op optitiopti mistic going ngg forr wa ward rd,, andd trtry to do rd the righ ghtt thinngs, an gh andd mo most impor orta or tant ta ntly nt ly – be ni n ce and frirendl endl dlyy towardss each ch othher er,, an andd re reac achh out a he ac help lpin lp ingg ha in hand nd. We must al nd also put som omee prres essu sure su r on our po politititici ciaans to lead uss in thhe ririgh ci ghtt di gh dire rect re ctio ct ionn. Qui io u tee ofte of ten I am afrai te frrai aidd of o the sel e f ish shness thaat we see fro rom ma many politiciaans.

In the yea ear’rs fifirst issuee of Lea eade ders de rs Mag agazine, youu wilil find plennty nt y of inte in tere te ressting stor re orie or ies. ie s. The here ree is co cove vera ve rage ra ge of importannt even ents en ts suc uchh as the Come Co m nius 100 Bes est Aw Awaard Gala Dinnne nerr at the Spa pani nish ni sh Hal a l at the Cast Ca stle st le,, as well as the Key Facto le tors to rs of Su Succ ccesss se cc s minar eaarlrlieer th t at day. da y. We co covered th thee trtrad aditititio ad iona io nall Op na Openingg of the Christmas as Baz azaa az aarr aa for Char fo aritt y at ar a the Hililto tonn by Mrss. Livia Klau to ausoová au vá, thee fifirs rstt La rs Lady dy off the Czec th Czechh Rep Republ blic bl ic; th the Cz Czec ech/ h/G /Germann Cha h mb mber ber´ss off Com Commerce semi se mina narr withh mainn speakerr and ho hono nore redd gu gueest Prim imee Minnister Petr Neča Ne čass; the Ann nnuaal As Asso soci ciat atio ionn of Hot otel e s and Restaurrant ntss Aw Award too thee be best of 20 2010 10;; th thee Hiltton Traditionnal Christmas Con oncert;; Ja Jazz zz at thhe Caast stle le;; th thee Comeni nius us Roound the Tabless wi with th Min inis iste terr of Fin inan ance c Miro Mi rosl slav av Kal aloousek andd De Depu puty ty Min inis iste ters rs of In Inte terior or, Michal Morrozz and Jíří Fra an rancc; an a d thhe VI.. Pr Prag ague u Sec ecuurity Confferen encee. You will alsoo f innd, as usual al,, fa fasc scinnat atin ing innte terv rview ws with peeoplee suc uch as the Mini Mi nist ster er of To Tour uris ism m of Malaysia Daatoo’ Sr Srii Dr. Ngg Yen Yen en;; th thee new Lo Lord rd Mayor off Praggue MU MUDr D . Bohhuslav l Svoboda; Mi Ministter of De D fence Alexander Vondra; Ambassador at Large for Energy Security H.E. Václav Bartuška; Minister of Education Josef Dobeš; and CEO and Member of the Board of the Czech National Bank Mrs. Eva Zamrazilová, to mention a few.

For our front page interview we are happy to have Ladislav Dráb, the dynamic owner and Chairman of the Board of Česká plynárenská a.s.

We are also happy to announce that Ing. Evžen Tošenovský will have a new column. Mr. Tošenovský is the Euro Deputy and Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy of the European Parliament (ITRE). In his column, Mr. Tošenovský will Myy dog M dooogg Rhea Rhea Rh ea comment on the significant things that are happening in the energy and gas industry.

Finally, I wish you all a very pleasant winter. I hope you will have time to do some skiing, as well as time to look towards a very welcome spring. Be nice to each other and be generous in matters small and big. It always pays off.

events 17 22 30 38 42 50 52 54 60 61 62 66 70 76 82 88 90 94 96 98 101 106 108 110

Turning on the Christmas Tree Lights in the Beautiful Atmosphere of Prague Castle Czech 100 Best Gala Evening Key Factors of Success – XV. International Conference, New Gallery of Prague Castle, November 26, 2010 Round Table of Comenius with Michal Moroz and Jiří Franc, Deputy Ministers of Interior of the Czech Republic Round Table of Comenius with Miroslav Kalousek, Minister of Finance Launching of a New Arabian Cook Book Christmas Party with an Art Nouveau Touch Nordic Chamber Christmas Party Truly Scandinavian Atmosphere The Traditional New Year’s Meeting between the President of the Czech Republic and the Prime Minister Meeting of the Council of the St. Vitus Cathedral Professor Jan Kříž 60th Anniversary Black and White – Evening at Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa Hilton Annual Christmas Charity Concert Gala Evening after the 5th Conference of the Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants (AHR ČR) at Obecní dům Gas Business Breakfast Lions Club Prague Eagle with Guest of Honor, Priest Zbigniew Czendlik German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce – Economic Discussion with the Prime Minister Petr Nečas Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador – Festive Meeting Annual General Meeting of Financial Advisers VI. Prague Security Conference – The Future of Europe: People – Resources – Technology Strategic Forum The New Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Skier’s paradise in Velké Karlovice – Ski Resort Synot Kyčerka

culture events Benk nkee Aikell I nk benke.ai aike keelll@l @ eadersm maggazi z ne zi n .c . z www. ww w.le lead ader ersm smag agaz azin ine. e.cz cz

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Lead Le adeers Ma ad Maga g ziine I/2 /201 0111 01

84 126 128 129 130 131 132 135

page 60 – The Traditional New Year’s Meeting between the President of the Czech Republic and the Prime Minister

Vietnam: Propaganda Posters – Architectural Consulting Exhibition Dream and Reality – Opening Ceremony and After Party in Crowne Plaza Prague Castel The Rite of Spring The Makropoulos Affair The Elixir of Love Soloist Ivan Kusnjer and Violin Virtuoso Ivan Ženatýý’s Recital Jazz at the Castle with Štveráček Q + Navigators Jazz at the Castle with Didier Lockwood Trio

21.1.2011 12:20:40

contents interviews 10 12 14 34 36

46

48 58

Our Gas Business Is Accelerating An interview with Ladislav Dráb, Chairman of the Board of Česká energie Company Our Army Needs to Have a Vital Vision A talk with Alexander Vondra, Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic We Treat Our Tourists Like VIP’s An interview with Hon. Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia The Maximum Amount of Transparency Possible An interview with Bohuslav Svoboda, Prague’s new Lord Mayor People Need to Be Willing to Pursue Appropriate Changes by Themselves A talk with MUDr. Michaela Fridrichová, Chairwoman of the League Against Cancer Prague The Biggest Challenge? We are spoiled An interview with Václav Bartuška, Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Accelerated Minister An interview with Josef Dobeš, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports We Must Learn to Save and Not Run into Debt An interview with Eva Zamrazilová, Bank Board Member and Chief Executive Director of the Czech National Bank

page 66 Black and White – Evening at Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

contributors 21 45

EU matters 116 119 1200 12

122 123

page 61 Meeting of the Council of the St. Vitus Cathedral

Hungary Takes Over the EUU PPresidency res Busines e s News Despi Des esppi pite tee its Siz ize ze Be Belg lgiu gium iuum Is our Sig igni nififica cant nt E xp xpor ortt Pa Part rtne ner! r!

An interview with H.E. E Vladimír Vl di ír Müller, M Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium Will 2011 Be a Good Year for International Trade?

Single Market Can’t Develop Further without Mutual Efforts of Both, PA and Businesses page 12 – A talk

56 65 68 73 79 87 104 124 138

Humor in Business?/Ivan Pilný Rational Revision of the EU Energy Policy/ Evžen Tošenovský Meet Generation Y/Jan Mühlfeit Marketing Trends for 2011/Emil Jimenez Business May Be Your Life – But – Life Is Your Business Part VIII: Lasting Happiness A,B/James A. Cusumano What is your Destination?/Karin Genton One Hundred Years of a Czech School in the Ukraine/ČSÚZ Return to Conversation, Your Motto for 2011/

By Cristina Muntean Basquiat/Monet/Iva Drebítko Facebook for Business – Do You Have a Strategy?/ Leigh Ann Stouffer Leading Positive Change in the Czech Republic/ Lukáš Sedláček

with Alexander Vondra

112–113

114–115

diplomatic events 5 18 74 80

contents.indd 7

Work Visit of His Royal Highness Henri, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg in the Czech Republic Internati t tionall Chriisttmas Bazaar att the Hililtton Prague g Celebration of the National Day of Algeria Sankta Lucia at the Swedish Embassy

24.1.2011 12:14:36

info We are pleased to announce that we have considerably extended Leaders Magazine spread to include 80 topnotch restaurants in Prague.

Total circulation: Aria Hotel Le Palais Hotel Prague g cca 18.000 bi-monthly including Coda restaurant 225 334 791 Le Papillon 234 634 611 electronic version.

Readership total: cca 500.000 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 ČSAA bu busineess class & VIP lounges of Pra ragu g e ai aipo port po rt. rt We are also cooperatinng with with Pra wi raggue City Hall, Czech Invesst, Czechh Centre, enn e, e The Czech Medi d ca c l Ch Chaamber,r,, all Cha hamm bers of Comm mm mer erce ce, Fo ce Foru r m Fr ru Fran anco an cophon co onne Affaaires es,, Če Česská ká Ma Mana naže na žeersská Aso soci c acce, CMC Gr Grad aduaate Schoool of Busin ad ines in ess, es s s, Univerrsi sity tyy of Ne New w York in Prrag ague ue, Anngl ue go Amer eric er icaan Sch ic choool, Uni n ve vers rsititityy of Pittsrs burg bu rgh, rg h CEE EELI Ins EE nstitittuute te, Lionss Cl Club ubs, ub s, Rota Ro tary Clu ta lubs bs, Th bs Thee Pr Prague Soc ociety oc ty for o Int. Coo In oope p rationn, CZ pe CZEC ECH EC H TO TOPP 10 100 0, Czec Cz echh 100 Beest ec st, CEBRE, Eurotelegraph, The Senate, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ano pro Evropu andd maany more..

For sale in Luxor Bookstore at Václavské náměstí.

Lead Le ader e s Magazinee is av avai a laabl blee in all roomss of these top sta tarr fine hot otels and thheirr re rest stau aura rant nts: s: (telep epho hone ne num u be ber for reseerv rvat atio i n)

Crowne Plaza Harvest Restaurant

224 393 692 2

Prague uee Mar arri ar riot ri ottt Ho ot Hote tell te Brras asse serie resttau se auraant 222 888 888 8

Grand Hotel Bohemia U Prašné brányy 234 4 608 111

R di Ra diss sson ss on SAS Alcron Hote tel te La Rotonde de 222 820 000

Hilton Pra ragu ra guee gu CzecchH hHouse se Gri rillll & Rotiiss Ro sser erie erie

Rest Re stau st aura au rant ra nt Alcronn 224 2 842 4 700

Hilton Pragu guee Ol Oldd To Tow wn Reest stau aura au rant ra 22 21 82 822 2 30 303 3 Holiida Ho day Inn Pr Prag ague ag ue Conggre Co ress sss Cen ente ter te Espr Es pritit pr

61 17 175 5 030 03 30

Hotel Beelllagioo R sttau Re aura rant ra nt Isa s be b llla

221 778 99 99

Hoot l Ho H Hote Hoffmeiister Hoff Reest stauura r nt Ada

251 017 133

Hoote tel Inte terc te r on rc onttine nent ntal Prahaa nt Zlat Zl atáá Pr Prah ahaa ah 296 63 631 11 111 1 Hotel Palacee Praaha Ho Gourmet Cl Go Club ub

222 820 000 22 0

Rezi zide zi dennce Lundboorg de Prah aha ha 257 01 011 1 91 9 1 R zi Re z de dence Nost sticcov st ovaa Resttaurant Alcchy Re hymist st 257 011 670 Top Ho Hote tell Pr te Prah ahaa ah Rest Re stau st aura au rant ra nt Boh ohemiatop oh Recepce 267 67 284 4 111 A dien Au dien di ence ce Deci De c si ci sion on n mak aker erss in the he field ldss of busi sine nesss, public rellat ne ations ns,, in ns inde dede pend den nt pr p of ofes essi es sion si onss an on and d di dipl plom pl omaom cyy, goveern rnme ment me nt offi fficcials, looca ffi call offififici of ciaals.

224 093 111

Hotel Savo voy, vo y Restaurrac acee Hrad Hr adča čany any 224 22 4 30 302 2 15 150 0 Kempin Kemp insk skii – Hy Hybe bern r skáá Hybern Hy rnsská 12, 110 11 0 00 00, Praha 1 hooteel & re restaura rant nt 226 22 6 22 2 6 11 11

Kaavárna v Obbecníím domě do m Kinng Solom Ki mon Kogo – Havelská Kogo – Slovanský dům

222 002 764 224 24 818 752 224 214 543 221 451 259

La Perle de Prague 221 984 166 Lamborghini PastaCaffé (Vězeňská) 224 813 257 Lamborghini PastaCaffé (Vodičkova) 222 231 869 Lary Fary 222 320 154 Le Café Colonial 224 818 322 Les Moules 222 315 022 Luka Lu Restaurant 257 212 388 Lví Dvůr 224 372 361 mama lucy 222 327 207 Marco Polo IV 224 819 668 Metamorphis 221 771 068 Mirellie Mediterranean Restaurant Korunní 783/23 Praha 2 222 521 814 V.P. Čkalova 502/14, Prah Pr ahaa 6 222 95 22 9 9 99 999 9 Nostressca cafee gallery 222 22 317 17 004 Orange Moo O oon Oste Os teri te riaa Da Cla lara ra

222 32 222 325 5 11 119 9 271 71 726 548 8 776 77 6 418 559

Pálffy Palác Parnass Pass Pa ssep epar arto toutt Prav Pr avda d

257 7 530 522 2 224 216 244 222 22 2 51 13 34 340 0 222 326 203 03

Contributors: James A. Cusumano, Iva Drebitko, Joseph Drebitko, Karin Genton-L’Epée, EurActiv, European Leadership & Academic Institute, Pavlína Holancová, Martina Hošková, Filip Hubáček, Emil Jimenez, Zuzana Kasáková, Cristina Muntean, Jan Mühlfeit, Ivan Pilný, Věra Rašková, Věra Řiháčková, Evžen Tošenovský Marketing/Advertising: Lynn Tourkiová, Max Salamatin, Shalva Sikharulidze Marketing & Editorial Director Vladimíra Václavíková EU Matters: CEBRE Czech Business Representation, CESES, Europlatform Photographers: Tomáš Bém, Jan Branč, Jiří Herman, Martin Janas, Radko Janata, Zuzana Jirásková, Martin Kovář, Luboš Lidický, Josef Louda, Ivan Malý, Paul Pacey, Oto Palán, Filip Pokorný, Marek Röder, Martina Řehořová, Marie Schmerková, Prokop Svoboda, Jaroslav Tatek, Vladimír Weiss

Hoote tell Re Resi side si denc de nce nc Alch Al chym ch ymis ym i t is 257 28 86 01 11

Youu can find the Mag Yo agaz azin inee in these se fine resstau aura rants: (teleeph phonne nu numb mber er for res eser erva v tion on)) Am mbien e te – Ris istoora rant ntee Passtaa Fr Pa Fressca 224 230 244 Ambi Am biente te – The Liv ivin ingg Restaurants 222 727 851 Aromi 222 713 222 Azteca 257 327 389 Bar Restaurace Bílkova 13 224 829 254 Barock Bar & Café 222 329 221 Bellevue 800 123 553 Bugsy’s Bar 222 329 943 Cafe La Veranda 224 814 733 Cafe Savoy 257 329 860 Cafe De Paris 603 160 718 Caffé Restaurant Premiéra 224 828 159 Casanova 257 535 127 Clementinum 224 813 892 Casa Andina 224 815 996 Červená tabulka (Lodecká) 224 810 401 Dům vína U závoje 226 006 120 Fran Fr anco couz uzsk ská re rest stau a racee v Ob Obec ecní ním m do domě mě 222 002 2 745 Giar ardino Ennot o ec e a coon Cu Cucina 222 513 42 27 Herg He rget rg etov et ovaa Ci ov C heelnna 257 25 7 53 535 5 53 534 4 Hung Hu ngar ng arriaan Gr Grot otto ot to 257 532 32 344 4 Ichn hnus usa – Pl Plas aská 5 Prah aha 5 60 05 52 5 5 74 748 Kamppa Pa Park r 257 57 532 685 8 –6

Publisher: Benke Aikell

Re ura Restau race Hanil 222 2 715 867 Rest Re staaurrace U Vladařře 257 57 534 3 121 21 Resttau Re auraant bar Pod křídlem 224 951 741–2 Restaurant Michal 222 222 630 Restaurant Palác Kinských 224 810 750 Restaurant Rybí trh 224 895 447 Restaurant u Kolowrata 257 530 729 Restaurant U maltézských rytířů 257 533 666 Rio’s Vyšehrad 224 922 156 Ristorante Amici Miei 224 816 688 Ristorante Da Emanuel 224 312 934 Rusalka 224 934 109 Sahara Café/ Restaurant 774 557 763 Restaurant Kamenný most 224 097 100 U malířů 257 530 000 U modré kachničky 257 320 308 U Modr Modréh éhoo Hr éh Hroz oznu nu 222 221 185 5 U zl zlat atéé hr hruš ušky ky 220 514 778 U Zá Závoje 226 006 122 Vinoo di Vino 222 312 12 2 999 Z titiší Zá ší Restaaur uran annt Zaahr hrad adda v Op Opeř eřee Zele Ze lenáá zah ahra r da – Šmilovskéhho 12 12, P aha 2 Pr

222 22 2 22 2 1 15 155 5 2 4 23 22 2 9 685

222 22 2 51 518 8 15 159 9

Subscription service: Daniel Raška Leaders Magazine, CEPONA, s.r.o.

Lužická 32, 120 00 Praha 2 We appreciate your opinions of Leaders Magazine.

Please send them to: Leaders Magazine Moravská 14, 120 00 Praha 2 tel.: 224 255 277 fax: 224 256 172 e-mail: info@leadersmagazine.cz www.leadersmagazine.cz Leaders Magazine comes out bi-monthly.

Licence: MK ČR E 13147 No reproduction is permitted in whole or part without the express consent of Leaders Magazine.

The advertiser is responsible for the advertising contents.

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors or persons interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or Leaders Magazine.

All editorial material and photos in Leaders Magazine is digitally stored and may be republished by Leaders Magazine either in printed form or in various digital media. All correspondence to Leaders Magazine may be published.

Graphic design and printing: D&S Design Prague, s.r.o. tel.: 274 774 131 prague@bigformat.cz www.bigformat.cz

Leaders Magazine is member of

info.indd 8

24.1.2011 9:13:24

Leaders Magazine Advisory Board The positive siitive repu rep reputation of Leaders Magazine continues to grow, however we realize that we must muust mainta maintain a to improve and learn, particularly during these times of dynamic change.

That att is why we w have decided to set up an Advisory Board for the magazine. I am convinced that att creating cre a platform of high profile individuals will be an excellent opportunity for the magazine ma agazine ttoo ac aga acquire new ideas and define new directions of future development.

Benkke Aikeelll Benke Your P Publisher ublissh There e e are only nly few projects started in the Czech Republic by foreigners which I consider as useful to this country as Leaders Magazine. The magazine has brought to the Czech Republic ep the completely new concept of making important people – the decision makers be tthey Czech or foreigners – visible and worthy of positive admiration.

As you might know this is something not very common and perhaps even not very natural in the Czech Republic. It is therefore all the more of an achievement to start and successfully develop a project such as Leaders Magazine. I understand fully the intention of Benke Aikell, the magazine’s founder and editor-in-chief, to progress further with Leaders Magazine, and for this purpose to form a team of experienced Czech citizens of different backgrounds to create a consulting body which would bring this project to an even higher level.

I g. Karel Muzikář, CSc. Ing. President of Comenius Pres Iw was as pleased ple to be invited by Benke Aikell to cooperate on the preparation of the Advisory Board Boar oard pproject. I personally see one of the main goals of the project in creation of a positive environment enviro envir iro ron onme for networking, exchange of views, presentation of new ideas, experiences, proposals propo posa or suggestions.

I am con convinced nv that the formation of a platform of highly profiled personalities and potential ddiscussion s sio of different topics in very informal setting will be useful for both sides – for the scussion magazine m agazin as well as for the members of the Advisory Board.

Ing. ng.. Petr Pe Kubernát Director Dire rec of Pekos s.r.o.

Consulting C onsu on and Training Company ADVISORY BOARD COMITTEE Benke Aikell, Pu Benke Publisher, Leaders Magazine Ing. ng. g Petr P Kuber Kubernát, Director,, PEKOS s.r.o. and former Czech Ambassador to the Netherlands IIng. Karel M Muzikář, CSc., President, COMENIUS HONORARY MEMBERS ABROAD AND GOODWILL AMBASSADORS H.E. .E Mr. William J. Cabaniss, former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic VVincent J. Derudder, Secretary General, The European Federation of Financial Advisers and Financial Intermediaries H.E. Mr. Alexey L. Fedotov, former Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic H.E. Mr. Richard Graber, former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic H.E. Athar Mahmood, former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Czech Republic H.E. Dr. Zdravko Popov, former Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Czech Republic H.E. Mati Vaarmann, former Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the Czech Republic Ája Vrzáňová, Czech World Champion in Figure-skating, Sport Legend H.E. Huo Yuzhen, former Ambassador of the People´s Republic of China to the Czech Republic

Interviews.indd 9

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS PhDr. Zdeněk Čáp, Managing Partner, Equity Solutions s. r. o.

Josef Drebitko, CEO, D&COMM Prof. Ing. Jiří Fárek, CSc., First Deputy Mayor, City of Prague 6 Ing. Peter P. Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Mgr. Marta Gellová, Secretary General, AFIZ Michal Heřman, General Manager, Star Communications io Václav Hudeček, Violinist Plk. Mgr. Vladislav Husák, Director, Alien Police Service, rv Police of the Czech Republic JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Law w Firm JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra & spol.

Prof. Ing. Kamil Janáček, CSc., CNB B Bank Bo Board oard Member Member and Chief Executive Director Otto Jelinek, Member of the Board, OKD Ing. Peter Jusko, MBA, Partner, London don Market et Ing. Petr Kalaš, former Minister of Environment nvironment Ing. Josef Kreuter, CSc., former Czech Ambassador b ad r to the EU Prof. Dr.h.c. JUDr. Jan Kříž, CSc., Partner, Law Firm Kř Kříž a Bělina s.r.o.

Ing. Jaroslav Kubišta, Secretary, Lions Club Prague gue Eaglee Genmjr. JUDr. Lubomír Kvíčala, former Director of the Department of Protection of Constitutional al O Officials, ls, Police of the Czech Republic Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, former M.P. Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman, Europe Microsoft Corporation ora Ing. Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, oa Česká pošta a. s. and former Czech Ambassador too OECD OE D Ing. Jozef Piga, Member of the Supervisory Board, Omnipol a.s.

George Parobek, Managing Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy Doc. Ing. Antonín Peltrám, CSc., Director IEI, Bankovníí institut vysoká škola, a.s.

Doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., General Manager of the Chamber SNS Ing. Lucie Pilipová, Partner, Via Perfecta, s.r.o.

Ing. Ivan Pilný, President, TUESDAY Business Network JUDr. Čestmír Sajda, MBA, former Deputy Minister of L ab abou ourr an andd So Soci cial al Aff ffai airs rs MUDr. Richard Sequens, PhD., Head of Surgical Gastroenterology Center, Nemocnice Milosrdnýchh sester sesteer sv. Karla Boromejského v Praze and former Senator or PhDr. MgA. Miroslav Smolák, Owner, Galerie MIRO O Mgr. Albin E. Sybera, Managing Director, Sybera era Enterprises spol. s r. o.

Brigadier General Ing. Andor Šándor (ret.), Consultant onsultan PhDr. Jaroslav Šedivý CSc., former Ambassador ador and Minister of Foreign Affairs JUDr. Josef Šesták, Lawyer Bc. Vladimír Šiška, MBA, 1stt Deputy Minister, Ministry try of Labour and Social Affairs Ing. Pavel Štefka, MSc, 4-star General (ret.), Chief of Defence and Special Programs, Tatra Ing. Helena Švédová, Director, Department of Trade Administration, Czech Export Bank Ing. Jiří Vávra, Vice Chairman, STROJEXPORT, a.s.

JUDr. Petr Vyroubal, Partner, Law Firm Vyroubal Krajhanzl Školout

20.1.2011 16:18:28

An interview with Ladislav Dráb, Chairman of the Board of Česká energie Company

Our Gas Business Is Accelerating Ladislav Dráb left for Canada after graduating from university in 1986 and succeeded as an entrepreneur. Together with his partners, he started building CEGroup in the Czech Republic in 2000. The Česká energie company is at the heart of the group, as it was one of the first alternative suppliers of electricity and gas for the Czech market. It focuses mainly on SMEs, manufacturing and trading chains. The group successfully entered the wholesale gas market thanks to a contract between the company, Česká plynárenská, and Norwegian mining giant Statoil. Currently the CEGroup is engaged in building a rapid underground gas storage in Rožná that would extend it to 180 million cubic meters.

Total costs are supposed to reach 9 billion CZK. Construction of the gas pipeline Mozart, interconnecting Czech and Austrian gas systems, represents another important ambition of the group. Ladislav Dráb lives with his family in Florida from where he runs his European business.

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

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The European gas market has been facing important changes, such as new pipeline projects, new technologies coming to use in the US, a growing liquid gas (LNG) market, and decreasing general demand. How do you assess the impact of these new factors on the market in the midterm?

It is not easy to give a qualified answer to those questions, and to be able to predict the development for five years ahead, then look back and confirm that what I predicted actually happened. One year ago nobody had a clue about what the situation would be like this year, although there are many experts and analysts who do nothing else but predict the energy markets. They were not even able to see the current situation looming. The overall economic slowdown has caused stagnation in every aspect of many economies, including gas consumption.

But this is all only a temporary phenomenon. Look at the Great Depression from the end of the 1920s.

The level of exchange of information is much higher today, markets are interconnected, and what also matters is what is written, what people believe, and byy this I mean the famous “self-fulfilling” g pprophep cies. As far as the gas market is concerned, we believe the situation will stabilise in two years, and the economy will be working more or less the same way as bef efor oree th thee cr cris isis is, al alth thou ough gh the mar arke kets ts wililll no nott be the same.

What is your perception of the liquid gas market?

LNG has a huge perspective. It is necessary to build terminals, ways of transport and other important elements. We believe in LNG and by coincidence, we recently finalized a contract in this area.

What is the current LNG trading infrastructure in Europe?

There are relatively enough terminals, and others are being built, in Poland for example. The LNG market is going to be quite big, and such a development has one important consequence. Today’s seasonal ga g s st stor o ag agee wi willll fac acee de decr crea ease sedd us usee be beca caus usee the gas business and trading will speed up significantly, both in natural and liquid gas. Gas storage has potential, but in a different way than we have been used to. Today we have to build rapidly available gas storage. This is important in terms of risk

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and deviation management. There are a few terminals in Central Europe, only one in the Czech Republic, and we are building a similar one, more precisely two separate storage units, in Rožná.

It is a big advantage. Another important factor is the interconnection of systems in Europe, not in a typical east-west way, but along the north-south axiis. Th Thiis has also been stipulated in the Energy Strategy, and the EU puts much emphasis on it as well. That’s why we have stepped on the Mozart project, designed to interconnect Czech and Austrian gas systems. Although it is a minor step, it will bring more dynamic and functional independence to the market. These projects are also significant in terms of the energy security of the Czech Republic. With them we have been pursuing the goal of preventing shortages in the case of a crisis, and enabling the state to distribute gas in difficult periods. Despite various legal regulations, a state control over gas flow was lost due to the complete sale of the Transgas Company, which was a showcase ca se not onl nlyy of the Cze zech ch gas bus usin ines esss, but I woould ld say in the Central European framework.Today it is clear that this was a premature step. With our gas storage, we want to regain part of the control that was lost. l t We W wantt to t offer ff the th state t t the th possibility ibilit off being involved in our projects via state owned companies, and thus helping the state to regain some control over the gas market and gas industry. This need appears even more pressing in relation to new projects of steam-gas power plants that are more and more urgently needed in order to balance the fluctuations of the electric energy network, caused by wind or photovoltaic power plants. Furthermore, today the Mozart pipeline and the Rožná gas storage are both included in the Czech Republic’s Energy Strategy. The gas business in Europe enjoys dynamic development now. It is no more a static closed club whose members conclude supply contracts for fifteen or twenty years.You can notice that all of our neighbouring countries aspire for a position of key importance and do not want to be passive participants only. On one side of our borders, there is an example of integration and development of German Gaspool, and the growing role of Austrian gas hub Baumgarten. Thanks to her position and presence of the transit gas pipeline, the Czech Republic has an interesting potential; the gas businessmen know it and to lose it would be sad. The business relations with our neighbours are getting more and more complex. However, we need to have enough alternative transport routes and get ready for LNG. After twenty years, our state has become a passive observer of ongoing processes in many fields of industry and business, and in fact does not have a significant control over active economy. After the privatization of a major part of the state property, we have a public debt amounting to 1.5 billion koruna; so despite the actual investments, in my opinion the privatization has not fully brought about thee expe th pecttedd resultlt s. Hence it is pragmatic i to consider options that are arising in some strategic industries and businesses in order to regain, even partly, the lost influence, and to create systematically the preconditions for its further reinforce-

ment – doing it for the further developm p ent of thee whole state economy, or for consequent appreciation of investments and for boosting the revenue side of the budget. For us, the state or its stock companies are the same type of business partner as any other private firm, and our possible contribution to enhancing its energy securityy is a certain added value that works in favour of our joint priority cooperation.

In what phase is the Mozart pipeline project now in?

If all goes as planned we should start building by the end of next year. We are currently finalizing a feasibility study that should be ready at the beginning of 2011; the follow-up works would come after that.

Do you envision any EU funding for this project, as it represents the removal of physical barriers to the full liberalization of the energy markets?

We would be working against ourselves by not having such an ambition, but we haven’t considered thiis optition in dettailil as off yet, despite the fact that th we know there are some resources for these projects in the EU. Construction of your new gas storage in Rožná is in progress. Compared to the costs of seasonal gas storage, and with regard to its overall capacity, it seems to be much more financially demanding. Are there any special technologies that make this project so expensive?

We are talking about two different but neighboring and mutually linked types of storage. A cavern storage is placed about a kilometre under the earth’s surface and is built in massif. You can imagine a seasonal gas storage as a balloon that can be inflated only up to a certain point, otherwise it bursts. On the other hand, it can’t be totally puffed because it would fall in; the necessary cushion represents about 50% of its size. So for example, there is a seasonal gas storage terminal with a capacity of three billion cubic meters but only half of it can be used. At the end, the price for the Rožná gas storage will be much lower despite the very high initial investment, as it allows for far more flexibility, even if the total capacity is smaller. There will be 180 million cubic meters of gas stored,, but we wi willll be ab able le to use up to 90% of it, and buy and sell in hours or days. A seasonal gas storage terminal is filled during the summer, and the process lasts for several months. There is nothing worse than having gas but not having the necessary pressure in the pipelines to make it flow. With the seasonal gas storage the pressure change is moderate. So to make the gas move in the pipeline, and in order to balance a pressure, only the rapid source can be used, and that is the rapid gas storage. If there was not the RWE’s cavern gas storage facility in Háje, the Czech Republic gas pipeline system would have been working without much difficulty during the last gas crisis. There are many advantages to fast gas storage, including security issues that are not being mentioned and articulated in the public these days.

What is currently the biggest problem for the Česká energie Group on the EU markets, should you have the ambitions to go these markets?

We def efin inititel elyy do not hav avee th thee am ambi bitition on to do gas business throughout the whole of Europe. There are much bigger players on the Czech market that have adventured into different enterprises abroad, and the results have been rather poor. To know the local markets is very important. Our company has regular ambitions – too est stab ablilish sh our urse selv lves es wel elll in the mar arket, and if there is an opportunity, to make a single business in Germany, Austria, Poland or Slovakia.

But we do not want to be physically present in those countries, to have offices there. With our new gas storage, we will be in fact able to trade all around Europe by selling capacity, but this is a different story.

Last year you planned to enlarge your customers´ portfolio, mentioning the household segment. Have those plans materialized?

We have mainly enlarged our customers´ portfolio of network clients, as we can offer them much higher added value that cannot be offered to households. Energy prices for households are still regulated, and that determines the rest. When there is regulation, we cannot bring an added value that the households would expect. We all buy roughly for the same prices, and if I am not willing to sell cheaper th I buy, than b there th is i nott muchh room to t offer ff attractive tt ti prices. If it is reasonable for both sides in the future, we would definitely focus on the household segment. Meanwhile we stick to what we have. Our target segment is relatively large even on the small Czech market. Also, we expect that, like at the beginning of the 1990´s, when almost everyone established a bank, and then many of them went out of business, the market will clear. Only the strong players will remain. We have realistic goals and we do what we think we do well.

Are you planning any further projects besides the Rožná gas storage and Mozart pipeline?

Not now, as we are fully concentrating on finalizing those two projects. We do not plan any acquisitions within a one or two year horizon. More likely, we will try to keep our business up, amidst the existing economic milieu. We carry the risk that clients may pay late, and sometimes not at all. To keep a balanced cash flow is rather difficult today. We do not have ha ve any ban ankk cr cred editits; s; we ha have ve f in inan ance cedd ou ourr bu busi siness from our own resources from the very beginning. We always try to communicate with our customers, and it has been widely appreciated.

Has the customers´ payment discipline improved compared to last year?

There is a slightly different situation in the energy business. Electricity is a commodity that a customer necessarily needs – nothing can be produced or sold without it. It is perhaps the very last expense a customer would stop paying, and if this is the case, then things are already very bad. We are registering any decrease in usage, and we are immediately ready to react. There is always a way to deal with any looming bad situation, and to helpp our clients out.

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

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Allexan Ale x nder xan err Vo Vondr Vondr ndra, a, Minist a, Minist Min ister err of Def D enc De ncee of the he Cze zech ze chh Rep Re ubl u ic ub Photo: Pho to Ar to: Archi c ve off the chi ch thh Minis nistr nis try ryy o De of Defenc Def encee of the h CR C

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A talk with Alexander Vondra, Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic Corruption in public procurement is perhaps the most popular issue of the current political arena. Unfortunately, a recent audit, executed by you at the Ministry of Defence, revealed 54 shortages of the public procurement. How do you explain that?

The outtcome off thhe forensic audit with regard to Th the purchase of service oriented real estate, much like the results of the internal supervision of armament orders, unfortunately confirmed my fears.

I can not speak just of corruption, as it has not yet been proved. However, the audit showed a variety of failures concerning public procurement, and the evident influence of its results. For instance, the public proc pr ocur urem emen entt off clleaniing serviices could ld have saved ourr de ou depa part rtme ment nt up to 100 milillilion on CZK if th thee lo lowe west st price offer would have won. In this context, we have lodged a complaint. Furthermore, we closely co-operate with the Police of the Czech Republic in cases of big controversial acquisitions (i.e. Aircraft Gripen, Tatra cars, troop carrier Pandur, mortars), and operatively provide investigators for relevant documentation. Unfortunately, it was fully evident that the acquisition system within the Defence Department is ineffective and functionless. A long-term acquisition plan did not exist, and the supervision of public procurement was very weak. Marketing research was focused on producers rather than on agents of various companies. Purchase submitters, who formulated their requirements on supplied commodities, were in the position of purchasing agents, with their main focus on a particular producer. This lead to a situation i iin which hi h the h purchases h off goods d andd services i were frequently non-transparent and overcharged.

How are you planning to prevent these failures the future?

The acquisition system within the Defence Department needs to be transformed. Our chief focus lies with producers instead of agents. Furthermore, we are going to strive to change the Act on Foreign Trade with Military Material in order to do business directly with producers. Moreover, we would like to establish a so-called National Armament Office, which would be independent of the Administrative Office, and would ensure the implementation of significant arms contracts, not only for the benefit of our Department, but also for the benefit of the Police or Prison Service. This new office would also separate buyers from users in a consistent manner.

Addi Ad ditition onal ally ly, th thee of offifice ce res espo pons nsib ible le for sup uper er visi ision off acqu q isitions is go g in ingg to pla layy an ess ssen entitial al rol olee in the submission and implementation of purchases by departments. Beyond this, we are going to cooperate closely with the Defence and Security Industry Association, with which I signed a contract at the fair trade summit in Brno in September of last year. We will also emphasize more international cooperation such as joint projects managed by NATO and EU agencies.

How do you view the situation that occurred at the Ministry of Environment? It seems like problematic schemes exist within all of the ministries?

In this context, do you prefer introducing the socalled “jammer” into the equipment of the ministries?

The case you speak of has perhaps been analyzed by the media from all sides. Yet, I consider it very serious, and wish nothing more than that it is thoroughly solved. In this situation, I do not think that a mass introduction of various “jammers” could create an atmosphere of mutual trust, responsibilityy and good working relations.

One of the projects that you initiated was the forth-coming White Book on Defence. What is its goal, and why has it been prepared?

I find it the most significant objective to give our army a vital vision, which it inevitably needs in this turbulent period. This ambition includes the White Book on Defence. We have been missing such a conceptual material, which is usual in other countries, sinc si ncee 19 1995 95. Th Thee ar army my should ld know whhere it is headding in next ten or fifteen years and, at the same time, what its priorities are. Similarly, the Czech public should be aware of how financial means are used. The White Book on Defence is prepared by a team of reputable experts under the direction of my first deputy, Jiří Šedivý. This team has my definite trust and support. Work on this essential act should reach a peak in March of this year, when the White Book on Defence should be completed and subsequently introduced.

Are you satisfied with NATO’s new defence strategy and its plans aimed at Central and Eastern Europe, and the Czech Republic respectively?

The new strategic concept of NATO defines the Alliance’s tasks for at least the next ten years. Its focus is thus wide, and does not solely concern the Central and Eastern European countries. I can say that h I am very satisfied i ffi d with i h the h ddocument’s ’ text.

Most importantly, I find that NATO’s new strategic conception henceforth emphasizes the significance of Alliance as an organization of collective defence according to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Thus, its key mission remains unchanged. Yet, the concept deals with other areas as well. It defines, for instance, particular security threats, and emphasizes involvement in stability and reconstruction operations. The new anti-missile defence has been included among key tasks. Last but not least, the strategic concept became significant guidance for the preparation of the White Book on Defence.

Cyber security was included among the new and old defined security priorities. Is the Czech Republic well developed concerning its legislative background, in this respect, or shall we expect great legislative changes in this area? Are you eventually going to co-operate with the Ministry of Interior on the preparation of new acts?

A specific legal form of cyber security does not exist in the Czech Republic so far. We have quite a few generally binding regulations according to which one can hold illegal behaviour within cyber space liable (e.g. computer crimes). Yet, any existing laws deal with the issue of cyber defence and security as a wh whol ole. e. Leg egis isla latitive ve cha hang nges es witithi hinn th this is are reaa ar aree th thus us needed, and we are going to co-operate on drafting them with the Ministry of Interior. I suggest that we have to clearly define the scope of the particular groups involved. Our task is mainly to ensure the security of army infrastructure, and create a back-up office of cyber security in case of a crisis situation.

Does the Czech Republic support NATO’s further expansion? What countries are our biggest priority?

In the long-term, the Czech Republic is an active exponent of the “open door” policy of the Alliance.

Thee Al Th Allilian ance ce’ss enl nlar arge geme ment nt is ac actu tual ally ly a too ooll ai aime medd to further increase the stability zone in Europe. Thus, our goal at the Lisbon Summit was, among others, the new strategic concept which confirmed that NATO was not only a club of privileged nations. This goal was successfully achieved – the new concept clearly indicates that NATO is open to all European democracies which share the values of the Euro-Atlantic area.

Andd to par tiicipate, i these countries must meet relevant va nt mem embe bers rshi hipp re requ quirirem emen ents ts. On the top of th this is, we hold the position that to successfully join the Alliance, simple “willingness” is not sufficient. A candidate country needs to develop efforts toward indispensable reform. While this not only concerns defence area reforms, it should include political and economic reforms in general. For NATO is comprised of not only particular Ministries of Defence or armies, but whole countries. Therefore, the Czech Republic, with regard to the aforementioned, fully supports the integration efforts of the West Balkans and Georgia.

Does the current government count on an extension of the military mission in Afghanistan, with regard to significant cuts in the state budget in 2011, as well as future budgets? When is the full withdrawal of other military missions planed?

Foreign missions in general are of a great priority to us, therefore the budgetary cuts are not going to touch them. The participation of our soldiers within the ISAF in Afghanistan for the years 2011–2012 was approved by both the Government and both Chambers of the Czech Parliament in the autumn of last year. Beyond this, foreign mission expenditures make up only a little over 4 % of the total Defence Ministry expenditures. Regarding Afghanistan, we meet the Alliances requirements, and following the gradual withdrawal from Kosovo, we will strengthen the Czech contingent in this country. The following period is namely a breakthrough for efforts of international community in Afghanistan. Thus, we will reinforce Czech participation, with a further 200 soldiers and up to a total of 720 people. For 2012 we are coun co untiting ng on th thee de depl ploy oyme ment nt of 64 6400 so sold ldie iers rs. Cz Czec echh involvement within the ISAF is increasingl g y focuse sedd on Afghanistan’s reconstruction and the training of Afghan security forces in accordance with the overall trend of the ISAF operation. Speaking of the full withdrawal is rather premature, but I suggest that the number of Czech soldiers deployed in Afghanistan could decrease slightly in the following years.

However, in the years to come, we will not act unilatera te ralllly, y, but def efin inititel elyy fo follllow ow the uni nite tedd Al Allilian ance cess strategy.

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

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Hon Hon o . Daato too’ Srir Dr Dr.rr. Ngg Ye D Yen en Yen en Minnist M iissteerr of of Tou Toouuris To ism is m,, Ma Mal Mal alaays ayysiiaa Pho hoto: to: Ar Archi rchi h vvee ooff tth the he M Miinis n try ry

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21.1.2011 12:56:14

An interview with Hon. Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia

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Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen graduated with a Bachelor’s of Medicine, Surgery in 1972 from the University of Malaya and in 1984, received her Diploma of Reproductive Medicine from the John Hopkins University, U.S.A., and the Family Planning Board of Malaysia. Her medical career commenced from 1974 to 1976 when she was the Medical Officer in Charge at the Mentakab Hospital in Pahang, Malaysia. This was followed by a brief period as a private medical practitioner from 1977 to 1995 in Mentakab, Pahang. Although she then went on with her political and governmental career, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng has continued to keep her hand in medicine, and from 1995 to 2000, she was also a consultant to the Natural Harmony Medical Centre in Malaysia. In government, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng’s public service career began as early as 1981 when she became the District Councilor of Temerloh, Pahang (until 1991). She then rose rapidly to be Senator, Member of Parliament (the Raub Constituency in Pahang) and then Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism Malaysia; Deputy Minister of Finance Malaysia; Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Malaysia and, currently, Minister of Tourism Malaysia. Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng has been involved in several NGOs as well. She is married and has three sons.

International tourism has recently experienced a rather significant slowdown due to the economic crisis across the world. Yet, this has not been the case in Malaysia. We talked to the Malaysian Minister of Tourism about the success of tourism industry in her country, searching for new markets and all the various aspects Malaysia can offer to its visitors.

Malaysia is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. What type of tourism is experiencing the biggest interest in your country at present?

I would not specify any particular type. We have a variety of products attracting many divisions of tourism. Malaysia can actually offer everything but snow. Though, one could label ecotourism as number one among many others.

What are the main ecotourism activities in your country?

Firs Fi rst,t, I wou ould ld lik ikee to emp mpha hasi size ze tha hatt we are ver eryy well protected against natural disasters. We do not have earthquakes or typhoons. On top of that, we have the world’s oldest rainforest. Thus, Malaysia has some of the world’s greatest biodiversity.

Actually, there are some of the world’s top attractions in terms of mega diversity in our country, which is very exciting for expeditions. We have the world’s largest flower, rafflesia, for instance. It is one of the most bizarre and improbable plants on the planet.

Moreover, there are over one thousand islands in Malaysia and many of them are not even named yet. Therefore, nature is very important for us.

Malaysia is culturally a very diverse country as well.

Yes, it is indeed. Although a small country of 28 million people, we have 48 ethnic groups with the three major groups being Malays, Chinese and Indians. This is very well reflected in the way we celebrate the New Year. The Malays, Chinese and Indians celebrate it as a public holiday, and this is basically great evidence of how diversity works.

Therefore, our brand is “Malaysia Truly Asia”.

Could you clarify this?

For example, visitors can witness this in our food and in the way we celebrate all of our various traditions. This is because Malaysia is located between China in the East and India in the West. Tourists themselves like to experience diversity: they can smell Indian curry, try the Indian bread, the Chinese cuisine, the Malay satay, and much more. In sum, food is one of the major attractions for tourists.

What significant events can you mention?

I am larggelly t alki lkingg abboutt our fabbulous l foodd festitival taking place October to December. We especially iden id entitifified ed the hese se thr hree ee mon onth thss as a foo oodd ce cele lebr brat atio ion. n.

In addition, tourism also very much involves shopping. We aim at making Malaysia the top shopping destination in the world. To achieve this, we have many shopping complexes across Malaysia, where you can get everything in one experience. There are spas, cinemas, and restaurants – you can actually spend a whole day at our shopping centres. Beyond this, there is a variety of shopping products, ranging from traditional souvenirs to the top brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, and Prada. In addition, Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world that is duty free! Last but not least, Malaysia would like to be seen as a capable organizer and host to various world-class sporting events.

What are the most popular events?

We regularly organize the Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix and the ATP Malaysia Open.

One of the biggest sporting events is the PGA Golf Tournament. Malaysia, as mentioned before, is a country renowned for its diverse attractions and has been rapidly emerging as South-East Asia’s latest golfing haven. It has an incredible number of more than 250 golf courses, with 175 18-hole golf courses open to foreign tourists.

What kind of projects do you plan for the entertainment industry?

We would like to welcome more famous celebrities next year. So far, many American stars, such as Stevie Wonder and other top names, have been to Malaysia. However, Malaysia has not hosted many celebrities from Europe yet. Additionally, we can offer our clients several very interesting theme parks, suchh as watter th theme parks, k fun theme parkks, andd others. We also have one particular product called “G Gen entiting ng Hig ighl hlan ands ds” lo loca cate tedd ab abou outt 3, 3,00 0000 me mete ters rs up in the mountains where there is a huge family theme park and a casino.

What is it like?

It has full entertainment, similar to Las Vegas, where you do not have to gamble but you just enjoy its atmosphere. For families with children, visiting Genting Highlands can be lots of fun. There is a wide selection of outdoor and indoor theme parks. Water lovers can choose between an indoor splash pool with warm water and an outdoor water park. The outdoor theme park features more than 20 classic rides suitable for the entire family. In this respect, I have to say that we have been very focused on the entertainment area. Therefore, I am very proud of

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last year’s results, for Malaysia was one of only 7 countries in the world that showed an increase in tourism. We worked very hard, and last year we received 23.65 million tourists.

Could you clarify your principal promotional strategy?

We have a combination of strategies. One needs to have a very solid tourism product in order to get as much as possible from the tourism market. You can do an excellent jo j b in promotion but the tourism product must have a variety. We have to make sure that visitors who come to Malaysia once would like to come back again. They need to feel comfortable, and that it is at an affordable price. A country must be stable and safe. I am proud to say that Malaysia is a very stable and safe country.

You were talking about branding as a fundamental issue. So, what brands can you offer?

Yes, we definitely need to have strong branding.

Firstly, we have a very successful package called “Golden Third Age”. It is focused on senior citizens and retirees. This group of people obviously has the money, time and interest. In addition, we have been successful in attracting trendy shoppers to our shopping centers and spas. In Malaysia, we have ha ve loc ocal al spa pass an andd sp spas as oririgi gina natiting ng fro rom m Th Thai ailand, Bali, and Madura. Another one of our developed products is called “Malaysia My Second Home”. People from across the world are able to stay in Malaysia for a number of months. Especially, many people from countries with a cold winter

have joined the program. One can even attain a ten-year visa. Currently, there are approximately 12,000 people in this program, mainly from South Korea, Australia, UK, and Japan. Another important part of our promotion is looking for bilateral investments.

How is this interconnected with branding?

We believe as more people invest in Malaysia, more people know about our country. Therefore, we have ope p ned upp our economyy. Prior to 2009,, foreign g investors in Malaysia could only acquire up to 70 % of business ownership; however, nowadays, they can take up to 90%. Additionally, we try to encourage foreign tour agencies to establish branches in Malaysia, which was not allowed in the past.

Thirdly, we encourage foreign investors to open restaurants. I wish the Czechs would open up new restaurants in Malaysia as the Czech dumplings are very nice (laugh). On the other hand, we also encourage Malaysian investors to launch their businesses abroad. We are presently focusing on opening new markets as well.

What does your tourism market consist of?

About 70 % of our tourism market is visitors from Asia. We presently would like to develop the longhaul ha ul mar arke kets ts. We tra radi ditition onal ally ly hav avee gr grea eatt re resu sultltss with the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands. Now, we plan to develop the Central and Eastern European market. Apart from traditional tourism, we might even think about a certain special cooperation with countries from this region.

What kind of cooperation?

We want to set up closer cooperation within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. We are actually looking for potential clients to organize special exhibitions. It is really of great importance to us, as the basic value of the MICE industry lies in the fact that it transforms traditional business meetings and conferences into glamorous and enjoyable events. I would like to stress that this industryy is a real spe p cialtyy of Malaysia. The MICE industry makes up 5 % of our tourism industry, and we want to improve it to 10 % in the near future.

What can you offer?

Our country has many high quality convention centers. Apart from that, we have established the MICE Bureau within the Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia. We welcome people coming to Malaysia, whether it is small MICE or a “big Mouse”. Anything from 150 up to 3,000 delegates is important to us.

I am happy to say that we have already hosted events with 3,000 MICE attendants. We are ready to host even 10,000 participants, though, in the end, everything depends on mutual cooperation. Apart from Kuala Lumpur, we have facilities, for instance, in Born Bo rneo eo, an andd ot othe herr at attrtrac actitive ve pla lace cess. Bor orne neoo es espe pecially is very popular. People treasure nature and Malaysia protects it very well. Yet, the most important thing is that we treat our tourists like VIP’s.

By Pavlína Holancová I

From left: Ing. Michal Janeba, Deputy Minister for Regional Development and Tourism of the CR, Hon. Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, and H.E. Mr. Zainal Abidin Bakar, Ambassador of Malaysia holding Malaysia´s tourism brochures during the reception dinner hosted by the Minister of Tourism

16

Interviews.indd 16

Leaders Magazine I/2011

21.1.2011 13:59:46

On the first advent day, Nadační fond manželů Livie a Václava Klausových began a Christmas collection, and the traditional advent festivities took place – the turning on of the Christmas tree lights on the St. George Square.

The motto of the collection is: “Contribute to the most precious gift – children!” The collected money will be used to finance scholarships and fees of various educational programs and courses. It will enable many children from the Czech Republic to improve their skills and knowledge, and thus give them better chances to succeed in life.

From left: Dana Němcová, Chairwoman of the Administrative Board, Foundation „Výbor dobré vůle – nadace Olgy Havlové“, JUDr. Ladislav Petrásek, Director, Foundation „Nadační fond manželů Livie a Václava Klausových“, MUDr. Milena Černá, Director, Foundation „Výbor dobré vůle – nadace Olgy Havlové“, Ing. Livia Klausová, Csc., Chairwoman of the Administrative Board and Co-founder of the Foundation „Nadační fond manželů Livie a Václava Klausových“, and Gospel limited

advent festivities IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

TURNING

on the Christmas Tree Lights IN THE BEAUTIFUL ATMOSPHERE OF PRAGUE CASTLE

Brass Band of the Castle Guard

Children’s folk band “Notičky”

A public collection of the Foundation „Nadační fond manželů Livie a Václava Klausových“

LM_1101_events_1.indd 17

The Christmas Tree

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

Prague´s Choir Gospel Limited

20.1.2011 17:49:02

diplomatic/charity event

Mrs. Livia Klausová, First Lady of the Czech Republic and H.E. Anarbek Karashev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

The Diplomatic Spouses´ Association, o.s. (DSA) held their Annual International Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, November 28th. The First Lady of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Livia Klausová who is the patron of this event opened the Bazaar. The International Christmas Bazaar is one of the most important charity events in the country involving the international and diplomatic communities from around fourty foreign embassies and diplomatic missions in Prague. The main purpose of the Bazaar is to raise funds to assist humanitarian organizations in the Czech Republic. Last year DSA donated almost four million CZK to eighteen charities in Prague and around the country. Visitors had the oportunity to taste ethnic foods and purchase a fantastic selection of products that include wines, food specialities, clothing, handcrafts and other unique items and works of art.

International Christmas Bazaar at the Hilton Prague

18

LM_1101_events_1.indd 18

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

From left: Margrit Trauttmansdorff, wife of the Austrian Ambassador, Regina Haindl, wife of the German Ambassador, Mrs. Livia Klausová, First Lady of the Czech Republic, Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague and Hilton Old Town, and Tom de Faye, Mayor General (ret.)

20.1.2011 17:50:24

From left: Zoia Grytsak, wife of the Ambassador of Ukraine, Mrs. Livia Klausovรก, First Lady of the Czech Republic, and Ola Troshyna

Mrs. Livia Klausovรก, First Lady of the Czech Republic with staff from the Chinese Embassy From left: H.E. Jan Pastwa, Ambassador of Poland with his wife and H.E. Vicente Espeche Gil, Ambassador of Argentina

Margrit Trauttmansdorff, wife of the Austrian Ambassador and Jindล ich Forejt, Director of Protocol, Office of the President of the CR

Mrs. Livia Klausovรก, First Lady of the Czech Republic and Mrs. Taghizadeh, wife of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan with her daughters

Mrs. Livia Klausovรก, First Lady of the Czech Republic and H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria

LM_1101_events_1.indd 19

20.1.2011 17:50:48

From left: H.E. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and H.E. Ferdinand Trautmansdorff, Ambassador of Austria

From left: H.E. Do Xuan Dong, Ph.D., Ambassador of Vietnam with volunteers and Mrs. Livia Klausová, First Lady of the Czech Republic

Mrs. Livia Klausová, First Lady of the Czech Republic and H.E. André Regli, Ambassador of Switzerland

From left: Mrs. Livia Klausová, First Lady of the Czech Republic and H.E. Renilde Loeckx, Ambassador of Belgium

From left: wife of H.E. Zainal Abidin Bakar, Mrs. Livia Klausová, First Lady of the Czech Republic, and H.E. Zainal Abidin Bakar, Ambassador of Malaysia

From left: Mrs. Livia Klausová, First Lady of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Šmídová, and H.E. Lembit Uibo, Ambassador of Estonia

20

International Christmas Bazaar LM_1101_events_1.indd 20

H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation with his wife and folklore dressed up Russian girls

20.1.2011 17:52:31

HUMOR IN BUSINESS? Let’s start with a question: is humor a part of our daily life?

I think most of us, including myself, cannot imagine life without a bit of humor. Indeed, each of us has a different sense of it. We also comprehend humor differently. Women aren’t usually excited about Švejk and silent era comedies. There are folks among us who consider sarcasm as a personal attack.

Neurologists have proved through clinical tests that it is the right hemisphere which specializes in understanding humor. A joke often shelters a hidden, unexpected meaning, and that’s what our order-loving left hemisphere simply cannot cope with. According to some neurologists, humor stands as proof of the highest form of human brainpower!

Therefore, we have just answered the questition in th the tititltle. T he manager whho ski killllffulllly uses humor can masterfully adjust the whole business machine. Humor reduces hostile attitudes, shields us from criticism, thaws tensions, enhances morale and helps to deliver difficult news. Research even proves that the most effective managers are those who use humor twice as much as managers of average accomplishments. Furthermore, the use of humor naturally shows very high emotional intelligence.

But be careful here – let’s not become too funny, beyond what is tactful. Jerky humor wouldn’t receive anyone’s attention, and what is even worse: you may make a fool of yourself.

Mean or negatively received humor can often be destructive.

People love to encounter someone who considers fun as a part of life; especially when their humor is real and authentic. Truly important figures can make fun of themselves, which is something a narcissist never achieves. Humor should be, and actually is supposed to be, part of every firm culture.

Relaxed employees and dedicated business partners are priceless.

Jokes always testify as to what’s going on in an office. Who wants to see colleagues frowning every morning? Bad-tempered and resentful colleagues never contribute to a nice atmosphere. On the contrary, people who beam with “ease” are a firm’s true asset. It’s time to think of humor anew. Humor isn’ is n t ju just st sim impl plee fu fun; n; it is a ver eryy va valu luab able le advantage.

Now, I don’t claim we should be organizing and planning humor in advance. Computers

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Interviews.indd 21

don’t laugh, and they don’t tell jokes to each other; machines only help to spread the jokes around. We could hardly integrate Indian laughter clubs into our culture. Can you imagine yourself laughing on command every morning at 6:30? It is said that you need ten minutes on a rowing machine to reach the same heart cardiac frequency as after a single minute of hearty laughter.

The line “Think globally, laugh locally” undoubtedly speaks for itself.

So test yourself! How is your sense of

humor? If a problem occurs during this test, please be careful. There might be something wrong with the right hemisphere of your brain.

By Ivan Pilný I President of Tuesday Business Network Former Chairman of Czech Telecom

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

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

Leaders Magazine I/2011

21

21.1.2011 15:15:07

gala evening with the best

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

Czech 100 Best Gala Evening From left: Daniel Beneš, Vice Chairman of the Board, ČEZ receiving award Best 10 of the Czech 100 Best 2010 from Václav Klaus, President of the CR

PRAGUE CASTLE November 26, 2010

Comenius Society, active in the fields of education, culture, science and technology, organized the “CZECH 100 BEST” for already 15th time. The award ceremony Czech 100 Best, this year Friday, November 26, took place at the Spanish Hall at the presence of more than 700 VIP guests including the Czech President Prof. Václav Klaus, Chairperson of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Mrs. Miroslava Němcová, Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Martin Kocourek, Regional Governors, Deputy Ministers, and several Ambassadors. During the evening companies or institutions in eight categories which have an immediate impact on the living standard of the Czech population, that is: Tourism and Hotel Industry, Transport and Civil Constructions, Dynamic Growth, Invention – Commitment – Export – Profit, Information and Communication Technologies, Agriculture and Food Industry, Manufacturing Cooperatives, and Health – Education – Humanity. One of the peaks of the whole evening was the awarding of ten exceptional ladies with the popular title “Lady Pro”. For the sixth time in the history of the Czech 100 Best titles in the “Gentleman Pro” category were awarded. This year the awarded gentlemen were painter Oldřich Kulhánek, Josef Vozdecký, Josef Koutecký, and Roland Mahler. The climax of the ceremony was the awarding of the ten companies, “best of the best” in the Czech Republic and their representatives received the awarding diplomas from the hands of the President.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 22

All winners of the Czech 100 Best

21.1.2011 15:19:53

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Kateřina Luisa Paděra Daňhelová, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors, SYNOT ICT SERVICES receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Dynamic Growth from Eduard Janota, former Minister of Finance

gala evening with the best

From left: Jiří Kysela, CEO, DELL Computer receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Information and Communication Technologies from Jiří Franc, Deputy Minister of Interior

From left: Sanjiv Suri, President, Zátiší Catering Group with his wife and Jan Oberman, Managing Director, Korado Consulting with a friend

From left: Ladislav Dráb, Chairman of the Board, Česká energie receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Invention – Commitment – Export – Profit from Martin Kocourek, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Petr Kužel, Chairman of the Czech Chamber of Commerce

From left: Zdeněk Štěpánek, CEO, Boneco receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Agriculture and Food Industry from Ivan Fuksa, Minister of Agriculture and Jan Veleba, President, Agrarian Chamber of the CR From left: Miroslav Lukšík, General Director, Pozemní stavitelství Zlín receiving award in the category Transport and Civil Constructions from Ivo Toman, Deputy Minister of Transportation

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

Comenius.indd 23

From left: George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy Limited receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Information and Communication Technologies from Jiří Franc, Deputy Minister of Interior

23

20.1.2011 17:03:58

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

gala evening with the best

All winners of the Czech 100 Best in the category Information and Communication Technologies

Lead Singer of Zatrest Band

From left: Karel Vymazal, Chairman of the Board and Director, Kamena, výrobní družstvo Brno receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Manufacturing Cooperatives from Michal Hašek, Governor, South Moravian Region and Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech Production Cooperatives

From left: Mojmír Čapka, Chairman of the Board, Brisk Tábor with his wife and Vlastimil Bříza, Chairman of the Board, KOH-I-NOOR Holding with his wife

Lady Pro 2010

Upper row from left: Václav Klaus, President of the CR, Lenka Haderková, Lawyer, Analytical and Legislative Department, Office of the Police President, Eva Vítečková, Basketball Player, Martina Cikánová, Executive Director, ESO Travel, Libuše Adamičková, Chairman, Družstvo umělecké výroby Granát, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius Lower row from left: Klára Samková, Advocate, Kateřina Janků, CEO, Moravia Translations, Dana Fischerová, wife of the former Prime Minister, Miroslava Němcová, Chairperson of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the CR, Michaela Maláčová Bakala, Director, M Marketing, and Andrea Ferancová Bartoňová, Partner, Wood & Company

Comenius.indd 24

20.1.2011 17:05:48

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

gala evening with the best

From left: Simona Sokolová, CEO, OLMA part of Agrofert Holding receiving award Best 10 of the Czech 100 Best 2010 from Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

Bohumil Svoboda, Lord Mayor of Prague and Lucie Čadilová, Director, Prague House in Brussels

Michaela Maláčová Bakala, Director, M Marketing receiving a diamond from Luboš Říha, Chairman/Owner of DIC, Diamonds International Corporation

From left: Dalibor Fabián, Sales Director, Vítkovice Holding receiving award Best 10 of the Czech 100 Best 2010 from Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: Miroslav Res, CEO, Čedok receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Tourism and Hotel Industry from Evžen Tošenovský, Euro Deputy, European Parliament

From left: Jan Fischer, Vice President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and former Prime Minister of the CR, Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, and Mrs. Dana Fischerová, wife of the former Prime Minister

From left: Karlheinz Hell, Member of the Board, Škoda auto receiving award Best 10 of the Czech 100 Best 2010 from Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

Comenius.indd 25

From left: Jakub Strnad, Chairman of the Board, Alianz Pojišťovna receiving award Best 10 of the Czech 100 Best 2010 from Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: Mrs. Žižková, Jan Žižka, Česká spořitelna, and Martina Cikánová, Executive Director, ESO Travel & Lady Pro 2010

20.1.2011 17:07:02

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

gala evening with the best

Miroslava Němcová, Chairperson of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the CR receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Lady Pro 2010 from Jan Fischer, Vice President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

From left: H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel and Martin Kocourek, Minister of Industry and Trade

From left: František Vaculík, General Director, PSJ receiving award in the category Transport and Civil Constructions from Ivo Toman, Deputy Minister of Transportation

From left: Josef Bárta, CEO and Chairman of the Board, CZ LOKO receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Invention – Commitment – Export – Profit from Martin Kocourek, Minister of Industry and Trade and Petr Kužel, Chairman of the Czech Chamber of Commerce

From left: Vladek Šlezingr, CEO, IBM Česká republika receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Information and Communication Technologies from Jiří Franc, Deputy Minister of Interior

Gentleman Pro 2010

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, Josef Koutecký, Emeritus Head, Klinika dětské hematologie a onkologie FN Motol, Roland Mahler, CEO, T-Mobile Česká republika, Josef Vozdecký, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Bohemia Sekt, Jan Fischer, Vice President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and former Prime Minister of the CR, and Oldřich Kulhánek, Artist

CZECH 100 BEST 2010 ŠKODA AUTO A.S. ČEZ, A. S. AGROFERT HOLDING, A.S. KOOPERATIVA POJIŠŤOVNA, A.S. RWE TRANSGAS, A.S. BEST, A.S. ALLIANZ POJIŠŤOVNA, A.S. VÍTKOVICE HOLDING, A.S. ŠKODA TRANSPORTATION A.S. SEVEROČESKÉ DOLY A.S. MICROSOFT S.R.O. EUREST, SPOL. S R.O. CESTOVNÍ KANCELÁŘ EXIM TOURS A.S. UNICORN A.S. ŠKODA POWER S.R.O. ČESKÁ SPOŘITELNA, A.S. T-MOBILE CZECH REPUBLIC A.S. DELOITTE CZECH REPUBLIC TOP HOTELS GROUP A.S.

Comenius.indd 26

ČESKÉ DRÁHY, A.S. BOHEMIA SEKT, A.S. ČESKÁ POŠTA, S.P. KAREL HOLOUBEK - TRADE GROUP A.S. KAPSCH TELEMATIC SERVICES SPOL. S R.O. NESS CZECH S.R.O. KOMERČNÍ BANKA, A.S. AGROTRADE, A.S. TELEFÓNICA O2 CZECH REPUBLIC, A.S. EURONEWS, A.S. IMPORT VOLKSWAGEN GROUP S.R.O. MOUNTFIELD A.S. UNIMEX GROUP, A.S. AVE CZ ODPADOVÉ HOSPODÁŘSTVÍ S.R.O. FAKULTNÍ NEMOCNICE V MOTOLE KPMG ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, S.R.O. ČESKÁ ENERGIE, A.S. STUDENT AGENCY, S.R.O. VODAFONE CZECH REPUBLIC A.S. ELTODO EG, A.S. ZÁTIŠÍ CATERING GROUP A.S.

PLZEŇSKÝ PRAZDROJ, A. S. 2N TELEKOMUNIKACE A.S. IBM ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, SPOL. S R.O. LINDE GAS A.S. SYNOT ICT SERVICES, A.S. BONECO A.S. ALTA, A.S. ŘÍZENÍ LETOVÉHO PROVOZU ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, S.P. SKANSKA A.S. RINGIER AXEL SPRINGER CZ A.S. ČESKÁ POJIŠŤOVNA A.S. OKD, A.S. EXCON, A.S. ABB S.R.O. ZENOVA SERVICES S.R.O. ČEDOK A.S. SLÉVÁRNA ANAH PROSTĚJOV, S.R.O. GECO TABAK, A. S. CZ LOKO, A.S. SCANSERVICE A.S.

JANEK SPOL. S R.O. BLAŽEK PRAHA A.S. SAP ČR, SPOL. S R.O. ČEPS, A.S. FINCENTRUM A.S. EUROVIA CS, A.S. OKIN GROUP, A. S. ŠKODA JS A.S. ASE, S.R.O. 3 M ČESKO, SPOL. S R.O. XAVERGEN, A.S. GRADA PUBLISHING, A.S. RUDOLF JELÍNEK A.S. SAZKA, A.S. ČEPRO, A.S. PROMOPRO, SPOL. S R.O. J & T BANKA, A.S. ZŘUD-MASOKOMBINÁT PÍSEK CZ, A.S. ICZ A.S. MODŘANSKÁ POTRUBNÍ, A.S. FIRO-TOUR A.S.

ČESKÁ ZBROJOVKA A.S. EMIRATES, ORGANIZAČNÍ SLOŽKA KOH-I-NOOR HOLDING A.S. G – TEAM A.S. ČESKOMORAVSKÁ ZÁRUČNÍ A ROZVOJOVÁ BANKA, A.S. SERVIS CLIMAX A.S. ZVVZ A. S. OKI SYSTEMS (CZECH AND SLOVAK), S.R.O. IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY LIMITED – ORGANIZAČNÍ SLOŽKA INTERCORA, SPOL. S R.O. IDS SCHEER ČR, S.R.O. MP KRÁSNO, A.S. DYNEX LABORATORIES, S.R.O. SPORTISIMO S.R.O. ANENSKÉ SLATINNÉ LÁZNĚ A.S. M – SILNICE A.S. B. BRAUN MEDICAL S.R.O. LIRA, OBRAZOVÉ LIŠTY A RÁMY, A.S. MEDICA FILTER, S.R.O.

20.1.2011 17:09:18

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

All winners of the Czech 100 Best in the category Transport and Civil Constructions

gala evening with the best

Michaela Maláčová Bakala, Director, M Marketing receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Lady Pro 2010 from Jan Fischer, Vice President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Martina Cikánová, Executive Director, ESO Travel receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Lady Pro 2010 from Jan Fischer, Vice President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

From left: Luis Aneas, Laic Aktiengesellschaft, Ken Sheth, Business Development Manager, Ifield Computer Consultancy/Laic Aktiengesellschaft, and Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy/Laic Aktiengesellschaft

Comenius.indd 27

From left: Tomáš Cikán, Chairman of the Board, ESO Travel receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Tourism and Hotel Industry from Evžen Tošenovský, Euro Deputy, European Parliament

All winners of the Czech 100 Best in the category Agriculture and Food Industry

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT 20.1.2011 17:10:40

gala evening with the best

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

From left: Jaroslav Dunovský, Chairman, Autodružstvo Praha receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Manufacturing Cooperatives from Michal Hašek, Governor, South Moravian Region and Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech Production Cooperatives

Libuše Adamičková, President, Družstvo umělecké výroby Granát receiving a diamond from Luboš Říha, Chairman/Owner of DIC, Diamonds International Corporation From left: Petr Syrovátko, Owner, S Group Holding receiving award in the category Transport and Civil Constructions from Ivo Toman, Deputy Minister of Transportation

From left: Rudolf Javurek, CEO, Import Volkswagen Group receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Dynamic Growth from Eduard Janota, former Minister of Finance

From left: Ferid Nasr, Chairman of fhe Board, Cestovní kancelář EXIM TOURS receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Tourism and Hotel Industry from Evžen Tošenovský, Euro Deputy, European Parliament

Beata Rajská in front of her models

CZECH 100 BEST 2010 TOURISM & HOTEL INDUSTRY CESTOVNÍ KANCELÁŘ EXIM TOURS A.S. ČEDOK A.S. ESO TRAVEL A.S. KING’S CASINO A.S. OREA HOTELS A.S. STUDENT AGENCY, S.R.O. TOP HOTELS GROUP A.S. TRANSPORT & CIVIL CONSTRUCTIONS HOCHTIEF CZ A. S. POZEMNÍ STAVITELSTVÍ ZLÍN A.S. PSJ, A.S. S GROUP HOLDING, A.S. SMP CZ, A.S. SWIETELSKY STAVEBNÍ S.R.O. ZAKLÁDÁNÍ STAVEB,A.S.

Comenius.indd 28

DYNAMIC GROWTH AVE CZ ODPADOVÉ HOSPODÁŘSTVÍ S.R.O. BRISK TÁBOR A.S. DIAMO, STÁTNÍ PODNIK IMPORT VOLKSWAGEN GROUP S.R.O. KRAJ VYSOČINA ŘÍZENÍ LETOVÉHO PROVOZU ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, S.P. SYNOT ICT SERVICES, A.S. HEALTH – EDUCATION – HUMANITY ČESKÁ TELEVIZE EVROPSKÁ OČNÍ KLINIKA LEXUM FAKULTNÍ NEMOCNICE OSTRAVA FAKULTNÍ NEMOCNICE V MOTOLE LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE PRAGUE NADACE DĚTSKÝ MOZEK VYSOKÉ UČENÍ TECHNICKÉ V BRNĚ

INVENTION – COMMITMENT – EXPORT – PROFIT BAEST, A.S. BONATRANS GROUP A.S. CZ LOKO, A.S. CZECH DATA SYSTEMS S.R.O. ČESKÁ ENERGIE, A.S. OHL ŽS, A.S. PLYNOSTAV PARDUBICE HOLDING AKCIOVÁ SPOLEČNOST INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES DELL COMPUTER SPOL. S R.O. IBM ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, SPOL. S R.O. IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY LIMITED – ORGANIZAČNÍ SLOŽKA MICROSOFT S.R.O. NESS CZECH S.R.O.

OKSYSTEM S.R.O. UNICORN A.S. AGRICULTURE & FOOD INDUSTRY AGRODRUŽSTVO LHOTA POD LIBČANY BONECO A.S. FARMA DVOŘÁK NOVÉ VINAŘSTVÍ, A.S. PIVOVARY STAROPRAMEN A.S. PROFROST A.S. STÁTNÍ VETERINÁRNÍ SPRÁVA ČR MANUFACTURING COOPERATIVES AUTODRUŽSTVO PRAHA KAMENA VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO BRNO MECHANIKA TEPLICE, VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO MECHANIKA PROSTĚJOV, VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO ORLÍK-KOMPRESORY VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO STYL, DRUŽSTVO PRO CHEMICKOU VÝROBU

LADY PRO 2010 LIBUŠE ADAMIČKOVÁ MARTINA CIKÁNOVÁ ANDREA FERANCOVÁBARTOŇOVÁ DANA FISCHEROVÁ LENKA HADERKOVÁ KATEŘINA JANKŮ MICHAELA MALÁČOVÁBAKALA MIROSLAVA NĚMCOVÁ KLÁRA SAMKOVÁ EVA VÍTEČKOVÁ GENTLEMAN PRO 2010 JOSEF KOUTECKÝ OLDŘICH KULHÁNEK ROLAND MAHLER JOSEF VOZDECKÝ

20.1.2011 17:12:49

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

gala evening with the best

From left: George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy/Laic Aktiengesellschaft, Jiří Franc, Deputy Minister of Interior, and Evžen Tošenovský, Euro Deputy, European Parliament

Fashion by Beata Rajská

From left: Simona Sokolová, Vice Chairperson of the Board, Profrost receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Agriculture and Food Industry from Ivan Fuksa, Minister of Agriculture and Jan Veleba, President, Agrarian Chamber of the CR

Fashion by Beata Rajská Klára Samková, Advocate receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Lady Pro 2010 from Jan Fischer, Vice President of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

From left: Jan Klas, General Director, Řízení letového provozu ČR receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Dynamic Growth from Eduard Janota, former Minister of Finance

From left: Drahomíra Baráková, Medical Director, Evropská oční klinika Lexum receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Health – Education – Humanity from Miroslava Němcová, Chairperson of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the CR

Comenius.indd 29

From left: Radim Jančura, CEO, Student Agency receiving award Czech 100 Best in the category Tourism and Hotel Industry from Evžen Tošenovský, Euro Deputy, European Parliament

Winners of Czech 100 Best in the category Manufacturing Cooperatives: Jindřich Zdráhal, Chairman of the Board and Director, Mechanika Prostějov, výrobní družstvo, Jiří Škapa, Chairman, Mechanika Teplice, výrobní družstvo, Jaroslav Procházka, Chairman, Orlík Kompresory výrobní družstvo, Karel Vymazal, Chairman of the Board and Director, Kamena, výrobní družstvo Brno, Jaroslav Dunovský, Chairman, Autodružstvo Praha, Stanislav Husník, Chairman, STYL, družstvo pro chemickou výrobu together with Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, Miroslava Němcová, Chairperson of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the CR, Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech Production Cooperatives, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Libuše Adamičková, President, Družstvo umělecké výroby Granát, and other guests

20.1.2011 17:14:42

czech 100 best/conference

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible Photo: Ivan Malý

Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

As part of the “D” day of the Czech 100 Best competition 2010 Comenius Society organized XV. international conference “Key Factors of Success” in the morning hours of November 26.

More than 130 participants – top managers from significant Czech companies, but also diplomats and representatives from the state administration – have traditionally filled the New Gallery Hall at the Prague Castle and listened to the presentations delivered by their colleagues, all of whom had a lot to say about how to reach success and what success means in the first place.

Key Factors of Success XV. International Conference, New Gallery of Prague Castle, November 26, 2010 Whether it was the Co-owner of Syner Petr Syrovátko’s insistence that no successful business is possible without a trustworthy hand shake, emphasis on the family life stressed by the Lawyer Ms. Klára Samková, or never failing to realize one’s own limits pointed out by the ex-Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and current EBRD Vice President Jan Fischer, the interpretation of success gained different dimensions in case of each one of the speakers. What most of the presentations agreed upon, however, was the importance of the personal dimension of success and the question whether success equates happiness.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 30

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Radomíra Kotlárová, Marketing Director, SME Union, and Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor, Prague 1 District

21.1.2011 15:34:49

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Michal Hašek, Governor, South Moravian Region

The panel of the Key Factors of Success

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

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czech 100 best/conference

Petr Syrovátko, Owner, S Group Holding

Klára Samková, Attorney at Law

Karel Procházka, General Director, Guarant International

From left: Jan Fischer, Vice President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and former PM of the Czech Republic and H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel

From right: George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft and Luis Aneas, Director, Laic Aktiengesellschaft

20.1.2011 17:17:50

czech 100 best/conference

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, David Vrba, CEO, 3 M Česko, and Roman Cabálek, General Director, Microsoft

Milan Sameš, President, NESS Europe

From left: Miroslava Němcová, Chairperson of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board, Škoda Auto

Evžen Tošenovský, Member of the European Parliament

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 32

From left: Radek Špicar, Director of External Relations, Škoda Auto, Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board, Škoda Auto, and Jan Fischer, Vice President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and former PM of the Czech Republic

20.1.2011 17:19:05

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

czech 100 best/conference

Jan Fischer, Vice President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and former PM of the Czech Republic and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

Jakub Strnad, Chairman of the Board, Allianz pojišťovna

Jan Klas, General Director, Air Navigation Services of the CR

Kateřina Janků, General Director, Moravia Translations

Igor Spartakovič Plaksin, Embassy of the Russian Federation

From this perspective it was interesting to listen to the Chairwoman of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Mrs. Miroslava Němcová, who stressed that success primarily involves constant work on one’s own individual development, and that is how one can find sources of success. Winfried Vahland, CEO of Škoda Auto, continue with the same topic in his speech “open up one’s mind”. The rest of the speakers of the conference included Governor of the South Moravian Region Mr. Michal Hašek, European MP Mr. Evžen Tošenovský, CEO of Microsoft CR, Mr. Miroslav Cabálek, President of Ness Europe Mr. Milan Sameš, General Director of Guarant International Mr. Karel Procházka, and General Director of Moravia Translations Ms. Kateřina Janků.

The webcast from the conference is available at www.comenius.cz XVI. Key Factors of Success conference will take place on November 25, 2011 again at the New Gallery Hall of the Prague Castle.

The panel of the Key Factors of Success

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BBoohhusl Bohus Boh uslav us a Svo av Svvo vobbo bod ooda, a, Prraggu Pra Pr gue ue ue’s ’s new neew LLoorrdd May Mayyor Ma or Phho PPho hoto tto: o: o Fotom Footom omaly om alyy.cz .ccz c

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21.1.2011 14:08:05

An interview with Bohuslav Svoboda, Prague’s new Lord Mayor

THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT

OF TRANSPARENCY POSSIBLE Doc. MUDr. Bohuslav Svoboda, CSc. (1944) graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and worked shortly at the hospital in Příb Př íbra ram m. In 19 1969 69 he mo move vedd to Pra ragu guee an a d took a job at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at the University Hospital Královské Vinohrady.

He has been the Head of the Department since 1990. He also engaged with the Charles University’s 3rd Faculty of Medicine and served as its Dean in 2003-2010. He co-fathered the Czech Medical Chamber in 1992 and became its first President (two terms in office). He ran unsuccessfully in the 1998 Senate elections as a candidate for “Čtyřkoalice” (an alliance of four smaller central-right parties). At the end of September 2010 he entered politics once again, and became the leader of the Civic democrats´ (ODS) for the October local elections in Prague. He joined ODS as a member, and after the coalition agreement with the Sociall democrats t (Č (ČSS SSD) D) was con oncl cluded ded at th thee Pr Prag ague ue Tow ownn Ha Hallll, he was ele lect cted ed Pra ragu gue’ e s Lo Lord rd May ayor or.

How long was your first Lord Mayor’s “to do” list, and which items have you already managed to tick off?

I dare to sa sayy th that at my “tto do do” lilist st as a Lo Lord rd May ayor or is progressing ge geom omet etririca calllly. y Bes esid ides es the aim imss th that at I hav avee stated, and that we have made a point of, there are many other tasks including those of official protocol. After more than one month in office, of this growing list I can tick off the first changes in the area of human resources – in particular changes to the four posts of directors. Furthermore, we commissioned an audit of the public procurement on the central wastewater treatment plant, and we keep introducing general new saving measures.

You were also elected the first vice-chairman of the ODS Prague organisation. In your opinion, what steps need to be taken by the new party leadership, in a midterm perspective, in order to restore confidence in your party in the capital? Is the composition of the party leadership optimal for such a task?

ODS in Pra ragu guee as wel elll as the ove vera rallll ODS are not in very ve ry goo oodd sh shap ape. e. The los osss of con onfifidence and the inability to proceed quickly place us in an unenviable position.

We need to start acting clearly as a centre centre-right right political part pa rtyy. The way to re rega gain in vot oter ers´ s tru rust st is no nott th thro roug ughh the impeachment and negation of our competitors, but through the maximum amount of transparency possible.

To restore the confidence in the leading party members’, our current and potential voters should be our primary focu fo cuss.

What is your view about the long debated issue of the budgetary assignment of tax revenue, which brings about a conflict of small versus big municipalities? How do you regard the position of TOP 09 and the finance minister Miroslav Kalousek?

All draft proposals amending the budgetary assignment of tax revenue that have been tabled so far are for me – as Lord Mayor of Prague, disadvantageous. Prague has a specific position within the Czech Republic; it is both a municipality and a region. The capital represents 11% of the country’s population, 15% of its job market, and 25% of real economic performance of the Czech Republic. There are 488,307 economic entities

registered in Prague, which stand for 19% of all economic entities in the country. Only with these numbers in mind,, it is clear that Prague has to have a specific posi po sitition on witithi hinn th thee am amende d d law on the budgetary assi as sign gnme ment nt of ta taxx re reve venu n e. I cannot imagine that Prag ague ue wou ould ld los osee 14 bilillilion on Cze zech ch kor orun una, a, as en envi visi sion oned ed in the pro ropo posa sall of the may ayor orss wh whoo re repr pres esen entt sm smal alle lerr municipalities. Lookingg into the offffic icia iall st stat atis istitics cs,, Pr Prag ague ue geene nera rate tess 50 50% % of the rev even enue uess th that at the sta tate te con onse sequen entltlyy re redi dist striribu bute tess to the mun unic icip ipal alititie iess, and acc ccor ordding to the exi xist stin ingg la law w on bud udge geta tary ry ass ssig ignm nmen entt of tax revenue, Prague gets back onnly % of co collllec ecte tedd re reve venu nues es.

Thee ne new w bu budg dget etar aryy as assi sign gnme ment nt of ta taxx re reve venu nuee sh shou o ld rather motivate the municipalities es to su supp ppor ortt bu busi sine ness ss..

From the urban planning angle, Prague has often been criticized for missing out on modern architecture and for turning into an open air museum.

How do you regard modern architecture, and how should the future urban development of the city look?

Prague has an enormous number of historic attractions that lure many tourists and foreign visitors but, unfortunately, has not succeeded so far in introducing a trend similar to other European metropolises. metropolises By this I me mean an supportt to new, young archi hitecture and design, and in fact, support to young artists and their art.

On the other hand, I am glad that we have managed to incorporate “Trojmezí” (more than two hundred hectares of large territory spreading among Prague 10, 11 andd 15) into the h coalition agreement; this locality should remain a public space where people like to meet.

Overall, no new high-rise buildings should be built in Prague. We should focus on spaces that we live in, lodge in and work in.

Most of the established political parties promised “more green” during the pre-election campaign in Prague. What are the Council’s plans in this area during your term in office?

Green will not disappear; as Prague’s urban planning will be subject to sensitive work with a green agenda. It is important for Prague to be a place for living. We will keep reconstructing the central parks. I will personally follow very closely what is going on in the alreadyy mentioned

“Trojmezí” locality. I also assume we will be able to open a brand new park close to Černý Most in four years time; the park should occupy 170 hectares of land, which means a size twice as big as Stromovka park.

Despite the economic crisis, will there be enough resources for the further enlargement of Prague´s metro system?

In the upc pcom omin ingg four years, we would like to signififica cant ntly ly pro rogr gres esss with the lengthening of line A to the Moto Mo toll ho hosp spitital al, an and start building a new line D. The city budgget should be passed in mid-February, as we current re ntly ly run on an int n erim budget. We already know that there will indeed be less resources for investments.

Inve In vest stme ment nt and the h pace of building will be reduced, but not stopped, as in the case of the Ministry of transport of the Cze zech ch Rep epub u lic. There is no use in flattering ourselves by thinking that the measures and decisions take ta ken att the h levell off central government would not have consequences for Prague, and that the budget of the city will remain intact.

What are the next steps in planning the infrastructure for transport in Prague? Has the recent opening of part of the Prague ring only brought about positive impacts on traffic in the capital, or are there unexpected problems emerging?

The Prague ring and the opening of the 23 kilometres of roads that connect Brno and Plzen highways have brought significant relief to the city. Drivers are learning to use the Southern conjunction (J ( ižní spo p jk j a)) aga g in;; that is the road that used to be occupied by trucks, which now must use the ring. This fact is based on numbers, and I consider it a veryy positive developm pmen ent.t. Sim impl ply, y, you can tell that those 23 kilometres can be seen. For the further development of the city, I find it inevitable to accelerate the completion of both the outer Prague ring and the inner Prague city ring, which includes a complex of tunnels, and which should protect the historic city centre from the impacts of heavy traffic.

By Věra Řiháčková ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi maga ma gazí zínu nu na ww www. w.le lead ader ersm smag agaz azin inee.cz cz

Leaders Magazine i I/201 I 1

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MUDr. Michaela FridrichovĂĄ, Chairwoman of the League Against Cancer Prague Photo: VladimĂ­r Weiss

20.1.2011 16:29:57

A Talk with MUDr. Michaela Fridrichová, Chairwoman of the League Against Cancer Prague

People Need to Be Willing TO PURSUE APPROPRIATE CHANGES BY THEMSELVES MUDr. Michaela Fridrichová graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Prague. Thereafter, she worked as a research assistant at the Department of Microbiology, for two years as a research assistant at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry and Biology (at Prof. Bubeník, DrSc, and Prof. Svoboda DrSc.) and from 1979 to 1984 as younger intern at the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology Nsp Kladno. She was then a secondary physician at the Clinic of Radiotherapy and Oncology FNKV III., the Medical Faculty in Prague from 1984 to 1992. And from 1992 to 1995 she was a superintendent for chemotherapy at the Clinic of Radiotherapy and Oncology. Michaela Fridrichová participated in a two month internship at the Beatson oncology center Glasgow in 1993. She was also a representative of the Medicom Int.-onco-line in 1995–1996, and a physician working independently at the Clinic of Radiotherapy and Oncology of the Thomayer University Hospital. She is presently working as a doctor-patient at the Institute of Radiation Oncology of the Faculty Hospital of Bulovka, and at the same time. Michaela Fridrichová is a member of professional organizations such as SROBF, the Czech Oncology Association and the League Against Cancer, among others.

What was the biggest obstacle for establishing the League Against Cancer Foundation?

Thee fo Th foun unda datition on of th thee Cz Czec echh an andd Sl Slov ovak ak Lea eagu guee Ag Agai ains nstt Cancer occurred in 1990. At that time, Professor MUDr. Zdeněk Dienstbier and MUDr. Eva Siracká DrSc. were inspired by the European movement on the fight against cancer, and thus, they found a new association. This association split into the Czech and Slovak branches as a result of the break up of Czechoslovakia. Nonetheless, both branches cooperate together, yet they are completely independent of each other.

What is the main goal of the Foundation?

The work of the civic association Leaggue Aga g inst Cancer Prague consists basically of three pillars. The first one is based on the public promotion of the prevention of tumour diseases. While this sounds like a cliché, it is what our society is missing most, which is a sufficient amount of valid information. Only on the basis of valid information can people eliminate the risky activities that may ultimately lead to cancer. I believe that making educated decisions about smokingg habits,, dietaryy habits,, and exercise habits,, etc. are possible only by assessing data that comes from oncology registers. This is important for a future generation of non-smokers who want to lead a healthy way of life.

Apart from education, what else can you offer?

Our second pillar represents our support of science and research in oncology. Our effort is tangibly expressed by the fact that we have received an award for the best scientific publication, and by the funding of oncology equipment for our workplaces, for radiation technology andd su an supp pple leme ment ntal al fac acililititie iess th that at wililll im impr prov ovee th thee qu qual alitityy of the radiotherapy process, as well as for brachytherapy, and diagnostic appliance. 2 million CZK were provided for the VFN in 2009 to help obtain a special camera for the new VFN’s PET centre. This year, we collected 700 thousand CZK for the hospital in Pardubice, which is meant for radiotherapy equipment. Last but not least is the third, very significant pillar – this is the improvement of life for oncology patients. The League Against Cancer in Prague orga or gani nize zess re reco cond ndititio ionn st stay ayss wh whic ichh in incl clud udee re reha habi bililita tatition on, training and exercises that are meant to help patients obtain a healthy style of living. There are 6 of these stays already underway, with 20 patients in two spa facilities.

What actual help can patients with this disease expect from you?

In addition to the aforementioned activities, we publish 40 booklets which contain brief information on the essentials of the disease, means of treatment, possible

complications, and consultancy options. Furthermore, patients can find a contact address for the League Against canc ca ncer er, an andd a ph phon onee nu numb mber er of th thee “TTum umou ourr liline ne”, whi hich ch is operated by our Foundation, and where one can obtain a consultation by phone or e-mail 5 days a week.

Is the financial funding part of the aid as well?

Yes, the allowed collection is part of the Czech Day Against Cancer, also widely known by the public as “Flower Day”. This collection represents a main financial source of the League’s activities.

There has unfortunately been a constantly growing number of patients with tumour disease each year. How do you explain this?

This is definitely due to several factors such as a stressful life, an unhealthy diet with a high fat content and a shortage of fruit and vegetables, as well as a lack of exercise. Beyond these things, there is a growing number of older people worldwide who have a higher incidence of tumour disease. I would, on the other hand, emphasize that this phenomenon has helped to improve the treatment of this disease at all levels of health care.

How would you evaluate the current level of cancer prevention in the Czech Republic?

All health insurance companies proclaim their effort to prevent cancer, as well as launch preventive programmes, including various bonuses. There are several non-profit organizations, apart from the League Against Cancer Foundation in Prague, that strive to do the same work that we are doing, i.e. the promotion of cancer prevention. Yet, one thing is still missing in all of this effort, whic wh ichh is a rec ecep eptitive ve and coo oope pera ratitive ve aud udie ienc nce! e! It is not sufficient to just spread information, to take it to our citizens, to offer it and preach. It is necessary for people to accept it, perceive it and implement it into their daily lives. Unfortunately, this means a change in attitudes and ways of life, which people do not appreciate. Though people listen to the information, they do not identify with it, and do not make the necessary changes in their lives.

This is the biggest problem, because a helpful organization cann no ca nott ma make ke the cha hang nges es for the hem! m! The heyy ne need ed to do it by themselves.

Who can become a member of the League A gainst Cancer Foundation in Prague? What does it actually mean to become an active member?

Anyy ad An adul ultt wi with th Cze zech ch cititizizen ensh ship ip can bec ecom omee a me memb mber er, especially those who have a good mind to lend a hand and thus influence other people. A prospective member can call our phone line or come to the office of the League

located at Bulovka, or simply write an e-mail. One can actively take part in the patients’ clubs or at the main even ev ents ts of th thee Le Leag ague ue as a vo volu lunt ntee eerr. Mor oreo eove verr, a pro rosspective member can co-operate at all running events, teach prevention in their region, and contribute to the League’s materials for schools, health care institutions, and anywhere information is needed but not intruding. The work is rather time-consuming, and requires a certain amount of willingness. A member must pay an annual membership fee in the amount of 200 CZK. Patients with cancer were cured in the Czech Republic at a similar level to those cured of tumour diseases in the founding EU countries. Yet, statistics also denote that not all of those who were ill were able to enter the special centres. How do you explain this?

What must be changed?

This obviously depends on the ability of a particular centre to accept more patients and, at the same time, on the patients’ ability to get to a centre for therapy, as it is not possible to obtain a refund for hospitalization at manyy therappeutic facilities. Colleagu g es outside of the centres are knowledgeable, much like doctors within the centres, yet they cannot provide the same kind of therapy. If a patient is not willing to commute, they are eventually provided with the available treatment after an agreement with the patient’s health insurance company.

The idea that all patients are cured in centres is absurd.

Many therapeutic options, such as biological treatment, are only palliative forms of treatment. The ultimate decision depends on the patient’s general condition, his agee, and the pur ag urpo pose se of th thee trtrea eatm tmen entt. Som omee pa patitien ents ts pay a huge price for a just few more months of life.

Do you cooperate with the Czech Oncology Association?

We can not be an equal partner with the Czech Oncology Association, yet we try to enhance our cooperation with regard to the prevention of oncology disease.

How is the League Against Cancer cooperation operating at the international level?

We are fee ee-p -pay ayin ingg me memb mber erss of the ECL and the UIC ICCC. We regularly take part in conferences and coordinate our events with great events of other international Leagues Against Cancer.

By Pav avlílína na Hol olan anco cová vá ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Lead Le ader erss Ma Maga gazine ine I/2 /201 011

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20.1.2011 16:30:20

networking/discussion event

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible From left: Jiří Franc, Deputy Minister for Finance and Operations, Ministry of Interior of the CR, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Michal Moroz, Deputy Minister for Strategies and Programme Management, Ministry of Interior of the CR

Round Table of Comenius with Michal Moroz and Jiří Franc, Deputy Ministers of Interior of the Czech Republic

The Round Table of Comenius with two Deputy Ministers of Interior took place on November 24 at the TOP Hotel Praha. These were gentlemen Michal Moroz, Deputy Minister of Interior for Strategies and Programme Management and Jiří Franc, Deputy Minister of Interior for Financial Affairs and Operations. Guests included also Mr. Jaroslav Mráz, Director for IT and eGovernment at the Ministry of Interior as well as Director of the Czech Post Ms. Marcela Hrdá, or General Director of Microsoft CR Mr. Roman Cabálek. Topics discussed during the course of the evening covered the structure of the ministry, fight against corruption, 2011 budget cutting measures at the ministry as well as most recent projects of the ministry such as the simplifying of the legislative procedures or electronic penal procedures.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 38

From right: Marcela Hrdá, General Director, Česká pošta, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Michal Moroz, Deputy Interior Minister, and George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft

24.1.2011 12:39:05

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, Marcela Hrdá, General Director, Česká pošta, Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta, and Václav Studený, Deputy Chairman of the Board, ČD – Telematika From left: Daniel Rous, Security Director, ČEZ, and Fawad Nadri, President, CzechAfghan Chamber of Commerce

Eduard Pálka, Sales Director, Česká plynárenská and Jitka Čiháková, CEO, Prague Investments Corporation

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

Comenius.indd 39

From left: Jana Bohutínská, Editor in Chief, Be the Best and Vlasta Holéciová, Editor in Chief, Komora

From left: Rudolf Ovčáří, Owner, CZ GOLF, Michal Moroz, Deputy Interior Minister, and Miroslav Lukšík, General Director, Pozemní stavitelství Zlín

From right: Jiří Franc, Deputy Interior Minister, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Michal Moroz, Deputy Interior Minister, George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft, Filip Čapka, Strategy/Development Director, Brisk Tábor, Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft, František Snopek, Deputy Police President, and Jaroslav Mráz, Head of the Directorate for Information Technology and eGovernment, Ministry of Interior of the CR

20.1.2011 17:24:12

networking/discussion event

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

From left: Jaroslav Mráz, Head of the Directorate for Information Technology and eGovernment, Ministry of Interior of the CR and Karel Torn, Vice President, Association of Defence and Security Industry

Roman Cabálek, CEO, Microsoft and Marcela Hrdá, General Director, Česká pošta

Michal Moroz, Deputy Interior Minister and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

Libor Olexa, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Mediafactory and Eva Gottsteinová, Health Care Financing System Manager, AstraZeneca Czech Republic

From left: Stanislav Beneš, Executive Director for Central Europe, Infram and Michal Hátle, CEO, T-Systems PragoNeT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 40

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta

21.1.2011 15:56:02

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

From left: Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Chamber of Commerce, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Michal Moroz, Deputy Interior Minister, Daniel Rous, Security Director, ČEZ, and František Snopek, Deputy Police President From left: Michal Korol, Editor in Chief, Parlament, vláda, samospráva and Petr Hotovec, Director, Zenova Services

From left: George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft, Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft, and Josef Rada, General Director, Civil Aviation Authority

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

Comenius.indd 41

From right: Roman Cabálek, CEO, Microsoft, Eva Trotter, Member of the Board, PEM Invest, and Otto Vitouš, Member of the Board and Director for Strategy, Unicorn

From left: Daniel Rous, Security Director, ČEZ, Michal Moroz, Deputy Interior Minister, Michal Frano, Sales Director, Ness Czech, and George Parobek, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft

41 4 1

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networking/discussion event

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

Final “Round Table of Comenius“ in 2010 took place on December 16, and its VIP guest was one of the key personalities of this country, i.e. Minister of Finance Miroslav Kalousek.

With the total of 94 seated participants it was the largest “Round Table of Comenius” having beaten the previous “Round Tables of Comenius” this year. Participants then took part in a very lively debate which touched upon as diverse topics as the situation of the state debt, budget for 2011 or fighting corruption.

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Tereza Bártová, Executive Director, E-Invest, and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia

Round Table of Comenius with Miroslav Kalousek, Minister of Finance

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 42

From left: Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta, Emilli Čechová, Director, Arcimboldo Global Communications, Albín Sybera, CEO, Sybera Enterprises, Petr Svoboda, Managing Director, Expharma, and Václav Irovský, Director of the Branch Office, LOM Praha

21.1.2011 15:59:05

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

From left: Ivan Hlaváček, Executive Head, InterCora, Jan Oberman, Executive Head, Korado Consulting, Tomáš Čáp, Executive Vice President, Comenius, and Jan Hlaváček, Chief Brewer, Plzeňský Prazdroj

From left: Martin Červencl, Diamonds International Corporation – D.I.C and Luboš Říha, Chairman of the Board, Diamonds International Corporation – D.I.C.

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Monika Vondráková, PR & Marketing Manager, RSJ, Libor Winkler, Member of the Board of Directors, RSJ, and Jaroslav Řasa, Chairman of the Board, Abra Software

From left: Pavel Horák, Director, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna ČR and Jan Oberman, Executive Head, Korado Consulting Tomáš Čáp, Executive Vice President, Comenius and Věra Miková, Finespa CZ

From left: Jana Hochmannová, Deputy Director of Planning and Development Division, Řízení letového provozu ČR, Petr Fajtl, Director of Planning and Development Division, Řízení letového provozu ČR, and Tereza Fajtlová, Řízení letového provozu ČR

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

Comenius.indd 43

From left: Petr Havel, Regional Director, OVB Allfinanz, Dita Slezáková, Regional Director, OVB Allfinanz, and Michal Knapp, Chairman of the Board & General Director, OVB Allfinanz

From left: Michal Knapp, Member of the Board, OVB Allfinanz, Karel Janeček, Director, RSJ, Miroslav Kalousek, Minister of Finance, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Michal Knapp, Chairman of the Board & General Director, OVB Allfinanz

20.1.2011 17:29:19

networking/discussion event

A special thanks to Ifield Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

From left: Jakub Joska, Advocate/Partner, Vyroubal, Krajhanzl, Školout, Advokátní kancelář, Albín Sybera Jr., Advisor to the President, Comenius, Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine, and Marian Švrček, Vice President, A.T. Kearney

Miroslav Kalousek, Minister of Finance

Roman Cabálek, General Manager, Microsoft

From left: Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager, Russia and CIS Operations, Comenius, Igor S. Plaskin, Head of Economic Group, 1st Secretary, Embassy of the Russian Federation in the CR, and Alexander Turov, Commercial Attaché, Embassy of the Russian Federation in the CR

Jutta Walter, General Manager, Commerzbank AG

Partners of the event were companies RSJ, ČEZ, OVB Allfinanz and OHL ŽS, and were represented by their top managers.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 44

From left: Beata Rajská, Fashion Designer, Michal Štefl, General Director and Chairman of the Board, OHL ŽS, and Alena Vitásková, President, Klub plynárenských podnikatelů ČR

21.1.2011 16:00:10

RATIONAL REVISION of the EU Energy Policy In 2007, when the European Commission presented its “ambitious” (very popular term of European legislators) European energy policy, also known as Strategy 20–20–20, many anticipated that the new interventions will bring again dramatic consequences to the energy market.

A lot has been said and written about the proposed measures. Nevertheless, I believe it is important to mention, what is new in this area.

The objectives of the EU energy policy are to by 2020 reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, to reach 20% of renewable energy in the energy consumption and to improve energy efficiency by 20%.

I would like to point out the efficiency goal that is that Europe needs to save energy. More than one fifth of the used energy in the Union area is consumed ineffectively. There are many ways how to save energy effectively, for example by insulation in buildings, use of new energyefficient technologies in heating and air-conditioning of properties. However, the question is to what extent the solutions should be administratively managed or motivated and supported by research and development of new technologies. I am much in favor of the second method; the support of new technology creation.

Furthermore, attention needs to be paid to security of energy supply. In order to achieve the key EU objectives in this area, Commission has presented An EU Energy Security and Solidarity Action Plan. The Action Plan is composed of five main points: infrastructure needs and the diversification of energy supplies, external energy relations, oil and gas stocks and crisis response mechanisms, energy efficiency and lastly making the best use of the EU’s indigenous energy resources.

The main concerns in the Union are from natural gas, because there are several Member States, which are overly dependent on one supplier. The Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis at the beginning of 2009 clearly showed that the European Union needs to create something, which is called at present the common energy security policy. Again the question is how this cooperation should look like. It is evident that it is not going to be easy to achieve such a wide agreement. Political situation in supplying and

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Interviews.indd 45

transit countries, accidents or natural catastrophes show how the EU is vulnerable in its immediate energy supply. It is the responsibility of each individual Member State to secure its energy supply, but one of the key characteristics of the EU membership should be solidarity and certain cooperation between the Member States. An example of good cooperation was the reverse flows of gas, which helped to secure gas supplies to many central and eastern European countries. The strategy for mutual share and spread of risks and for the better use of common EU voice in the international arena can be much more effective than fragmented domestic measures. Therefore the security of energy supply is a question of common EU interest.

Taking into account the global development the EU must adopt measures, which will ensure its energy future and will protect its fundamental energy interests. The EU must increase its efforts in the development of its external energy policy; it should act if possible in a coordinated manner, it should find agreement about the essential infrastructure to secure its energy supply with the aim of its construction, lastly it should negotiate coherently as much as possible. A certain problem in the implementation of the mentioned activities is the often overlooked fact that most of them are today carried out by private companies.

The Second Strategic Energy Review suggests that the European Union has commenced its work for the creation of its new European energy policy, by implementing the 20–20–20 goals in practice. I hope that we will not submit ourselves completely to Brussels in the form of

Photo: Archive

supranational regulator. Unfortunately, until now the taken measures just prove my worries.

The “ambitious” plans overshadow the economic rationality of the goals. We should constantly have on our minds the truthful words of the former American president Ronald Reagan: The economic growth does not come with government spending and planning, but comes from hearts and souls of entrepreneurs. My wish is that the European Union will follow these words as much as possible.

By Evžen Tošenovský I Member of the European Parliament To be continued... český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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20.1.2011 16:30:41

An interview with Václav Bartuška, Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

The Biggest Challenge?

WE ARE SPOILED Václav Bartuška graduated from the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University in 1992. As a student there, he was among those who started the strike in November 1989, the result of which was the peaceful overthrow of the Communist regime. Because of his previous experience with the Secret Police, Bartuška was elected as the students’ representative to the parliamentary committee which oversaw the investigation of the Communist Party security apparatus. He then published his first book, Polojasno, which sold 230,000 copies and made him independent enough to spend most of the 1990’s traveling, and writing three more books.

He was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Columbia Universityy ((1994–95)) and a Marshall Fellow in 1999. Mr. Bartuška was the Czech Commissioner General at EXPO 2000 in Hannover, Germany.

Currentltly, he serves as the Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security at the Foreign Ministry.

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

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You are the first Ambassador-at-Large for Energy Security. It may be tough to establish a space of your own within the settled decision-making process, however, on the other hand, an opportunity to create the position according to your wish.

I am the first one of the sort because up until the middle of this decade the topic of energy security did not register with most Europeans. It only became apparent, first in the West, and later in the Eastern part of Europe, after 2000 when it became clear that the European position in the world had changed dramatically. We started to realize that there are about 3 billion new customers who want the same resources that we want. Not just China and India, but also Brazil, Vietnam and many others. First it was the UK, France,

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the Netherlands, and Germany that realized that countries that they considered “theirs” may not be willing to sell resources as cheaply as they expected.

There were simply other customers in the queue. For our part of Europe it came with January of 2006 when there was the first big Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis.

And so it happened that over here in Central Europe it became a discussion mainly about Russia and how to avoid being blackmailed by Russia, which I think is just a subtopic of the much larger topic. I always tell my colleagues, focusing fully and only on Russia means becoming very regional. Everybody in the EU is aware of the need for more energy, but Russia is not everybody’s worry. Energy is everybody’s worry, Russia is the worry of a certain part of Europe. So this is generally why this position that I hold was crea cr eate tedd. And rec ecen entltlyy, I got a sec econ ondd jo jobb wh whic ichh is to look at the Temelín tender.

How is the energy agenda covered by other European states? Is there any general model for how the states institutionally approach the energy security issue?

It very much depends on which state we talk about.

Because for example the Netherlands, the UK, France, and Italy have major oil or gas companies which follow closely l l what’s h t’ ggoing i g on iin th the world. ld SSo th these companies can sometimes inform the government back at home, or help the government out on certain occasions. Of course, sometimes they tell the government things they want them to say, and that does not have to be necessarily in the interest of the country, but rather in the interest of the company. But there is a general awareness in London and Paris and Berlin about how the world is changing. This is sometimes lacking here.

We have an energy section at the Ministry of Industry and Trade. You are an employee of the Foreign Ministry. How do we actually handle and concentrate our expertise in the energy field? Can you for instance go to the energy section of the Ministry of Industry and ask for expertise support on a certain issue?

It never works just by scheme. It always works only when you have personal connections. I must say I have been quite lucky, as from the beginning I have always had direct access to any Minister of Industry and Trade. I see the Minister and his Deputy for Energy rath ra ther er oft ften en and we co coop oper erat atee qu quititee we wellll. Wi With thou outt th this is it would never work. For example, the gas crisis in January 2009 was basically dealt with on the working level by Martin Říman who was then the Minister of Industry and Trade, and myself, and we spent two weeks together traveling between Moscow, Brussels and Kiev.

So to speak in general, what you really need is the awareness at the very top that energy security is something very important. If you would just leave it to ministries as such it would probably create a mess.

Bureaucracy is not always the most effective tool. But we have people who actually care about the country and who care about what’s going on. And you have to find those people. We still do not have the Civil Service that Britain has that seems to function effectively no matter who the Minister is. We still have to go through people and make things work by having people on our side.

You do not feel a personal ambition to set an institutionalized framework to your agenda and to establish how our country covers energy security?

So that when you leave your office the work could continue uninterruptedly.

First of all, I have direct access to the Foreign Minister. In my second job, the Temelín job, I am directly responsible to the Prime Minister. This is the number one thing – you need to have direct access to the minister and all top leaders in the country.

And I have access in my position to the Minister of Finance, Industry and Trade, Foreign Affairs, and Environment. Without that you cannot work. So when I am replaced it will be more of a question whether the government in power then wants to have somebody with access to all of those people, or just to have a bu bure reaaucr crat at whho wililll be giiven a posiitiion, but no real ability to do things. And that is something you cannot institutionalize.

Is your position a component of the national energy concept of the Czech Republic?

It is in the structure of the Foreign Ministry. I cooperate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the energy concept. The invitations from abroad are mostly to my name, since I have been working in the fi ld ffor some titime. I hhave written field itt things thi g andd I have h spoken in different places. The fact that I have cooperated with the Swedish presidency and Spanish presidency is not because I am Czech. I was invited to Britain to brief the next government, because somebody thought that they should do it, not because they thought they desperately needed a Czech speaker on European energy policy. So it will very much depend upon who will succeed me, and what position they will create. But I like my job and I hope to keep it for a while.

How do we as the Czech Republic stand with our national expertise in energy?

We have very good expertise in energy, especially in electro energy. That is something we do very well, and we have a plenty of people in the field who are very good. But we have lost major know-how in oil and gas.

We never had much of it. The fact that I go now to the Middle East or Central Asia besides going to Russia is questioned by many as “why”? And I tell people that last year we imported 23 per cent of our oil from Azerbaijan. And we have been importing that amount for quitite some time. If something happens in Middle East, in the Persian Gulf, you will soon see the consequences at the petrol station near you. It is not the best idea to ignore what is going on in the world.

What is the challenge of the day in our energy security?

The biggest challenge is one that people somewhere in their heart understand, but they are not willing to admit. The biggest challenge is that we are spoiled. We have a beautiful lifestyle which is untenable. We have an energy consumption which is simply untenable at the present level of scientific research and technology. And when I say “we” I mean all of Western civilization. We simply burn too much of the stuff to keep pleasantly warm in winter and pleasantly cool in summer. We drive fast cars with just one of us in it. We are used to cheap energy and cheap food. This is the real issue here. It is not Russia, or Saudi Arabia.

It’s not Iran, or anywhere else. The problem is simply

here. When you say this to the public they hate you.

The level of our consumption is such that all the small things that the Greens promote, such as that you replace your old light bulbs, or that you drive a bike to work once each week, and that you switch off the light when you leave a room, are just cheap proclamations.

We may do these little things to make us feel that we care about the environment. But it’s just a placebo.

Our consumption is such that all those small things do not change anything.

If you take all of the shopping malls and hypermarkets, the big ones have a consumption of electricity of a city of 20 thousand people. Most of the office buildings being built in Prague or Brno these days are made of steel and glass. You have to cool them in summer and heat them in winter. We simply have a very expensive lifestyle, and do not even think about it any more.

But is European society ready for a complex solution? A solution that may attack our way of life?

We will never downgrade our life-standard without a te terr rrib ible le sho hock ck.. Yo Youu ma mayy ha have ve vol olun unte teer erss, or in indi divi vi-duals who will do this. But as for the most of the public, no. This is not something they want to hear. So you need a shock to the system.

Would anything have changed if the price of oil in July 2008 remained for let’s say around 150 dollars a barrel for an entire year?

No. This is not a shock. This is just a stress. You would need a drop of supply let’s say of 50%.

That’s a shock. People like to proclaim that at a certain price level they would stop buying petrol. This proved to be nonsense again and again. A shock is not raising prices.

Leaving aside the question whether such a shock would be good or bad for our society, are we going to witness one in our lifetime?

Well, I do not know. I am not a prophet. We still have huge reserves of money in the West. And there seems to be still more and more oil and gas available in different parts of the world at least for some time. However, the system now is very, very unbalanced. It is basically stressed to one hundred per cent of its ca capacity. That means that you can have a relatively minor accident somewhere and it will just put the whole thing into a tailspin. If you take the European electricity situation, for example, we stopped building power plants of any sort decades ago. We are now witnessing a boom in renewables, which is basically the first new capacity being built in Europe in thirty years. But much of our consumption is still covered by the old sources.

Andd we are qui An uite te unw nwililliling ng to bu builildd ne new w po powe werr st stat atio ions ns.

Nobody wants to spoil the beautiful surroundings of their homes. But everybody wants to consume the energy.

It seems that you are enjoying your job. Can you think of anything you would enjoy more or something for which you could better use your knowledge and expertise in this country?

No. This is the second best job in my life.

What was the first one?

The revolution.

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

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21.1.2011 16:02:02

An interview with Josef Dobeš, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports

ACCELERATED MINISTER Josef Dobeš (1964) graduated in psychology from Masaryk University in Brno. He worked as a prison psychologist, and for six years counselled at the Crisis Centre in Prague. Within his private practice he provided consultancy, family therapy and worked with children. In 2003–2009 he directed human resources and became a board member of the security agency ABL. In 2002, he took part in establishing the Věci Veřejné (VV) party where he has been holding the post of vice-chairman. He has been a deputy in the City Council of Prague 1 since 2006. In 2010, he was elected a member of the Chamber of Deputies, and later on was appointed Minister of Education, Youth and Sports. He is married with three sons; he has one of them in foster care.

Photo: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Archive

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What key experience have you acquired as a career psychologist?

Solving crisis situations has suited me best.

I have worked not only as a prison psychologist, but also in the Crisis Centre, and I went through a special logo-therapeutical training that equips trainees with the capability to give clients hope, even during the worst situations. Later on, in business and top managerial posts, I was also appealed to during difficult moments of crisis. And finally, as a psychologist, I am undoubtedly well trained to listen to others, and I can hear what they ask me. This is very important for a minister or a manager, as these positions often lead people to pursue their own views, and not take the views of others into consideration.

As a prison psychologist, did you feel threatened in any situation that has occurred?

Not really threatened, but some situations were on the edge. I chose to work at the custody department where there were murderers and repeat violent offenders. I met with them and I worked with them right after they fully realized the crimes that they had committed. There was often an aggression inside them that I had to confront. I remember one meeting with a man who demolished his cell because he became aware of what destruction he had caused, and he had to live out the consequences of his actions. But I have never experienced fear.

I cannot imagine working with those people under the pressure of fear.

What part of your psychological background do you use in politics?

Indeed, I went through much training, so the extreme moments are no surprise for me. It is to my advantage that I am able to perceive these moments as a natural part of any situation, and I am not afraid of them. Of course, I also benefit from age-old experience negotiating with business clients. On the other hand, I have to say that I face political war horses like Miroslav Kalousek or Petr Nečas, and with my psychological training, I can only balance a certain handicap due to my inexperience in top politics. So if the question is whether I have better cards, I might be equivalent with these experienced politicians, thanks to my previous career, and I can fight with them on equal footing over the needs of my ministry. One of the most difficult

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negotiations in the government I have experienced took place during the deliberations on my ministry´s budget for 2011, when I faced finance minister Miroslav Kalousek; or I remember the meeting over the introduction of state exams in high schools, which was not as stormy, but highly demanding in terms of argumentation.

Were some of your colleagues from the Věci Veřejné party taken unaware by the hard nature of government or coalition negotiations?

This is perhaps rather for our coalition partners to speak of, but I think people have noticed that we are no greenhorns or outsiders. Some of my colleagues have good training as successful businessmen. We haven´t entered politics as tabula rasa. So some public statements of our coalition partners, as to our own hard nature, I understood as a certain appreciation of VV and of its key people.

Why did you decide to enter politics in 2002, co-fathering a new political party; why didn´t you enter one of the then established political parties?

I have been intensively involved in politics two times in my life. First, as a student in 1989 I felt a big responsibility, but my professional career took another direction. In 2002, it happened again when I met a group of people who wanted to enter the established political playground as a new political party. I sympathized with them, especially thanks to their personal qualities, and because of the sheer interest to do something for Prague 1 at the local level. We started as a civic association, but there was a strongg notion that we would turn into a politip cal party, and this vision of a party lured me in.

I admit that I accept the provoking thesis of president Klaus about one´s engagement in politics – if one wants to take part in political competition, he or she must establish a political party. I joined the duel with the established political parties in Prague 1 with the same energy as in 1989. There was a lot of enthusiasm and energy when the Věci Veřejné party was coming to life. I think back about it today and it makes me keen to keep working in this party.

But what was the particular impulse in Prague 1 at that time?

The main impulse for me was that VV emerged as a local party, and that I could change things in my close milieu in several months time. I remember one particular action we took to keep Vojanovy sady impassable; these are beautiful closed gardens at Malá Strana. There was a pilot project on making a passage through it up to the Prague Castle. Our group started addressing young families and we managed to get the Town Hall under pressure. The project was frozen at the end; a thing nobody in Prague 1 had heard of until that time. And this atmosphere is still present in VV these days.

What impact has the success in the general elections had, and the Věci Veřejné party’s presence in the government?

Above all, I can view this at a personal level. Our top politicians, including myself, have to work constantly on improving themselves. In order to be able

to manage what I couldn´t imagine half-a-year ago, I must work very hard, and I consider my hard work a great asset. As far as the party is concerned, to me it is still the party imbued by local politics, from which the ministers and deputies stand out.

Radek John, for example, is not very much imbued by local politics…

Radek John is our strong face, and to be objective, he is the person that got us into parliament.

A conjunction of enthusiastic people, along with this well-known face in the media, represents the hope that the voters entrusted VV with.

Was education minister your dream job?

I intensively took part in the preparations of VV´s programme in the field of education; I lead a working group that was comprised of eighty experts. When it was decided that this post would go to VV, I was a natural candidate. However, to be a minister is not my dream job. It was very important for me to mentally come to terms with this, but on the other hand, it gives me fantastic energy. I don´t care how long I stay in this post, but when I come back to my original career, I need to look back and see the particular issues that I managed to push through, and then I will be satisfied.

What will be the next item on your agenda after the battle over the state exams on high schools?

I am following two parallel steps now – I have to finish the issue of state exams, a strange heritage of my predecessors; and second, I focus a lot on the introduction of comparative exams in the fifth and ninth grades of grammar schools. I want to measure the qqualityy of education in keyy nodal points, p , as is standard elsewhere in the world, but which we do not do here. The first quarter of 2011 is also important for me because I need to cooperate with the governors on the reduction of the high school network. The symptoms of our diseased education policy are that we have no measurements of the quality of education, a much too dense network of high schools, and rewards for schools for their number of students, not for their quality of education.

Recently, there was another new analysis published on the situation of children from excluded localities, which proved that the situation is serious. What steps are you planning in this policy area?

This analysis uncovered a very important finding to me – that despite the proclaimed measures, the real situation is very bad. It is a reminder that the inclusion of socially excluded children has been a widely debated issue for a long time, but with minimal action. I already faced criticism because of two legal acts that, according to the court in Strasbourg, lead to the discrimination of Roma pupils. But please show me another minister that takes care of a halfRoma child from a children´s asylum. Inclusion is naturally close to me. The problem that occurred is embodied in those two discriminatory legal acts.

This ministry worked on their amendments for about a year, since December 2009, and I found them in the drawer in October 2010, discovering that they were not ready. Many remarks were made to the

draft amended acts, especially from the side of the regions, and the proponents of inclusion at this ministry were not able to deal with them. They hid them, but we pretended to comply with the decision of the European Court of Human Rights. I decided that we have to settle those remarks and send the acts again to proceedings, in order to comply fully with the decision in Strasbourg. It is the first necessary step that is taking place now. The acts should go to the Government´s legislative council at the end of January, so that I can sign them fourteen months later than they were originally supposed to be implemented. The second issue is to prepare specific support for children from excluded localities. We are working now on specific templates that should allow for the inclusion of excluded children. In other words, we are creating incentives for kindergartens to search actively for these children, as they would benefit economically from it.

But the problem of social exclusion is much wider…

Indeed it is; the position of a majority of society is definitely a big problem. But I am a supporter of small steps and I am responsible for education. So from my point of view it is important that these children have an opportunity to compensate their disadvantages in kindergarten, before they enter the main system of education.

You are responsible for sports, too. How do you regard the current situation of Sazka Company, and the further funding of sports in general?

I am a sportsman by heart and I used to be a top athlete,, so I am not immune from the situation surrounding the funding of sports. I made no cuts in chapter sports within the ministry´s 2011 budget, because sports has been underfinanced for quite a long time. Former minister Ondřej Liška took out CZK 300 million from this chapter for the teachers, and this money never returned. I managed to fight successfully for an additional CZK 270 million for sports associations in the government. We are dividing this money now with the finance minister, so that it goes directly to the individual associations and sportsmen, and not through the officials of the Czech Sports Association, otherwise we would lose CZK 90 million out of 270. But these are only patches on a ragged sport costume. There are two systemic problems – Sazka Company committed itself to CZK 1 billion of yearly funding to Czech sports; in 2010 this funding reached only around 80 million. The second issue is the non-existing law on lotteries and similar games that would include a certain percentage of revenues to go directly to sports funding. In my opinion it should be around CZK 1-1.5 billion. If we manage to increase sports funding from Sazka, and with the revenues from the lotteries law, we could start things that haven´t been happening here for a long time. Our children and the national team would especially deserve it.

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

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20.1.2011 16:33:03

Photos: Jaroslav Tatek, Josef Louda, and Luboš Lidický

book launch

The recent launching of the new Arabian Cook Book (Arabská kuchařka), written

by Renáta Janů, on December 9th, 2010 unfolded into a pleasant event. Set within the historic premises of the Prague Moser Store – Old Town Square, the act was hosted by famous musician Karel Vágner. The occasion was highlighted by the presence of ambassadors, diplomats, the Academic Staff of Charles University, businessmen and many who are fond of Arab culinary specialties.

Launching of a New

From left: Dana Morávková, Actress, Prof. PhDr. Luboš Kropáček, CSc. Emeritus Professor, Charles University, Prof. PhDr. Eduard Gombár, CSc, Director, Institute of Near Eastern Studies, Charles University, Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, Petr Baláš, Production Manager, Computer Press Ltd., H.E. Dr. Hynek Kmoníček, Czech Ambassador to Australia, and Karel Vágner, Musician and Music Publisher, Multisonic Ltd.

ARABIAN COOK BOOK more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Mgr. Jindřich Forejt, Director of Protocol, Office of the President, Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, and Libuše Schmidová, Secretary to Livia Klausová

Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book with her sons Miloš and Ondřej

From left: Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book and Mrs. Renáta Velíšková

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From left: Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, Ing. Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, CzechKuwait Trading Ltd., and Sofie Vágnerová, PR Manager, Spa Teplice v Čechách

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, CzechKuwait Trading Ltd., Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, and Dr. Robert Vágner, Scientist

21.1.2011 12:22:42

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, Czech-Kuwait Trading Ltd., Benacher Marchiche, Chargé d’affaires a.i., Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sofie Vágnerová, PR Manager, Spa Teplice v Čechách, and Shedid Bessisso, Owner, Farah Oriental Food

From left: Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book and Mgr. Jindřich Forejt, Director of Protocol, Office of the President

plakat arab kuchar krest.indd 1

From left: Petr Baláš, Production Manager, Computer Press Ltd., Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, Jana Habáňová, Marketing and Development Manager, Computer Press Ltd., and Ing. Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, Czech-Kuwait Trading Ltd.

29.11.2010 16:33:12

From left: Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, Ing. Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, CzechKuwait Trading Ltd., and H.E. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Typical Arabic sweets baklawa

From left: H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria, H.E. Mohamed Kamel Haj Sassi, Ambassador of Tunisia, and H.E. Dr. Hynek Kmoníček, Czech Ambassador to Australia

The presentation of the Arabian Cook Book accentuated the positive role of gastronomy and music in different cultures, favorably portraying Arab countries and building natural bridges among nations.

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From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, Czech-Kuwait Trading Ltd., Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria, H.E. Dr. Hynek Kmoníček, Czech Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Muhammad, Farah Catering

24.1.2011 10:22:39

networking/ christmas spirit event

From left: MGen Tom de Faye (ret.), H.E. Valerie Raymond, Ambassador of Canada, and Peter Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic

CHRISTMAS PARTY

with an Art Nouveau Touch

From left: Muriel Anton, CEO, Vodafone Czech Republic, a.s., Matthew Duras, Owner & CEO, Johnny Servis Group, and Patricia Haws, Vice President Finance, Vodafone Czech Republic, a.s.

From left: Leslie F. Ryan, Adastra, s.r.o., Ms. Zuzana Králová, and Jiří Živnůstka, Division Director, Banking, Adastra, s.r.o.

Robert Němec, CEO, TESLA Holding a.s.

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From left: Mrs. Alexandra Rudyšarová, Deputy CEO, CzechInvest and H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel with his wife

From left: Josef Nováček with his daughter Lisa and Andreas Ueltzhöffer, Founding Partner, Ueltzhöffer Balada

20.1.2011 17:54:18

Colleen Kelly, Managing Director, Kelly & Associates and Michael Stimson, IT Consultant

From left: Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing & Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Eliška Hašková-Coolidge

Linda Štucbartová, Project Manager, DataScript, s.r.o. and Rostislav Jirkal, General Manager, Servodata, a.s.

From left: Peter Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic and J. Beran, Chairman and Managing Director, Berox

From left: Pavel Hlinka, CEO, OREA HOTELS s.r.o. with his wife Anne and Alexandra Brabcová, Executive Director, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the CR

From left: Tomáš Vachuda, Vice President and General Counsel, Anglo-American University, Peter Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, and Alan Krautstengl, President, Anglo-American University

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic held its Christmas Party on 3rd December 2010. The beautiful Art Nouveau hall of the Municipal House Café was the perfect setting for this gathering that brought together numerous members and friends of the Chamber for an evening of wining, dining, 53 dancing, enjoying one another’s company and, last but not least, contributing to charity in the Chamber’s traditional Christmas Benefit Auction.

20.1.2011 17:55:02

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

christmas spirit

H.E. Ole E. Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark and H.E. Inger Ultvedt, Ambassador of Sweden

Nordic Chamber

This year the Nordic Chamber got support from the Nordic Ambassadors with one special Christmas dish from each country – carved Christmas ham from H.E. Inger Ultveldt, Ambassador of Sweden, waffles from H.E. Jens Eikaas, Ambassador of Norway, Danish meatballs (frikadeller) from H.E. Ole Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark and last but not least the karelia pies from H.E. Päivi Hiltunen-Toivio, Ambassador of Finland.

Christmas Party Truly Scandinavian Atmosphere

From left: Stefan Lager, President, Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the CR, David Brož, General Manager, Velux ČR, s.r.o., and Rolf Ericsson, Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden, Prague

Ing. Jiří Macas, Country Manager, Global Blue CR, s.r.o. with his wife and daughter From left: Ivana Košinová, Trust Management Services, ASB Prague, s.r.o., Hannu Kasi, President, ABB CR, and Lucia Harvánková, Trust Management Services, ASB Prague, s.r.o.

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H.E. Inger Ultvedt, Ambassador of Sweden and Stefan Lager, President, Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the CR

Guests and a performance

by Lucia Choir

21.1.2011 14:11:36

Tommy Malkan, husband of the Swedish Ambassador and Renáta Posmyk with her daughter

Stefan Lager, President, Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the CR

H.E. Jens Eikaas, Ambassador of Norway

LtCol. Robert Björklund, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Sweden with his wife Frederika

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

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From left: Lea Turcarová, Executive Director, Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the CR and Lucie Ramnebornová, Director, Pražská informační služba with her daughter Emilia Joy

55 Santa Claus giving away presents

24.1.2011 10:24:22

global perspectives

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Jan M端hlfeit Chairman Europe Microsoft Corporation Photo: Paul Pacey

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20.1.2011 16:33:54

MEET GENERATION Y Depending on your particular family circumstances and age of your kids if you have ones, you have or may not yet have noticed, but we are in the middle of major cultural and social revolution. It’s a revolution when the Generation Y slowly but surely takes over from the Generation X. Now when I call this a revolution, there is no need to panic as the world has seen such generation “power” transfer many times before – most recently when my own Generation X “took over” from the post-WWII Baby boomers. However what is particularly interesting about the process that we are currently witnessing is how the young generation Y is able to work with and utilize various information technology tools. As a matter of the fact this is a really major change given that it is most likely for the first time in the history of the human kind when the upcoming generation has more skills and is able to use the “toolkit” available to humans more effectively than its predecessors.

Information technologies themselves have undergone a dramatic development over the past two or three decades – decreasing prices, mainstreaming and commoditization of both hardware and software as well as broad availability of cheap internet access has all made this possible to happen. As a result the user base of Facebook would now make it a third largest country in the world, the shrinking of distances and almost instant availability of both data and news around the world have truly change the shape of our lives. To many of us it may seem that way generation Y works with the data and information and communication technologies in a rather chaotic and non-systematic way. Well please make no mistake, while this may really leave a random impression compared to my own generation which was grown as more hierarchyoriented and therefore structured, in reality of today’s world this too is a great competitive advantage of our youth.

The generation Y is driven by instant communication and the various (often interactive) information channels. This enables the young people around the world not only to be informed about the important facts or news in almost a real-time mode, it also allows them to mobilize at the very same speed. I think that the best way to describe this is the generation Y’s approach to consuming news – they don’t actively read newspapers and magazines like we are used to, they rather (and let’s be honest correctly) rely on philosophy that says: if the news is that important, it will find my way to us. It will come either thru instant message from a friend, social network post or a simple sms. Reality is that some politicians already

had to deal with and had been exposed to protest movements of the dissatisfied young and old electorate that arose literally within hoours or a few days and which were able to grow intto tens or even hundreds of thousands supporr ters at almost a speed of light. It is clear that thiss ability of people to fight for their political or other cause will have a profound impact on the wayy politicians and governments in general commuunicate with their citizens. It will naturally create more pressure on political transparency, openness and on how seriously the people’s will and opinion are being taken by their political leaaders – all in all not bad news at all!

Clearly it is not only the public sector that will have to accommodate such behavioral change.

Obviously this applies to the world of buusiness with an equal if not bigger urgency and importance. Interfaces with services such ass Facebook, Twitter or other social networks will have to become natural and integral parts of anny company’s not just corporate web site as we are already seeing today, but directly of their particular business model. If I was to articulate how w I feel about this in a few words, I would say that I am absolutely convinced that over the next decade we will not experience a dramatic shift of what is being done, but how things are being done. IT will indeed play a very key part and in facc t I also believe that we will move from labelingg these as “information” technologies into “enabling” technologies. That significantly I think will be how these tools will become blended innto our day-to-day life.

So if you take such a comprehensivve view across the worlds of public and business s, it is without a question that we are about to go thru some very exciting changes. Indeed such further computerization will also create new challenges such as data privacy, protection of our children in the online space, intellectual property protection questions, need for equal access too technologies and many others, but personallyy, being a deeply convinced life-long optimist, I rather see a lot of fantastic potential benefits thiss whole shift is about to bring to all of us. Citizeens will have access to much more transparent government at all levels – municipal, regional or national. At the same time e-government andd Cloud services will offer them a set of whole neew services that they will be able to utilize froom the comfort of their living room. Patients will be able to have much more balanced and free dialogue with their doctors – being more aware and informed about benefits and risks of a particular cure. At last but not the least, this non--violent revolution will also have a major impact on our

class-roomss. While today the teaching/learning process is laargely based on transfer of notees and know-how frrom the teacher to student, I can already imagine how dramatically (and posiitively) this will channge the smart applications com mbined with the Cloud computing will enable a truly personalized learning experience.

Our world is beautiful, but it is not eassy and as we all knnow we have many very seriouss challenges that need to be tackled. The global energy issues, globaalization, access to education, access to safe drinkking water or the distribution of power in our multi-ppolar world are just a few amongg a long list of many others. Yet while majority of thee tools needed to resolve these global problemss is already in the hands (and heads) of generatioon Y, it is still generration X discussing them. I perssonally believe and will urge organizers of the many events and conferences that I attend throuughout the year to make sure that the young representatives are innvited in a much more expandeed way.

I am absoluttely convinced that such dialoguue and discussion can only enrich all parties involveed and ultimately diiscover and bring even smarter solutions and in a more accelerated way. At our company we alwaays realized that we are living and doing businesss in a very diverse world. As a ressult we very much cared about our internal diversity and making suree those representatives of various opinions andd backgrounds always had theirr space and opportuunity to express them. Hopefullly this could be a way to go for many of the exx ternal forums too.

Paraphrassing Martin Luther King, I wouuld say that in this respect that I have a dream. I have a dream inn which I see great citizen-ccentric e-government services around Europe, I have a dream in which I see more empowered paatients around the continent and beyond, I have a dream in which I see a computer on a desk of everyy pupil and studentt allowing them to get the best out of their time att school. I have a dream of members of the generration Y - when they become thhe real decision maakers or political leaders – behhaving truly responsibly while building on what thhey are better at alrready. In order to get there thhough, we all have to listen to each other, treatt each other – young or old – with respect and above all work toggether. Generation X, meet geeneration Y and leet’s make sure that hands-in--hands these dream ms will become reality.

Jan Mühlfeit Chairrman Europe Microsoft Corporation českýý překlad naleznete v elektronickké verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazzine.cz

Leaaders Magazine I/2011

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20.1.2011 16:34:10

An interview with Eva Zamrazilová, Bank Board Member and Chief Executive Director of the Czech National Bankk

WE MUST LEARN TO SAVE AND NOT RUN INTO DEBT After completing her studies at the University of Economics´ Faculty of Economics and Public Administration in Prague, Eva Zamrazilová lectured on theory of statistics and economic statistics there. She also worked as a research fellow at the University of Economics Institute for Forecasting, the Economic Institute of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, and the Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs. In the 1990’s she co-authored many papers on the transformation of the Czech economy. From 1994 she was a member of the Chief Economist’s team at Komerční Banka, focusing on macroeconomic analyses and forecasts. She has been published on macroeconomic equilibrium, the convergence process in transition economies, economic policy, and the labour market in Czech and foreign journals. Since March 2008 Eva Zamrazilová has been a Bank Board Member and Chief Executive Director of the Czech National Bank (CNB).

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

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After fourteen years at Komerční banka you became a Bank Board member of the CNB. How was this new for you?

There were lots of things that surprised me. For example, macroeconomic development represents a smaller part of the CNB’s activities than I believed. The agenda of the central bank is very extensive, including supervision of the financial market, consumer protection, managing systems of payment, and managing international reserves. The Bank also carries out support activities such as the budget, communications, and human resources. Every member in our seven-member Bank Board must keep track of key issues, and help to collectively take action on these issues. Each member has a thorough knowledge of the department they supervise.

At the Bank you are responsible for licensing and enforcement, and consumer protection. As a member of the Bank Board, you also assess the results of the stress testing of the banking sector, which is to assess the preparedness of banks to deal with the current crisis, as well as prepare for future adverse shocks to the economy. The last tests showed that the banks are well prepared. Can you describe to us, in more detail, how these tests are carried out?

The tests are divided into several scenarios. The baseline scenario corresponds to current economic predictions. For this year, we have the lowest outlook on economic activity, which is quite a pessimistic starting point. Then there is an even more pessimistic scenario.

In essence, with the financial crisis over thee yea ears rs,, th ther eree has been a fall in foreign demand. Something very similar

Leaders Magazine I/2011

20.1.2011 16:34:36

is simulated in the pessimistic scenarios – including the fall in foreign demand, and other phenomena that would follow a deeper crisis. In these tests, the result was always thee sa th same me – tha hatt Cz Czec echh banks k are suffffiiciientlly capitalized.

This is because our capital adequacy is double, more than fifteen percent, of what the relatively strict international rules require, which is eight percent.

Why is our capital adequacy so high?

The banking sector consolidated rather late, around 2000–2001, when the situation of the three biggest banks was solved at the turn of the millennium. Soon afterward, foreign owners set up their rules for risk management, new business models, etc., and that took time. Standard business started up here in 2003 and 2004, and thus, business here had only just managed to develop to the same extent as business abroad when the crisis occurred.

I personally think that it is good that the crisis came, because the credit boom that was here before the crisis was not sustainable in the long term.

Do you think the crisis is really over?

This depends on the outlook for foreign demand; the German economy has been doing very well so far. If German demand does not weaken too much, economic growth should be about 2 percent, which is not better than 2010, but more or less the same. Obviously, the growth rates that were about 5 to 6 percent before the crisis have not come back, and should not, because that growth was not sustainable in the long run.

What is sustainable growth in the long run?

Sustainable growth in the long run, under favorable conditions, is in my opinion somewhere between 3.5–4.5 percent.

The crisis noticeably influenced the stability of the euro area and aroused speculations about the future of the euro. The issue of adopting the single European currency has been discussed in the Czech Republic.

What is your opinion on that?

The euro area that existed five or ten years ago is different from the euro area being discussed today. It is obvious that, in the state that the euro area is in today, reasonable people do not recommend joining. And with respect to the state of our public finances, and the fact that our level of economic development is not high enough to be a full member, they would not want us there.

This showed in the case of some of the economically weaker members. At the time of accession, these problems were obvious and discussed. It was also mentioned that the euro area would be established with a limited number of states. This crisis clearly shows that these opinions were reasonable, and that the euro area should contain a more homogenous group of countries in terms of economic development. We will see where the euro area will go over the next few years, where we will go, and whether the positive or negative effects of our accession will prevail.

It is a question of whether our interests and the interests of the euro area will meet at some time in the future. As to whether we should adopt the euro in the Czech Republic, I say not now, or not during the period over which I can forecast, i.e. the next few years.

The Czech Republic has to fulfill several criteria in order to adopt the euro. The EU has reproached us for the poor state of our public finances, and the European Central Bank has voiced doubts over the financial independence of the CNB. The Czech Republic should also ensure that its economic cycle shall converge with

the economic cycle of the euro area. Is this currently happening?

As for the convergence of the cycle itself, the crisis gave us a good answer. With the drop in demand from our main economic partners, i.e. the euro area, demand dramatically decreased throughout the whole economy; and when the euro area, in particular Germany, started to rise, the situation in the Czech Republic improved as well. The convergence of this process continues. However, the countries that use the single currency should be at similar economic levels. This means similar GDP per capita, and a similar price level. The differences compared to the euro area are very considerable, and during the last two or three years, they were not eliminated. It may take ten years for things to reach an acceptable level.

Concerning the other reforms, during the good times there was a great loosening of public finances, more than was necessary. And the good times were not used for reform, so unfortunately the reforms must be done now.

The health system cannot cope with the aging population, as well as improving the quality of health care. When people get older, health care for them costs more money; but the money going into the system is not enough. The country must have these issues in order, because without a monetary policy, public finances must be able to finetune the economic cycle.

How should we perceive the criticism of the CNB’s financial independence, which is not fully guaranteed according to the ECB? This criticism is based on the fact that the CNB operates with a loss. There is a loss because the Czech Republic has a surplus of liquidity in the market. The euro area, and a majority of advanced countries, function in a reversed regime where the central bank provides money to regime, commercial banks. They thus get interest for the money they lend, while the CNB pays interest to banks for the money deposits. Therefore there is a negative economic result.

Another reason was caused by the huge inflow of foreign investment. The investment was sterilised so that the currency did not strengthen too much, and this caused the costs of the central bank to increase.

However, this has nothing to do with the financial or political independence of the CNB. And in fact, the CNB has been decreasing this cumulated loss. The loss has never had an impact on the CNB’s monetary policy, or on its fulfillment of tasks within the European System of Central Banks. It is interesting that this issue did not appear in previous assessments, as the cumulated loss existed even earlier, and not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Slovakia, in which case it was not regarded as an obstacle to accession to the euro area.

Let’s go back to the stability of the euro area. Do you think that Germany can, in cooperation with France, save the euro area?

I personally believe in Germany. That country went through a twenty year calvary of costs for unification; it was forced to adopt reforms to be competitive in its new shape, and apparently those reforms are paying off. The reforms were not done because they knew a euro area crisis would occur. They made the reforms with respect to the reunification of Germany. And I think that the German economy is less dependent on the American economy at present. It no longer applies to Germany that when the US sneezes, Europe catches a cold. Germany managed to esttabli blishh itselflf on the Asian markets and other

developing markets, and perhaps we have succeeded in hitching a small Czech wagon to the “German locomotive” that will carry goods to China and India.

Some people are of the opinion that Germany may return to its former currency the mark. Do you think this is realistic?

I cannot imagine what consequences that would have.

I do not think it will happen, but it is possible that some countries will leave the euro area.

Within consumer protection you also deal with financial literacy. In the summer of 2008 the CNB purchased and distributed to all primary schools a textbook for this purpose. At what age do you think it is suitable to inform and educate the young generation about money management?

We have to begin in childhood. Money has lost its traditional form, and it has become virtual. Children think that money is simply taken from a cash machine. They do not understand that somebody has to send it there, so that there is something to withdraw. Moreover, there are many temptations and bad habits that can develop in early youth. It is necessary to firmly show that if you do not have enough money for what you want, you must first save up enough money. If you need something really necessary, e.g. if your washing machine has broken down and you do not have the money to buy a new one, then you can borrow.

In a survey we found that a relatively small part of respondents – about 30 percent – refused to borrow money for their holidays. On the other hand, 70 percent of respondents thought that if you enjoyed the holiday, then the debt did not matter.

The other issue of consumer protection that I would like to emphasize is that people read their contracts sloppily and they often do not understand them before sloppily, they sign them. Only ten percent of people understand their contracts. People thus make long-term commitments to things they do not exactly understand, and they cannot even calculate what they have pledged to.

It is possible to prevent this somehow?

I think it wouldn’t be so difficult. It would be sufficient for schools to teach children to learn to work with percentages, the rule of three, and to have a high reading literacy. Quite simple issues would be sufficient. This is not such a secret.

Do you monitor financial literacy education at schools?

Yes, we do. It sounds noble – financial literacy, but this is the basics of economics. There is a compulsory course within the framework of education programs at secondary schools. The elementary schools could possibly join them within two years. This has been discussed for a long time, but schools have a great deal of freedom to create their own curricula.

In March you will have come halfway in your mandate on the Bank Board. What has the work given and taken away from you?

It has given me a lot of experience. I’ve learned many things from the banking sector, and obtained practical experience that cannot be acquired anywhere but from within the central bank. On the other hand, the work has taken almost all of my free time.

By Zuzana Kasáková ■ česk če skýý př přek ekla ladd na nale lezn znet etee v el elek ektr tron onic ické ké ver erzi zi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine i I/201 I 1

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prestigious lunch

The President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Václav Klaus and his wife Mrs. Livia Klausová invited the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Nečas with his wife Radka Nečasová to a traditional New Year’s meeting with lunch on January 3rd, 2011 at 12:00 am in Lány

The Traditional New Year’s Meeting between the President of the Czech Republic and the Prime Minister

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

21.1.2011 11:33:12

In agreement with Mons. Dominik Duka, the Archbishop of Prague, the President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Václav Klaus, invited the Council of the St. Vitus Cathedral to the Prague Castle on Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 at 9.30 am. The Council’s members are holders of the keys to the Crown Chamber. After the meeting, during which they have been familiarized with the current issues and the running of the St. Vitus Cathedral, the members of the Council have visited the St. Wenceslas chapel and the Crown Chamber.

From left: RNDr. Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the CR, Mr. Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senate, Mrs. Miroslava Němcová, President of the Chamber of Deputies, Prof. Ing. Václav Klaus, CSc., President of the CR, Mons. Dominik Duka, 36th Prague Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate, Mons. Mgr. Václav Malý, Provost of the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus, and Doc. MUDr. Bohuslav Svoboda, CSc., Mayor of the City of Prague

social event

of the St. Vitus Cathedral

MEETING OF THE COUNCIL more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Mons. Dominik Duka, 36th Prague Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate and Mgr. Jindřich Forejt, Director of Protocol, Office of the President

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24.1.2011 11:02:01

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

anniversary event On the 25th of November 2010, a meeting of friends and colleagues of professor Jan Kříž, a founding partner of the Law firm Kříž & Bělina, took place at the new building of the National Museum (the former Federal Assembly building).

The meeting commemorated the 60th anniversary of professor Kříž.

Photo: Tomáš Bém

Professor Jan Kříž

From left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

TH

60 ANNIVERSARY

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

From left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o., Prof. JUDr. Miroslav Bělina, Managing Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o., Dagmar Havlová, and Václav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic

21.1.2011 11:34:32

Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Ladislav Špaček, FreeCom Group s.r.o. and former Spokesman of Václav Havel

From left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Radek John, Minister of Interior of the CR

From left: Miloš Zeman, former Prime Minister of the CR and Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o.

From left: General Vlastimil Picek, Chief of General Staff of the Army of the CR and Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o.

From left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Jan Dienstl, Chairman of the Advisory Board, EC Group

A bicycle on which Prof. Jan Kříž came to Prague

From left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Cyril Svoboda, former Minister of Foreign Affairs

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From left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Josef Vozdecký, Chairman of the Board, Bohemia Sekt

In the front from left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Adolf Born, Artist

From left: Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Zbyněk Olmer, TALK PR with his wife Marcela

24.1.2011 11:02:30

From left: Renáta Vesecká, former Supreme Public Prosecutor, Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o., and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

Josef Lžičař, Attorney

Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o. and Jiřina Bohdalová, famous Actress

From left: Miroslav Zábranský, ALPINE PRO, Jiří Dukát, Attorney, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o., and Jakub Fröhlich, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o.

Vlastimil Tlustý, former Minister of Finance giving a present to Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o.

64 From left: Dagmar Havlová and Václav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic, and Prof. Jan Kříž, Partner, Law Office Kříž and Bělina s.r.o.

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24.1.2011 11:03:32

Marketing Trends for 2011 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 The coming year will be one where marketers will begin to eradicate the lines between digital and traditional campaigns. Many companies still unfortunately think of these as two separate entities, with different budgets and departments. However, a select few are beginning to reap the rewards of full integration and next year, others will follow. The brand experience will seamlessly interact in print, TV, web and mobile. All of which will have the purpose of building brand awareness, loyalty and drive consumers to purchase. Furthermore, the element of constantly being rewarded for brand participation within the context of a game will be paramount to marketing efforts in the coming year. Companies such as Foursquare, Badgeville, and SCNVGR, will all be positioned to lead the flock of consumers towards shops with discount incentives and points. Furthermore, with more information moving over to cloud computing, consumer data will be available faster and more detailed than ever before making the customer experience a more personalized one.

The rise of mobile applications will make the brand experience personal. Businesses are able to track customer location and reward them for brand participation.

The US clothing retailer GAP recently ran a campaign where the first 10,000 people to “check in” to their shops using Foursquare would receive free jeans. Those who were not in the first 10,000 received a 30% coupon on anything in the store. Although many people still aren’t very familiar with these location based application, some companies are already positioning themselves there for when it becomes mainstream. Currently only about 4% of the population use these features but the number will undoubtedly rise. That being said, brands will still need to properly explain to people how to use thi his applilicatition andd also l traiin theiir sttaffff. For some more traditional products, these kinds of promotions are way beyond their target audience. However, for those that want to be perceived as modern, this is an absolute must.

Immersive media will be another technique to look out for in the coming year. With the use of technology the brand experience will become amplified, immersive and customized. Amplified in the sense that the advertising will become more rich in content and execution.

Due to the fact that more information is being stored on cloud computers, data rich experiences will be faster to download and easier to apply. What used to take 2–3 minutes to download can now take seconds. The experience will become immersive because it will require user interaction for the very interesting content to be displayed. With the use of augmented reality, a user can place a print ad in front of a webcam and the ad be-

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comes alive. That once static image suddenly becomes animated and alive. Furthermore, it can read the user’s facial expression or location and react to them in realtime. This leads me to the last immersive experience which is customization. Campaigns are presently able to make the user the star of the ad. Using things like twitter/facebook connect, the programs are able to pull profile information from the consumer and place them in the ad. For example, image a famous singer singing a beautiful love song with a picture of you on top of the piano as she sings. This song was meant just for you and you’ll believe every word because it is your face in the picture. This same technique can be applied to commercials and movies making the experience completely customized to the consumer.

The next trend to keep an eye out for is social media fatigue. There is a theory that as social media reaches critical mass the novelty of it will wane. People will become tired of knowing and sharing everything about their friends and family. This is an interesting theory but one which I think is flawed. Yes, the novelty will wear off but the application of social media will be what will keep people interested. Tools will become more readily available which will facilitate your social life. Social media will exist offline in the form of push information. People will be pushed information which will help them socialize better with friends offline. Imagine “checking in” to a location and being told your buddy is just 100 meters away at a bar. Furthermore, that bar can offer you a coupon if you also joined him. This kind of social media will be the next wave of interaction but it will require marketers to localize their campaigns. They will have to have better ties with retail outlets and local marketing offices will have to have greater freedom to try new th thiinggs. Th Thiis wililll be very di diffffiicultlt for bi bigg corporations and the early adopters will be small to medium sized local businesses. They will be able to target consumers based on geographical habits, and interests.

Furthermore, they will be able to develop interesting loyalty programs based on the number of times people visit a shop. Companies have been doing this for years with loyalty cards but now they have the chance to lure them into the store if they are in the area with incentives.

Due to the fact this is being all setup in a “game” environment, people are less likely to take offense that they are being marketed to. According to Jesse Schell, a prominent game designer and author on the subject, “A good game, gives us meaningful accomplishment, clear achievement that we don’t necessarily get from real life. In a game, you’ve beaten level four, the boss monster is dead, you have a badge, and now you have

Photo: Brian Fleming

a super laser sword. Real life isn’t like that.” He predicts that people will begin to participate in these games for everything in their life. Like mice in a virtual laboratory all of our actions result in a small reward which will condition us to repeat those actions. However, when will the backlash begin? When will people stop using soci so cial al med edia ia, mo mobi bile le app ppss, etc tc?? Th They ey wililll st stop op whe henn the reward ceases to exist. When the information you receive loses value, when the product you are providing is no longer relevant. That being said, however, there is no end. There will always be a new product to inspire a desire which we didn’t even know we had. In the beginning of every year the topic of conversation is always about what is to come in the future. The answer can be found in the words of American inventor Charles F. Kettering, “My interest lies in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.” That in essence is the job of advertising agencies. We are here to help marketers look forward and position their brands for the future. Your agency should be coming to you with ideas and new ways of marketing. That is the positioning we have taken at Passion Communications and we hope 2011 will be a good year for everyone.

See you in the future.

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20.1.2011 16:35:26

fashion event

Photo: Jan Branč

Just as last year, there were two shows of the Czech fashion designer Taťána Kováříková held on the 24th and 25th of November. They took place in the splendid setting of the Alchymist Hotel in Malá Strana, where Taťána introduced her new winter collection. Visitors also enjoyed a collection of evening dresses which are an inseparable part of Taťána Kováříková’s production. Her fashion always highlights femininity and excels in perfect style and interesting detail. Evening dresses were decorated by Swarovski jewelry.

From left: Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa and H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy with his wife

BLACK AND WHITE

Evening at Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

From left: Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, Veronika Blažková, Head of PR Department, Prague 1, Ing. Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor, Prague 1, and Mr. Hynek Čech

In the middle: Taťána Kovaříková, Fashion Designer and Barbora Nesvadbová, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar and face of the Fashion Salon Tatiana

Barbora Nesvadbová as a model

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Taťána Kovaříková, Fashion Designer and her models

Barbora Nesvadbová, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar and face of the Fashion Salon Tatiana with her daughter

20.1.2011 17:56:01

From left: Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, MUDr. Miroslava Pelechová, Head Physician, Ústav lékařské kosmetiky, MUDr. Šedová, and Ms. Kateřina Součková

Jitka Asterová, Moderator and the audience

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

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The shows were presented by Jitka Asterová.

Both evenings were well-attended.

Models

Grand Hotel Alchymist

IN COOPERATION WITH 67 LEADERS MAGAZINE 24.1.2011 11:05:34

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Business May Be Your Life – But – Life Is Your Business Part VIII: Lasting HappinessA,B

James A. Cusumano, PhD

“Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product”.

Eleanor Roosevelt

KEY CONCEPTS: I Lasting happiness is always a by-product, never achieved as a direct goal.

I Happiness results by following your true sense of purpose in all that you do.

I Your sense of purpose must draw on your personal essence – that special attribute that distinguishes you from others.

I Purpose leads to passion which unfolds creativity, generating innovation. This results in gratitude, which generates lasting happiness.

HAPPINESS SYNDROME It’s that time of the year when many people make resolutions and often ask a few pointed questions about their life. How did last year go? Am I on track as to where I want to be? Am I content? Is my life meaningful? Am I happy?

Every year there are literally thousands of books and articles published on how to be happy – usually how to get “there” faster, or to get more of “it,” however you wish to define “there” and “it.” This is not a fad; it goes back thousands of years. Aristotle concluded some 2,300 years ago that more than anything else in life, people seek happiness, usually through beauty, money, or power – and this approach in and of itself, never succeeds. Why? For one thing, happiness cannot be achieved directly as a goal; it is always the result of our doing something; as Eleanor Roosevelt rightfully notes, it’s a by-product. But then, how does happiness truly unfold? What makes us happy?

WHAT IS HAPPINESS? First, it helps to agree as to, “What is happiness?”

Most dictionaries define happiness as a state of mind characterized by feelings of contentment, love, satis-

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faction, pleasure or joy, i.e., personal fulfillment.

I think we must also recognize that there is no such thing as constant happiness – except perhaps for a few “enlightened” saints who spend their lives in meditative bliss. But that’s not the path for most of us. Our lives are generally lived between the poles of joy and sorrow, laughter and sighs, achievement and disappointment. The key is how to live a happy life on average. At the end of the day, a week, a month, a year – when you look back, do you feel that deep sense of fulfillment sought by the spirit inside you?

If happiness is not a goal then what leads to happiness? I think we must certainly live by our basic values, those personal rules and guidelines ingrained in our consciousness that set the compass by which we live our life. Those values may well be different for different people. However, when we violate any them, we feel stressed, unsatisfied, and unhappy.

But following your basic values is not enough to achieve lasting happiness and contentment. As the mathematicians would say, “It is a necessary but not sufficient condition.”

ROAD TO HAPPINESS I think the fundamental requirement is that you continuously pursue your sense of purpose, your raison d’être, as the French would say. And this means applying your personal essence to create value for both the world and for you. Each of us is born with a personal essence, that fundamental capability or skill that differentiates us from others in our social and professional circles. And when you find that special piece of you and apply it in whatever you do, it generates personal passion – an incredible force that evaporates fear, unleashes creativity, and has been known to change the world.

Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist, tells us that all of us know what our personal essence is when we are quite young, perhaps somewhere between the ages of 5 and 15 (Figure 1). But the way of the world has the effect of dulling our senses over time, and by the time we are adults, we often either forget what that special asset is, or we have been talked out of it by others. We don’t think in these terms when we are youngsters, but that skill is there, and it can be kindled in the strangest and most unexpected way.

In my own case, I have had a life-long passion for and involvement in technology and entertainment. I discovered both of these passions between 8 and 12 years of age.

For example, consider my interest in technology. It was precipitated with a Christmas gift of a chemistry set, shortly before my 9th birthday. I’m not sure I would give a 9 year-old a chemistry set today, but my

Sicilian parents were from the “old school,” and since I refused to become a priest, they thought well, maybe a doctor, and perhaps the chemistry set just might guide me in that direction. After doing all of the usual “boy stuff” of making stink bombs, rockets and fireworks, I found I could make useful products such as ink, adhesives, and simple cosmetics. I set up a small lab in the basement of our home and began “manufacturing” products and selling them in the neighborhood. Every cent I made went into that laboratory.

It was a marvelous experience; people were actually willing to pay for products I made using my “technology.” This filled me with passion and as a result, technology has remained an important part of my professional world, ever since.

My deep interest in entertainment happened in a similar manner. Growing up in New Jersey during the frigid winters of the 1950s, and as the oldest of 10 children from parents of very modest means, I had to go to work when I was 10 years old. Half of my take went to my parents; the other half was mine.

I wanted an “inside” job away from the cold winters, so I asked my mom and dad if I could take piano lessons to start a band to play for dances and other events.

They couldn’t afford the music lessons so dad asked Vince O’Brian, one of his World War II army buddies to do him a favor. Vince was a professional piano player and band leader. He taught me the tricks of the trade and within 2 years I had my own band and was making good money working “inside.”

Living next to New York City, the capital of rock‘n roll music during the 1950s, as a teenager I began to write songs and sell them in Harlem to singing groups.

One thing led to another and then at the right place at the right time at age 16, our group called the Royal Teens recorded a novelty song called “Short Shorts.”

A)

EDITOR’S NOTE – This is Part VIII in a 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 business experience base spans “5 lives” – A multimillion record sales recording artist; R&D Director for Exxon; Chairman & 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, presently in preparation and entitled, “My Little Book of Business – Tales of Purpose, Passion & Enterprise.” Parts I–V of this series deal with “Creating A Fulfilling Life.” Part VI addresses “Building A Successful Business,” and the current series focuses on Conscious Capitalism and Conscious Leadership as a means to lasting fulfillment in life and success in business.

B) The author may be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.Com.

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TO BE CONTINUED...

Figure 1: Somewhere between the ages of 5 and 15 we discover our Personal Essence – that special gift that distinguishes us from others

We sold 2 million records and the rest is history. We worked with many of the early pioneers of rock‘n roll music – from Elvis to Chuck Berry to Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

I have seen this kind of journey played over and over again for people who say they are content and happy. It’s a simple but profound human equation, and it always works: PURPOSE ➡ PASSION ➡ CREATIVITY ➡ INNOVATION ➡ GRATITUDE ➡ HAPPINESS Following your sense of purpose leads to passion which unleashes creativityy that generates innovation providing you with a sense of gratitude, which is the source of all lasting HAPPINESS (Figure 2).

It is not beauty, power or money. It’s not that they’re unimportant, but as Jigmi Thinley, the Prime Minister of Bhutan exclaimed so eloquently this past September before the United Nations General Assembly, “Happiness comes from a judicious equilibrium between gains in material comfort and growth of the mind and spirit in a just and sustainable environment1.”

For those of us in business, it behooves us to see that to the best of our ability, we place our employees in jobs and an environment that is most effective in tapping into their personal essence and sense of purpose in this world. We saw in the last article of this series that a study of thousands of employees by expert corporate strategist, Gary Hamel, showed that only 20 percent of people are happy in their jobs 2. Why is that? A lack of purpose causes anxiety and people then work inefficiently. Can you imagine the level of productivity and collective sense of fulfillment and happiness if we were to tap into only a fraction of our employee’s personal essence and sense of purpose? This would provide the ultimate competitive advantage!

FORMULA OF FIVE So then what instills and reinforces a sense of personal purpose? I call it the “Formula of Five.” It is simple to state, but takes continuous commitment to achieve – however, the payoff is substantial. In decreasing priority, the key elements are: 1. The challenge must draw on the person’s personal essence. It does no good to ask a plumber to do an electrician’s job. If you are an employer, the key is to work with employees to uncover the nature of their assets and strengths. The investment in time and money is more than worth the effort.

At Chateau Mcely we do this by multiple interviews

and day-long assessment tests conducted by skilled human resource practitioners. This is followed by periodic discussions with our employees throughout the year.

2. The job or position must appeal to the person´s need to “help the greater good.” This is one of the world’s best kept secrets – almost everyone wants to do something meaningful, to make a positive difference in this world. It is up to the employer to find the means to articulate a vision that captures the excitement of employees. I recently met an executive and ask him what business he was in. He replied that he was in the business of manufacturing, marketing and selling beer. I think a more inspirational way of answering my question might have been, “In a world besieged by rapidly increasing stress, strain, and disenchantment, our company is in the business of stimulating relaxation, conversation and relationships, and fostering friendship and hospitality.” y 3. There should be some reasonable probability of success in achieving any goals that are set. No Figure 2: Following your sense of purpose leads to passion which unleashes creativity that generates innovation providing a sense of gratitude, which is the source of all lasting happiness.

Figure 3: Holiday Wishes for Health, Happiness and a WonderFilled New Year from the Chateau Mcely Team

FINAL THOUGHTS Perhaps, I can close with advice that I give to my three daughters whenever they are willing to listen: 1. Don’t waste your time trying to live someone else’s life. Early on, you likely know what drives you. It is important to follow that little voice inside.

2. Don’t be trapped by dogma – living blindly with other people’s thinking. Yes, listen to others and integrate their thinking into your own as you see fit.

However, rarely does, “It can’t be done!” turn out to be correct. Running the mile in less than 4 minutes was once thought to be impossible, until Roger Bannister broke that record on May 6, 1954.

Subsequently, several other runners broke the record, as well, after “They knew it could be done!”

3. Don’t let the noise of opinion drown out your inner voice.

4. Have courage to follow your intuition. That little compass and computer inside you is quite a special machine (Figure 3).

James A. Cusumano, PhD 1

Jeffrey Sachs, “In Search of Equilibrium,” New York Times, December 2, 2010.

2 James A. Cusumano, “Business May Be Your Life – BUT – Life is Your Business: Part VII Conscious Capitalism – Preventing Economic Chaos,” LEADERS Magazine, Volume VI, 2010, p. 98–99.

one wants to work hard without some level of accomplishment.

4. Employees should have a reasonable level of autonomy. It’s best to higher good people, give them a set of specific goals that support the company, and then let them decide how best to get the work done.

5. Employees should share in any success that they help achieve. This could include public and private positive feedback, a salary raise, stock options, and as we do at Chateau Mcely, meaningful profit sharing at the end of the year.

But notice that compensation and other financial rewards are in last place. In a moment of truth, money is not the primary driving force for most people.

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.

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20.1.2011 16:16:39

Photo: Jiří Herman

christmas charity concert

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

On Sunday, December 19, Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town took pleasure in organizing the annual Christmas Charity Concert for the hotels’ guests and business partners, which has been a Christmas highlight for 14 years.

Michael Specking, General Manager of both Hilton hotels in Prague, was delighted to hand over a cheque for the value of CZK 120,000 to the Tereza Maxová Dětem Foundation, which works to help children in need.

Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town and Olga Lounová, Moderator and Singer

Hilton Annual Christmas

CHARITY CONCERT

The Instant Filmic Orchestra by Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, and special guest of the evening, the International Female Choir Viva Voce, brought the festive spirit to life with carols in different languages.

Mr. Specking said, “The spirit of Christmas is meant to be shared and helps us think of others. I am sincerely happy that guests as well as team members of the Hilton hotels in Prague supported a good cause and contributed to children in need.”

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From left: Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town with his wife Mrs. Claudia Specking, Olga Lounová, Moderator, and Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Singer, Composer and Conductor

21.1.2011 11:37:03

From left: JUDr. Ing. Marcel Šebek, Real Estate Project Manager, McDonald’s CR s.r.o., Markéta Šebková, Marketing & PR Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town, and Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Composer and Conductor

Dagmar Kačerová, Operation sea, road, air, Bellville Rodair International s.r.o. and Thamir Al-Adhami, Director, Adams Trading & Real Estate, s.r.o.

Eva Bučová, Vice President, Erste Bank, Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Composer and Conductor, Olga Lounová, Moderator and Singer, Lenka Sedlářová, Relationship Manager, CS Premier, and Mr. Josef Rynda, Relationship Manager, CS Premier

Jadran Šetlík, Galerie Milena Jadran and his daughter Carína

Mr. Tomáš Váchal and Ms. Karolína Prokyšová

Renata Kromwetterová, Coach & Motivation Speaker and Mark Dzirasa, Coach & Motivation Speaker

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

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Mgr. Terezie Sverdlinová, Director, Nadace Terezy Maxové dětem with her husband Leon

Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Composer and Conductor and The Instant Filmic Orchestra

21.1.2011 11:37:29

From left: Markéta Šebková, Marketing & PR Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town, and Olga Lounová, Moderator and Singer

International Female Choir Viva Voce

Mr. Charles Reading with his wife

Mag. Blanka Kašparová, Marketing Director, Pure Pleasure and Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Composer and Conductor

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H.E. Jan C. Henneman, Ambassador of Netherlands with his son and wife

From left: Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town, Markéta Šebková, Marketing & PR Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town, Mgr. Terezie Sverdlinová, Director, Nadace Terezy Maxové dětem, and Olga Lounová, Moderator and Singer

24.1.2011 11:14:27

WHAT IS YOUR DESTINATION? Karin Genton-L’Epée has 15 years of management experience in the United States, France and the Czech Republic.

For the last 12 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

I always used to get lost, even with a map, and while getting lost has some benefits (you discover unexpected places), it can also create unnecessary stress. So, a few years back, I was thrilled when I received a GPS unit as a gift.

I gave my new GPS a nice masculine voice and named it Archie, and we soon became best friends. I really appreciate his suggestions and advice, and Archie has gotten me to all sorts of places without a hitch.

What do I like about Archie the most? When he says, “You have reached your destination.” Every time I hear Archie telling me that I have reached my destination I take it as a real achievement – that I have made it.

Unfortunately, even with Archie’s help I still occasionally get lost. Like last November, when I ended up driving an extra hour to reach the location where I was expected to deliver a keynote speech. What happened? Did A hi after Archie, f a ffew years off goodd andd lloyall service, i overreachh his hi competence? t ? Bl Blaming i g AArchie hi would ld bbe convenient, but too simple. It turned out that I had put the wrong address into the system.

Listening to my clients’ professional challenges lately reminded me of my dear Archie and how useful it would be to have a professional GPS to help us reach our business goals. Wouldn’t it be great to start the week by checking our career destination, and then have our professional GPS map out a strategy to avoid being confused or facing a dead end on our professional path?

Like most people who need a map or a GPS to get where they want to go, many of us would be grateful for a career GPS that would outline the exact route to an exciting and fulfilling position. But unless we first decide on the final destination – what we really want – no GPS will be able to help.

And while a professional GPS would be of great help to map out a strategy for achieving our goals after we have chosen a destination, we first need to identify that destination – we need to listen to discover our passion.

DISCOVER YOUR PASSION Too often, we get so consumed by our day-to-day responsibilities and daily tasks that we don’t take the time to reflect on what we would really like to do, versus what we think we have to do. There are several ways we can recognize our passion. The challenge is to pay attention to our discovery opportunities and interpret the signals of our heart to translate them into action.

DISCOVERY BY A-HA! MOMENT This often occurs while encountering an unexpected

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situation which triggers a sudden and intense awareness of an underlying passion. It is a wake-up call. Like the one a local software engineer had while reading about the self-taught professional dog behavior specialist, Cesar Millan, and wondered how he could transform his dog training hobby into a career. Next thing you know, he’s an entrepreneur with a very successful doggy daycare facility.

DISCOVERY THROUGH CHANGE Major life events like birth, death, marriage, losing a job or taking a new one, illness or recovery, can often transform our outlook on life and prompt us to review the way we live. When a friend of mine was diagnosed with diabetes 10 years ago, this investment banker and mother of two struggled to make her own well-being her ppriority. y Followingg her doctor’s advice to deal with her illness through some creative activity, she took on painting and discovered that she had a knack for illustrating children stories which she turned into a very profitable part-time activity.

DISCOVERY THROUGH EXPERIENCE Many people uncover their passion gradually as a result of day-to-day experiences. A cousin of mine who got married very young to a widower found herself in charge of feeding a family of six. While cooking for her new brood she discovered a passion for food and delicious meals that she then turned into a thriving catering business.

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION Before making the adventurous move and taking a leap of faith to follow your passion, you first need to examine the pros and cons of your decision and identify what works and what needs some fine-tuning.

STEP 1 ASK YOURSELF SOME QUESTIONS Where am I today? Where do I want to be tomorrow?

What do I want to do with my life? What makes me happy?

STEP 2 FOCUSED ATTENTION Grab a pen and write a list of what you are passionate about or like doing, what you do happily, and what you become totally absorbed in, no matter how unusual the activity might be. Try to remember what you do without thinking about how much time or effort it requires. This focused attention will help you recognize what you really like to do and what motivates you.

STEP 3 EXPERIMENT Do not hesitate to explore and experiment with various activities. Finding your passion requires that you try out different things. Like buying a car or new clothes, you won’t know how it feels until you drive the car or put on the outfit that you saw in the window. Not knowing what you want is perfectly acceptable, especially when you are young. But get out there and start experimenting without worrying about making mistakes- that’s how you will learn and grow.

STEP 4 WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR FREE? Too often, people choose a job in relation to the amount of money they want to earn and/or the social status they want to achieve, achieve instead of what would make them happy. In France, a whole generation of students is miserably going to university without any idea of what they want to do later, while some less-impressive manual profession would offer them the opportunity to lead a very fulfilling life.

STEP 5 DEALING WITH YOUR FEARS One of the major challenges you’ll have to overcome before answering the call of your dreams is your own particular crop of fears. Fear of the inner critic who will tell you that you don’t have what it takes, that you’re not smart or competent enough. Fear of confronting the litany of excuses that has prevented you all these years from trusting your ability to do what you really want to do.

Fear of failure, disappointment, not enough money, not enough time, not enough staff, not enough… whatever.

Finding and following your passion can be scary but it beats the alternative of spending the rest of your life wondering what would have happened if you had made that leap of faith. As the poet Mary Oliver said, “The world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting – over and over, announcing your place in the family of things.”

It is up to you to answer that call, to find your passion with or without a career GPS. And while a career GPS would be very helpful to guide us through life’s uncertainty and the professional hodgepodge, the best person to tell you if you are doing what you should be doing and if you have reached your destination is ultimately yourself.

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21.1.2011 15:12:32

Photo: Zuzana Jirásková and Marek Röder

diplomatic event

Celebration of the

H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with his wife

National Day of Algeria

From left: František Dohnal, President, Supreme Audit Office CR, H. E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria, Jana Šimkova, MBA, President, Foundation of Robert Schuman, and Ing. Ivo Kaplán, Manager for International Relations, Správa úložišť a radioaktivních odpadů

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From left: H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with his daughter Wafa Hadjem, H.E. Mohamed Kamel HajSassi, Ambassador of Tunisia, and H.E. Mohamed Salaymeh, Ambassador of Palestine

From left: H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria, PhDr. Kateřina Lukešová, Director of Diplomatic Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Edita Herda, and PhDr. Vítězslav Grepl, Director General, Non-European Countries & Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

From left: Jaroslav Lobkowicz, his wife Elisabeth Lobkowicz, and H.E. Jose Julio Pereira Gomes, Ambassador of Portugal

From left: H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria, H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria, Miloslav Vlček, former Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the CR, and MUDr. Hassan Mezian, Member of Regional Assembly of the Ústí Region

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From left: H.E. Zainal Abidin Bakar, Ambassador of Malaysia with his wife, H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, and H.E. Celia-Sanra Botha, Ambassador of South Africa with her husband

Prof. Ing. Kamil Janáček, CSc., Member of the CNB Bank Board and Chief Executive Director with his wife Ing. Stanislava Janáčková, CSc., Advisor to the President of the CR From left: H.E. Pierre Lévy, Ambassador of France and H. E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria

From left: Marie-Josée Puddu, President, Prague Accueil, Sabrina Hadjem, wife of the Ambassador of Algeria, Anne-Catherine Boidin, wife of the Counsellor for Commercial and Economic Affairs, Embassy of France, and Elisabeth Lobkowicz

From left: H. E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria and H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy

From left: H. E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria and Milan Hovorka, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade

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

From left: H.E. Koray Targay, Ambassador of Turkey, Serap Ersoy, Counselor, Embassy of Turkey, H.E. Nediljko Bilic, Ambassador of Bosnie, Isik Targay, wife of the Ambassador of Turkey, Andjelina Bilic, wife of the Ambassador of Bosnie, H.E. Mohamed Salaymeh, Ambassador of Palestine, Sabrina Hadjem, wife of the Ambassador of Algeria, and H.E. Belaïd Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria

21.1.2011 15:43:12

prestige gala/award evening

From left: Ing. Pavel Hlinka, Member of the Board of the Education Committee, AHR ČR, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, and Ing. Václav Stárek, President, AHR ČR

The Fifth Annual Conference of AHR ČR and the awards for the best in the field Under the auspices of The Ministry For Regional Development, the Fifth Annual Conference of the Czech Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHR ČR) convened at the Grand Majestic Plaza Hotel on the 25th–26th of November 2010.

The awards were given to the best in the field.

Václav Stárek was voted as the President of AHR ČR. He replaced Pavel Hinka. Mr. Stárek has worked for the association from its beginning as a general secretary.

GALA EVENING after the 5 Conference of the Czech Association th

of Hotels and Restaurants (AHR ČR) at Obecní dům

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

From left: Petra Buriánková, Etelka Buriánková, and Zlatoše Celá – Best Pension 2010

21.1.2011 9:37:36

From left: Petr Kovařík, Sales Director for the Independent Market, Pivovary Staropramen a.s., and Libor Vávra, Pivovary Staropramen a.s. with his wife

From left: Ing. Václav Stárek, President, AHR ČR and Jindřich Forejt, Director of Protocol, Office of the President of the CR

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Lubomír Bárta with his wife

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Sanjiv Suri, President/CEO, Zátiší Group receiving the award “Restaurateur of the Year 2010”

From left: Jindřich Šrámek, Director of Human Resources, InterContinental Praha with his wife, Jaroslava Vyskočilová, Ing. Pavel Hlinka, CEO, OREA HOTELS s.r.o., AHR ČR, Jaroslav Vácha, Jaroslav Vaculka, Ing. Václav Stárek, President, AHR ČR, and JUDr. Josef Holík, Ahol with his wife

21.1.2011 9:38:29

Mgr. Hana Líbalová, Director, Střední odborné učiliště gastronomie receiving award for the “Best School of the year 2010” and Ing. Pavel Hlinka, CEO, OREA HOTELS s.r.o.

Jindřich Šrámek, Director of Human Resources, InterContinental Praha with his wife

From left: Vlastislav Šos, General Manager, Olympik Hotel and Vice President for Regional Sections, AHR ČR, Ing. Pavel Hlinka, Member of the Board of the Education Committee, AHR ČR, and Ing. Václav Stárek, President, AHR ČR

Otakar John, K+K Hotel Fenix and K+K Hotel Central Praha receiving the award “Best Hotelier 2010” (Category of Chain Hotels)

From left: JUDr. Pavel Němec, Attorney at Law, Němec, Bláha and Navrátilová, s.r.o., Ivana Němcová, Chairperson of the Foundation of AHR ČR, and Ing. Pavel Hlinka, CEO, OREA HOTELS s.r.o.

From left: Sanjiv Suri, President/CEO, Zátiší Group receiving the award “Restaurateur of the Year 2010” and Ing. Václav Stárek, President, AHR ČR Libor Vávra, Pivovary Staropramen a.s. with his wife

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21.1.2011 9:39:43

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

ČSÚZ

ONE HUNDRED YEARS of a Czech School in the Ukraine

2010 marked the onne-hundred year anniversary of the buildingg of a Czech school in Čechohrad, Ukrainee. To mark the occasion, The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute sent a gift to its students annd professors – a large consignment of books and teaching materials – which was acccepted with much excitement.

The celebration in the original little Czech village of Čechohrad, whichh was founded by Czech emigrants in the Melitoppol region in 1869, was attended by a general consul of the Czech Republic in Donetsk – Mr. M Antonín Murgaš and his wife. Mr. Murgaš greetted children of his fellow Czech countrymen in the Ukraine on behalf of the chairman of the Czechosslovak Foreign Institute, Jaromír Šlápota, and gavee them the gift from the Institute – textbooks, boooks, dictionaries, picture books, children’s rhymes and fairy tales, puzzles, coloring books, games foor the smallest children, an electronic piano p for chiiildren, ldren,, writingg materials,, give-aways, etc.

The one-hundred yyear old buildingg of the old Czech school, which was built by fellow-countrymen in 1910, has underggone major constructional work over the last tweenty years, thanks to the annual financial gifts froom the Czech Republic.

Today the building functiions as a Czech centre not only for classes, but also for cultural events of the Czech Cultural Com mmunity Association of Čechohrad.

However, this one-hunddred year old school was not the first school buildding built by our fellow Czech countrymen in the Ukraine. During the celebration, the eighty-yearr old Jarmila Přibyl, who lives in Melitopol, recalleed: “Emigrants built the first school for children three years after their arrival in the Ukraine, in 11872. It was on the spot of the present building of the Czech Centre and the classes were held there from late autumn until the beginning of spring. Classes were taught by whoever could teach thhem, and consisted only of reading, writing, and ccounting. Proper Czech teachers were not sent to Čechohrad until the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and they had about fifty pupils. In 19077 however, classes were banned for sanitary reasoons and the building was pulled down. For the folloowing three years, children went for their classees to the room of a local office before the new school building was built in the same place as the old one. The Czechs paid 12,000 roubles for it, and their children entered it

in the fall of 1910 for the first time. Fifteen years later, the Czechs in Čechohrad also built a library in which they collected more than 300 Czech books. The library was visited by some one-hundred readers,“ Mrs. Přibyl said, having learned this from her parents. She herself only started to go to the Czech school in Čechohrad in 1930.

“We were taught writing, reading, counting, history, geography, and we sang a lot, had a schoolyard, and also an orchard. Religion and Czech traditions were banned at the time when I attended the school. In 1937, a special law prohibited classes for national minorities, but after liberating Melitopol in 1943 Czech began to be taught in Čechohrad again,” she remembers.

In the last twenty years the Czech centre and school became an inseparable part of life in the village. The teachers that were sent from the Czech Republic are teaching there and some of their pupils continue studying Czech language courses at Czech universities, or are now looking for jobs in the Czech Republic.

In the Ukraine, Czech and other Slavic languages can also be studied in departments of Slavonic studies at the University of Taras Ševčenko in Kiev, or at the University of Ivan Franko in Lvov. Czech has been taught in Lvov

since 1945. This specialization is provided every two years, and about 10–16 students are studying it annually. Apart from that, the pedagogues from that department are also teaching Czech as a foreign language at the Faculty of Journalism, international relations and sciences, and their graduates can be found practically throughout the Ukrainian embassies. More than 300 Czech specialists have been trained in Kiev since 1955.

There are also distinguished diplomats, and we can meet some of them at the Ukrainian Embassy in Prague, in the Czech centre in Kiev, as well as in Czech Trade and Czech Tourism agencies.

Knowledge of the Czech language is without exaggeration still a required specialization in the Ukraine. That is also why the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute and the Czech departments at Ukrainian universities are collaborating systematically. In recent years, the Institute has not only provided them with the newest textbooks and teaching programs, books, and journals, but also with computer programs and technology.

Every year, the Institute offers several students a scholarship to participate in a course of Czech language and culture that is annually taught in July in Prague.

HEBR I

Photo: ČSÚZ

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diplomatic/ christmas event

A special thanks to SAAB for making this reportage possible

The Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Mrs. Inger Ultved and the Defence Attaché of Sweden LtCol Robert Björklund were happy to welcome many friends to their traditional “Sankta Lucia” event and provided guests also with the traditional Swedish Christmas food “julbord” to the delight of all.

Daniel Boestad, Director, Gripen CR, SAAB and H.E. Inger Ultvedt, Ambassador of Sweden

SANKTA LUCIA

AT THE SWEDISH EMBASSY

From left: Colonel Jan Třináctý, Commander, 13th Artillery Brigade at Jince and Lt Colonel Alois Urban, Head of Section, MoD Foreign Activities Directorate

From left: Colonel Pavel Vobůrka, MoD and LtCol Robert Björklund, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Sweden Colonel Oleg Smirnov, Military and Air Attaché Assistant to the Embassy of the Russian Federation and his wife

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From left: Colonel Mustafa Demir, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey and Colonel Vo Van Thanh, Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

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From left: Ivan Dvořák, Msc., Director, Assistant First Deputy Minister, Ministry of Defence of the CR and Jiří Staněk, Director, National Armaments Director, Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic

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From left: Captain Navy Tamer Saleh, Egyptian Defence Attaché with his wife and Walter E. Scales, Colonel, US Air Force, Defense Air Attaché

From left: Daniel Boestad, Director, Gripen CR, SAAB and Ing. Vladimír Ficenec, Ministry of Defence

Col Stanislav Krejčí, Director, MoD Foreign Activities Directorate with his daughter

From left: Major General Milan Maxim, Defence Attaché, Embassy of the Slovak Republic, Colonel Stefano Mariotti, Defence Attaché of the Republic of Italy, and Colonel Ladislav Joukl, Director, Reconaissance and EW Department, Ministry of Defence of the CR

LtCol Robert Björklund, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Sweden with his wife Frederika

From left: MG Čestmír Tesařík, MoD and Ladislav Kele, MoD Foreign Activities Directorate

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From left: Colonel Petr Lanči, Commander, 21st Tactical Air Force Base at Čáslav, Daniel Boestad, Director, Gripen CR, SAAB, and BG Jiří Verner, Chief of Air Force Czech Republic

21.1.2011 11:41:38

conference The Conference Hall

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE With the participation of the Energy Regulatory Office, and under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Gas Business Breakfast 2010 was held on the last Friday of November. Participating in the conference were 120 of the most important people from the energy sector in the Czech Republic.

Gas Business Breakfast

From left: Hugo Kysilka, Vice President, VEMEX and Vladimír Štěpán, Partner, ENA

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From left: Josef Fiřt, Chairman, Energy Regulatory Office, Jiří Bis, Senator and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energetics of the Committee on National Economy, Agriculture and Transport of the Senate, Miloslava Veselá, Director and CEO, Top Expo CZ, and Prof.

František Hrdlička, Dean of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Czech Technical University

From left: Martin Herrmann, CEO and Chairman of the Board, RWE Transgas, Jiří Gavor, Partner, ENA, Oldřich Petržilka, President, Czech Gas Union, and Vratislav Ludvík, Moderator

From left: Josef Fiřt, Chairman, Energy Regulatory Office and Thomas Kleefuß, CEO and Managing Director, NET4GAS

20.1.2011 17:58:20

From left: Vladimír Vurm, Vice Chairman of Supervisory Board, RWE Energie and Jiří Šimek, Member of the Board, E.ON Energie

Oldřich Petržilka, President, Czech Gas Union

From left: Vratislav Ludvík, Consultant and Tomáš Varcop, CCO and Member of the Board, RWE Transgas

From left: Josef Fiřt, Chairman, Energy Regulatory Office and Martin Herrmann, CEO and Chairman of the Board RWE Transgas From left: Martin Herrmann, CEO and Chairman of the Board, RWE Transgas and Tomáš Hüner, Deputy Minister of the Industry and Trade of the CR

Tomáš Hüner, Deputy Minister of the Industry and Trade of the CR during his speech

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From left: Jiří Gavor, Partner, ENA, Oldřich Petržilka, President, Czech Gas Union, and Vratislav Ludvík, Moderator

83 The Conference Hall

20.1.2011 17:59:54

culture event

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

VIETNAM: PROPAGANDA POSTERS From left: Nguyen Thu Trang, Miss Vietnam Universe 2008 and Petra Jungwirthová, Spokesperson Prague National Gallery

Architectural Consulting Exhibition Endowment Fund Eleutheria in cooperation with National Gallery in Prague presents exhibition Vietnam: Propaganda Posters. It was inaugarated on the 13th of December in Veletržní palác of Prague. More than 100 pieces of art are displayed. They all show development of Vietnamese propaganda from 60´s to 90´s of 20th century. Twenty one of these posters come from The Dogma Collection in Saigon which is in possetion of the largest collection of Vietnamese art.

Exhibited posters are chronologically arranged and reflect two development stages of Vietnamese propaganda. The first is devoted to the unification of Vietnam and war with USA which followed in 1970´s. The second stage shows the era when the political poster became an instrument of leading communist party inside Vietnamese society. The topics of military invasions (French and American) are replaced by the issues of modernization.

The exhibition is also reflected in catalogue of displayed works. The trilingual edition (in English, Czech and Italian language) contains opening essay of Eleutheria Endowment Fund President, Mr. Francesco August Razetto. Among the other contributors is for example director of National Gallery in Prague prof. Tomáš Vlček or distinguished Italian art critic prof. Vittorio Sgarbi who presides The Institute of Care for Historical Monuments in Venice. He is also a curator of various art exhibitions in Italy and abroad. Monograph contains also bibliography and reproductions of all displayed artworks. The exhibiton is remarkably designed by architect Ottaviano Maria Razetto. The space is simple and matches with architecture of Veletržní palác.

Exhibition spaces

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

21.1.2011 15:45:12

From left: Prof. Vittorio Sgarbi, Italian Art Critic and Francesco Augusto Razetto, President, Endowment Fund Eleutheria

From left: Francesco Augusto Razetto, President, Endowment Fund Eleutheria, Ing. Duong Trong Minh, Office Manager, Embassy of Vietnam, and H.E. Do Xuan Dong, Ambassador of Vietnam

From left: Vittorio Sgarbi, Italian Art Critic, Bruno Gambiagli, and Davide Razetto

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From left: Barbara Bergová, Press Office, PR, Endowment Fund Eleutheria and Jana Štefánková, Bling-Bling, s.r.o

The exhibition is open until 30 January 2011, from Thuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entrance: Dukelských hrdinů Str. 47, Prague 7 85 Links: www.eleutheria.cz; www.ngprague.cz; www.dogmacollection.com

21.1.2011 15:46:06

From left: Barbora Bergová, Press Office, PR, Endowment Fund Eleutheria and H.E. Giorgio Radicati, OSCE Ambassador to Macedonia

Vietnamese hostesses in national costumes From left: Tomáš Vlček, Director SMSU, Prague National Gallery and Arch. Ottaviano Maria Razetto, Architectural Consulting

Giorgio Bonelli, Owner, the Alchymist Grand Hotel Spa and Serena Baccaglini, Italian Curator, Amedeo Modigliani exhibition

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From left: Prof. Genny Di Bert, Curator, Endowment Fund Eleutheria and H.E. Giorgio Radicati, OSCE Ambassador to Macedonia

From left: H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Do Dong Xuan, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vittorio Sgarbi, Italian Art Critic, and Francesco Augusto Razetto, President, Endowment Fund Eleutheria

21.1.2011 15:46:45

RETURN TO CONVERSATION Your Motto for 2011 Will we, our countries and our companies enjoy more stability this year than in the rollercoaster year of 2010? It is probably too early to answer this question.

Yet, one thing is clear. In times when everyone is craving stability, true leaders need to know how to send out a message of firmness, power and focus. Vision needs to be stated clearly and convincingly in order to show stakeholders the way to a better future. This is why communication will most probably become even more important this year than in the past.

POST-TRAUMA COMMUNICATION During the last three years of economic crisis, many individuals and companies behaved reactively, with no vision of what they wanted to communicate, and no strategy in place to handle the unknown. In many Czech companies it was not clear who was the spokesman for the company image and public message.

Loads of improvisation took place. In the post-crisis landscape, where only the fittest and the most agile survive, this behavior exposes corporations to high risks. Just imagine – prior to 2007 we lived in a world of abundance and growth where we trusted each other. No fall of Lehman Brothers was imaginable, and the financial collapses of Greece and Ireland could not have been conceived. Yet all of the certitudes that we had went bust during the last few years. Now we are all in a post-trauma state of mind.

One of the symptoms of such post-traumatic behavior is hypervigilance. Anything awkward, such as the vague impression that a business partner isn’t as solid as he claims to be, can trigger much more powerful reactions than it has in the past. There is a risk that investors, customers and employees will evaluate companies much more strictly, on the account of how their management communicates. Thus, anything that is clumsily communicated can turn against you and shake your

Cristina Muntean is a journalist and media advisor with more than 12 years of experience in the Czech, Romanian and international media.

In 2005–2010 Cristina worked for the Englishlanguage economic magazine Czech Business Weeklyy (CBW) in Prague. During this time she wrote more than 3,000 news articles, features and interviews. She graduated in journalism from the University of Bucharest, Romania. She also holds a master’s degree in project management. Currently, Cristina provides media training, coaching and advisory to managers, communication specialists and public officials across Central and Eastern Europe. Cristina speaks Romanian, French, English and Czech and can be reached at cm@mediaintel.cz.

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company’s foundation. Forget about the climate of trust and comfort prior to 2007. We live in a new reality, and only those who know what they are doing and are doing it well will gain a chance to compete in this new daunting world.

THE POWER OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION Media experts agree that the futu-re belongs to video communication. What you can write in a lengthy time-consuming report can be said in a few minutes during a video conference. Therefore, if you want to be trusted, you need to master the art of body language, image, and the delivery of a clear message. Speaking in confidence in front of a video-camera is as important as the ability to write or understand a balance sheet. It’s not enough to earn double-digits anymore. If you can’t wrap those figures up in a clear and convincing video message for your stakeholders, your company might not be out there on the market next year by the time earnings are posted in the earnings season.

SOCIAL TOOLS TO TALK VISION Mastering communication – for individuals and corporations alike – is essential today. To make sure that you sit on the bench of winners by January next year, here are a few more tools that you must keep an eye on in 2011.

One of the most important of these tools is social media. Right now, the reality is that many Czech companies don’t know how to get the best out of themselves.

While more and more Facebook applications are flooding the web, managers and communication consultants alike just sit and wait for a case study that will show them how to get the job done. Public communication and social media policies are often disparate; companies are reluctant to assign a communication specialist to handle their social image on a permanent basis. Let’s face it: there is a revolution going on out there that is changing the way people interact. It’s as simple as that.

People’s way of talking to friends, reacting to commercial offers, and even thinking is undergoing an essential change.

Today, not having a Like button for an online posting becomes frustrating and breathes ignorance. Not being visible and active on Twitter takes away the opportunity to create a community of followers that you can direct towards your focus of interest. Not having an updated profile on LinkedIn is like missing the party of the year, where the crème de la crème of society goes and you are not invited. Not having a blog takes away your chance to inform, educate and present yourself to the market. All of these options are available, right now, with tremendous potential to boost your brand.

Photo: Jakub Stadler

BACK TO SOCIAL CONVERSATION For many leaders, all of these new options for communication might seem overwhelming. Where on Earth can I find time in my busy schedule to write a corporate blog, many managers may wonder. However, the point is not the amount of time spent with it. It’s sending the message that you are open to social conversation.

The only managers who are worse than those who inquire about time are those who inquire about money. It’s obvious that the goal of any business endeavor is to make a profit; otherwise, why bother? However, as social media experts underline, it’s not the return on investment (ROI) that matters, but the return on conversation (ROC). Linda Evans, author of the book Social Media Marketing, notes that “when it comes to understanding how to develop successful strategies in social media marketing, you need to alter your thinking from the traditional ways of measuring success. When it comes to social media, the primary issue is the investment that companies make in the conversations that are happening instead of the ads they are sending out to those social media.” In simple words, for those who expect a quick, cheap and simple social media equation to achieve a certain amount of sales, the news is: change your mind set.

Communication in social media takes time, effort and willingness to bet on social conversation. However, all this is nothing if it is not backed by a long-term business vision.

When all these ingredients combine, you may manage to transform your company into one of those successful case studies that turn the market around and show people the way to go. It sounds like something true leaders would do.

Why wouldn’t you go in the same direction?

By Cristina Muntean ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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20.1.2011 16:36:46

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/ charity

This event was a great opportunity to donate a cheque in the total amount of 300,000 CZK to the Headmaster of a residential, rehabilitation and retraining Center for the Blind in Prague. The money will be spent on holidays for the Center’s residents, which will be at a seaside resort. After the donation of the cheque, the members of the Lions Club Prague Eagle then had the pleasure of listening to several Christmas carols performed by the residents of the Center for the Blind.

From left: MUDr. Michael Vít, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Public Health Officer and Jiří Bílý, Advisor to the Ministry of Interior

The Lions Club Prague Eagle organized a Christmas party which took place on the 15th of December 2010.

with Guest of Honor, Priest Zbigniew Czendlik

Lions Club Prague Eagle

From left: Jaroslav Kubišta, Secretary, Lions Club Prague Eagle and MUDr. Jan Bříza, Research Director, VFN

From left: Zbygniew Czendlik, Priest, Gen. Andor Šándor (ret.), President, Lions Club Prague Eagle, JUDr. František Zelenický, and Mrs. Zelenická Max Munson, Jáma Restaurant and Dr. Karla Říhová, Senior Executive, County Hygienic Station, Olomouc

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Mgr. Stanislav Šmerda, Sales and Key Account Manager, Hospital Nycomed s.r.o. and PharmDr. Ingrid Šmerdová, General Manager, Valeant

From left: Luboš Richter, Director, Alfavita s.r.o. with his wife and Veronika Tichá, Marketing, B. Braun Medical s.r.o.

21.1.2011 16:17:42

The highlight of the evening was a presentation given by the guest of honor Zbigniew Czendlik, a priest who is originally from Poland, and who proved to be quite modern and fun. His sense of humour was a great way of starting the Christmas season.

A performance by blind students from Dědina Center

From left: Ing. Petr Nevický, Portfolio Investor, Bc. Vladimír Bimka, Managing Director, AAA-Oční, s.r.o., and Mrs. Zelenická

Zbygniew Czendlik, Priest

Prof. Zdeněk Krška, M.D., Ph.D., Head of the 1st Department of Surgery, General University Hospital, Charles University Prague

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

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From left: Petr Ptáček, Marie Schifferová, Director, Center for the Blind – Pobytové, rehabilitační a rekvalifikační středisko pro nevidomé Dědina, and Gen. Andor Šándor (ret.), President, Lions Club Prague Eagle

21.1.2011 16:19:14

Photos: Martin Janas and Paul Pacey

Deutsch-Tschechische Industrieund Handelskammer

Radomír Šimek, President, DTIHK/ČNOPK

During the 4th annual economic discussion hosted by the German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DTIHK/ČNOPK), Prime Minister Petr Nečas spoke about Germany’s importance as a trading partner to the Czech Republic. With the chamber’s members, Nečas discussed about opportunities and challenges for investors in the Czech Republic. The topics at stake included the introduction of the euro, the need for a more flexible job market and investment security in the Czech Republic. The educational system and the lack of efficiency and transparency in the public sector were also subject to controversial debate. At a seated dinner in the ambience in the neoclassicist hall of the luxurious hotel Carlo IV Prague, around 160 guests enjoyed the opportunity to pose their questions directly to the Prime Minister. Petr Šimůnek, Editor in Chief of Economia presided over the discussion.

30th November 2010, Hotel Carlo IV Prague

German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce

ECONOMIC DISCUSSION WITH THE PRIME MINISTER PETR NEČAS

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From left: Bernard Bauer, Executive Member of the Board, DTIHK/ČNOPK, Petr Nečas, Czech Prime Minister, Ing. Radomír Šimek, President, DTIHK/ČNOPK, Mirjam Schwan, Deputy Executive Member of the Board, DTIHK/ČNOPK, Roland Werner, State Secretary, Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Traffic, and H.E. Johannes Haindl, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

20.1.2011 18:02:38

From left: Ing, Jiří Dorňák, Deputy Director, Department of European Countries, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Jan Hitzger, Consul, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Dresden

From left: Radomír Šimek, President, DTIHK/ČNOPK, Petr Nečas, Czech Prime Minister, and Bernard Bauer, Executive Member of the Board, DTIHK/ČNOPK

From left: H. E. Johannes Haindl, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Roland Werner, State Secretery, Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Traffic, and Ing. Tomáš Dub, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

From left: Peter Wagener, Financial Director, OBI Česká republika and Carsten Stromann, Head of German Desk, Mazars s.r.o.

From left: Petr Žwak, DTIHK/ČNOPK and Dr. Borek Severa, Managing Director, MediaTrust Communications, s.r.o.

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

From left: Jiří Dorňák, Deputy Director, Department of European Countries, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Jan Hitzger, Consul, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Dresden, Bernd Oldenburg-Oldenburger, Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, and Jiří Kuliš, CEO and Vice-Chairman, Veletrhy Brno, a.s.

20.1.2011 18:03:12

From left: Jiří Kuliš, CEO and Vice-Chairman, Veletrhy Brno, a.s., Bernard Bauer, Executive Member of the Board, DTIHK/ČNOPK, and Dr. Jens Ahrens, Schott ČR, a.s.

Rudolf Javurek, CEO, Import Volkswagen Group s.r.o. and Kateřina Stehlíková, Stehlík Group s.r.o.

Winfried Krause, Member of the Board of Management, Commercial Affairs, Škoda Auto a.s.

From left: Dr. Thomas Richter, Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen GmbH, Mirjam Schwan, Deputy Executive Member of the Board, DTIHK/ČNOPK, and Gerhard Travnicek, Manager, IBC Solar, s.r.o.

From left: Eduard Palíšek, Country CEO and General Manager, Siemens s.r.o. and Dr. Karl Strobel, CEO, Robert Bosch odbytová s.r.o.

Ing. Tomáš Dub, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Ing. Helena Pavlištová, CEO, Česká Informační Agentura and Dr. Stefan Keil, Counsellor, Head of the Economic Department, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

From left: Norbert Schmidt, Deputy General-Director of Trade, Veletrhy Brno, a.s. and Till Oberwörder, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz, ČR, s.r.o.

Horst Blom, Executive Director, Hettich ČR

From left: Dr. Vladimír Vurm, Head of Participations, RWE Transgas a.s. and Dr. Henning Sommermeyer, Country Manager, Nycomed s.r.o.

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From left: Petr Frisch, Tax Partner, Mazars s.r.o., Carsten Stromann, Senior Manager, Mazars s.r.o., and Lucie Rytířová, Manager, Mazars s.r.o.

24.1.2011 16:10:16

Thomas Kleefuss, Executive Director, NET4GAS

Dipl.-Kfm. Oliver Schmitt, Managing Partner, Teamconsult s.r.o.

Petr Šimůnek, Editor-inChief, Economia

From left: Dr. Ingo von Voß, Political Counsellor, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Nikolaus Seiwald, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Austria in the Czech Republic, and Jan Hitzger, Consul, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Dresden

Magnus A. Brandau, Communication and Corporate Services, E.ON ČR, s.r.o.

From left: Hannes Lachmann, DTIHK/ ČNOPK and Klaus Brill, Correspondent, Süddeutsche Zeitung

From left: Tomáš Dub, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ing. Radomír Šimek, DTIHK/ČNOPK

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93 Hotel Carlo IV Prague

20.1.2011 18:07:22

networking/charity

From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Jiří Málek, President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Jiří Opichal, Executive Head, Allimex Trading s.r.o. and former President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, and Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., Commercial Director, Secretary, LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

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

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

FESTIVE MEETING Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador

From left: JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Lawyer, Membership Chairperson of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, MUDr. Zdeňka Geráková, and JUDr. Jaroslav Šátral, Judge of the Municipal Court in Prague

Ing. Antonín Mika, Regional Director for Foreign Trade and Mrs. Stanislava Miková JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra and Mgr. Miloslava Choděrová

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From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Tomáš Jadrníček, Project Engineer

From left: Ing. Jiří Kubát, Entrepreneur, Mrs. Marie Kubátová, and Ing. Josef Čekal, former President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

20.1.2011 18:19:13

From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes

From left: PhDr. Karel Vondrášek, Entrepreneur, PhDr. Ladislav Říha, Owner, CK RI-Tours and former President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, and Mr. Rudolf Kočí

MUDr. Václav Poláček, CSc., Plastic Surgeon

From left: JUDr. Vojtěch Trapl, Lawyer, former Governor, LCI Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Fra. Karel Paar, Grand Prior of Maltese Knights

From left: Mrs. Zdislava Kočová, Mr. Rudolf Kočí, Ing. Antonín Mika, Regional Director for Foreign Trade, and Mrs. Stanislava Miková

From left: Mr. Petr Seifert and PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes

From left: Mrs. Marie Opichalová, Mrs. Ilona Málková, and Mrs. Zdislava Kočová

Jan Beneš, Enterpreneur and Ing. Benešová From left: JUDr. Eva Stránská-Traplová, Lawyer, JUDr. Vojtěch Trapl, Lawyer, former Governor, LCI Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, and Mgr. Miloslava Choděrová

JUDr. Jaroslav Šátral, Judge of the Municipal Court in Prague

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From left: Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc., Authorized Expert for the Construction Field, PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes, Ing. Martin Felenda, Auditor and Tax Advisor, MUDr. Karel Stibral, Psychiatrist, and Prof. MUDr. Václav Mandys, CSc., Head of the Institute of Pathology

20.1.2011 18:20:44

From left: Marta Gellová, Secretary General and Board Member, AFIZ and Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman, ČSÚZ

AFIZ

Annual General Meeting of

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

FINANCIAL ADVISERS The Association of Financial Intermediaries and Financial Advisers of the Czech Republic (Asociace finančních zprostředkovatelů a finančních poradců České republicy, o.s. – AFIZ) is a professional trade body associating over 10.000 financial intermediaries and advisers. As every year AFIZ holds an Annual General Meeting during which it informs its members of its current activities and plans for next year.

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

From left: Vincent Derudder, Chairman, FECIF, Andrew Cohen, CEO, AEGON, Czech Republic, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

21.1.2011 16:21:05

Vladimír Halás, Sales Manager, Alico Funds Central Europe

From left: Jiří Klaban, Board Member Kapitol (Board Member AFIZ) and Jiří Švestka, Writer From left: Robert Vlášek, Director, Kapitol and Tomáš Cidlinský, Director, Kapitol (Member, Ethical Committee AFIZ)

From left: Jana Levová, Executive, Active Capital, Marta Gellová, Secretary General and Board Member AFIZ, and Vladimír Poliak, Chairman ot the Supervisory Board, ZFP Akademie (Board Member AFIZ)

From left: Petr Lukáč, Sales Director, IAD and Pavel Pastorek, Board Member, ZFP Akademie

Viktor Bergmann and Helena Kohoutová, “Magic Helena” Fashion Designer and Consultant

From left: Jan Blaschke, General Manager, Effectconsulting (Board Member AFIZ), František Klufa, Financial Arbitrator of the Czech Republic, (Chairman, Ethical Committee AFIZ), and Jaroslav Knížek, Director, Effectconsulting (Member, Ethical Committee AFIZ)

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AFIZ invites to the evening party many special guests, representatives of the Czech National Bank, Czech Ministry of Finance, partner associations and financial institutions.

Celebrities from political and cultural life are also invited. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the European Federation of Financial Advisers and Financial Intermediaries (FECIF) was a special guest from Europe who came to support AFIZ. This year financial advisers met at Hotel ALWYN in Karlín on December 8th. Partners of 97 this year’s event were: Aegon Czech Republic, Alico Funds Central Europe, Česká pojišťovna, ČP Invest, IAD Investments and traditionally Leaders Magazine.

21.1.2011 16:22:19

center for security policy conference

From left: Miloš Balabán, Head of the Center for Security Policy, CESES FSS Charles University in Prague and David Koubek, Český Rozhlas Radiožurnál

VI. Prague Security Conference THE FUTURE OF EUROPE: PEOPLE – RESOURCES – TECHNOLOGY

From left: Gen. Stanislav Thurnvald, Jarmila Thurnvaldová, Česká pošta, s.p., Jaroslav Štefec, Deputy Director of Procurement Supervision Office, Ministry of Defence, and Josef Janošec, Director of Population Protection Institute Lázně Bohdaneč, DG of the FRS, Ministry of Interior

Libor Rouček, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Jan Muehlfeit, Chairman Microsoft Europe

Alan Svoboda, Executive Director, Sales and Trading, ČEZ, a.s.

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From left: Vladimír Špidla, former Member of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of the CR, Rainer Munz, Head of Research & Development at Erste Group Bank AG and Senior Fellow at the Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI), Member of Reflection Group on the Future of Europe 2020–2030

From left: Jan Michal, Head of Representation of the European Commission to the Czech Republic, David Koubek, Český rozhlas Radiožurnál

20.1.2011 18:09:24

Štefan Füle, Member of the European Commission, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy

Antonín Rašek, Center for Security Policy CESES FSS Charles University in Prague

Prof. Michal Mejstřík, Director of IES FSS Charles University in Prague

H.E. Mourad Amal, Ambassador of Egypt to the Czech Republic

Pavel Bouda, Member of the team of Štefan Füle, Member of the European Commission, Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy

Lubomír Zaorálek, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic

From left: Martin Pecina, former Minister of the Interior and Jan Kohout, former Minister of Foreign Affairs

On November 12, 2010 the National Technical Library hosted the VI Prague Security Conference. Primarily organized by the Center for Security Policy Charles University in Prague with support of Metropolitan District Prague 6, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, and the Ministry of the Environment the conference lasted for more than twelve hours. Corresponding with the conference title “The Future of Europe: People, Resources, Technology” program was divided into three blocks, each of them devoted to one of the three abovementioned variables of the European future. Number of leading experts discussed key trends in development of the European Union and its prospects for future. more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

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From left: Tomáš Chalupa, Mayor of Prague 6, Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic, Miloš Balabán, Head of the Center for Security Policy CESES FSS Charles University in Prague, Annemie Neyts-Uytterbroeck, Minister van Staat, Member of the European Parliament, President of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, and H.E. Renilde Loeckx, Ambassador of Belgium to the Czech Republic

20.1.2011 18:12:15

Rainer Munz, Head of Research & Development at Erste Group Bank AG and Senior Fellow at the Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI), Member of Reflection Group on the Future of Europe 2020–2030

Marcela Hrdá, Director General, Česká pošta, s.p.

From left: Stefan Greefs, Embassy of Belgium and Radek Stavěl, Czech Coal a.s.

LtCol. Robert Bjorklund, Swedish Defence Attaché to the CR and Elin Muz, Embassy of Sweden

Prof. Martin Potůček, Head of CESES FSS Charles University in Prague

Among the most interesting parts was the keynote speech by Member of the European Parliament Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck and three following scenarios of the World, European, and the Czech development by the Center for Security Policy members Miloš Balabán, Libor Stejskal, Jakub Kašík, and Antonín Rašek. Rather provoking scenarios triggered a fruitful discussion among commentators from the following panel discussion as well as from several participants from the audience.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

VI. Prague Security Conference LM_1101_events_1.indd 100

From left: Luboš Pavlas, CEO Czech Coal a.s., Václav Bartuška, Special Envoy for energy security of the Czech Republic, Aleš Linhart, Director Secretary to Evžen Tošenovský, Vice-Chairman of Industry, Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament, and Pavel Kavina, Director of Raw Materials and Energy Security Division, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic

20.1.2011 18:16:05

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Pho hoto: to: AArr chi to: chh vee To Top Vi Top V isio isi si n sio

discussion event

Miroslav Šole, CEO for Central and East Europe, Compass Group

STRATEGIC FORUM

Strategic Forum, organized by top vision, has become the annual meeting place for more than one hundred important guests, who use this opportunity to debate business and political topics. The Forum aims to reflect on the achievements of, and set-backs too, Czech companies.

Respected leaders share their managerial experiences here, while top managers also open new discussions over blazing possibilities, creative visions and impulses relating to the development of their companies and others. This 14th gathering of Chief Executives, and people from top management took place between December 9th and 10th, 2010. It was traditionally held in Castle Štiřín.

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

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Strategic Forum

21.1.2011 11:43:44

Miloš Malaník, CEO, TNT Express Worldwide, spol. s r.o.

Petr Koblic, General Director, Burza cenných papírů

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Martin Wagner, General Business Manager, IBM Česká republika

Jan Radil, Human Resources Director, Hilti ČR

Martin Jahn, Head of International Fleet Sales, Volkswagen AG

Jana Víšková, Editor in Chief, Televize Z1

Lecturer Aleš Hušák, Chairman of the Board and CEO, SAZKA

21.1.2011 11:44:15

From left: Jan Švejnar, Economist, CERGE-IE and Zdeněk Tůma, former Governor, CNB

Ivan Čarnogurský, CEO, IPEC Management

From left: Václav Moravec, Moderator, Milan Prypoň, former CEO, Hewlett Packard, and Zdeněk Burda, former CEO, Skanska

Vlastimil Bříza, General Manager for Foreign Participation, Koh-i-noor

Josef Zeidler, CEO, Hilti ČR & Slovakia

Zbyněk Frolík, Director, Linet

Michal Mejstřík, Professor of Economics, Charles University in Prague

Michal Petrman, Deloitte

Daniel Drahotský, Division Director, Financial Markets, J&T Banka

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21.1.2011 11:45:24

BASQUIAT/MONET Japanese Bridge at Giverny, 1918–1924, Claude Monet

They Th ey wer eree tw twoo keey fi f gu gure r s of the re heir ir gen e er erat atio at atio ions ons ns;; tw two wo paain i te t rss hea eavi v ly inf vi nflu luen lu enci en c ngg a new cou ci o rs r e of o artt in thhe 80 80´s ´s (on o e in the h 19t 9 h, h, thhee othher in tthhe 20 20th thh cent n ur ury) y ; tw y) twoo aarr tiist stss liivi v ng ng 100 0 years eaarss apa p rrtt . Th They eeyy weree t w we woo art r isstss who werre gi give give v n a trribbut u e by b the he cit ityy of Parris at th t e sa same me tim me, e, whe henn th thei eiir re eir r tr tros ospeect ctiv ivve lilife fetime fe me exh xhib ibbittioonss wer eree pr pres esen es eennteed in i thee fal alll of o l st yea la e r,, bot o h en endi d ngg in Ja di Janu nuuar aryy 20 2011 111. At fir i stt sig i ht Jean Je a Mic iche hell Ba B sq squi uiat att andd Claaud ude Mo M neet do don’ don’ n’tt ha have m chh inn co mu c mm mmonn. Howe Howeve Ho weeve ver, r, eac ach off them ach heem made made a hu h ge g con o tr t ib ibuttio i n and annd ac a hi hiev eved ev eedd imp mpor orr tant taant n mililees on st ones in thhe deve v looppm ve mennt of vis i uaal arr tt..

Jean Michel BASQUIAT (11960; 9660; New Yorrk – 19 1988 88;; 88 Hawa Ha waiii ) “In wa Infa faant n Ter e rirbl b e” e or m moore pre reci cise ci s ly se ly “ th t e raadiian antt ch chilili d” d of 19 1980 80´ss Art. 80 B sq Ba squi uiat att was a cloosee frirendd of o Kei eith tthh Har arin ingg an in andd Andy An dy Waarrho holl wh who in who intr trod odduc uced edd a sty tylee of no n n ppaara rallllllel elss. el s.

His Hi is work woork is coons n id ider ereed er ed to be b an ar a ou o siingg scr crea eam ea m off coomm mmun uniccatted feeeling un liings ngs - th than anks an ks to a ssttre ream m of siigns, gnns,, syymb mbol o s an ol andd co colo looreed ex expr p es pr essi siionns. s. He de d moons nstr t at tr a ed exx ttrraoorddin i ar aryy ar a t ta t le lent ntt s as a a 3-yyeareeaar-ol o d bo ol boy, oy, refus efusin inng too adopt doopt p any exist xist xi s in ingg st styl ylle. e He deeve v loope pedd hi h s cr c ea eatittiiv tyy unde vi ndder er the h thuumb of his ow own cl c ear eaar inntuuittio ion, n, andd he wass al wa a ways wayss creeat wa atin ingg at odddds wi w thh the he thheeor o ie iess hee lat ater er er lear le a ne nedd in in art sch c oo ool.l. T hhee art wor orld ldd disscooveere redd thhis giift f ted ed pai a nt nter eerr whe henn he wass jus ustt a 177-yea -yyea earr old gr rgraf a fifitititi af p innte pa ter. Ten en yea ears rss later atterr he di d edd, leeav avin ing be in ing b hi hind ndd abo bout ut 2000 20 0000 dra rawi wiing ngss an andd 1100000 cannva v sees. s T he mosst im im-p ess si pr s ve of hhiis wo w rkks aarre oonn displ isspl p ay unt ntilil the he end of Jaanu nuar a y in thee Mus usee eee d’ Ar Artt Mo Mode ddeern rnee inn Par aris iss.

W en he was Wh waas st stilll a yo y ung unng ar a tit st st,, loowe werr Ma Manh nhat atta taan beega gann to t ak akee nootiice c in Ba Basq squi sq quiiat’s att ’ss cha hara rraactteerris istititc siig-naatu turre re “SA SAMO MO M O”, whi hich hich c meaanss SAM Me Ol Oldd sh shitt. “I f ig ight ht aggaiins n t br brai a nw wasshi hing nngg anndd thee teaachin chin ch ingg of o the he sam amee old ba b na nalities abboout art rt,” , he saaidd aboout ,” u gra raff fff ititi. ffit S dddennly Su l a new ew w sign ign haad appe ig apppe pear ear a ed on cciityy wal alls lss: “Sai “S a s MO M is deeadd”. Onnee day a Bas asqu q iaat ap appe p ar pe a ed in a diiff ffer eren er entt lil gh en ght, as a frfroonnt man maan off the h Gra rayy Ja J zz z Trio. o o.

T e jjaazz ban Th andd la l sted stteedd for abo bout utt a yea ear,r, as Ba Basq squi uiat a was at tooo obbse to sess ssssed e witth hi h s paain intititing nggs. His new frien end KKeeitithh

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Haaririnng ng eveent ntua uallllly dr ua d agg geed hi him m in into to thee art r tis istititicc cciircle rcclee of som of o e raath t er er wel e l-l-knnow own wn na name mes. s. T he heirr f irst irir st s exh xhibiibbittiion – whi h ch Bassqu quia iat ia at toookk parr t iinn – wa w s or o ga gani nize zed ze ed in i 119981 81 in Ti T mees Sqqua uare r . Itt wass naam re med e “Ne N w York Yoorrkk New w Wave Wa vee” an andd pprres esen ente en teed ma mainly innly grraaffit f f itti aarrrtititist ff stt s. T hhee pro r ject je ct reccei e vveed vvaaast stt pubbliici city ty and suucccess sss, annd wa w s visi vi visi s teed byy thr h ilille ledd ma m sses sssess. Afte Af teerw rwa wards ards ds, s, Em mililioo Mazzol o li o fe of f re r d Ba Bassqqui Basq uiat a to ex at exhi h bi b t in i Ita t ly, lyy An A ni n naas N Noose ose s i prov pr ovid ov ided id ed him i witi h an an arrtt-sstuudiio, o andd mos ostt im impo p rpo t nt ta ntly lyy Bruuno Biisssch chof ch of berg of bbeerggeerr ledd him m tow owar aarrds his is nex et aarr titist sttic deesstitnyy. stic B sq Ba squi u at a was as see e n as chaarirism s at atic, t st styl ylis ishh annd fu fulllll of innffec e titve v possittivve eennerrgy g , an andd very veer y soooon Laarrr y G go Ga g si s an dis issco cove veredd hi h m. m In 19 1982 982 Bas asqu q iat iat re r cceeivvedd a off an f fer to exxhi h bi b t in i Loss Ang n el e es es. Inn the sam me yeeaarr Bisccho Bisc Bi hoffb f ber e ggeer br brou ough ou ght hiim to gh t the Fac actoory of Wa W rh rhol o, w er wh eree si s lvver-h er-hhaiireed An er Andy dyy pos osed ed witi h thhis you o ngg ou drea eadl dloc ocke oc keed ar artitit st s in a phhot otogra ogra raph pphh. LLaatteer, Bas asqu q iaat sent se ntt War arho hol a port ho port po rtra raaiti of Do Doss Ca Cabe b za z s an andd Andy ddyy was

ennch c an a te ted. d. T heey go d. g t on liikke a hous hoous usee on on f irire, re, e, andd s aarr ted st teed ccllos osel eelly co coop o er erat atinng an at atin a d pa painnting titinngg togget ethe her.r he Exhi Ex hibbiitit on onss inn thee USAA, Lo Lond n oonn, EEddin nd inbu buurg rghh annd maannyy othe ot theer ppllac acces e soooon foll es folll ow fo owedd, ev evok okkinng eu okin euph p or ph oria i be-ia tw twee wee eenn them thhem m. Inn 198 9855 Ba Basq asqqui u at made adde itt to tthhe ffrroonnt pagee of Th pa page T eN Neew Yo Yorkk T ime im mes es. Thhe tititl es. titlt e of thee arttic i lee wass ““N wa New New ew Art r New w Monney ey: y: Ma M rk rket ket e in i g of o An AAm mer e iccann Artititist ist st”. t ”.. Finnal a ly ly,, Ba Basq squi sq uiat iat at mad ade de it to thhe Af Afriricca can an co conttii-nneent nt He nt.

He had nevver per er soonaalllly exxpplloorred ed thee plaaccee, desp de sppitte ititss frreq eque uent ue ntt pre rese seenncce in i his art rt.. In 199886 Affrir ca Afri c acc c eppte t d hiim an andd itt see eemeed th that Bas asqu qquuia i t hhaad n tthhinng le no left eftt to pr prov oovve. How owev ever ev er, Anndy dy Warho arho ar h l di d eedd unnexxpe pect cctted edly lyy, an andd Ba B sq s uuiiat at, de devaast deva stat ated at ed,, cl ed clos ossedd hiim osed mselflff off se f f anndd fou ound rel elie ieef inn drruugs ief gs. He H esc s appedd to Hawa Ha waiii , whic wa whhicch be beca eca came came m hiss f innal a desstitina natition na o . Th on Theer ere he he died on Au di A gu gust st 12t 2th, h, 198 h, 988.

8. Aft f er e his i dem e iisse, e the he art r w rlrldd sa wo said id,, “H id “Hee w waas lil t bbyy liv i inng fire fif ire r anndd f laam meed ou outt with wi ith t sim imi mililarr fasst he heat at.. Fo at Fort rtun unat un atel at e y hee lef el eftt uss for orev evver e thos th osee flflam amin am ing in ng ca c rb rbon bons” ons” s”.

Marie-Sophie Carron, Art Curator of the Paris exposition of J.M. Basquiat, and spouse of H.E. Pierre Lévy, French Ambassador in the Czech Republic

Lead Le ader e sM er Maaga gazi z nee I/2 / 01 01

20.1.2011 16:10:16

Willowtree, 1920–1922, Claude Monet

Basqui Ba sqqui uiat aatt ’s une n xp xpec ecc te ted de deat ath lilift fted tedd a wav avee of hug ug e em mottioons ns.. In I less s tthhan 8 yea e rs Jea e n Mi Mich c el ch el Basqu assqu quia iaat haad cr crea e te ea t d a su subs bsstant t ant ta ntiv ive bo body dy of work workk andd ach wo chie ieve ie eve vedd nneear ar-m -myt -m ytthi h ca call fa fame me. me Claude MONET (1 (184 840; 84 0; Par 0; a is i – 192 926; 6; Givver e nyy) Moone nett iss the h mosst fa famo m us mo us and n the he mos ostt addor ored ed p inte pa t r of te o the Fre renc ncch pe peop oopplee. Aff te terr th thiririrty tyy yeeaars thee citt y off Parris aga gainn preese sent ent ntss an a exh xhib ibititio ionn of of his art rtwo woorkk. Itt was hi his paainntiting ngg “Im mpr p eesssi s si sion oonn, Su Sunnris nrise” ee”” (PPaarir s, Mus useu e um eu Maarmot M rm mo ta tan) n)) whi h chh gavve a na name mee to a w whhole ole ar ol artt moove v ment me n , a st nt s yl y e of o Fre r nc nch ch pa pain i tit ngg in the the se th s ccoond n halflf off t e 19 th 19th t cenntury tuuryy. Du D riringg thi hiss tit me m , ma m ny arrttissttss (Mon (M onnet e , Reeno noirr, SSiisl sley ey, Baazzzille, ey e Piss sa sarr sarr rro, o, Cézzanne anne, an nee, Guuilllaaum min…)) reffussed ed to coopy the h com mmo m n accad a em micc s yylle annd cr st crea e te t d a ne n w wa wave vee of mo m dern deerrnn art rt..

Foor hi h s wo w rkk, M Mooneet became bee mee a reeffer eren enncee in th the hi hisstory to ry of aarr t. He waas a ma mast ster e of liligght er ght wh whic icch iss imp ich mpos os ssiib e to cap bl aptu ture tu re,, an re a d a dr d amattic i pai a ntterr of ro r ma mant mant ntic icc naatu ture re. Hee was und re n er e sttoo o d by neeaarlr y ev ever eryo er yoone n , an a d ther th e effor er ore po popu puula larr annd loove v d byy the brooaddes estt ma mass sses ess.

M ra Mi rabe b au and be n Cle leme meenc ncea eau we ea eau were re amo m ngg his is frien riienndss.

Hee adoorreed Ro Rodi d n, Zol di o a an andd Ma Maup uppass sa sant n. nt S nc Si ncee th the veery beg e in inni ning ni ng of hi hiss ca c re reer er Mon oneett was fasc fa sciinat sc a ed by la l nd ndsc sccappess and n the shi hift fttinng of liigght and n ccoolors loors. rss. He H avo void idded e the reaalm m of sttririctt aca cadeemi micc stt yyllee,, as he be beliliev iev eved edd tha hatt ev e er ery r yt y thi hing nngg hadd alrrea eady d bee dy eenn achhiev ac eved ed. d And Annd wh what att cou ould ldd be mo more perr feectt tha hann thhe most most mo s per erfe feect sty tyle le??

In his In is you outh th Monnett set e off alo long n witi h Fr ng Fred Fred eder erik er ik Bazzililll to Fon ontaaineb innebble leau auu, a ssm mal malll town toown wn not far awa way frfrom om Pari Pa arir s. T he heyy pa pain inte in tedd ouutddoo te o rss, em empl ploy pl oyyin ingg in the advvic i e of Bar arth t ol th o d Jo Jong nggki k nd n ,w whho ta taug ugght h thheem th that att “ th thee nanaatuure r youu capptuure out utsi s dee, wh si whic ichh yoou arre in dirrec ic ectt coontt ac a t wi w th th,, ha hass su such chh a str tron o g expr on exxpr p es es si s on and bon ona fifide d s, de s thaat itt is impo impo p ss ssib ibble to ffoorm muullat a e inn an arr tt-st sttud u iioo”. ” M neet exxpeerien Mo ence cedd th ce thee wa warr of 187 870, 0, as weelll as the 0, t he F rstt Wo Fi Worldd War.r He buuriried ed f irr stt andd secon econnd wi ec wife fe,, suurv veed hi vi h s so s n, and n livvedd lon onge geer th thaan mos ostt of o his beesst frie frfrie iend nds, nd s, as we well ass hi his favo his faavo voririte te mod o el e andd dau augh ghhte t rr-in innlaaw Suuza zann nne. nn e T he h morre hee suuff fe ferreed,, the mor o e he put u ut hoopee and lig ight h int ht ntoo hi nt hiss pa p in intititing ngs. ng s. T he s. here refo re f ree the canfo vase va s s frrom thhee seccon se ondd pa part rt of hi h s lil fe fe, th t e pa pain inting nggs of of

Riddle me this Batman, 1987, Jean-Michel Basquiat

Veeni nice nice ce,, Lo Lond nddon o and nd nattur uree in in Giver erny ny, arre ssoome om mee of hi hs most mo st bea eaut uttififul u wor orkkss. Pa orks Paiinnting Pain tiingg gavve hi him jooy,, a reaasoon to live. ive. His is fam a ou ous se seri eries riies es,, w whhic ichh w weere mul ultittiipl plee deepi picc-tition ons of the on he sam ame me mootitiff – tthhe ccaath thed edra ed edra ral in Rou ral o eenn, PPaarl arlrllia iaame ment ntt of Lo Loond ndon nd o anndd thee cliliff on liffff s inn Bel e lee – pro rovee his ex his hi e tr trao aoord rdin inar in aryy taale ar lentt s to to imppress rreess s ivvel ely ca ely c pt pturre tran tr annsi s en ence cee of lil gh ghtt inn tim me an andd itit s ch c anngees inn alll subub ub ttllet etie iees. s His i con ontr t ib tr ibut utio iioon too the he devel evveellopme ment nt of ar at caannnott be ssiim cann mppliifif ed ed, deesppitte hhiis ab abilit ilility t y to t mas aste t rfful ully lyy e pprres ex e s ann atm moossph phere erre of daiilyy mom o ennt an a d plac plla e.

M ne Mo net’t’t s arr tw twor orkk me or mean annt a re r vo voluutitonn to tthhe pe perc rrccep epttiiioon on of th t e ae aest esstt hheetics tiicss of ar ar t.t He sp speen ent hiis llaast astt thi hhiirt ry year ye arss inn Givveerr nnyy, surr ar suur rou ouund nded eedd by a la l rgge po poond nd witithh wate wa terr lililililie te ies es andd r icch m muultlt ic i ol o orr f lloorraa, wh which iicch he h t irree lleess ssly ly pro roje jjeect c edd ont nto canv canv nvas as. Pain Paaiinntiting ngg t hi h s pond poond nd witithh wate wa terr liiliieess mea te eant nt muc uchh mo m re r to Mo M nneeett tthhan han a sim impl pe pl aest ae sthe st hetititc vi visi sion si onn. H Hee leff t th t he cl c as a siica c l st s yl y e ooff pai aint n tiinng wi w tthh peerr sp s ec e titive ve and nd hoorr izzons. ons Hiss can on a va v sees were we re revo evvolut olut ol ut ioona nary ry in re rega ggaardds too a proocess ssss whi hich ch lea e d too abs bstr t act arr t. He tran trr an a ssffor orme m d la me land nndddsc scap apes ap es and es n t heeiirr f nc fu nctitiion ons. s. He di disc scov oovver ered a dep e th, thh im mpercep pee eepptitibl ib e byy tthhe huuma m n eyye, e, as weelll as a hi h dd dden essseennce ce of na natu turee tu andd itt s en an e dl dles es s ch es c annggeeab abil bili itity, y whi hich ch he trie t r ed to tr to capp tuuree agaainn andd aggaain in,, allwaays in th thee wa wayy th t at a it innflf u-ence en cceed hi him inn varie him aarr ie i d mooment mentt s. me s.

TThhe im i pres prreess si sive iveene ness s s of Mo Monneet’t ’s pa pain inting inti in ngss iss stitillll ng aalivve to toda toda daayy. y. It wa was, ss,, is, s, and nd wiilll al alwa waayss be a soot w sooootthing hing thher eraappy,, and a ref ef leecttio ef ionn of the har armo mony nyy and nd str tren ennggtth of hiss pos ositititivve an and pe p rc rcep eptititive ep vvee spiiririt.t..

By Iva Dre By rebi bitk bi t ko I tk č skk ý ppřř ekklad če laad naale lezn znnet etee v el e ek ektr ktr tron o ické on ické ic k ver erzi zi zi maaga gazí zínu zí nu na ww w w. w.le lead adder ader ersm smag sm aggaz a zin azi ine.cz ine. c cz

Untitled (Skull), 1981, Jean-Michel Basquiat

Lead Le ader ad erss Ma er M ga gazi z ne I/ zi I/20 2011 20 11

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20.1.2011 16:10:56

JAN J. Count DOBRZENSKÝ z DOBRZENICZ, the first Czech to become the Grand Master ever. Grand Chapter General of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem assembled on 20 November 2010 in Orléans, France, with one principal goal: to elect the 50th Grand Master of the Order. Correspondingly to article 20, paragraph 20.1 and to article 24, paragraph 24.6 of the Constitutional Charter, the members of the Order having the right to vote (from rank of Knight, Dame or Senior Chaplain), present at the Chapter General or having voted by correspondence, elected by 91% of votes His Excellence Jan Count Dobrzenský z Dobrzenicz, 50th Grand Master of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, here and overseas, Commander of Boigny. The election and other pertaining official proceedings took place at the castle La Ferté Saint-Aubin near Orléans. The newly elected 50th Grand Master was then inducted in his office in the ancient Cathédrale du Saint-Croix in Orléans.

important nomination

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

The newly installed Grand Master H.E. Jan Dobrzenský z Dobrzenicz with the rank banner embroidered with the dates of the Order’s greatest battles

The New Grand Master

OF THE ORDER OF SAINT LAZARUS OF JERUSALEM

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

The newly recruited members of the Order during the blessing of their insignia by Mons. Pierre Boz

24.1.2011 15:02:29

Members of the Czech team and HRH Prince CharlesPhilippe of Orléans, Duke of Anjou (49th Grand Master emeritus, now Grand Prior of France and the Order’s Prime Minister)

Investiture shot in the cathedral of the Holy Cross in Orleans on November 20th, 2010 – leading members of the Order going into the cathedral. HRH Prince CharlesPhilippe of Orléans, Duke of Anjou (49th Grand Master emeritus, now Grand Prior of France and the Order’s Prime Minister), H.E. Jan Count Dobrzenský z Dobrzenicz (50th Grand Master of the Order) and priests of the Order.

Grand Master H.E. Jan Count Dobrzenský z Dobrzenicz dubs Michael J. Pařík as knight

INAUGURAL SPEECH OF THE 50th GRAND MASTER: Monseigneur, Your Excellencies and Dear Confrères, My Friends, from the bottom of my heart I thank you for entrusting me with your confidence and loyalty. It is an honour to serve you as the 50th Grand Master of our beloved Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. Who would have imagined that after almost 1000 years of its history, a young Czech boy would accede to supreme command of our Order and become the successor to so many brilliant and prominent personalities? I draw my roots from the Czech lands and, therefore, dedicate this election to our great and proud Czech Nation. After 35 years of service to our great Order I will never forget my oath of loyalty to the fundamental principles of tradition and Christian values so dear to all our hearts. I will uphold these principles throughout my entire tenure as Grand Master. Thanks to the legitimacy provided by the protection of H.R.H Prince Henri d´Orléans, Head of the Royal House of France, I am able to legally assume my office in respect of our Constitutional Charter. With the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will preside over the destiny of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem and take the full moral responsibility of my office as Grand Master. In turn, I salute the great courage of many of my fellow brothers and sisters who came here to Orléans under difficult circumstances.

Let it be known that I will never forget this expression of loyalty which proves that we continue to act as one great family. As a family, we will continue to proceed together with humility, modesty and with the greatest of dignity. Now, it is time for me to give you an insight on my vision of the future of The Order of Saint Lazarus and how my mission is to be carried out. First and foremost, we are a brotherhood of Christian faiths and we all profess our commitment to Our Lord Jesus Christ. This means that we will reinforce our communion as an oecumenical Order; praying together, working together and communicating within this Christian spirit. Our fundamental raison d’être is to help the poor, the sick, the needy and all those who are unable to help themselves. This will be our priority and everything will be done to refocus the entire Order for this objective.

I take this solemn charge, avec l’aide de Dieu. So help me God. Jan Count Dobrzenský 50th Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem

Participants of the International Reunion in front of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Orléans

Photos: Martina Řehořová

JAN J. Count DOBRZENSKÝ z DOBRZENICZ was born on June 14, 1946 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He attended Grade School and High School in Canada. In 1974 he graduated from Kepner and Tregoe Business Management (Paris), in 1983 from CEDEP MBA (Fontainebleau) and in 1988 from the Institut de Finance (Paris). Count Dobrzenský is the founder and general manager of Statek Doubravka in the Czech Republic, which is a private estate involved in forestry, agriculture, livestock, dairy and fishery activities. He is also general manager of Dobravka France, a private legal vehicle for consultancy activities. Count Dobrzenský speaks fluent Czech, English107 and French. He is married and has four children and three grandchildren. His hobby interests include history, culture, economics and politics.

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21.1.2011 16:24:59

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/charity event

From left: Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., Secretary of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, and JUDr. Jiří Pospíšil, Minister of Justice of the CR

Lions Club

Guest of Honor: JUDr. Jiří Pospíšil, Minister of Justice of the CR Evening Topic: Recodification of the most important laws and changes to the organization of the judiciary

Prague Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Doc. MUDr. Martin Mates, CSc., Head Physician of the Cardio Centrum, Hospital Na Homolce and Ing. Jiří Nejezchleb, Tax Advisor

From left: Ing. Antonín Novotný, CEO, CSI and Ing. František Novotný, Director, TERRAMET s.r.o.

MUDr. Blanka Seifertová, General Practitioner and Antonín Felix Slováček, Conductor

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From left: Ing. Milan Maxa, Director and Owner, TECHEM CZ, s.r.o. Praha and Ing. Jiří Málek, President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director, Ing. František Novotný, Director, TERRAMET s.r.o., Ing. Antonín Novotný, CEO, CSI, JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

21.1.2011 11:47:25

From left: Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., Secretary of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Ing. Milan Maxa, Director and Owner, TECHEM CZ, s.r.o. Praha, and Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc., Authorized Expert for the Construction Field

MVDr. Pavel Hradecký, Health Councellor

MUDr. Václav Poláček, CSc., Plastic Surgeon

From left: Petr Laštovka, Enterpreneur and Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, Vice Dean, 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University

From left: MUDr. Karel Stibral, Psychiatrist, MUDr. Blanka Seifertová, General Practitioner, and Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc., Authorized Expert for the Construction Field

From left: Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, Vice Dean, 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University and PhDr. Ladislav Říha, Owner, CK RI-Tours and former President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

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

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Members of Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador together with JUDr. Jiří Pospíšil, Minister of Justice of the CR

21.1.2011 11:49:24

A paradise for skiers in the heart of Wallachia For more information visit

www.skiarealkycerka.cz

SKIER’S PARADISE IN VELKÉ KARLOVICE

SKI RESORT SYNOT KYČERKA

Skiers can enjoy Wallachia with taste at the SKI RESORT SYNOT KYČERKA. Among its many attractive services, the resort offers a rich gastronomic experience in the heart of Wallachia. In December, the new stylish restaurant “Hospoda Kyčerka” was opened with a symbolic chime. Clients can now taste traditional regional specialties here, which will be served directly from the oven or from a smoking chamber. For a pleasant experience, the restaurant prepares regular evenings with musicians. Winter sports lovers will not languish at the ski slopes either. Refreshments can be found at the new igloo “U Eskymaka” (At Eskimo´s), where visitors can enter while wearing ski boots. Another stop you can make while on your way down the ski slopes is at the smokehouse “U Chudeju”, where you can try meat, cheese and fish specialties, either barbequed or grilled. “We do our best to make our visitors as comfortable as possible so that they will be happy to come back again. That is why we also offer them a number of remarkable experiences and services; from comfortable skiing, unusual gourmet experiences to comfortable lodgings in stylish cottages,” said Ivo Valenta, the founder of Synot Holding. SKI Resort SYNOT Kyčerka offers 2,530 meters of ski slopes with 9 lifts, which are able to carry up to 6,450 passengers per hour. The resort offers, among other slopes, an observation ski slope, a sports and recreational ski slope, 2 training ski slopes, 2 children’s parks and a fun-park with hurdles for skiers and snowboarders. Skiers can use various services, such as ski rental, as well as many popular possibilities for evening skiing. Visitors’ safety is handled by mountain rescue.

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

24.1.2011 10:19:30

Tens of millions Czech crowns were invested into the renovation of the resort with support of the European Union funds

The offer of SKI RESORT SYNOT KYÄŒERKA includes accommodation in 8 fully equipped stylish Wallachian cottages close to ski slopes

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24.1.2011 11:23:15

IN THE STEPS OF Mint Master Bruno to the Brno Underground The opening of the Mincmistrovský sklep (M Mint Masters’ Cellar) was an outstanding event for the city of Brno, and was the first step in the opening of thhe Brno underground. In the spring, the labyrinth under Zelný trh will be opened, and in addition to this the reconstruction of the area unnder the Church of St. James (kostel sv. Jakuba), including its unique ossuary, is under way.

Photo: Archive

The Mint Massters’ Cellar or the cellars under thee Dům mincmistrůů (Mint Masters’ House) documentss the historical celllar space that was discovered duringg excavations of the Brno underground under Domi-nikánské náměsstí in 1999. These were discoveredd notably under thhe house of the Mint Master Brunoo and later of Mikkuláš of Věž. Since 2007 the cellar

has been reconstructed and parts have been opened on occasion to the public. Three years later, the restored areas under the New Town Hall were added, thereby opening up a highly valuable cellar complex, in which there are exhibitions of what is today the almost forgotten art of coin minting in Brno and Moravia, and is also a reminder of the historical development of this city location from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Visitors enter the Mint Masters’ Cellar from Panenská Street. In the exhibition they may, for example, compare what our predecessors did with their money.

The most interesting attraction will probably be the functioning coin press, originally operated by four people, which is placed in the cellar. Visitors may also take home minted coins with the symbol of Brno as a souvenir. The exhibition also boasts a model of the historical Rybný trh (Fish Market), today’s Dominikánské náměstí (Dominican Square), and a replica of the demolished Royal Chapel, preserved fragments of which are found in the lower part of the cellar. Due to the fact that the cellar complex is in the premises of the New Town Hall, this exhibition may also be used for audiovisual presentations of the city’s present.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE BRNO UNDERGROUND IS A SUCCESS THANKS TO FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE EU The network of stairways which can be found under the surface of the square and the buildings on it has been reconstructed thanks to substantial grants from EU Regional Operational Proggramme funds. The European Union for example contributed one hundred million Czech Crowns, and the citt y of Brno added a further 62 million from its budgett. Thanks to these grants, the doors to the Brno unnderground, which only very few people have seen, are being gradually opened to visitors to the historiccal centre of Brno.

With their opening the city perceivves a new impetus to increase their attractiveness and promises a selection of tourist routes which consist of educational routes, bringing historical figures to life and vividly illustrating historical events. What is more, the Mint Masters’ Cellar is partially accessibble to disabled visitors, and therefore in contrast to other underground areas, wheelchair-users are also welcome.

By Roman Onderka I Mayor of the City of Brno

Ms. Petra Kačírková, Coordinator of the Project for the Brno Underground, assists at the signing of the guest book by the Mayor

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24.1.2011 10:40:15

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

ZA MINCMISTREM Brunem do brněnského podzemí Otevření Mincmistrovského skl klepa na konci listopadu 2010 se stalo výjimečným okamžikem pro město Brno – byl to prrvní krok ke zpřístupnění brněnského podzemí. Následovat bude na jaře 2011 labyrint pood Zelným trhem. Současně je ve fázi příprav rekonstrukce podzemí pod kostelem sv. Jakubba, včetně unikátní kostnice.

Mincmistrovský sklep či Sklepenní domu mincmistrů je označení historických skleppních prostorů, objevených při průzkumu brněnskkého podzemí pod Dominikánským náměstím již v roce 1999.

Nacházely se patrně pod domem m mincmistra Bruna a později Mikuláše od Věže. Od roku 2007 byl rekonstruovaný sklep příležitoostně otevírán veřejnosti a o tři roky později k němu byly připojeny opravené prostory pod Novou radnicí. Vznikl tak velmi cenný sklepní komplex, ktterý je vybaven expozicemi připomínajícími dnes již téměř zapomenuté řemeslo ražby mincí v B Brně a na Moravě a zároveň je připomínkou histoorického vývoje této městské lokality, a to od sstředověku do současnosti.

Návštěvníci vstoupí do Mincmistroovského sklepa z Panenské ulice. V expozici mohou například porovnat, co si pořizovali naši předkovéé za své peníze.

Nejzajímavější atrakcí se pro příchozzí zřejmě stane funkční lis k ražení mincí, původněě obsluhovaný čtyřmi lidmi, umístěný přímo ve skllepě. Vyražené mince se znakem Brna si zde také mohou pořídit na památku. Expozice nabízí i modeel historického

The Mint Master’s Cellar and its exhibitions remind us of the forgotten craft of coin minting in Brno and Moravia

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Rybného trhu, tedy dnešního Dominikánského náměstí, a repliku zbořené Královské kaple. Fragmenty, které se z kaple podařilo zachovat, jsou uloženy ve spodní části sklepa. Vzhledem k tomu, že sklepní komplex se nachází v prostorách Nové radnice, která dnes představuje sídlo správy jihomoravské metropole, může být tato expozice využívána také pro audiovizuální prezentaci historie i současnosti statutárního města.

REKONSTRUKCE BRNĚNSKÉHO PODZEMÍ JE ÚSPĚŠNÁ DÍKY FINANČNÍ PODPOŘE Z EU Síť chodeb, které se klenou pod povrchem náměstí a domů, se daří rekonstruovat díky výrazné dotaci z fondů EU – Regionálního operačního programu. Evropská unie tak například jen na rekonstrukci Mincmistrovského sklepa přispěla 100 milionů korun, město Brno pak dodalo dalších 62 milionů z rozpočtu svého. Díky tomu se návštěvníkům historického centra Brna postupně otevřou brány podzemí, které prozatím viděl jen málokdo. Město vidí ve zpřístupnění podzemí nový impulz ke zvýšení své atraktivity a slibuje nabídku prohlídkových tras obsahujících

The last Brno Mint Master Konrád reads extractss from facsimiles of medieval documents on Brno to the Mayor annd guests

prvky naučných stezek, oživení histoorických figur či živéé znázornění historických událoostí. A k tomu ještě něco navíc – Mincmistrovský sklep je částečněě bezbariérový, takže na rozddíl od jiných podzeemních prostor jsou do něj zváni také vozíčkkáři.

Roman Onderka I primátor statutárníhoo města Brna

Photos: Marie Schmerková

20.1.2011 16:13:22

Opened State-of-the-art Integrated Emergency Center

THE BEST IN CENTRAL EUROPE Photo: Archive

Thee ce Th c nter er int n eggra rate tess a re te rece ceeiv i in ingg off all inc ncom om min ingg emer em erge er genc ge nccy ca c llss frfrom from the he areea of Morav orrav avia iania n-Si nSile Si leesi sian a an R gi Re gion o (MS on MSK) K . ItI fun K) unct ctio ions nss as Op Oper errat a ioon Ce Cent n er nt e for o all part pa rtss of Int rt n eg e rateed Em Emer erge er genc ge nccy Syysttem m, i.i e. e T he Firiree Briggadde Re Br R sc s ue Cor orps pss of MS M K, Pol o icce annd Re Resc scue sc u ue S rv Se rvic i e MSK. ic K ´TT hiss prroj ojec e t willl draama matititca callllly in incr crreaasee the quaua ua lilty of ou ourr Innteegrrat ated ed Emeerggen ed e cy Ceennnte teer (I(IBC BC – I te In tegr grrov grov ovan anéé be an bezppeč bezp ečnnost nostní sttní centr enntr trum um m) annd w wiillll hel e p to soolv lvee cr cris issis sittuaatition onns. s We beeliev liiev evee even entu tuual a lyy it he help elpps to dec to ecre reas re asse a da d ma mage gee of ou o r ciititize z ns´pr p oper oper op erty tyy, thhei e ir heeal a th and livves e ´, not o edd Jar aros oslav Pa os P las, s,, Preesi side d ntt off de thee Mooraavi th vian a -SSiillessiaan Re R gi g on o .

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IBCC al a lows loowss alll eme m rggency cyy callls fro r m th thee wh w ol olee muni m mu uni n ci cipa p liity of MS pa MSKK to to be reeceeiv ived e in si ed sing n le sta ng t tiion o .

Itt mon onitititor orr s al alll em emer errge genc nccy nu numb m err s: mb s: 112 1 , 1550, 1555, 1 6 annd 15 15 158.

8 Itss off 8. f f iccer erss se s nndd tea eams m and ms n coo oope ppeeraatee thhe r wo thei work rk any ny wh nywh w er e e in thee reggio ion, n whi n, hich chh is ab a ou o t 555000 km2 in si s zee. Mooraavi viaa-Si aSile Si lesi le s a iss inh si nhab a itited ab ed by m re mo r tha hann 1, 260 milillililion o peoopl on p e an a d pa pass ass s ses ses e for o thee most mo st poppulat ulat ul a edd reg egioon inn C ze zech chh Rep epub ubblil c..

H w th Ho thee ne n w op o erat atio ions nss roo oom m af a fe fect ctt s citizeens n of Osstr t av a a an a d wh whol o e Moorraavi ol vian an-S an -Silililes -S les e ia iann Re R gi g on on?? IB IBCC rece re ceeivves e allll eme merggenncyy thu h s al a l teeam amss arre noow co coordinate na teed frfrom oom m thiis veeryy plaace ce. Af Afte teer re r ceeiv ivinng orde orders or der , de s pa se p raate firefig i ht h er and n eme merggenncy cy corrps willl reetu t rn to the to heiririr hom o e ba base sess as the se h y used ussed e to be b fore r IBC B open op enin en ing. in g g.

Cuurrrren entt Ceent nter e for eme er merg rgencyy cal rg alls in Os alls O trava (CC TV T V)) the thher eref efor ore or re cl c ossed e dow ownn as wel e l ass othher ope p ratition o s cent on cent ce nter erss of o f iriref e ig ef ight hter ht ers, er ss,, eme merg rgen rg ency cy servicee andd poolilice cee in Mo Mora ravi ra v an vi an-S -SSillessiaan Re Regi gion gion gi o . New Neew IB I C opper e at rss wor to orkk to toge geth ge ther th err in si sing ngle ng lee eme merg rggen ency cy ope pera ratitition ra onss on room ro om.. Th om They ey are at di d sp spos osal os al of st stat a e-of at e--off-the -tthee-art -aart r tec e hnolo no lloogy g and mod oder ernn innfo er form rmat rm atio at ionn suupp io pport in order to mannagge sm smal allll ac al acci cide ci dent de ntt and extreme disasters nts andd cris an crr is isis is sittua u tit on onss alik allikke. e Loc ocal all citittize izens, iz ens, peo eopl plee of Ost stra stra r vaa, caan re rely lyy on th this iss ceennte terr whhos ose se qquual alitt y iss on to t p woorlr d le leve vel.l.l. It ma ve make kess lilivess annd ho hom mes of mes M ra Mo ravi vian vi an-S an -SSilles esia ians ia nss saf afer er.. er Thee buuili di Th ding ng was des e iggne nedd by

by IDEA DE A Studio ioo andd bui uiltlt in coope oopeera oo ratit onn witth IB rati BC MS MSK VÍ MSK VÍT Í T KOVVIC ICEE RE VM MON OND D

VOKD VO KD D Asssoc o iaatition on,, wh on whos osee me os m mb mber erss ar er are VÍ VÍTK T KOV TK OVVIC ICEE R VM RE VMON ONTT a.

ON a s. s a VO OKK D, a.ss.

Cost Co stt s of o the pro roje jeect rea each ched ch ed 6800 milil.. Kčč. Thhe ma majo j r jo ssoour our urce of fiina nannc nces e (92,5 922,5 ,5%) % com %) omes es fro r m a buudggett of Regi Re ggiion o al Counc ouunccili for Cohhesio essio ion of Mor orav avia av iaa-S -Sililes les esia iaa. Th T e abbso abso s luutee sum equ qual ual alss 66330 mi m l. Kč. T he resst wa w s fif naanc n edd by Mi Mini n sttryy of In ni Inte tteerir orr (29 2 ,00 %), Morrav avia iaanS leessiiaann Reeggioon (2 Si ( 6, 6 6 %) and Citt y off Ost stra rava ra va (444,44 %)..

Thhe mo m st st ast ston onnisshhiingg eleeme ment n off ne new w buuilldi d ng is deefifini nite tely l its opera ly peera r tion o s roooom m. At thee pre rese sent se ntt timee itt is foorm med e by el e even e multitifu func nction onal al opeera ratititng n sta-tition ons. s Eac achh on onee of them is excclusi s ve v ly dett ac a he hed for onne of fou ourr main parr ts t of In I tegrrat a ed Eme merg rgen rg encyy System e . Op Operrat a ingg statioons can deaal wi with t any sitituuath tion o from m its very tilll thhe en end. Int n errco com m op oper e at ator o use or ses all needed e communi n catiion mea e ns. He ope pera raatees la l nd lilnes, s radio io, phone and da d taa traans nsmi miss ssio i ns io ns. s De D sp s ite n titonnal difi ferenc na ncceess the C TV T V can a be reached also throoug th ugh Euuro rope peean emergency number “112”. The syyssttem m is designed to act homogeneously, so CTV operators could coordinate complicated and cha h llenging situations effectively.

CTV also administers offices of Moravian an-Silessia ian Regi Re g onn Tassk Fo gi Forcce. It eq Forc equi uips tec ui echnol echn hnol hn olog log ogic gical icall andd inf ic n or or-maatiionn fac acilililitititie iees an a d cooordiina nate tess miiss ssio ions io ns of ci city ty and regi re gion onnal crisiss team a s.

Jaroslavv Palas I Pressident of the Moraviann-SSilesiann Region Pr

24.1.2011 10:53:10

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Moravskoslezský kraj má nejmodernější INTEGROVANÉ BEZPEČNOSTNÍ CENTRUM

VE STŘEDNÍ EVROPĚ Tooto Tot to cen entr t um budde integrovat příjem všech tr ttísňňov ovýc ýcch voolá lání ní z úzeemí Moravskoslezského kraje a vyy tv tvář ářet ář e jed et edno noo ope peračn čníí st s ředi řeedi disk sko ko pr p o vš v echny s ožžkkyy int sl nteg eggro r vaané n ho zác á hrrannné ného h sys ho y téému m , te tedy d H si Ha sičs č kkééhoo zác čs á hr h annné n ho sbo boru ruu MSKK , Po P lilici c e ČR ci a Zddra ravo vootnniicckéé zácchr h an anné né slu lužb žbyy MS M K. Jak a řeekkl hheejttmaan Mo Mora raavssko kosl s ezz skkééhho kraj sl ajje Ja J ro rosl slav sl avv Pal alas aass, jd jdee o pr proj roj ojek ekk t,t k teerý v ýzzna namn m ě zv z ýš ýší kv kval allitu ittu sl s už užeb e int eb ntteggnteg rova ro vané néého záchr h an a nééhoo sys ysté téému m , př přis ispě is p jee k lep pě e ší k or ko o di d naaci přiř řešenní kr kriz izovýc iz z ýchh si s tuuaccí a v koone n čn čném ém m důssl dů sleddku přiřisp spěj sp ějee ke ěj k sníže níí že žení ní škood na živ i ot otec ech, ch, h zdrravví a ma m je j tk tkuu ob o ča čanů nů.

Intteegr In egrov ovvan ané be b zppeč ečnost stní ní cen entr t um tr m (IB BC) C umo možn žnní přř ijijím ím ímat mat volán oollán á í na vše šechny nyy lin inky kyy tís ísňové vého ho voolán á í z úz územ emíí ce em celé lého lé ho Morrav a sk skos o lleezské os kéhoo kra raje je, te tedy dy linnky 112, 11 2, 150 2, 50, 15 155, 5, 156 a 1588, umož um moožžní žní v yssílílat at sílly a pr pros ostř os třed tř edky ed ky k zás ásah ahhům a koo oord rdin rd inov in ovat ov att čin inno nnoosstt Inte tegr te g ovvan a éh éhoo zá zách chra ch rann ra nnéh nn éhoo sy éh syst stém st émuu (I(IZS ém ZSS) na úze zemí mí c léhoo Morrav ce avskos osle os lezské le k ho ké h kra raje je, je je jeho hožž ro ho rozl zloh zl ohaa je oh 55500 0 km m2. Moora ravs v kosl s ez sl e skk ý kr k ajj je neejljlid idna id n tě tějš jším jš ím z kraj krajjů Če kr Č sk ské ké reepu publ blik bl iky ik k y s 1 260 260 0000000 ob 26 obyv yvat yv a el at e i.i.

Coo to bu bude de zna name mena natt pr proo ob obča čany nyy měs ěsta ta Ost stra ravy vy a celého Moravsskoslezsk l ské kého kraje? Do IBC, jeh ehož ožž provoz byl zahájen na po počá čáttku tohoto roku byla svve vede d na volání na tísňováá čísla z území celého kraje. Z toohotoo jediného místa pakk budouu předávány pokyny k výjjezduu

Ostrava_Brno.indd 115

záchranných a zásahových jednotek do všech stanic a sídel hasičů, záchranky a policie v kraji. Ti k zásahům budou vyjíždět ze svých stanic stejně jako doposud.

Svouu činnno n st tedy ukončilo stávající Centrum tísňového vého vé h vol o án á í v Os O travě (CC TV) a všechna další operační stře st ř di ře disk ska ha sk hasi asi s čů čů,, zdraavo votn t ické záchranné služby a potn lilici c e v Mo ci M raavssko kosl slez sl ezssk ez ském m krajijii. St Stej ejně ej ně jak a o v CTV O trt av Os ava, a,, t akk i v nov o ém m IBC vši š ch chni n dispe isspeeče č ři spoluprrac acuj u í vvee spooleeččnném uj m sál ále. e. K dis ispo poozi zici ci maj ajíjí tu t nej emode mo deern r ěj ější ší tecchn ší hnol ologgiii a špiiččkkov ol o ouu inf nfor o ma or mačn ční čn ní po podporu po ru k tom mu, u, aby b r ycchl hlee a úč ú innněě z vl v áddli vše šech chny ch n ny m léé přířípa ma ppaady dy, aalle i ve v lkké hhaavááririe, e mim e, imoř o ádné áddné udáálo l st stii a kr kriz i ov iz ové si situ tuuac acee na n úze z mí m celléh é o Mo Mora r vssko ra kosl sllez ezsk skéh sk éhoo éh kraj kr aje. e Oby e. by va byva v te telé léé Morravvsk skos osle os lezs zské kého krraajee, mě ké m sta stta O travv y v IBBC zí Os z sk skal a i špiččko kové véé pra raco c vi višt ště št tě naa svě věto tové vé ú ovni úr ni,, kt k eré jiim po posk sk yttne gar skyt sk aran anci ci bez ezpe pečn pe čnéh čn é o ži éh ž voota a be b zp zpeč eččnýýchh dom o ovvů v Mo Mora r vs vsko koosl s ez e skkém kra rajijii.

Proj Pr ojjek ekta tant ta ntem nt em stavb t avbby byylaa osttra ta r vs vská ká spo p le lečn čnnos ost Atel At elié el iérr ID ié DEAA a zho hoto tovi to vite vi tele te lem le m Sd S ruužeení „IB IBCC MS M K VÍTK VÍ TKKOVVIC ICEE REVM MON N T – VO VOKD KD D“, “, t vo v ře řené néé spo pole leečn čnos ostm os tmii VÍTK VÍ T KOV TK TKOV OVIC ICEE RE REVM VM MON O T a. a.s. s a VOK s.

O D,, a.s. .ss. Ro Rozp zppočto očč toové nák áklad adyy ce c léého ho proje roojeekt ktuu či čini nilyy 6800 mill. Kč K . Ma Majo j riritjo tním zdrojjjeeem m (9 (922, 2,5 % z ceelkkov ov ýc ý h zp způs ůssob obilillýc ých ná nákl klad kl adůů ad projektu)) je j rozzppooče čett Regionální rad a y regi reegi gion onuu on soudržnoosstti Mo M raavs vsko kosl slez sl eezz sko („ ( ev evro roops p ké pen eníz íze“ íz e ). e“ Absolutnně jdde o čá část stku ku neeccel ku cel elýcch 6330 mi mil.l. Kč. č Na

zbylém financování se podílejí Ministerstvo vnitra ČR (29,0 %), Moravskoslezský kraj (26,6 %) a statutární město Ostrava (44,4 %).

Základním prvkem celého systému Centra tísňoZá v hoo vol vé olán áníí je dispe p čerský sál. V současné době je t voř tv o en jeedden denácti multifu funk nkčn čníímii di disp sppeč ečer er skk ým ýmii pr praacoovi v šštti,i, roz ozdě děle dě lleený nými mi mezzi čt mi č t yř yřii zá zákl k adní kl addní n slo ložk žkyy IZZS. žk S. Z ka každ žddéh é o pr prac accov oviš i těě je mo iš možn žnoo vé žn vést st příípaad od od zač ačát átku át ku až do konc nce. e. Disspe p če čerr má k tom omu vš všec ecchnny pootřřeb ebné né koomu m ni n ka kačn čnní pr p os ostř t ed tř e ky k – linnko kové véé, rád ráádi diov ové, é fonnic é, i ké i da dato t vé to vé.. I kd k yž y se st stál á e po ál použ užžív užív í aj ajíjí ná náro r dn ro d í čí č sl s a ttííss ňoovvééhoo vol oláán ání a ta t aké k evr v oppsskké ččíísl s o 112, 1122,, sysstéém jee 11 n vrr že na ženn ta t koový vým ým zppůssobbem e , že se ch c ov o á hoomoge moggeenn mo nněě a di disp sppeč ečeřř i CT ečeř CTVV ta takk moohoou v ko komp m liiko mp kova vvaané n a náá ročn ro č é si čn sittu tuac tuac a i kooorrdi d no nova vaat účin úččinně něě svů v j po post stupp.

Souč So ouččás ástítít sys ysté tému té mu C TV je i pr p ac a ov oviš iště iš tě kririzo z vvéého h štáb št ábuu Mo áb M raavs vsko koosl s ezz sk skéh skéh éhoo kr k aj aje, e v ybbav e, aven e é pootřtřeb en e nýým eb tteechhnolo nooloogi g ck ckým ým m a inf n orrmačn maačnním m záz ázem em mím proo práci rácii rá kriz kr izzov ovýc ý h or ýc o gá g nůů měs ěsta ta a kra raje jee.

Jaro Ja roosl slav avv Pal alas as I hejt he jtma jt m n Mo ma Mora ravs ra vsko k sl ko s ez e sk skéh é o kr éh kraj ajee aj

20.1.2011 16:14:35

H.E. László Szöke, Ambassador of Hungary in his welcoming speech

EU diplomatic event 10th January – The opening event of the Hungarian EU presidency – a festive mass and a concert – in the Břevnov Archabbey. St. Vojtěch was the founder of the Abbey in Pannonhalma and Polish Gniezno – Poland’s Church Centre, the Baptist of the Hungarian king St. Stephen (and the patron of the Ostrihom-Budapest Archdiocese).

HUNGARY TAKES OVER

THE EU PRESIDENCY Archbishop D. Duke, the Polish Primate Emeritus H. Muszynski, Emeritus Archbishop of Gniezno, and the Bishop and Pannonhalma’s Archabbot Asztrik Várszegi officiated the mass. The concert was performed by the Schola Hungarica choir. Count Karel Schwarzenberg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alena Gajdůšková, Vice-President of the Senate, Jaromír Drábek, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Vlastimil Picek, Chief of the General Staff of the CR and Jiří Drahoš, President of the Academy of Sciences attended the inauguration of the Hungarian EU presidency in Prague.

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EU matters.indd 116

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

The formal opening of the Presidency was preceded by a Holy Mass in the Church of Saint Adalbert and Saint Margaret and celebrated by Mons. Dominik Duka, the Archbishop of Prague who was assisted by Mons. Henryk Muszyński, the Archbishop Emeritus of Gniezno, Primate Emeritus of Poland, and Bishop Asztrik Várszegi, the Archabbot of the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma, Hungary.

20.1.2011 17:37:49

From left: PhDr. Vojtěch Belling, Ph.D., Acting Secretary of State for EU Affairs and Director General, Government of the Czech Republic and H.E. Jean Faltz, Ambassador of Luxembourg

From left: Mons. Dominik Duka, the Archbishop of Prague and General Vlastimil Picek, Chief of the General Staff

From left: Most Reverend Diego Causero Titular Archbishop of Grado, Apostolic Nuncio and Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the CR

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Rolf Ericsson, Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden, Prague and Marta Ruiz Mínguez, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Spain

Strong Europe – this is our motto. We believe that the crisis and the decisions Member States have taken to overcome it show that the response to the current epochal challenges should be more and not less Europe. This is our aim as Presidency: to help create an economically, socially, politically and institutionally stronger and more attractive Europe.

EU matters.indd 117

H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel and Kateřina Lukešová, Head of Diplomatic Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

From left: Jaromír Drábek, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the CR, Juraj Chmiel, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture of the CR, and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia

24.1.2011 12:59:25

From left: H.E. Jean Faltz, Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Valerie Raymond, Ambassador of Canada, and H.E. André Regli, Ambassador of Switzerland Dr. Ingo von Voss, Minister Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Prague and H.E. Renilde Loeckx, Ambassador of Belgium

From left: Ph.D Miloš Balaban, Head of the Center, CESES with his wife and Colonel István Talián, Defence, Military and Air Attaché to the CR, Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands, Ministry of Defence, Republic of Hungary

Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the CR in his speech

H.E. Johannes Haindl, Ambassador of Germany and H.E. Sian Christina Mac-Leod, Ambassador of Great Britain

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Hungary Takes over the EU Presidency...

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EU matters.indd 118

From left: Ing. Jaroslav Zajíček, Director, EU Policies Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin Tlapa, MBA, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ing. Petr Kubernát, Director, Pekos s.r.o., and Richard Kadlčák, Deputy Director, Strategy, Analysis & Project Management Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

24.1.2011 15:20:34

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BUSINESS NEWS J

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DID YOU KNOW THAT… ...the Single Market Act has been published?

On the 27th of October, the European Commission published The Single Market Act (SMA), a new document which aims to further strengthen the European Single Market. The document comprises 50 proposals from different areas of the internal market, such as economic growth, services, standardization, transport, energy industry, t supportt to SME MEs, consumer andd employee’ l ’s rights, and public services and governance. The proposed measures are to be adopted by 20122 at the latest. ...the EU Citizenship Report has been issued?

With the subheading “Dismantlingg the obstacles obstac to EU citizens’ rights”, the European an Commission released the EU Citizenship Reportrt for 2010. The report contains 25 proposals with a main objective ctive of solving oordinary problems that European citizens are facing in their dayto-day life. The proposals have too bbe implemented during the next 3 years, and will deal with problems linked to a whole group of citizens, such as tourists, consumers, employees, international couples and car owners. ...the EU wants to discuss the future of VAT? The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the improvement of the value added tax system in the EU member mbbe states. All in interested parties are invited to submit theirr contributions cont buti ut ons to the Green Paper by the 31st of May 2011.

11. The aim of the Green paper is to render the EU VATT system m more mo stable stable, modern, modern solid solid, effective and simple, so that European Euro citizens and SMEs can benefit from it.t. The Commissio Commission wants to collect all poss po ssib ible le opi pini nion onss onn tha hatt to topi picc an andd to mod oder erni nize ze the system. VAT was intr introduced in Europe 40 years ago, and today’s complex system represents enormous additional costs, as well as an administrative burden for tax payers and barriers to trade. ...e-invoicing is desirable until 2020?

The European Commission wishes electronic electron invoicing to be the prevailing form of invoici invoicing in Europe. In its communication ‘Reaping thee benefits of el electronic invoicing for Europe’ the Commission mission introduces various va measures leading to an increase ase in the use of e-invoic e-invoices in Europe.

According to the Commission, n, com companies can benefit from prov pr ovid idin ingg th thei eirr in invo voic icee da data ta, as as it ca cann le lead ad to a de decr crea ease se in late payments. E-invoicing can a also decrease administrative costs dedicated to printing and postage. In addition, n, structured electronic invoices can facilitate the integrat egration of business processes, including purchases and payments. ...a new Strategy for skills and jobs was introduced?

The European Commission has introduced a New Skills for New Jobs Strategy that is the main flagship initiative within the Europe 2020 Strategy concerning employment for the next 10 years. The strategy enforces flexicurity, which is a group of instruments supporting the ability of participants in the labour market to adapt while sufficient secu se curirity ty con once cern rnin ingg re reve venu nues es and wor orki king ng con ondi ditition onss is preserved. The strategy also underlines the main principle “Think small first”, which places importance on SMEs. ...the future of Competitiveness and Innovation Programme is being discussed?

The European Commission has launched a public consultation focusing on the future of Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP), mainly in the area of finan-

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cial instruments available for SMEs. CIP is the main instrument inst stru rume m nt of of the EU E for competitiveness (except for research) for the period peerirod of 2007–2013. Its main priorities are SMEs’ MEs’ access to finance for innovations (including eco-innovations), nno the use of ICTs, energy efficiency and renewable ab sources of energy. CIP actively facilitates access to credits and capital for SMEs. The comments should be sent no later than February 4, 2011. ... tobacco producers reject the new packaging?

Manufacturers of tobacco products do not like the proposal for new legislation that would introduce the common packaging for cigarettes that should indicate only the name of the product and a safety issue warning.

The Commission started a public consultation on this topic in September 2010. The producers argue that the legislation can lead to an increase in counterfeit tobacco products. On the other hand, the Commission’s aim is to decrease the number of smokers by using pictures of destroyed human lungs or a heart after a heart attack on eac achh bo boxx as a war arni ning ng. Th Thos osee pi pict ctur ures es are alrlrea eady dy available on boxes in Belgium and Great Britain. The new proposal is expected to be presented next year.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS 595 European Companies established The European Commission has issued an evaluation report concerning the European Company Statute (Societas Europaea, SE) that has been available since 2001. Until June 2010 there were 595 SEs established in 21 member states, while 70% of those were established in the Czech Republic and Germany. The report deals with the basic elem el emen ents ts of es esta tabl blis ishi hing ng an SE SE, ei eith ther er pos osititiv ivee (t(the he Eur uroopean image, or the possibility to transfer the domicile of a firm) or negative (the time and capital intensity of an SE).

The Commission concludes that several goals have been achieved, but that the current situation can be further improved.

86% of registrations to REACH by big companies According to the regulation REACH, all new chemicals had to be registered by the 30th of November 2010 at the latest.

Nearly 4300 chemicals were registered, including lud almost 3400 new ones in 24,675 registration files. The defi definitive niti itive v number of regist registrations and chemicals will bee established in the fo foll following l o ngg we week ekss wh when en all the doc ocum umen umentations e will illll be examined. d. The European Chemicalss Agency (ECHA) will be in charge off uupdating the numbers on its website. te. Approximately 86 % of regis gistrations were made by big companies; mpan the rest were registered by SMEs. The majority of reg we registrations came from companies having their domicile in Great G Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France, 19% of registrations came from third countries.

Member states have to return 578.5 mil euro The European Commission requires all member states to return funds of 578.5 million euro that they have received within the Common Agriculture Policy. The monies must be retu re turn rned ed to th thee Co Comm mmis issi sion on, as the heyy we were re spe pent nt wititho hout ut justification. Member states are obliged to control expenses within the Common Agriculture Policy and the Commission supervises member states to spend the funds for the right purposes. The funds have to be returned from 19 countries, among others the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Greece, and Sweden. The amount for the Czech Republic to return is 0.67 million euro.

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Only 34.4% of the self-employed are women Eurostat published a study which shows that only 34.4% of all self-employed workers are women. To solve this issue, the Commission has introduced the European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors that should inspire other women to establish their own companies.

The Network is made up of 150 female entrepreneurs from 10 European countries. The potential for women in business hass no ha nott be been en ful ully ly exp xplo loitited ed so fa farr, eve venn th thou ough gh it se seem emss to be more viable than a business managed by men.

THE EU IN THE WORLD European companies suffer from discrimination in China European companies are experiencing discrimination measures when trying to succeed in tenders in China. The Commission has begun implementing retaliation measures to help European businesses. Companies are discriminated mainly by protectionist measures that make it difficult to compete when trying to win a tender. The Commission also wants to support the access of European firms on world markets by publishing a new trade policy agenda “Trade, Growth and World Affairs” that aims to achieve equality lityy between European and local companies. China refuses uses to accept the criticism.

New trade policy agenda The European Commission published a new trade policy agenda of the EU that should help the recovery of the European economy and increase employment. employment The new trade strategy aims to open markets and to connect Europe to the main resources of raw materials and regions of global trtrad adee. The mai ainn ch chal alle leng nges es of th thee EU iinn th this is aarre reaa wi willll be th thee successful conclusion of WTO negotiations n otiatio as well as negotiations with importantt trade partne p rtners, such as India and Mercosur. The EU will also ffocus ocus oc us oonn deepening relations with strategic partners ers – the USA, China, China Russia and Japan.

Customs cooperation with Russia The EU Commissioner for Ta Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud, Alggird rdas Šemeta, visited Moscow in order to discuss enhanced ce customs cooperation between the EU and Russia. The discussion primarily concerned the creation of a strategic framework to facilitate trade between both sides and to ensure the safety of the supply chain and antiti-ffra an raud ud. Ac Acco cord rdin ingg to Šem emet etaa, Rus ussi siaa is an im impo portrtan antt partner, and tariffs are the most significant issue when ensuring smooth and safe trade between those partners.

Russia is the third biggest trade partner for the EU (after China and the USA), with exports from the EU accounting for 65.5 billion euro and imports to the EU accounting for 115 billion euro.

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Brought by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU (kindly supported by CzechTrade), www.cebre.cz

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

An interview with H.E. Vladimír Müller, Ambassador sssadorr of of the the Czech Republic ubl to the Kingdom of Belgium

DESPITE ITS SIZE

BELGIUM IS OUR SIGNIFICANT EXPORT PARTNER! Since the 11th of July 2006 Vladimír Müller has been an Ambassador of the Czech Republic in the Belgian Kingdom.

Before being appointed Ambassad Ambassador, he served as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and was responsible for EU affairs. rs. Prior to that he worked at the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic, where he was in charge of the integrations to NATO and the Western European Union. He studied at the NATO Defense College in Rome and at the College of Europe ope in Bru Bruges. es. He actively speaks English, German, French, Italian and Russian.

Photos: Archive

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Czech exports to Belgium have seen a remarkable increase since the Czech Republic entered the EU, and even the economic downturn has not noticeably affected it. Where do you think this success comes from?

The entrance of the Czech Republic to the he EU has undoubtedly given rise to trading activities between the Czech Republic and Belgium. The enlargement of the EU has put Czech exporters among the common European market, and major obstacles and limitations have been overcome, and a Czech entrepreneur now has the same business con conditions as entrepreneurs in otherr EU member states.

Of course, there were ere some exceptions e inhibiting the progress ss of activi activities that affected mostly thee services sector, for example the transition periodd for the free fre movement of labour. However,, even ev this is already behind hi nd us. Bel elgi gium um haas not t ak aken en adv dvan anta tage ge of another two-year transition period.

The increase in trading activities between the Czech Republic and Belgium could be seen even before the Czech Republic had entered the EU. The Association agreement signed between the EU and Czechoslovakia has already brought a significant release of tariff and non-tariff obstacles to mutual trade.

Since 1993, the year when the independent Czech Republic was established, a true revolutionary development has taken place. In 1993, the Czech Republic exported to Belgium goods of 181.4 million Euros, and in 2008 goods of 2.7 billion Euros, which was 15 times more than in 1993. Until 2002 our balance of trade with Belgium had fallen short.

Nevertheless, Czech exports grew faster than imports from Belgium and in 2008 the balance showed the amount of 779 million Euros.

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20.1.2011 17:40:47

Was the year 2008 somehow significant?

I refer to the year 2008 when mutual trade achieved record dimensions. Even Czech exports did not withstand the bank and financial collapse, and consequently the economic crisis in 2009 that strongly hit Belgium. The decline in GDP, the decrease in investments, the decrease in private and public consumption, and the increase in unemployment caused imports to Belgium to fall by 20 percent. Czech exports fell by 17 percent, therefore by less than the average in Belgium.

To be accurate, I have to mention that for foreiign trade d between the h C zechh Republ bliic andd Belgium, I use the Czech statistics according to the Czech Statistical Office, ice, whereas for the year 2009 I am obliged too use the Belgium Be statistics of ACE for the comparison. parison.

What about the statistics in 2010?

The year 2010 has brought positive positiv results to Czech exports, and nd it shows us that the economic crisis is fading adin away. During the first 9 months of 2010, 01 Czech exports grew by 12 percent based on the Czech currency, and by 15 percent according to the Euro statistics. In absolute value we have not achieved the level of the year 2008 yet, but I am already convinced that it will turn out well in 2011.

Belgium is the 10th bigge biggest export market for the Czech Republic, and a it is interesting to say that Czech export to t Belgium is identical to Czech zech export to its pr priority partner, the much bigger Russian ussia Federation.

Why is Belgium the much-favoured export destination for Czech entrepreneurs?

I would say that Belgium is a feared destination more than a much-favoured one.

Belgium is undoubtedlyy a very interesting inte market, a country with high standar standards of living. Like the Czech Republic, blic, the small sm Belgian economy is dependent ent on foreign trade, especially in trade with neighbouring countries, which represents more re than 50 percent of the foreign trade turnover over ve in Belgium.

Belgium is a test ma market. If a product succeeds in Belgium, it has all expectations of success in the whole of Europe. Belgium is aan interesting, promising market offering expert business partners for those who succeed.

Many Czech companies have already managed to succeed and certainly many others will follow.

What are the future challenges of CzechBelgian cooperation?

The day-to-day work of diligent exporters, and those who support pro-export strategies stand behind the positive global outcome of Czech exports.

So far, Belgium is not a market for big investment from the Czech Republic. In 2009, 1,830 Czech companies participated in exports to Belgium. As this is not an extreme

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amount, I would advise the relevant Czech ministries to search for new tools for gaining new exporters to countries such as Belgium.

There are also other challenges to mutual cooperation. On the 1st of Januaryy 2010 the Service Directive Direc came into force. This brings brin s expectation xpectations of simplifying access ess to the th Belgian gian m market, even for Czech ch entrepreneu entrepreneurs that off ffer services. I see the biggest opportunity inn building industries. I do not promise any ny roasted roaste doves, as everyone ne must fight for his own share of a market. fo The presence of Belgian companies in the Czech Republic and of Czech companies in Belgium is unbalanced. I am convinced that the coming days will force Czech exporters to adopt a principle of proper representation in Belgium as their new marketing strategy.

This is the only way to better know the Belgian market, to get inside its needs, to respond to changes and competition, and to supervise the expenses of distribution and sales margins. I think that the new Export strategy of the Czech government should bear this in mind, and adopt tools for supporting its own

distribution of Czech companies companie within the countries of the EU. I expect the nextt st steep increase of export to be the adoption ooff joint European currency in the Czech Republic. The SMEs dominate in Belgium, and for them the inside market is represented by joint currency. The SMEs are accustomed to it, viewed by the cost estimate, expenses, bank operations, accounting, risks, etc.

The cooperation in nuclear energy belongs to the category of “less feasible visions”.

There are 7 atomic piles in Belgium facing a decision regarding their future. In case the nuclear plants are saved, they will undergo intensive work on their modernisation and examination. Czech companies are experienced in this field and I would appreciate if they could participate in restoring Belgian nuclear energy, as sub-suppliers, for example, and in co-operation with the world’s leading experts.

By Michal Kadera I CEBRE

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EU matters conference

EU trade is an engine for global growth. It contributes to creation of sustainable jobs and has a real impact on the day to day lives of people and businesses.

The European Union is the biggest global player in international trade and investment. However, the EU is challenged by a changing world and has to maintain and improve its leading position.

Photo: Vanessa Kolombera

On 9 November 2010 the European Commission presented its renewed Trade Strategy focusing on removing persistent barriers mainly via achieving on-going multilateral and bilateral trade deals and looking for new ways to work with main EU trade partners. Over 40 representatives of European institutions, Member States and business sector, gathered to discuss Commission´s paper two days after it had been released and agreed that the strategy reflects their main concerns, however it lacks concrete measures to achieve these ambitious goals. The event was organized by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU and the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU in cooperation with the Confederation of Employers´ and Entrepreneurs´ Associations of CR as a part of the project “Round Tables on Promoting Czech Foreign Policy Priorities” supported by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

From left: Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, Co-Director, European Centre for International Political Economy ECIPE, Alena Vlačihová, Deputy Director, CEBRE, and Anna Teličková, Director, Multilateral and Common Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade

WILL 2011 BE A GOOD YEAR FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE? more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

H.E. Milena Vicenová, Czech Permanent Representative to the EU with Jan Procházka, Head of Financial and Trade Unit, Czech Permanent Representation to the EU

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From left: Adrian Van Den Hoven, BUSINESSEUROPE, Matthew Baldwin, European Commission/DG TRADE, H.E. Milena Vicenová, Czech Permanent Representative to the EU, Anna Teličková, Ministry of Industry and Trade CR, Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, ECIPE

From left: Michal Kadera, Director, CEBRE and Adrian Van Den Hoven, Director, International Relations Dpt., BUSINESSEUROPE

20.1.2011 17:41:55

EU matters debate

From left: Michal Kadera, Director, CEBRE, Klára Pavlíčková, CEBRE, H.E. Milena Vicenová, Czech Permanent Representative to the EU, and Lucie Šestáková, Head of Sectorial Policies A Unit, Czech Permanent Representation to the EU

SINGLE MARKET CAN’T Develop Further without Mutual Efforts of Both, PA and Businesses

Over 80 representatives of European institutions, Member States, European businesses and businesses associations agreed that the Single Market can be strengthened only through the proper implementation of the Services Directive and through continuous efforts to implement the Single Market Act measures. Nine months after the implementation deadline, European businesses evaluate the results of implementation encouraging, but there is still a lot to be done highlighting the functioning of the electronic Points of Single Contact (PSC) and pointing to the often informative nature of the PSCs. The debate was organized by the Czech Permanent Representation to the EU, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU in Brussels on 4 November 2010. more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Participants of Services Directive Implementation conference

From left: Ivan Voleš, Czech Member of European Economic and Social Committee and Martin Tlapa, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade

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François Arbault, Member of Cabinet of Commissioner Barnier

Jana Reinišová, Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU

20.1.2011 17:43:18

interview

Facebook for Business – DO YOU HAVE A STRATEGY?

Photo: Benjamin Arthur

The statistics of Facebook are mind-boggling: G The most visited website in the world G More than 585 million Facebook users worldwide G The average Facebook user spends over 55 minutes on Facebook per day G If Facebook were a country it would be the third largest country in the world G 50 % of active users log on to Facebook in any given day G More than 30 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) are shared each month G More than 20 million people become fans of Facebook pages every single day G Over 80% of businesses today are using Facebook as part of their business strategy The question, “Does my company need a Facebook Page?” is much like the one that most companies asked in the mid-90’s, “Does our company need a website?” Given the phenomenon that is Facebook, I suggest your answer should be yes.

As Socialbakers.com, a leading Facebook analytics company, says, “2010 was a break-through year for Facebook in most countries and this will continue in 2011. One thing that we will see more of in 2011 will be a Facebook-first digital strategy.” This means that newer companies will decide to take their brand strategy to Facebook first, before creating a website.

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Why is that? As Erik Qualman, author of Socialnomics states, “It’s a people driven economy, stupid”. We are social animals, we like to converse, debate, challenge each other and keep in touch. We like to learn new things, see what others are saying about local and world events. We want to be a part of the world. Thus, a Facebook first strategy makes sense.

However, before deciding on the path of Facebook it is STILL important to have a strategy. HOW will you utilize your Facebook page? Too often I hear the response, “well, my competitor is doing it, so we should too” or “I know this person from xyz company who says he gets a lot of business from his Facebook page”. Yet, while in the process of determining your next steps, it is clear that a real commitment to the page is absent. Thus, my recommendation for your next steps is to first determine how w your Facebook page can add value to your business in connection to your firm’s marketing and overall business goals.

Some of the ways that you can utilize Facebook are to: 1. Build brand awareness and buzz; 2. Influence brand reputation; 3. Engage with your target audience & gather customer feedback; 4. Increase customer loyalty; 5. Drive website traffic; and, once you have done all of these; 6. Generate leads.

Yet, in order to be successful in ANY of these areas, it is important to organize and set goals with your community, your content, and your approach to communication. Furthermore, it is important to be consistent in all of these areas.

WHAT KINDS OF GOALS SHOULD BE SET? Page Expectations To be successful with your community, it is important for your brand to describe what “likers” can expect from the page; will you provide only news and information, or will you also provide special offers, product tips, and customer support? This can be done easily in the info tab section of your Facebook page.

A Consistent Brand Experience Create a familiar experience for fans, yet differentiate your brand’s page from other brands by utilizing the customization features available on Facebook.

Some of these include a welcome page tab, a tab for special offers and purchases, a tab for videos, etc.

Timely Content Keep engagement with your community alive with consistent and timely content. That also means conversing with them, and having a TWO WAY conver-

sation. Potential new visitors look for the brand to be present on Facebook and existing “likers” need a reason to stay and engage themselves with you and your page.

Build Trust Be real and be a friend first, a business entity second. When communicating with your community, talk to them as if you are having a real face-to-face conversation. Allow your community to connect to the “people behind the brand. You might even add a tab to showcase your Facebook contributing team so people get a better sense of whom they are interacting with.

Engagement Expectations and Monitoring Results Every strategy should be monitored, so that you know whether the results are being obtained within the set timeframe. Any goal should be measurable and time-sensitive. Here are a few that may be useful: Grow your Facebook fan base by 100% by x date; Increase overall fan page interactions by 100% by x date; obtain 5,000 “Likes” by year-end; obtain at least 2 comments and 10 “likes” per post on updates shared each week, etc.

Once you have set your goals, it is important to monitor your activities. One tool that allows you to monitor Facebook exclusively is Socialbakers Market Insights tool. With this tool you are able to: G Analyze your posts and their impact on your fan base G Measure the engagement of your fans AND reflect it in time G Monitor which type of content generates the most attention (status updates/links/photos/video/ applications) G Monitor what time of day your community converses with you most often G Monitor your page’s overall performance G Compare your page to ANY page on Facebook G Compare your page to the market sector trend G Know which brands from your market sector stand out on Facebook Once you have determined how Facebook adds value to your business strategy and you have set goals to help you succeed there, spend time with your community, converse with them, ask what they like, what they don’t like. Why not even give them a poll to answer…work the magic that is Facebook, but always monitor the results. After three months, analyze your results to determine the next best steps. I wish you great success – Onward and Upward!

Leigh Ann Stouffer I works with Candytech as a Global Accounts Manager as well as a Social Media Consultant

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

20.1.2011 16:37:59

Image Conference & Consulting ve spolupráci s Hospodářskou komorou ČR Vás zve na: Image Conference & Consulting in cooperation with Czech Chamber of Commerce invite you to:

JUBILEJNÍ ROČNÍK / JUBILEE EDITION

5. ČESKO-ASIJSKÉ FÓRUM obchodní, kulturní a vzdělávací výměna

5th Czech-asian forum business, cultural and educational exchange

1. – 2. 3. 2011 Co nabízí Česko-asijské fórum pro Vás? V letošním roce kontrakty pro české firmy v Asii za více než 1 mld. USD. Přidejte se! / What does Czech-Asian Forum offer to you? Contracts worth over 1 billion USD for Czech companies in Asia this year only. Come and join!

Pro zajištění Vaší účasti pište na / To register please write to: info@buildingbridges.cz

www.ceskoasijskeforum.cz

www.czechasianforum.cz

Česko-asijské fórum spojuje úspěšné od Čech až po Asii Czech-Asian Forum Connecting Czech and Asian Business Leaders

caf-inzerce-A4-2011.indd 1

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culture event

From left: Jens Kunath, Curator, Galerie Michael Haas Berlin, Nicole Bianchet, Artist, PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Director and Owner, MIRO Gallery Prague, Barbora Kysilková, Artist, and Dimitris Tzamouranis, Artist

MIRO GALLERY PRAGUE IN COOPERATION WITH GALERIE MICHAEL HAAS BERLIN AND LEADERS MAGAZINE

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

Paul Wilkinson, EVO Jet Services

DREAM AND REALITY Opening Ceremony and After Party in Crowne Plaza Prague Castel

From left: Ing. Radomír Šimek, President, Czech-German Chamber of Commerce, Andreas Guhr, President, Mineralien Zentrum, Hamburg, Sven Hannss, German Embassy in Prague with his wife, and Henning Matthiesen, General Director, The Augustine Hotel Prague

From left: Robert Ho, Director of Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Prague, Ing. Jaromír Schling, former Minister of Government of the Czech Republic, and Ing. Petr Polák, B. Braun Avitum From left: H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel with his wife

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From left: Kivanc Oroglu, Utku Kočak, CEO, Euro Gold Centre, and Candemir Kočak, Owner, Euro Gold Centre

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From left: Razetto Francesco Augusto, Founder and President, Eleutheria Foundation, Ulf Landeberg, General Director, Crowne Plaza Hotel Prague Castle with his wife Zuzana Tančaková, Hilton Hotel Prague, and Ing. Milan Ganik, Managing Director, CP Praha

21.1.2011 11:14:57

From left: JUDr. Matěj Zachveja, Law Office Zachveja & Blažko, Benjamín Szakál, Chamber of Deputies, and Miroslav Fořt, Xent Company with his wife

From left: MUDr. Ján Lešták, CSc., Owner and Director, JL Eye Clinic, MUDr. Soňa Krauskopfová, and Prof.

PhDr. Pavel Štěpánek, Ph.D., Art Historian From left: Danielle Chung, Marketing Director, MIRO Gallery Prague and Minwoo Park, Senior Advisor, Korean Embassy with his wife Nayoung Jeon

From left: Deana Jakubisková, Movie Producer, Jakubisko Film, Juraj Jakubisko, Movie Director, Martina Svárovská, Reiffeisen Bank, and Prof. Marián Lapšanský, Pianist, Director, Slovak Philharmonia

From left: Abdulkarim Bin Baz, Embassy of Saudi Arabia with his wife, Zuzana Tančaková, Hilton Hotel Prague, and Ulf Landeberg, General Director, Crowne Plaza Hotel Prague Castle

Exhibited Artists: Beeby, Tim (*1961) Great Britain; Bianchet, Nicole (*1975) USA; Brungs, Bernhard (*1974) Germany; Conley, Seamus (*1976) USA; Ernst, Tim (*1977) Germany; Gama (*1977) Mongolia; Gartner, Marianna (*1963) Canada; Kanowitz, Howard (*1929) USA; Kircher-Liner, Susanne (*1976) Germany; Kysilková, Barbora (*1983) Czech Republic; Leißner, Andreas (*1978) Germany; Mannel, Stefan (*1976) Germany; Nelson, Kenton (*1954) USA; Neußer, Wilhelm (*1976) Germany; Nicholson, David (*1970) Canada; Rabus, Till (*1975) Switzerland; Rattray, Diana (*1947) Great Britain; Richter, Daniel (*1962) Germany; Rubert, Gino (*1969) Mexico; Smith, Ray (*1959) USA; Stadtbäumer, Pia (*1959) Germany; Tzamouranis, Dimitris (*1967) Greece; Wirths, René (*1967) Germany

From left: Viktor Průša, Chief Producer, Czech Television, Lenka Vácvalová, Actress, Ta Fantastika Theatre, Prague, and JUDr. Jan Černý, Law Office Černý-Raupachová

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From left: PhDr. Mg.A Miro Smolák, Director and Owner, MIRO Gallery Prague and Kirill Taul, Embassy of the Russian Federation

From left: Daniel Goodfellow, Vice President, KIT digital, Adam Hynes, Director, KIT digital, with his girl friend Carolina Fernandez, Audrey Hametner, Director, KIT digital, Barak Bar-Cohen, Executive Vice President, KIT digital with his wife Alexandra Bar-Cohen, Danielle Chung, Marketing Director, MIRO Gallery Prague, Steve Chung, Executive Vice President, KIT digital, Robert Ho, Director, Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Shin Nagakura, Managing Director, Transcosmos, Haruka Shimomae, Portfolio Management, Transcosmos, and Petr Šťastný, Law Office Pávková Šťastný

21.1.2011 11:17:19

culture event

Nikola Márová and Michal Štípa

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

THE RITE OF SPRING In November, the corps de ballet of the National Theatre introduced its production of The Rite of Spring, an evening program by Petr Zuska, the ballet artistic director of the National Theatre. The performance begins with the current of classical and neo-classical movement styles, accompanied by Mahler’s First Symphony. The second part of the evening is filled with “star” duets, which brought fame to our leading soloists at many international galas.

The climax of the evening will bring a stunning dynamic and a magical content of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.

From left: Pavel Šmok, Choreographer and Jubilant and Petr Zuska, Ballet Artistic Director, National Theatre

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

From left: Professor Josef Koutecký, Physician and Member of the National Theatre Board with his wife and Elen Šťastná, Consultant in Fundraising, National Theatre

21.1.2011 11:54:45

From left: Robert Willson, Director with Ondřej Černý, Director, National Theatre, and Michal Dočekal, Artistic Director, National Theatre

The play by Karel Čapek, The Makropoulos Affair, directed by Robert b t Willson, is one of the biggest theatrical events of the 2010/2011 season. Soňa Červená, Václav Postránecký and Miroslav Donutil are starring in it. Willson’s original directing and art grip offers the viewer a whole new perspective on the familiar Čapek’s play and opens up questions about the possibilities of theaters. The production of The Makropoulos Affair is the third cooperation between Robert Willson and the National Theatre.

culture event

The MAKROPOULOS Affair

From left: Soňa Červená (Emilia Marty), Václav Postránecký (Attorney Kolenatý), and Vladimír Javorský (Man with a wand)

Soňa Červená after the performance

From left: Ondřej Černý, Director, National Theatre and Jiří Besser, Minister of Culture

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Soňa Červená (Emilia Marty)

24.1.2011 13:30:53

culture event

The first premiere of the National Theatre’s opera in the 2010/2011season is one of the most popular comic operas by Gaetano Donizetti – The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore). Kateřina Kněžíková, Aleš Briscein asf are the starring soloists of the National Theatre in this performance. The creative duo Simone Sandroni (director) and Lenka Flory (scene) prepared the production for the National Theatre while David Švec prepared the music production and also conducted it.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

From left: Dr. Dadja Altenburg-Kohl and Ing. Peter Palečka, Member of the Board, Komerční Banka and Deputy Director General with his wife

From left: Tomáš Netopil, Chief Conductor of the Orchestra, National Theatre and Ondrej Mráz (Dulcamara)

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Jiří Heřman, Opera Artistic Director, National Theatre Opera and Simone Sandroni, Stage Director and Choreographer

Kateřina Kněžíková, behind her from left: Lucie FišerSilkenová, Ondřej Mráz, Soloists, National Theatre, and Simone Sandroni, Stage Director and Choreographer

21.1.2011 11:56:49

A recital of the National Theater’s soloist Ivan Kusnjer and the violin virtuoso Ivan Ž Ženatýý was held on December 16. Ivan Kusnjer, triple winner of Thalia, excelled performing Josef Bohuslav Foersterlong’s Tale About Desire, op. 101 and Ferrucia Busoni’s Singer’s Curse, op. 39. Ivan Ženatý appeared with the Phantasy for Violin and Piano, op. 128 by Josef Bohuslav Foerster and the Sonata No. 2 in G Major for Violin and Piano, by Edvard Hargerup Grieg.

culture event

From left: Ivan Kusnjer, Baritone and Ivan Ženatý, Violonist

Soloist Ivan Kusnjer and Violin Virtuoso Ivan Ženatý’s Recital

From left: Stanislav Bogunia, Conductor and Ivan Ženatý, Violonist

From left: Ondřej Černý, Director, National Theatre, Ivan Ženatý, Violonist with partner, and Ivan Kusnjer, Baritone with wife

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From left: Ondřej Hučín, Script Editor, National Theatre, Ivan Ženatý, Violonist, and Ondřej Černý, Director, National Theatre

From left: Boris Krajný, Pianist and Ivan Kusnjer, Baritone

21.1.2011 11:58:24

Ondřej Štveráček Q Ondřej Štveráček: Tenor Saxophone Marián Ševčík: Drums Ondrej Krajňák: Piano Tomáš Baroš: Contrabass

prague castle event

Navigators Jan Pospíšil: Rap Erika Fečová: Singer Martin Svátek: Singer Tomáš Konůpka: Drums Jiří Štarha: Guitar Adam Stivín: Bass Guitar Michal Kubelka: Key Board Miroslav Hlouca, J.H.: Trumpet

A special thanks to Synot Tip for making this reportage possible Jiří Štarha, Guitarist

with Štveráček Q + Navigators

Jazz at the Castle From left: H.E. Quazim Tepshi, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Marie Landaveri Porturas, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, and H.E. Kaspars Ozolinš, Ambassador of Latvia

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From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Luděk Keltyčka, Chairman of Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Credium, a.s. with his wife

From left: Kamil Janáček, Czech National Bank Board Member and Chief Executive Director and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, H.E. Jean Faltz, Ambassador of Luxembourg, and H.E. Ferdinand Trautmannsdorff, Ambassador of Austria

From left: Ing. Jiří Michal, Vladimír Suchánek, Academic Painter, PhDr. Zita Suchánková, Director, Středočeské muzeum, and Monika Franková, Moser, a.s.

20.1.2011 18:24:18

From left: H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation with his wife and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

Alena Veliká, Press Service Head, Office of the President and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: H.E. Ferdinand Trautmannsdorff, Ambassador of Austria and H.E. Lászlo Szöke, Ambassador of Hungary

From left: Dr. Karla Říhová, Senior Executive, County Hygienic Station, Olomouc and Andrea Gontkovičová, Director Corporate Affairs CZ, Philip Morris CR, a.s. with her husband

From left: Ladislav Mravec, Director, Foreign Affairs Department, Office of the President of the CR and Štěpán Markovič, Jazz Musician

Jaroslav Jurečka with his wife

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE LM_1101_events_1.indd 133

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

From left: Karel Vágner, Music Publisher, Pavel Smetáček, Musician, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, Jiří Polidor, Musician, and Luděk Keltyčka, Chairman of Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Credium, a.s.

20.1.2011 18:25:57

From left: Josef Nálepa, Academic Sculptor, Petr Hejma, former Mayor of Prague 1, Dr. Jan Hejma, Chairman of the Board, Bohema Wellness, a.s., and MUDr. Blanka Seifertová Monica Garcia and H.E. Marie Landaveri Porturas, Ambassador of Peru

Ondřej Štveráček, Saxophone

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Jazz at the Castle LM_1101_events_1.indd 134

From left: Jana Abdallová and MUDr. Michaela Bartáková, Adviser to the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Committee of the Prague City Assembly

From left: Jan Černý, Attorney at Law, Černý-Raupachová, Ing. Hynek Chudárek, Executive Director, Óčko Music TV with his wife, and Dagmar Raupachová, Attorney at Law, Černý-Raupachová

From left: H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation with his wife, H.E. Ferdinand Trautmannsdorff, Ambassador of Austria, Prof.

Václav Klaus, President of the CR, H.E. Jean Faltz, Ambassador of Luxembourg, and Ladislav Mravec, Director, Foreign Affairs Department, Office of the President of the CR

20.1.2011 18:27:59

A special thanks to Philip Morris ČR a.s. for making this reportage possible

prague castle event Didier Lockwood: Violin Jean-Marie Ecay: Guitar Marc-Michel le Bevillon: Contrabass

From left: Didier Lockwood, Violinist, JeanMarie Ecay, Guitarist, and Marc-Michel Le Bevillon, Bassist

with Didier Lockwood Trio

Jazz at the Castle From left: Dr. Jan Hejma, Chairman of the Board, Bohema Wellness, a.s., Petr Hejma, former Mayor of Prague 1, and H.E. Marie Chatardová, Czech Ambassador to France

Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa and Prof. dott. Giuseppe Ruggiero, University of Aldo Moro, Bari - Italy From left: Karel Vágner, Music Publisher, Prof. Jan Bartoníček , and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

Ája Vrzáňová, former Czech World Champion in Figure Skating and Sport Legend in the CR and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

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From left: Dominique Mockly, Senior Executive Vice President International and Marketing, Areva, H.E. Pierre Levy, Ambassador of France, and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

24.1.2011 14:10:08

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine

From left: M. Jean-Luc Gavard, Director, Lycée francais de Prague with his wife and Bernard Boidin, Economic Adviser, Chief of Economic Department, French Embassy

Andrea Gontkovičová, Director Corporate Affairs CZ, Philip Morris CR, a.s. with her husband

From left: Mr. Ivo Velíšek and Martin Saitz, General Manager, BMW Group, CR

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From left: Naďa Kalinovská-Vanišová, VAS, v.o.s., Didier Lockwood, Violinist, and Ing. Jitka Vaculíková, Public Relations, City of Prague 1

From left: Karel Vágner, Music Publisher, Alvise Giustiniani, Managing Director CR, SK and HU, Philip Morris CR, a.s., Pavel Smetáček, Musician, and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

24.1.2011 13:48:41

From left: H.E. Gabriel Oh, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, Keith H. Yoo, Chairman of the Board, Hemato-Centric Life Institute, and Mrs. Oh, wife of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Prof. dott. Giuseppe Ruggiero, University of Aldo Moro, Bari – Italy Michel Fleischmann, President, Lagardére Active ČR-SR with his wife Kateřina Lojdová

From left: Karel Vágner, Music Publisher and Ing. František Kulovaný, General Director, Baest, a.s. with his wife

From left: Ing. Petr Eisler, Poet and Jaromír Šlápota, President, ČSÚZ

From left: Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine, Didier Lockwood, Violinist, and Soňa Illner Pajerová, Attorney

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

From left: Mgr. Filip Benda, Adviser to the Minister, Ministry of Defence of the CR with his wife, Andrea Gontkovičová, Director Corporate Affairs CZ, Philip Morris CR, a.s., and Alvise Giustiniani, Managing Director CR, SK and HU, Philip Morris CR, a.s.

21.1.2011 16:30:36

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE EUROPEAN LEADERSHIP & ACADEMIC INSTITUTE P R A G U E

LEADING POSITIVE CHANGE

Xxx in the Czech Republic Xxx

Photo: Archive ELAI

I have grown accustomed to a more depressive side of Czech nature, that which is disillusioned about any possible positive progress in the Czech Republic. I have experienced this despair in every single occupation that I’ve had – be it in the state sector, an NGO, or in the private sector. I had and still have difficulties understanding this disbelief in positive progress in the Czech Republic.

One could understand this during the Communist times, when people had little hope in changing the social, political and economic settings, as the Communist party was the ultimate gatekeeper to any change. But how could that mood persist after more than 20 years of regained democracy?

After I came from my studies abroad, I soon got used to this general atmosphere of hopelessness.

As I was able to compare the Czech situation with the countries where I studied, I could see that many things are not working in the Czech Republic as well as they could, and that in many areas we are still trailing behind other countries in Europe.

Once I communicated this to other Czechs, they more or less agreed with me, but lacked any will to do something about it. I have also come across a very fierce reluctance to learn from the best practices from abroad. While suggesting some changes that worked abroad to be implemented in the Czech setting, I was met over and over again with the stubborn refusal: “Why should we learn from abroad? The way we do it may not be perfect, but it works.” Having witnessed this, I could see that with such an attitude, the Czech Republic will never reach its full potential.

There are many things the country can be proud of in its post-Communist history; but the initial enthusiasm of having the possibility to shape

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the future of this country has nonetheless disappeared. Civic movements have abruptly sprung here and there during periods of major public discontent, but they had only a limited effect and did not prove to be a catalyst for a real and longlasting change. The country seems to be suffering from a general loss of direction and apathy towards improvement – the potential of this country is great, but it has been punching below its weight. New wind, new hope has to emerge.

Bearing this in mind, the European Leadership & Academic Institute (ELAI) organized as one of its first events an evening discussion in English entitled ´Leading Positive Change in the Czech Republic´. Speakers at the discussion were two patrons of ELAI, Taťána le Moigne, Country Direct re ctor or of Go Goog ogle le, To Toma mass Se Sedl dláč áček ek, Ch Chie ieff Ma Macr croo economic Strategist of ČSOB, then David Ondráčka, Director of Transparency International CR and Steve Oxley, Deputy Director of the British Council. I ended up overwhelmed by the discussion and its atmosphere. A large number of participants, both from the business and Englishspeaking universities, turned up at the event, and were mainly foreigners. I felt humbled as a Czech citizen that foreigners in this country show interest in the well-being of the Czech Republic, and together with others at the discussion thought of ways of how to bring improvement to this country.

I felt grateful to these precious people and only regretted that we do not listen more to what they have to say – an outsiders´ perspective is often more valuable than that of insiders.

Tat´ána le Moigne from Google shared with the audience what the CEO of Google once told her: “You are as big as you think”. When we think of who should be leading the positive change in the Czech Republic, we might be inclined to think mainly of the big players. Surely they are important, but people from the business sphere can contribute significantly to the development of the Czech Republic in various areas, especially at times when those who should lead lack the initiative or the enthusiasm to do so. Having experienced the enthusiasm present at the ELAI discussion, I believe that if you initiate anything positive for the development of the Czech Republic, you will be surprised how many people are willing to pull the rope with you. Leadership always starts in a rea ealiliza zatition on of th thee gr grea eatn tnes esss wi with thin in us. And a heart that desires good for others is great.

As a follow-up, ELAI plans to hold a series of discussions under the general title´ Leading Positive Change in the Czech Republic´ in the year 2011. We will be looking at specific sectors and areas that need improvement and discuss how to support leading positive change in those areas. Everyone is welcome to attend and share his/her thoughts. We are indeed as big as we think, so let’s think big!

By Lukáš Sedláček I

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

Photo: Ivanna Gladysh

Leaders Magazine I/2011

20.1.2011 16:38:26

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