Prague Leaders Magazine Issue 02/2011

NO 2/2011

www.leadersmagazine.cz

195,- CZK

Leaders Magazine No 2/2011

m a g a z i n e

incl. electronic version

now available in Brussels

Tomáš Březina, Owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company BEST, a.s.

Photo: Mr. Březina´s archive

Discussion Event

State Visit

Diplomatic Event

Culture Event

Vernissage

Round Table of Comenius

Herman Van Rompuy,

H.E. Grigol Vashadze

11th Annual of the Trebbia

“Světlo před světlem”

On Wednesday, 23 February 2011 at the Prague Castle, the President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus met with the President...

On the occasion of the working visit of H.E. Mr. Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and the official opening of the...

The Gala Evening was held under the auspices of Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the...

La Femme Gallery is pleased to invite you to an art exhibition by the famous painter, graphic designer, illustrator and sculptor Boris Jirků. The exhibition is named Light Before the Light...

with Petr Nečas

Participants then took part in a very lively debate which touched upon topics dealing with the current government program such as... 

page 22

PLM_Coverpage_1102.indd 1

President of the European Council



page 36

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia



page 55

European Awards and Benefit Cheques Trebbia



page 82



page 132

3/22/2011 11:58:35 AM

Interviews.indd 54

21.3.2011 12:29:55

PLM2009_234x325excentrPrava.qxd

14.7.2009

13:33

Page 1

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

Slavnostní vyhlášení výsledků 18. ročníku prestižní soutěže manažerských osobností 14. duben 2011, Palác Žofín, Praha 1

MANAŽER ROKU 2010 DEN ÚSPĚŠNÝCH MANAŽERŮ A FIREM

Soutěž se záštitou předsedy vlády ČR

Vyhlašovatelé:

Stěžejní akce programu Národní politiky kvality

LIMITY JSOU NAŠÍ VÝZVOU Odvaha a odpovědnost naší výhodou Hlavní marketingoví partneři:

Významní partneři:

Mediální partneři:

Další partneři

AGROFERT HOLDING, a.s. | Citfin, spořitelní družstvo | Granát, d.u.v., Turnov | ISOline EU, s.r.o. | Národní politika kvality | Plzeňský Prazdroj, a.s. | Svaz českých a moravských výrobních družstev | Steilmann Praha s.r.o. | Znovín Znojmo, a.s. |

www.manazerroku.cz

Interviews.indd 5

22.3.2011 17:46:57

publishers note & contents

Dear Readers, Brr, Brr… it is cold outside as I am writing these words to you Dear Readers. Spring is lingering in thhe ai air,r,r but it is unable to brea eakk th ea thro roug ro ughh juust ug yet. Soon, howev ever ev er,, we cann aga er gain in be strolling ar arou ound out ou utsi side si de and enjoyingg naturee inn ititss mo most st beautiful ul spr ul prin pr ingt in gtim gt im me bloo oom, oo m, sho howi howi w ng the var arie iety ie ty of itits coolo lors rs rs annd the diive vers rsititityy off its fraagrances. rs Howe Ho weve we ver,r,r Mother Na ve Natu ture tu re can als lsoo be very ve ryy har ard, d, volattile ille an andd se sens nsitititiv ns i e, and it can an dra rama ra matititicaallllyy change our ma ur liv ivves in a second. d The scale of th thee na natu turaal tura diisa saster in Jaapan is hor orriririffific f ic. c. The suffering of th the pe p op ople lee of Ja Jappan is imm mm men ense see. Le Lett us pra rayy, and n inn whatever ways wa ys we ca cann, n, hel elpp th thee Ja Japa apane nese se peo eopl plee to reb pl ebuuild ild and ressto torre re the heirir liv ives es andd se selflf-c f-c -con onff idencee af on afte terr th te this is cat atas astrophe as he. he In thi hiss se secondd iss ssue ue of Le Lead adeers Magazzine you wililll fifind ad nd many topp leeve vel eventss and int ev nter eres er estititng stoories es es. We es W hav avee co av cove vera ve rage ra ge of suuch events ass the he Comeeni nius us Rou ound nd Table of discus ussi us sion ion o s wi witth the Priririm me Minister Mrr. Petr Neča Ne čass and Minist ča ster er of De D fe fenc nce; nc e; Mr. Aleexaandr Vondra raa; the of offificiial ope peni n ng ni of the Embbas assy sy of Ge G orrgi gia; the Czeech ch-A -Asi -A sian si a For orum um;; th um thee Cz Czec echec h Ruuss ssian Balll; th Ba thee gl glitititte terring T V br te broa oadcast of the Tre oa rebb bbia bb ia Awa ward rd; Jazz at th rd thee Ca Castle with wi th Aga Zaryan, thee Mar artititinn Br Brun unne un nerr trtrio ne io, an io andd th t e Lukáš Martín íne nek Ban and; d; Kuwait Nat Ku atio i nal Da io Day; y; the rec eceptititioon of Hunggar ary’ y’ss accessioon to the EU y’ Pres Pr esid iden ency en cy;; st stat atee visi at visi sits ts of the the Poli Poolish sh Pre resi side ide dent nt and thee Pre resi side si dent de nt of C oa Cr oatitia; a; the rec ecep eptition for thee Minnis iste terr of For orei eign gn Affffai airs rs of Ge Geoorgia; the New Ye Ne Yeaar celebbraatition on for Afg fgha haniist stan an by the Cz Czech – Afgh ghann Chamber of Comm Co mmerce; annd many ny mor oree to topp le level ev even entss.

Youu wi will als lsoo fifind nd as us usuaal fascinatingg innte tervviews witth peop ople le suc uchh as H.EE. Ser H. erge gey B. Kiselev, thee ne new Ambass ssad ador of th thee Ru Russ ssia iann Federa ratiton on; Mr. Ivo Jo Mr Josi s po pović, Presiident nt of th thee Re Repu publ blic ic of Cr C oaatitia; H.E. Griggol Vashadze, Mi Va Mini nist ster of Fo Fore reig ignn Af Affa fairs off Georgia; Mrr. To Tomá máš Chalupa, thee new Minist ne steer off En Envi viro ronm nmen entt of the he Cze zechh Republic; Mr. Kam amilil Janko kovs vský ký,, Mini Mi nist ster er for Reg egio iona nal De Developmennt off the h Czechh Repub ublilic; c; Mr. Mililan an Štec Št echh, the new Pre resi side dent nt of th thee Se Sena nate te; Mr. Jaaku kubb Ho Hodi diná n ř,ř Dep eput utyy Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic; Ing. Favad Nadri, President of the Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Roman Onderka, Mayor of Brno to mention a few.

For our front page interview we are happy to have Tomáš Březina, Owner and Chairman of the board of directors of the company Best a.s.

We are also happy to announce a new contributor to Leaders Magazine, Mr. Emanuel Šíp, Partner of Allied Progress Consulting, and the former Deputy Minister of Transport for Strategy. As an expert of transport, logistics and infrastructure he will write and give us valuable information and ideas about this very important topic.

Finally, let me quote an article by our contributor Mr. Ivan Myy dog M dooogg Rhea Rhea Rh ea Pilny, entitled Humor in Business – “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’t just simple fun; it is a very valuable advantage.” Think globally, laugh locally.

events 16 22 28 40 66 72 90 94 98 104 106 108

6th Leaders Magazine Advisory Board Dinner Round Table of Comenius with Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Round Table of Comenius with Alexandr Vondra, Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic 5th Jubilee Edition of Czech-Asian Forum Lago di Garda Region at Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa 10th Czech-Russian Ball Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador with Robert Čásenský Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador with Bohumil Studýnka Diamond Ball: ZFP Akademie, Wine and Karel Gott Celebration of Nouwrus – New Day of Afghanistan SYNOT Holding has Introduced itself at the Prestigious International Casino Exhibition in London Territorial Workshop Devoted to the Netherlands

culture events 48 80 82 124 128 132 136 137

page 82 11th Annual of the Trebbia

Venice & Colours of Woman by Helena Kroftová Leisztner at Hotel Hoffmeister Launching of Ivan Pilný’s New Book “Příště spadni líp” 11th Annual of the Trebbia – European Awards Jazz at the Castle with Martin Brunner Trio and Lukáš Martinek & Private Earthqu q ake Jazz at the Castle with Aga Zaryan Boris Jirků “Světlo před světlem” Mozart’s Birthday Birthday The Taming of the Shrew

page 72 – 10th Czech-Russian Ball

Benk nkee Aikell I nk benke.aiike kelllll@leadersmaagazi z nee.c zi .cz www. ww w le lead ader ersm smag agaz azin ine. e.cz cz

6

contents.indd 6

Lead Le adeers Ma ad Maga g ziine II/ I/20 2011 20

23.3.2011 12:30:20

contents interviews

contributors

10

13 27 31 59

14

20

32

34 44

46 50

52

60 62

68 70 76 110

Hard Work Is the Key to Success A talk with Tomáš Březina, Owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company BEST, a.s.

Croatia Has no Successful Alternative to EU Membership A talk with Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia The Czech Economy Is Highly Attractive for Russian Investors A talk with H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic The Ability of Negotiation Is a Key to any Political Success A talk with Milan Štěch, President page 99 of the Senate of the Parliament Contributor Cristina Muntean of the Czech Republic Many Ecological Norms Are Unclear, Complicated and Unstable A talk with Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment of the Czech Republic A Radical Cut of the Operational Programs Is to Come After 2013 An interview with Kamil Jankovský, Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic Galileo Should Be Launched in 2014 A talk with Jakub Hodinář, Deputy of the Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic A Public University Should Be Managed Much Like a Big Company A talk with Miroslav Vlček, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics of the Faculty of Transportation Sciences at the Czech Technical University in Prague Political Parties Advance their Private Economic Interests, Rather Than Values and Visions A talk with Jiří Dienstbier, Vice Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, and its Candidate to the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Democracy Is Like an Alphabet An interview with H.E. Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia The Afghan Market Offers a Huge Potential for Czech Businesses A talk with Fawad Nadri, President of the Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Vision, Sound and Harmony A talk with Jan Talich, top Violinist and Conductor Beauty of Help An interview with Taťána Kuchařová, Miss World 2006 Our priority is High-Quality Expertise A talk with Jan Kohout, Partner of PRK Partners law firm Brno is a Lifestyle An interview with Roman Onderka, Mayor of Brno

112–113

114–115

diplomatic events 36 37 38 39 55 100

contents.indd 7

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, Visiting the Czech Republic State Visit of the President of the Republic of Poland in the CR State Visit of the President of the Republic of Croatia in the CR State Luncheon in Honour of the President of the Republic of Croatia Reception for H.E. Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia The National Day of the State of Kuwait at the Spanish Hall of the Prague Castle

64 92 96 99 103 122 123 127 131

Affluenza/Ivan Pilný The World is the Web/Emil Jimenez The Power of Reciprocity/Karin Genton Ministry of Transport: What Is Super in ‘Superstrategy’?/Emanuel Šíp Business May Be Your Life – But – Life Is Your Business Part IX: Inspirational Leadership®/James A. Cusumano New Sputnik Moment for West/Jan Mühlfeit Eva Jiřičná in Zlín/Ing. arch. Iva Drebitko Brand Journalism? No, Czech Power – Common Sense Included/Cristina Muntean Communication on Facebook Can Develop into a Primary Digital Channel/Jan Řežáb The Unbearable Lightness of CO2/Evžen Tošenovský Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Helps to Preserve Czech in Slovakia/ČSUZ Leaders as Mentors/Eva Williams, ELAI The Insolvency Act Amendment/ JUDr. Roman Jelínek, Ph.D.

EU matters 116

118 119 120 121

page 70 An interview with Taťána Kuchařová Miss World 2006

Sma Small maalll aand m nd M Medium-Sized eeddium-S Companies Must Change AAn iinterview with Karel Havlíček, Vice-President of the European Association of Craft and Small and MediumSized Enterprises UEAPME and General Manager of Sindat Group What will the Year of Volunteering 2011 Bring?

The Future of European Energy EESC Glass of Wine Japan Nuclear Disaster. Sparks Heated EU Debate Business News

23.3.2011 12:31:02

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, Jan Řežáb, Věra Řiháčková, Emanuel Šíp, Evžen Tošenovský Marketing/Advertising: Lynn Tourkiová, Max Salamatin, Shalva Sikharulidze Marketing & Editorial Director Vladimíra Václavíková EU Matters: CEBRE Czech Business Representation, CESES, Europlatform Photographers: Benjamin Arthur, R. Briard, Brian Flemming, Jiří Herman, Ing. Jiří Holobrádek, Martin Janas, Zuzana Jirásková, Zuzana Klimková, Josef Louda, Pavel Nesvadba, Paul Pacey, Oto Palán, Kateřina Petrů, Filip Pokorný, Marie Schmerková, Hana Smejkalová, Petr Smolík, Jakub Stadler, Jaroslav Tatek, Vladimír Weiss, Jan Zikeš

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 staaurrant bar Pod kř Po křídle lem m 224 22 4 95 951 1 741–2 2 Restaurant Michal 222 222 630 Restaurant Palác Kinských 224 810 750 Restaurant Rybí trh 224 895 447 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 Modrého Hroznu 222 221 185 U zlaté hrušky 220 514 778 U Závoje j 226 006 122 ZZáti átiší ší Res esta taur uran ant Zahr Za hrad ada v Op Opeř eřee Zeleená zahradaa – Ze Šmiliovského 12 Šm 2, Prah ahaa 2 ah

222 221 222 22 21 15 155 5 224 239 68 685 5

222 22 2 51 5 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

23.3.2011 11:13:19

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

22.3.2011 16:54:45

interview

Tomáš Březina Owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company BEST, a.s.

Interviews.indd 10

23.3.2011 11:19:41

A talk with Tomáš Březina, Owner and Chairman of the Board of Directtors of the Company BEST, a.s.

HARD WORK IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS Ing. Tomáš Březina founded the company BEST a.s. in 1991. He literally built up the factory on a green field in Rybnice. The company is the biggest Czech exporter of concrete elements aimed at outdoor architecture; it covers almost 70% of the domestic market, andd ex an expo port rtss to nei eigh ghbo bour urin ingg co coun untr trie iess, chi hiefl eflyy to Ge Germ rman anyy, Aus ustr tria ia and Slo lova vaki kiaa. For man anyy ye year arss, BES ESTT, a.s. s has been pllacedd in top rankings among the best Czech companies. Tomáš Březina is a founder of the branch of industry in the Czech Republic, and he was also the president of the Czech Association of Concrete Workers until February 2011. He graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague Prague, at the Faculty of Civil Engineering Engineering. Tomáš Březina was the winner of the competition “Entrepreneur Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 in the Czech Republic”, and thus represented the Czech Republic in the international competition – “the World Entrepreneur of the Year” in Monte Carlo. Tomáš Březina is married, still with his first wife, and they have three kids together. www.best.info The company’s name shows a relatively high level of ambition. What was the main motivation when you were founding BEST a.s. in the beginning of the 90’s?

The word BEST, except for it’s generally praising meaning in several languages, is a composition of three words – “BEtonové Stavební TTvarovky” (Concrete Building Blocs). I was always aware of the courage with which I named my freshly established company in 1990. On the other hand, I always aspired to do credit to our name. And it was sometime towards the end of the 90’s when I ppubliclyy admitted that we were the best company within our industry branch; and thus we named the company in this way since the very beginning, because we anticipated this. The main motivation lyyingg behind the company’s establishment is a completely different story. It is a story of a relatively young man who was caught up by the Velvet Revolution. And he was able to use this historically unrepeatable break in Czech history for the foundation, and consequently the building of one of the best really private companies in the Czech Republic. In addition, it was the building of a company which is producing something, and subsequently, with its taxes, helps to fill the state budget of the Czech Republic. Sadly, there are only a few companies like that.

To what do you owe the fact that you were awarded the title “Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 in the Czech Republic”?

Undoubtedly, this happened thanks to the enlightened and intelligent jury headed by Ing. Juříček, the owner and the CEO of the Company BRANO. The jury chose me and our company out

of about 70 participants coming from the Czech Republic, all of whom met the necessary criteria, and who had the courage to participate and compete. I owe my victory to all of my colleagues and employees, as well as my family and myself. In all sincerity, I perhaps owe it to myself the most. By the way, I was the only finalist who said publicly that he had signed up to win.

In what way does the quality of BEST´s products exceed the products of its competition, and how is this guaranteed?

We at BEST have always y aimed to be several steps, or at least one step ahead of the competition. Our foundation was outlined this way. Although we started from scratch and were poor, we bought t e mo th most st upp to to-ddat atee te tech chno nolo logi gies es, th thee ne newe west st, the highest-ranking, and thus obviously the most expensive ones. We have maintained this way of thinking up to the present day. Thanks to that, we immediately ranked among the absolutely top producers within Europe. We understand that the highest possible quality of products is vital to our permanent position, as the best. We always set our sights on a quality higher than the normal rules suggest. We currently supply the Czech market with products that are certified according to German norms EN DIN, which are the strictest standards in Europe. Moreover, we provide, as the only company in the Czech Republic, a nanotechnolo no logy gy in-ddepth th treattmentt off our prodducts, and we are the first ones in Europe to have a systemic supervision of quality – QAVER. Such a mind set is profoundly human. It cannot be guaranteed by anything else but a humane approach by the key

people. It can definitely not be achieved by any general or internal regulation. This can only help us a little bit, and motivates us to compete. In other words, if you are looking for a great company with great products, in any area, always assess the owner and key managers. You cannot be mistaken, the dependence is directly proportional.

Can you mention which of BEST´s projects you are mostly proud of?

I am not proud of any single project. After all, it is not very feasible because BEST produces and sells about 4 million m2 of cobbles,, and about 10 million pieces of other special shapes. Thus, I am proud of everything we have achieved.

In any case, the story of BEST is not an entirely common one.

If I had to emphasize any facts, it would be beyond question the fact that BEST brought the Czech Republic a new industry branch after 1989, became its leader, and remained in the leading position to date. In addition, the Czech Republic is the only country out of the whole previous Soviet block which has managed to defend its sector against the entry of multinational corporations. We have the feeling that this is mainly to our credit. It is not solely a matter of silly pride; it is essentially an economic matter. All of BEST’s revenues are reinvested within the country of its origin; all taxes are taxed here as well. BEST has, in 20 years of its existence, paid more than 3 billion CZK of taxes into the state budget. Our company thus ranks in its position, and in economic results, among the best companies within the whole Czech economy.

It is an entirely unique position for a representative

Leaders Magazine i II II/2011

Interviews.indd 11

11

22.3.2011 16:56:02

of our branch, which does not have any parallel with wi thin in all of Eu Euro rope pe.

What significant investment do you intend to make in the near future?

We have invested between 100 and 400 million CZK each year during our existence. We want to carry on with this trend, both at home and abroad.

Andd since i we currently own 23 factories in 8 production facilities in the entire Czech Republic, we are going to shift our production capacities in the near future, in order to make our production and transport logistics as effective as possible.

You received an offer to sell your company for the amount of almost 3 billion CZK a few years ago. Do you consider that BEST is going to become part of any supranational concrete giant?

I have been receiving offers for BEST since 2004, when the Czech Republic joined the EU. It is very interesting, and it says a lot about the EU, as I had nott re no rece ceiv ived ed any off ffer er lik ikee th that at pririor or to Cz Czec ech’ h s EU accession. I am dealing with such offers permanently. For BEST is a textbook story of a family company which was founded after the Velvet Revolution. o ut o Itt has as 200 yea yearss oof eexistence, ste ce, success, and yet it has also had an extreme strain on its owner. In such a case, the owner is usually adequately old and inappropriately exhausted. Moreover, he is ready to relax and have a good time. Yet,

I am young, at least mentally. I do not understand restitingg andd enjjoying. i I have a great responsibility for the company and the people who constitute it.

However, I am dealing with both BEST´s future and my own, on a daily basis, in my head and in my heart.

About 70% of the key positions in your company are held by women. Is the “female principle” in management more efficient than the “male principle”?

Generally, I do not want to offend men nor overpraise women. In any case the “female principle” in management differs from the “male principle”.

I prepared a lecture in 2003 for American students of MBA studies in Richmond, who came to the Czech Republic studying “emerging markets”, during which I, among others, said: “…I have my own experience and conviction that women are more effective and brighter on average than men, they don’t need any assistant (almost any man is lost without it), they aree no ar nott va vain in and the heyy ar aree ve very ry loy oyal al…”. Ev Even en aft fter er 8 years I would change my words only slightly.

I would perhaps add that in the case of “female principles”, it is necessary that there is a very strong and competent co pete t man a at tthee head ea oof tthee co company. pa y We could say that managerial requirements (business skills) are constantly changing, thanks to global changes. In your view, what abilities are going to be decisive in the future,

with regard to the establishment of a strong brand?

I dare to disagree about the proposition that, thanks to global changes, the requirements on managerial skills are changing. It is necessary to see that, for example, only 20% of people in the Czech Repu p blic work in the productive sp sphe here re,, i.i.e. e. in sectors where something is really created, and in fact fill up the state budget. The rest of the population, i.e. 80% of people, live from the state budget, and do not even anticipate it very often. And all kinds of analytics, HR managers, sociologists, servants, and their advisors befog us with the “next generation business skills”. A hundred years ago, much like today, we needed people motivated toward efficiency and responsibility for their performance. There is no illusion of efficiency in the fields in which no one even knows what they are useful for. That is all. If anyone wants to build a strong company brand, one chiefly needs to have inborn qualit litiies, andd to be abl ble to work off f f 20 thousand hours in the hardest, most meaningful way. It must be in a way that is incomparable to someone less successful. And in their effort, one needs to surround oneself with people who are like them.

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

Photos: Mr. Březina´s archive

12

Interviews.indd 12

Leaders Magazine II/2011

22.3.2011 16:56:34

AFFLUENZA Harry Braverman: “In today‘s society, the status symbol is no longer one’s ability to produce something, but one’s ability to purchase it.”

The term “affluenza” first came into being through the works of provocative American author and psychologist Oliver James. The term, a coinage of the English words affluence and influenza, refers to a virus typical to the middle classes in developed countries. Oliver James defines this new term as follows: a contagious virus affecting the middle class that results in depression, anxiety and that can lead to unsustainable addiction to the pursuit of more. You can easily find out whether you too are affected. Just honestly and truthfully answer these few questions: Is it your aspiration to become very wealthy? Would you like your name to be known to many people around the world, and would you like those people to admire you? Do you tryy to hide the marks of aggeingg and are you pleased to hear you look young for your age? Do you keep track of fashion? Does shopping and the thought of it take up a lot of your time? Are you interested more in how much your job pays rather than in what you actually do? Do you envy people and admire them for what they have that you do not? Do you think that the quality of your life would be positively affected by the things that you want? If your answer to the majority of these questions is “Yes”, the affluenza virus has got you.

The degree to which you are affected can be easily tested. Again, try to answer the following questions and grade them on a scale of one to five, with five indicating the most accurate description of your feelings and one the least. Do you feel down sometimes, or very often? Do you get irrationally upset? Do you have to force yourself hard to do some activity, although there is not any reason for it? Do you get easily disturbed? Do you find it difficult to relax? Do you worry about the future? Are you restless and cannot stay calm for a moment? Do you live your life exhausted, almost like in a fog? Do you feel dumb, lazy, fat; do you harm yourself or even hate yourself? Do you feel sometimes like a bundle of nerves? If the sum of your answers is high, you have a serious problem.

And you are not alone. Today’s consumerist society that is getting richer and richer seems to become less and less happy. The link is so obvious that it cannot be a coincidence. While it is up to psychologists to determine the disease and diagnosis, the number of countries and continents that seems to be affected is great. The want of money, the desire to own a new computer, new mobile phone, new portable DVD player, the wish that your children were good, they are all contagious. While this phenomenon is not new – it can be argued that these desires are as old as mankind itself – the novelty of the current pursuit of

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Interviews.indd 13

“more and better” lays in its omnipresence, and its effect on the majority of the world’s population. The difference between what we want and what we need has dramatically increased.

Entrepreneurs are a bit schizophrenic. On one hand, they have to defend themselves from the pressures of markets and consumerism. On the other, however, they attack their customers by the very same weapons of marketing that they themselves fight against, and create the false needs that they themselves try to withstand. The potential success of such a strategy makes them, ironically, victims – they will earn more money to buy more of the junk that they do not need.

The escape from this trap is not easy. It is for our own good, however, to produce things that we really need, and at the same time try to stay realistic in the perception of our own needs. Good luck with this, and with staying normal!

By Ivan Pilný I President of Tuesday Business Network Former Chairman of Czech Telecom This article is extract from the new book by Ivan Pilný – “Příště spadni líp”, Computer Press. český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

Leaders Magazine III/2011

13

22.3.2011 16:57:15

Ivo Josipović President of the Republic of Croatia

interview

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

CROATIA

Has no Successful Alternative to EU Membership Interviews.indd 14

23.3.2011 13:14:10

interview A talk with Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipović (1957) graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1980 and passed his bar examination. He obtained his master’s degree following his post-graduate studies in criminal procedure law in 1985, and his doctor’s degree in 1994 at Zagreb University. He also graduated in Composition from the Zagreb Music Academy. Prior to his election to the office of the President in 2010, Ivo Josipović was a university professor, a member of the Croatian Parliament and a composer. Ivo Josipović is married to his wife Tatjana and has a daughter Lana. During the 2010 election campaign Ivo Josipović announced that as president he will compose an opera based on the murder of John Lennon. Yet, this election promise is still waiting to be completed, as he says he is currently overwhelmed by the work in his Presidential Office. We spoke with Ivo Josipović about both the Czech-Croatia development of mutual relations, and the present Croatian advancement in the EU´s accession negotiations, as well as the NATO membership.

Where do you see the biggest potential for development of Croatia-Czech relations?

Our excellent bilateral relations have created the groundwork for intensive mutual cooperation in all fields, starting from the important sphere of high political understanding, and in the sectors of culture, science, sports, economy and others. Speaking of economic relations, both countries have great potential, but unfortunately these options have not yet sufficiently materialized in many areas. Concerning Croatia, the trend of our commercial exchange is definitively not satisfactory at the moment. However, the biggest chance for improvement is through a stronger Czech role and presence in the Croatian tourism industry. Additionally, there is still a great opportunity for joint economic activities in third markets, particularly in the Balkan region where Croatian companies can offer their Czech partners a very high quality of “Know-How”. Moreover, I would like to see a more developed cooperation between our regional bodies on a daily basis. In this respect, some very good results have already been achieved in cooperation with some Croatian cities on the Adriatic coast and in the South Moravian region in the Czech Republic. New initiatives are now on course. It is in our common interest to give strong support to these processes.

Croatia plans to finish the negotiations of EU accession during the second half of 2011. What stage are the final negotiations presently in?

Practically, we are walking the last mile of our long march to accession. We are still hoping that the negotiations can be completed by the end of June this year, that the Agreement could be signed this year, and that, following the ratification processes in national parliaments of the member states, we could eventually become a full member sometime in 2013.

In this respect, one of Brussels’ most criticized issues was the fight against corruption in your country. How can Croatia successfully deal with it?

There is only one way to deal with it successfully – we need to eradicate it. Presently, Croatia is dealing with corruption successfully. Our Government has declared a Zero Tolerance Policy on corruption.

A few weeks ago we received the European Commission Interim Report on the negotiating of Chapter 23 Judiciary and fundamental rights, where we received a positive assessment on the efforts and results of our fight against corruption. A high number of corruption cases have been prosecuted and successfully brought to conclusion. Verdicts have ranged from cases of small scale corruption within the administrative system, to cases at the highest

political level involving ministers and members of the parliament. I dare say that thus far, no candidate country has tackled the challenges of corruption with such resolve and achieved the results that we have.

What is the Croatian public’s opinion of EU accession? Is the population mostly in favor of it?

Since the EU accession began, the support for it has constantly varied. Recently the support has been lingering around 50 %. I suppose that one of the dominant reasons for such a relatively low ratio of support, especially when compared with the percentages of support in countries that joined the EU in the last wave of enlargement, is the sense among citizens that the process is taking too long. The fact is that in the meantime, the methodology of the accession negotiations, the very conditionality, has changed considerably, and that in the way of accession Croatia is facing many more challenges than, for example, the Czech Republic. The final result, however, will be a country well prepared for the challenges of membership, and also more administratively fit to serve the citizens. We have a constitutional obligation to call a referendum on the accession, and I am confident that there will be no hesitation by our citizens to vote overwhelmingly in favor of accession. Croatia has no successful alternative to EU membership.

What should Croatia’s role be within the EU´s energy policy, as energy security is a priority in the Visegrad Group? What are the chances for the modernization of the Balkan oil pipeline Adria?

Due to its geographic position, with the ports of the Adriatic penetrating the very heart of Central Europe, Croatia is ideally located to become the link between the booming economies of Asia, the Arab Peninsula and the emerging economies of Africa on one hand, and Central and Northern Europe, on the other. A highly developed network of highways, and the modernization of the railway system is now under way, which only adds to the attractiveness of our position. There are plans to develop large storage capacity for Liquid Gas on the coast, and we are looking for investors. The same goes for the Adria Pipeline.

As a soon we become an EU member state, and a Central European country, we will fully share the interest of the Visegrad Group in establishing diversified lines of energy supply for our part of Europe.

How is Croatia successful in attracting potential new investment?

This is certainly not happening as much as our economy needs. Attracting foreign investment, and

in general increasing the openness of our economy, is critical for the recovery. Economies that are not open, that are not deliberately exposed to the challenges of international competition, have no chance in the global arena. Croatia is no exemption. I am encouraged with both this awareness and our government’s decision to further improve the investment climate and competitiveness of our economy.

What is Croatia’s position towards the events in North Africa? In this respect, what should the common EU position be, with regard to the threats and opportunities coming from the new regimes?

As a Mediterranean country Croatia is following the events with both great concern and great hope.

We are encouraged by the fact that the changes have been induced by young and well educated populations. We believe that a successful brand of democracy, as well as the Islamic tradition, is not only needed, but entirely possible. There is hardly any part of the world that stands a better chance to achieve it than the Middle East. At the same time, we are aware that everything could go wrong, and that the security threats for Europe as well as migration pressure could increase. In this respect, I would like to emphasize that through Croatia’s EU accession, the EU will enlarge its Mediterranean coast, and the European security area in the Mediterranean will grow by more than 1000 kilometers.

Croatia is a new NATO member. How was Croatia satisfied with the new strategic concept that was adopted at the Lisbon Summit last year?

As a NATO member, Croatia actively participated in conceiving the new strategic concept adopted at the Summit in Lisbon. We are satisfied with the concept so far, particularly with NATO-Russian cooperation, which I find crucial for the security of the entire European Continent.

How long will Croatian troops be involved in Afghanistan?

We have decided to increase the number of our soldiers in Afghanistan to 350. They are engaged mainly in the training of the Afghan Army and police forces. We are confident that the 2014 deadline to complete the transition to the Afghan Security Forces is achievable, and as a NATO ally we shall do our utmost to contribute to that goal.

By Pavlína Holancová I

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 15

15

23.3.2011 11:27:08

networking/gourmet event

at Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa This evening was dedicated to excellent Arabic culinary specialties based on recipes from a newly launched Arabian Cook Book written by Renáta Janů and prepared by the chef of the Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa. The chef received applauses from all of us after the dinner.

Special honorary guests of this evening were H.E. Mr. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, H.E. Ms. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic, H.E. Mr. Abdullah A. Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of Kuwait, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Kamel Haj Sassi, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Hynek Kmoníček, Ambassador to Australia, Petr Bratský, Senator, Senate, Parliament of the CR, and Ing. Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor of Prague 1.

Benke Aikell, your Publisher

th

6 Leaders Magazine ADVISORY BOARD DINNER

16

LM_1102_events_1.indd 16

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, Czech-Kuwait Trading Ltd., Ing. Renáta Janů, Author of the Arabian Cook Book, and H.E. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of Kuwait

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

23.3.2011 13:33:35

networking/gourmet event

From left: Ing. Peter Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the CR, Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine, and H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation

From left: JUDr. Josef Šesták, Assistant Professor, VŠO and Karel Nováček, Private Banker, UniCredit Private Banking From left: Ilja Šedivý, Chairman of the Board, Regata Čechy and JUDr. Čestmír Sajda, MBA, Aspira Invest

From left: H.E. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and H.E. Hynek Kmoníček, Czech Ambassador to Australia

From left: Radomíra Kotlárová, Executive Secretary, SME Union CR, Ing. Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor, Prague 1, and Hannu Kasi, President, ABB CR

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, H.E. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, and Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Chamber of Commerce

The positive reputation of Leaders Magazine continues to grow, however we realize that we must maintain to improve and learn, particularly during these times of dynamic change. That is why we have decided to set up an Advisory Board for the magazine. I am convinced that creating a platform of high profile individuals will be an excellent opportunity for the magazine to acquire new ideas and define new directions of future development.

Benke Aikell, Your Publisher

LM_1102_events_1.indd 17

From left: Petr Bratský, Senator, Senate, Parliament of the CR, Eliška Hašková-Coolidge, and PhDr. MgA. Miroslav Smolák, Owner, MIRO Galerie

22.3.2011 18:11:53

networking/gourmet event

From left: Prof. Ing. Kamil Janáček, Member of the CNB Board and Chief Executive Director, Ing. Stanislava Janáčková, CSc., Advisor to the President, Office of the President, Ing. Peter Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the CR, and Ilja Šedivý, Chairman of the Board, Regata Čechy

From left: Jaromír Šlápota, President, ČSÚZ and Ing. Radomír Šimek, President, German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Lynn Tourkiová, Sales Executive, Leaders Magazine and Nick Bolkvadze

From left: Gen. Andor Šándor, (ret.), President, Lions Club Eagle and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Govenor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

There are only 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 the completely new concept of making important people – the decision makers be they 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.

Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President of Comenius

LM_1102_events_1.indd 18

From left: Ing. Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor, Prague 1, Mgr. Helena Sequensová, and MUDr. Richard Sequens, Head of Surgical Gastroenterology Center, Nemocnice Milosrdných sester sv.

Karla Boromejského v Praze and former Senator

From left: H.E. Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation

23.3.2011 12:52:28

networking/gourmet event

From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář CSc., President of Comenius and H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation

Petr J. Kalaš, Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Agriculture of the CR and former Minister of Environment and Ing. arch. Iva Drebitko, President, Triga, Patrons of Art

H.E. Hynek Kmoníček, Czech Ambassador to Australia and H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of Syria

Ing. Ivan Pilný, President, Tuesday Business Network with his daughter

LM_1102_events_1.indd 19

Ing. Helena Švédová, Director, Department of Trade Administration, Czech Export Bank and Ing. Petr Jusko, MBA, Partner, London Market

From left: Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Eva Anderová, Director of the Department of International Relations, Ministry of Finance

From left: JUDr. Čestmír Sajda, MBA, Aspira Invest and Ing. Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta a.s.

From left: H.E. Mohamed Kamel Haj Sassi, Ambassador of Tunisia, Ing. Peter Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the CR, Ing. Pavel Štefka, 4-star General (ret.), Chief of Defence and Special Programs, Tatra, and Dagmar Raupachová, Attorney at Law, Černý-Raupachová

22.3.2011 18:13:50

interview

THE CZECH ECONOMY Is Highly Attractive for Russian Investors

H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic Photo: VladimĂ­r Weiss

Interviews.indd 20

23.3.2011 13:00:43

A talk with H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic Czech-Russian mutual relationships are supposed to be unambiguously at the best level since the end of the Cold-War. How do you perceive this?

It is really good that the mutual relations are evaluated this way. Yet, one question remains, when did the Cold-War actually end? Was it during the “perestrojka” period in the USSR? Or after the establishment of the new post-communist countries, including the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic, at the time that both countries signed a state agreement in 1993? Or wass itit,, fo wa for inst stan a ce,, after the recent Russian-NATO Summit in December 2010 – where it was explicitly stated that the Cold-War was behind us, and afterwards new perspectives for the mutual relations of Russia and the West were opened? Russian-Czech relations are truly on the rise. Both countries have to create mutually respectful, equal and for both parties useful relations based on all positive things that have been accomplished in the past. Moreover, Czechh polilitiicians i are speaking of the high priority of the Russian Federation, as well as the Russian market being essential for th the Czechh Republ blic ic. I wo woul uldd lilike ke to st stre ress ss tha hatt th thee potential of the Czech Republic as an industrially developed country is very important for the Russian Federation. Especially in light of the modernization of the Russian Federation, and it’s enabling of Czech business and research circles, in which new opportunities will show up. The development of cultural contacts goes step by step with progress in business; business-economic synergy has a positive influence on our political relations.

What role within Russian-Czech economic relations does the Intergovernmental Commission on cooperation in the field of economy, industry, and science between Russia and the Czech Republic play? And what role does the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation play? What particular projects have been realized?

The Russian-Czech Intergovernmental Commission (MVK) is a very significant tool for cooperation in both countries. It is a state patronage g of its kind dedicated to the most outstanding economic projects. Its activities include all aspects of economic co-operation (there are 11 working groups within the MVK), which enables them to effectively solve questions at the Governmental and Interdepartmental levels. Since I am t alki lking abboutt importt antt mutual t l prroj ojec ects ts, I sh shou ould ld not forget to mention the modernization of big Russian metallurgical plants, which is being implemented by the Czech company ALTA, ltd.; or the building of tailormade farms which aim to raise stock and increase thee pr th prod oduc uctition on pro roce cess ss by Fa Farm rmat atec ec, ltltdd. Add ddititio iona nallllyy, there is a growing cooperation in the military-technical field, and many other fields. I would chiefly emphasize the successful implementation of projects within the field of the energy industry, primarily nuclear. Russians provide the Czech Republic with engineering consultancy services and participate in the maintenance of Czech nuclear plants, and supply them with fuel. The Czech-Russian consortium (Škoda JS and Russian Atomstrojexport and OKB Gidropress) is involved in thee te th tend nder er int nten ende dedd fo forr th thee ex expa pans nsio ionn of the nuc ucle lear power plant Temelín. The Intergovernmental Commis-

sion ensures the control of strategi sion g c pr p ojjects of economic cooperation. Yet, the market economy is flexible and there are still emerging projects largely within the area of Small and Medium Businesses (SMB´s) that require support as well.

So, how do you deal with that issue?

This task is successfully handled by the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OPK). Russia is targeting real development in this segment: the estimates show at least 50 % of the employable population is going to be involved within the SMB´s during the next 10 years. Businesses tend to turn to the OPK structure once they require up-to-date information concerning schemes of regional development, priority projects, public procurement conditions, or information on the bonding capacity of potential business partners, etc.

The OPK links together 170 regional chambers and enables the communication of particular business missions. i Moreover, the here re is th thee OP OPKK re repr pres esen enta tatition on in th thee Czech Republic that is actively cooperating with Czech partners in both Prague and at the regional level.

In this respect, what barriers should be eliminated in order to make Russian-Czech business cooperation more efficient?

It is not about barriers itself. The Russian Federation and the Czech Republic created sufficiently effective tools of economic cooperation; they have gathered mutual experience by looking for suitable solutions during the past decades. It is rather stereotypes that should be avoided. Cooperation should not be weighed down by politics. Additionally, we have to focus on the crea cr eatition on of co cond ndititio ions ns tha hatt co cont ntriribu bute te to th thee trtran ansi sitition on to a new, higher quality level of investment and innovation, with extensive cooperation. This could effectively help to solve renovation tasks of both the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic. On the top of this, we have to strive for the abolition of visa requirements within both the EU and bilaterally.

What do the Russian businesses find most interesting in the Czech Republic? How are the Russian entrepreneurs successful by achieving their business interests in the Czech market?

The Czech Republic without question represents a significant partner for many Russian companies, for it offers developed industry and agriculture, a great transport and energy infrastructure, a stable banking andd fifina an nanc ncia iall se sect ctor or, an andd hi high ghly ly qua ualilifified ed res esea earc rchh, engineering and technical labor. Moreover, since the Czech Republic is an EU and WTO member, and its governmental policy comprises strong investment support, all of these aforementioned features make thee Cz th Czec echh Re Repu publ blic ic one of th thee ve very ry att ttra ract ctiv ivee Eu Euro ropean economies for Russian investors. Of course, Russians have their own priorities, chiefly with regard to the energy industry and a wide range of the heavy industry sectors. There are very successfully involved giants of Russian industry – the Evraz Group holding, Chelyabinsk Tube-Rolling Plant (“Chelpipe”), the Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UGMK-Holding), and others. Several other companies are operating on the Czech market such as Vemex, ltd. or Lukoil Czech Repu p blic,, ltd. New windows of opppo p rtunityy are emerging in the traditional field of mutual cooperation,

such as the energy industry. There is a lot of room for joint activities in this area, which could utilize the whole potential of all interested countries, including the Czech Republic, as a particularly industrially and technologically developed country. After all, the development of nuclear energy, within those countries that are missing reserves of hydrocarbon resources, eliminates questions of energy security and energy dependence.

In this context, we find a tender aimed at the expansion of the nuclear power plant Temelín very essential, with participation of the Czech-Russian Consortium. We find the Czechh-Rus R sian i Consortiium very useffull for th the Czech Republic, and their implementation would contribute to the self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic within the nuclear energy area. Beyond this, it would provide further business and technology prospects for the most advanced Czech engineering companies.

Within the context of the metal industry, can we perceive the Czech Republic as a “bridge” interconnecting the economies of the Russian Federation and the EU? Actu Ac tual ally ly, a br brid idge ge bet etwe ween en Rus ussi siaa an andd th thee EU is barely necessary. We are all working in a global world.

On the other hand, a “bridge” as a symbol of the interconnection and tight cooperation of the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic, the Russian Federation and the EU, among others within metallurgy, can be seen as important. For instance, Evraz Vítkovice Steel, the Czech subsidiary company of the Russian metallurgic giant Evraz Group, supplies 80 % of its total production (hot-rolled sheet) into the EU countries and the Russian Federation. Byy the way, y Evraz Vítkovice Steel is supplying steel for the construction of the Olympic buildings in Sochi.

When you were talking about the breakdown of barriers that hinder the mutual economic cooperation of both countries, you mentioned, among other things, certain visa “oddities”. Is Russia continuing in its effort to launch visa-free relations with the EU countries?

Russian leaders declared many times that Russia is open to lifting the visa requirements with thhe EU countries. Any recent meeting of Russian and European leaders, including the Russian-EU Summit, does not take place without this issue being discussed. Russia has already handed over to the EU a draft agreement prop pr opos osal al on liliftftin ingg vi visa sass, and the EU ha hass gi give venn ititss pr proo posal to the Russian Federation as well. This is a kind of a “road map”, that draws basic lines of a mutual movement towards a reciprocal lifting of visas. Russia and the EU are agreeing upon a successive consultation schedulee fo ul forr fe feat atur urin ingg jo join intt me meas asur ures es,, th that at would make the abolition of visas possible. Yet, I would like to stress that at the recent Security Conference in Munich, Mr. Sergej Lavrov, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted …”the task of a visa-free regime between the Russian Federation and the EU has been overripe for a long time…”. So, we and our European partners first of all need to speed up.

By Pavlína Holancová I českýý př p eklad nalezn z ete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 21

21

23.3.2011 11:35:55

networking/discussion event

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

From left: Ladislav Dráb, Member of the Supervisory Board, Česká plynárenská, Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

Round Table of Comenius with Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic The second “Round Table of Comenius“ in 2011 took place on February 17 at the Slovanský dům, and its VIP guest was the Prime Minister Petr Nečas. Due to immense interest in this “Round Table of Comenius” the number of participants exceeded one hundred, which is very likely to remain the only time Comenius allowed for such high number of participants. Some of the most significant participants included the Lord Mayor of Prague Mr. Bohuslav Svoboda, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Ms. Lenka Andrýsová, or Ambassador of Slovakia H.E. Peter Brňo. Participants then took part in a very lively debate which touched upon topics dealing with the current government program such as the pensions reforms, fight against corruption or the state budget. Partners of the event were companies CE Group, IDS Scheer, OHL ŽS and Raifeissenbank all represented by their top managers.

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

Congress Hall in Slovanský dům

22.3.2011 17:59:23

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives and Petr Kužel, President, Chamber of Commerce of the CR

networking/discussion event

From left: Josef Bárta, General Director, CZ Loko and Stanislav Beneš, General Manager East Europe, Infram

From left: Ladislav Šimek, President, Aero Vodochody, Daniela Mayerová, Strategy Analyst and Spokesperson, Aero Vodochody, and Richard Musil, Senior Consultant, Aero Vodochody

From left: Tomáš Březina, Chairman of the Board of Directors, BEST and Jan Mičánek, General Director, LESS

Bohuslav Svoboda, Lord Mayor of Prague and Jana Nagyová, Director, Cabinet of the Prime Minister, Office of the Government From left: Martin Borovka, General Director, Eurovia CS and Jan Peška, Head of Marketing and Strategy Department, OHL ZŠ

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

Comenius.indd 23

From left: Beata Rajská, Beata Rajská – Design, Jan Světlík, Chairman of the Board, Vítkovice, and Alena Vitásková, President, Klub Plynárenských podnikatelů ČR

23

22.3.2011 17:59:49

networking/discussion event

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Jan Světlík, Chairman of the Board, Vítkovice, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Jan Mičánek, General Director, LESS

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

From left: Sanjiv Suri, President, Zátiší Catering Group and Karel Janeček, CEO, RSJ

From left: Jan Vítů, Managing Director, Döllken CZ and Richard Musil, Senior Consultant, Aero Vodochody

From right: Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives and Eduard Pálka, Business Director, Česká plynárenská

From left: Josef Veselka, Chief of Cardiovascular Center, University Hospital Motol, Karel Janeček, CEO, RSJ, Miloslava Procházková, Owner, Avanti, and Jiří Vacek, Co-owner, Avanti From left: Ladislav Macka, Chairman od the Board and CEO, Českomoravská záruční a rozvojová banka and Ladislav Šimek, President, Aero Vodochody

From left: Mario Drosc, Vice Chairman of the Board, Raiffeisenbank, Ladislav Dráb, Member of the Supervisory Board, Česká plynárenská, and Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 24

23.3.2011 13:17:43

AINspecial thanks toWITH Ifield Computer Consultancy and COOPERATION Laic Aktiengesellschaft LEADERS MAGAZINE for making this reportage possible

networking/discussion event

From left: Roman Cabálek, General Director, Microsoft, Petr Svoboda, Managing Director, Expharma, Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman, Europe Microsoft Corporation, and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia

From left: Ondřej Typolt, CEE Regional Manager, People and Communication, Olympus CR and Martin Novák, Member of the Board, Chief Financial Officer, ČEZ

Pavel Baštář, Managing Director, Invelt, BMW Dealer

IIN N CCOOPERATION OOPERATION WITH WITH LLEADERS EADERS M AGAZINE MAGAZINE From left: Ladislav Dráb, Member of the Supervisory Board, Česká plynárenská and Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

From left: Radek Dohnal, General Manager, TOP HOTEL Praha and Congress Centre and Martin Žáček, General Director, Uniqua

The T Th he sixt si sixth ixt xth “Round “Rou “R o nd nd T Table aabble le of of Comenius” C om Co meenius nniius u ” off 2009 200009 to ttook ook ok place pla lace ce on on July July Ju uly ly 2 at at the thhe ZOOM ZO Z OOM OM Unique Unniiiqqu que Place PPllace ace Restaurant ac Reest R stau aura r nt n at at the the Prague th P ag Prag Pr ague ue Congress Con ongr gres ess es ss Cent C Ce Centre ent ntre aand nd iits nd ts VIP VIP IP gguest uesstt w ue was as the the h Minister Min iniste iste is ter off Finance Finan iinnan ance cee off the thhee Czech Czzeech ecchh Republic Reppub u lliic Mr. Mr. Eduard Mr Edddua E uaardd Janota. uard Jan anot o a. As As a non-political non no on-p n-po npolliittiiiccal cal minister ca mini mi nist issttter er Mr. er Mrr.. Eduard Edu duaarrd Janota JJaano ano nottaa spoke not spo poke ke openly ope penly about abou ab bou outt the thhe long longg term lo ter erm m crisis crissis ooff the cris cr the Czech Czec Cz ech st ec ech stat atte budget, ate bbuudget dgett, which whhic ich in a vview i w of ie of the the he global globa loba lo b al state eec con onom miicc crisis cri rissiis and and its an itits impact impa im impa pacctt on on the the downfall th ddoow wnnfa fallll of of the the Czech th Czzeecch economy C ecoonnoom ec my became bbeeccaame me ever evveeerr more moore m re imminent. immin mm minnen e t.t. Mr. Mr.r. Janota Jaannot not ota believes belilieves be eevvess that thhaat unless unnle less ss a rradical ss addiccall sshift hiftft iinn the hi hift thhe st tat atee bu bbudget udg dget et policy pol olic icy is is economic state iimplemented, im mppllem ement eennte ted, d, pparticularly arttiiccuuula ar llaarrlly ending enddiing en ng of of the tthhe gge generous enneero rouuss state sta tate te expenditures exppeennddiiture ture tu res de ddespite essppit piitte the the parliamentary th parrlliiaam pa meent ntar ar y unwillingness uunnw nwillllin inngn gneesss to gn to do do so, ssoo, then thenn the th thhee Czech Cze zecchh Republic Rep epub ublilic lic will wiillll face w fac ace the ace thhe destiny deesttin iny off Latvia, Lat at vi via, a, that that hat is, ha is, is a n k r u p t c y b ooff the thhee state state ttaattee finances. f iinna nan ancceess.. In In this thhiiss cconnection onne on neccttiioon Minister Miinniisstter M er Janota Jaannot ota also aallssoo pointed pooiint inntted ed out ouutt the thhee dangerous dannggeerroouuss populism pop opulis ulissm off the ul the he political pol oliitttic iiccal al parties paarrtities es which whhiicchh

From right: Milan Hradický, Member of the Board, IMG and Karel Kortánek, Chief of Protocol and International Relations, Office of the Government of the CR

From left: Martin Červencl, Diamonds International Corporation – D.I.C. and Radomír Šimek, DTIHK-ČNOPK

Comenius.indd 25

From left: Miroslav Příkop, Managing Director and General Director, Cimex Invest and Jiří Morávek, General Manager, SNIP and CO

From left: Michal Štefl, Chairman of the Board, General Director, OHL ŽS and Josef Bárta, General Director, CZ Loko

From left: Petr Kužel, President, Chamber of Commerce of the CR, Beata Rajská, Beata Rajská – Design, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

22.3.2011 18:03:31

networking/discussion event

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

From left: Mario Drosc, Vice Chairman of the Board, Raiffeisenbank, Ladislav Dráb, Member of the Supervisory Board, Česká plynárenská, and Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

From left: Gustav Svěrák, General Director and Managing Director, Fresenius Kabi and Jakub Joska, Partner, Vyroubal Krajhanzl Školout, Attorney Office From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius and Bohuslav Svoboda, Lord Mayor of Prague

From left: Mirko Kalous, General Director, NESS Czech and Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta

Tomáš Březina, Chairman of the Board of Directors, BEST

From left: Jan Světlík, Chairman of the Board, Vítkovice and Karel Muzikář, Managing Partner, Weil, Gotshal and Manges

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 26

From left: Jan Wiesner, President, SČMVD, Miroslav Lukšík, General Director, Pozemní stavitelství Zlín, Ladislav Macka, Chairman od the Board and CEO, Českomoravská záruční a rozvojová banka, Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta, Petr Kužel, President, Chamber of Commerce of the CR, Michal Štefl, Chairman of the Board, General Director, OHL ŽS, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

23.3.2011 13:15:52

THE WORLD IS THE WEB 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 “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the world wide web and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, online, with liberty of information for all.” Those of you who studied in America would recognize that opening statement from the Pledge of Allegiance. A pledge every school child in America was supposed to say in the morning while looking at the American flag and standing upright with their right hand over the heart.

Today´s children are no longer children of a nation but children of the world. Their allegiance lies within the confines of the information which is available. Wikileaks of secret government policies, mobile videos of protesters being attacked, and tweets from the scene are all shifting allegiances away from governments and moving it to the internet.

The case of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is an interesting example of how the internet is the only true free republic with its own justice system. When news that Assange was being arrested was released, a team of hackers got together in his defense. They systematically hacked government sites, personal email systems of politicians, and even the banks which froze Assange´s accounts. According to an article by The Telegraph, “The 1,500-strong network of online activists has already sabotaged the websites of MasterCard, Visa and the Swedish government with millions of bogus visits. The attacks, termed “Operation Payback”, came aft f ter th the credit dit cardd companiies andd PayPPal,l an online payment firm, announced that they would no longer process donations to the anti-secrecy organisation.” Although their attack was eventually controlled, the fact of the matter is that they defended a citizen of this new nation. A nation whose only motto is that information should be free and available to all.

In countries where this free flow of information is not possible, people always find a way. Usually in the form of micro-blogs like tweets, which are snippets of information coming through from many people. Taken in as a whole, these tweets paint a picture of real time events and sentiment.

It is like a book with many authors, each contributing one line as the story unfolds. SMS messages warn others of imminent danger as riot

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Interviews.indd 27

police and the military fire live rounds into groups of protesters. Mobile videos of the events unfolding go from youtube to TV stations within minutes. The world´s dignitaries are forced by the general public to declare their position on the matter and pick a side.

The numbers of the internet nation are staggering. One in seven people worldwide have a Facebook account. 2.5 billion people are online. An estimated 25 billion pieces of content are shared online. The world is so connected that we literally ran out of space and needed to create another internet protocol for devices.

That in itself is about 4.3 billion ip addresses exacerbated even further with the increase of mobile and tablet technology. All this connectivity has resulted in what Marshall McLuhan called, the Global village. In his 1964 book, Understanding Media McLuhan states, “Today, after more than a century of electric technology, we have extended our central nervous system itself in a global embrace, abolishing both space and time as far as our planet is concerned.” We can go even further back in time to Nicolas Tesla, who in an interview with Colliers magazine in 1926 stated: “When wireless is perfectly applied the whole earth will be converted into a huge brain, which in fact it is, all things being particles of a real and rhythmic whole. We shall be able to communicate with one another instantly, irrespective of distance. Not only this, butt th through gh tele levisi ision on and tel elep epho honny wee sh shal alll see and hear one another as perfectly as though we were face to face, despite intervening distances of thousands of miles; and the instruments through which we shall be able to do this will be amazingly simple compared with our present telephone. A man will be able to carry one in his vest pocket.”

The notions brought forth by Tesla in 1926 and that of McLuhan in 1964 have culminated in 2011 as an age of new enlightenment. An awakening is beginning to engulf society which was once isolated in despotism and propaganda.

Similar to the renaissance of the 14th century when Masters of art looked back to the ancients for an example of society many are looking to the internet for this enlightenment. It is the one true

Photo: Brian Fleming

window into the world, “irrespective of distance” and capable of “abolishing both space and time” beca be caus usee at its cor oree th thee in inte tern rnet et is ab abou outt sh shar arin ingg information freely.

Just as McLuhan and Tesla, the Mayans too had a prophecy. Their calendar predicts that on December 21, 2012 a cataclysmic or transformative event will incur in the world. Possibly we are experiencing a reawakening of Earth´s inhabitants. We are not a world of many nations but a nation of one. Each of us that is online is adding to the connectivity of the world. We are like neurons in this massive brain firing off billions of information pieces to the network. At its essence each person is adding to the total intelligence of the human race. So next time you stand in front of your computer, tablet or mobile device, salut and pledge your allegiance, “one nation, online, with liberty of information for all.”

I

Leaders Magazine II/2011

27

23.3.2011 12:18:03

networking/discussion event

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

From left: Alexandr Vondra, Minister of Defence of the CR and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

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

Round Table of Comenius with Alexandr Vondra, Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic The first “Round Table of Comenius“ in 2011 took place on February 9 at the Hotel Pyramida, and its VIP guest was one of the longest serving politicians in this country, i.e. Minister of Defense Alexandr Vondra. Besides the current state of the Czech military the lively debate touched also perex upon the Czech participation in foreign missions and the use of the Czech military to combat natural disasters. Other significant participants included Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Vlastimil Picek, Deputy Minister of Defense Michael Hrbata, General Manager of the Microsoft for the Czech Republic and Slovakia Mr. Roman Cabálek, or Mr. Valeriy A. Agapov, Representative in the Czech Republic, State Corporation Russian Technologies. Partners of the event were companies A.T. Kearney, AERO Vodochody, LOM Praha, and Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic all represented by their top managers.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Comenius.indd 28

Congress Hall of Hotel Pyramida

23.3.2011 13:29:35

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

networking/discussion event

From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, Mojmír Čapka, General Director, Brisk, Eduard Janota, Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board, ČEZ, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

From left: Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager, Russia and CIS Operation, Comenius and Valeriy A. Agapov, Representative in the Czech Republic, State Corporation Russian Technologies

From left: Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Chamber of Commerce, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Michael Hrbata, Deputy Minister of Defence, and Daniel Rous, Security Director, ČEZ

From left: Mirko Kalous, General Director, NESS Czech and Stanislav Beneš, General Manager East Europe, Infram From left: Stanislav Servus, Attorney-at-Law, Partner, Dvořák and spol. and Jan Žůrek, Managing Partner, KPMG CR

Comenius.indd 29

From left: Jiří Šedivý, Army General (ret.), Generals, Army General Vlastimil Picek, Chief of General Staff of the CR, and Eduard Janota, Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board, ČEZ

From left: Marián Švrček, Vice President, A.T. Kearney GmbH and Ladislav Dráb, Member of the Supervisory Board, Česká plynárenská

From left: Július Kudla, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Euler Hermes Čescob, Úvěrová pojišťovna and Martin Žáček, General Director, Uniqua

H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and Renata Telínová, Chairperson of the Board, Scanservice

22.3.2011 18:07:25

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

networking/discussion event

From left: Jindřich Ploch, General Director, Lom Praha, Jiří Staněk, Ministry of Defence of the CR, Michael Hrbata, Deputy Minister of Defence, and Fawad Nadri, President, CzechAfghan Chamber of Commerce

From left: Zdeněk Prokop, Deputy Chairman of the Board and CEO, Aero Trade and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

Josef Veselka, Professor of Medicine, Chief of Cardiovascular Center, University Hospital Motol

From left: Přemysl Večeřa, CEO, Dicom and Jaroslav Javornický, Managing Director, Spielberg CZ

From left: Jan Klas, General Director, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic, Alexandr Vondra, Minister of Defence of the CR, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Jindřich Ploch, General Director, Lom Praha, Army General Vlastimil Picek, Chief of General Staff of the CR, Ladislav Šimek, President, Aero Vodochody, Daniela Mayerová, Strategy Analyst and Spokesperson, Aero Vodochody, and Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives

Comenius.indd 30

From left: Beata Rajská, Beata Rajská – Design, Petr Fajtl, Director of Planning and Development Division, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic, and Miloslava Mezerová, Director of HR Division, Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT 23.3.2011 13:31:37

THE POWER OF

RECIPROCITY Karin Genton-L’Epée is a business coach with 28 years of extensive professional experience in the United States, France and the Czech Republic. Based in Prague since 1995, for the past 13 years she has developed a range of coaching and training programs for mid- and top-level managers, focusing on leadership development, cross-cultural understanding and effective communication in a global environment. By providing a structured environment that supports people in clarifying who they are and what they want, Karin enables her clients to devise more effective strategies to achieve their personal and professional goals. Thanks to her knowledge, skills and range of international experience, Karin is in demand as a speaker at business conferences and educational institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. She is also a regular contributor to business journals and magazines. She works in English and French and can be reached at karin@coaching.cz.

Like many people, I attend a fair number of social events, especially those of the various Chambers of Commerce in Prague. I find them an excellent way to meet people and stay visible, as well as to extend and maintain connections. I rarely go home from one of these events without having had an introduction or conversation that will, in some way, benefit me down the road.

Of course, you cannot get that introduction or have a conversation and think there is nothing more to be done in order to tap the well of riches. You must take the next steps. For me, that usually means sharing some information, doing a simple favor or providing a contact to the person with whom I want to foster a relationship. These small measures engage the other person and, if all goes well, allow me to take advantage of one of the most successful strategies people use to achieve influence and get what they want: reciprocity.

Reciprocity is a basic principle in the psychology of relationships. The fundamental idea defines that we are all bound – even driven – to repay debts of all kinds. When someone does something for you, almost automatically you feel obligated to repay in some sort of manner.

The word reciprocity comes from the Latin reciprocus, which means “returning the same way.” It refers to something done or given in return. It is the universal belief that what you give will eventually come back to you in similar fashion or form.

In today’s self-serving competitive world, when everyone is trying to figure out the best way to succeed and outsmart the competition, the strongest and longest lasting interpersonal relationships are based on the principle of reciprocity. Although we generally prefer genuine interactions without expectation of return, we usually reap personal benefits from the favorable impressions we leave in the hearts and minds of others by behaving in a nice and friendly manner, by doing them favors, or by giving them something they need or want.

In the business world, there is a tacit expectation of return, and smart businesspeople keep that expectation of return at the front of their minds, making sure to keep things in balance. No one wants to be reminded of a favor done and not reciprocated, nor is business selfless – a favor not rewarded can quickly sour a business relationship.

Be the first to give something As I was leaving a social event a month or so ago, a young manager who had been briefly introduced to me

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Interviews.indd 31

earlier got in my face with a blunt request. “I just heard that you are a coach with many connections in the business community,” he said. “My company is just entering the Czech market and we need to meet to see how we can work together.”

Apparently, for this newcomer to the Czech Republic, learning that I had an established network suddenly made me very attractive to him. Unfortunately, besides having forgotten his manners, he had also forgotten about the power of reciprocity. As the American author Napoleon Hill says, “Trying to get something without first giving something is as fruitless as trying to reap without having sown.”

The young man wanted something from me. To start a mutually beneficial relationship relationship, he would have done well to ask himself what he could do for me first. first In most circir cumstances, the person who gives first is in control.

Whoever is on the receiving end of your favor/gift is then in your debt. That is the situation of influence you want to create and maintain.

If, instead of approaching me by asking me a favor, this gentleman had addressed me with an offer, I might have been receptive to listen to him, and maybe help him connect with some potential customers. His company is new to the Czech market. One of my areas of expertise is crosscultural communication, I have spent much of the past 15 years helping expats understand and work with the Czech, and vice versa. He could have done something as simple as inquire about the cost of having me do a training session for his company, and I would likely have taken steps to connect him to my network.

Give something that has real value to the recipient Another simple way to create or develop a mutually beneficial relationship is to offer information – valuable information that is not easily available is always appreciated.

Back when I was living in New York City, during a conversation with my public relations agency, I learned that a new luxury luggage company was entering the U.S. market and was looking for a flagship store in Manhattan.

The same evening, I had a drink with a real estate agent friend, and shared the information I had learned that afternoon.

I was simply doing a favor for a friend. There was nothing in the information I gave her that could benefit me. But by following up, my friend was able to secure a very successful

deal with the luggage company. And when I struck out on my own a few months later, she returned the favor by referring me to one of her prospects who was looking for an international business consultant.

The more valuable, substantial and truly helpful your information is, the more grateful and indebted your prospect will feel. Your exclusive information must not be self-serving or conditional in any way. It must benefit your recipient whether or not you get anything out of it. What you give should be all about the person you are giving it to. Trust me, if it is within their power, the recipient will find a way to reciprocate.

Build your bank of “reciprocity credits” The ways we behave toward others are “bankable”.

Through our positive actions actions, we build a reserve of “reci reciprocity credit” credit , a capital from which we may later draw out out.

The challenge lies in keeping this reserve in the black.

Anytime we forget to make a “deposit” in our reciprocity credit reserve, or make a massive overdraw by behaving in a self-serving manner, we miss the opportunity to create or develop mutually beneficial relationships.

To build our reciprocity credit in simple, easy ways, we can: • Be generous, by inviting someone to an interesting social event where that person can extend her/his network • Express gratitude, by thanking a person who introduces you to a valuable contact or provides you with some other favor • Be sincere, making genuine positive comments about what a person does or says • Do small favors consistently, such as noting promotions, sending articles that might be helpful, remembering birthdays, etc.

The bigger the credit, the more influence we have. But make sure to manage your expectations, because sometimes circumstances dictate that time passes before you reap the benefits of reciprocity.

There is an apocryphal tale about Winston Churchill that has him saved from drowning as a lad by a poor Scottish farmer. According to the story, Churchill’s father then offered, as recompense, to put the farmer’s son through college. The farmer’s son was Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, and when, during World War II, Churchill contracted pneumonia, penicillin saved his life.

True story or not, remember that reciprocity can reap big rewards.

I

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

31

22.3.2011 17:02:41

interview Milan Štěch (1953) received his certificate of apprenticeship as a fitter and graduated from secondary technical college. He worked at the Škoda České Budějovice until 1990 and was elected to the Board of the Trade Union Association Kovo.

From 1994, he worked in the leadership of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Union Associations – eight years as a deputy chairman and from April 2002 until April 2010 as a chairman. From 1994 until April 2010 he was also a deputy chairman of the Council of Economic and Social Agreement (tripartite). Milan Štěch is a member of the Social Democratic Party (ČSSD).

In 1996, he was elected a Senator of the Czech Parliament for the constituency Pelhřimov-Jindřichův Hradec, re-elected in 2002 and 2008.

From 1996 until 2008 he worked as a vicechairman of the Committee on Health and Social Affairs. In 2008, he was elected a Vice-President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

On November 24, 2010 Milan Štěch was appointed the President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

Milan Štěch, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Photo: Vladimír Weiss

Interviews.indd 32

22.3.2011 17:03:05

A talk with Milan Štěch, President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

The Ability of Negotiation IS A KEY TO ANY POLITICAL SUCCESS Mr. President, you have made an offer to assist the creation of reform law, by seeking a consensus of the Coalition Government and the Opposition. What made you do so?

I have great experience with negotiating, from the times of my involvement with trade unions, where I often had to negotiate and settle compromises. Unfortunately, I have to say that the way of negotiation on the Czech political scene is lagging so far. Compromise is considered a manifestation of weakness in our society, rather than a skill of negotiation. In general, it is still valid that if we are not able to win in any argument, then we are automatically beaten. Yet, we need to learn that there are various interests and various conflicts going on within a democratic society. Thus, searching for solutions that could be valid over a longer period of time is crucial. I think that some particular steps have already been outlined. outlined Can you be more specific?

A special event has already taken place in the Senate, in the form of an independent platform aimed at medical representatives, professional medical chambers, vocational representatives and representatives of the medical trade union club.

The main goal of it was to find suitable solutions to the recent health care crisis in the Czech Republic.

I wanted both sides to understand each other better, and became closer in some issues. I think in the end we succeeded in this. We plan to prepare a similar project with pension reform as well.

In this respect, what is your view on the upcoming reform?

Proposals emerging from the ODS, the VV, the TOP 09, the ČSSD or eventually others, have certain cross-points that may lead towards a feasible agreement. Therefore, I created a team of permanent and external experts. Among them, for instance, are Professor Martin Potůček from the Faculty of Social Science of Charles University, and Vladimír Špidla, the former EU Commissioner.

These people have great experience in the field of social systems and are going to co-organize some conferences.

So, could you specify the cross-points that may eventually lead towards agreement?

One of the cross-points is a paramount and dominant I. pillar of the pension scheme, i.e. the pay-as-you-go system. We need to find a way to motivate citizens to get additional pension insurance. Some people often complain that our

pension system is very one-sided, according to the Act of 1996. Yet, it was the legislator’s goal to have a rather even system. Therefore, we have to emphasize that if citizens want to have higher pensions, they need to support themselves with additional pension insurance. On the other hand, I agree with the view that a tangible level of pensions cannot fall; otherwise covering even the basic necessities of life would not be possible. Thus, the issue rather concerns whether we deposit part of our financial means to other institutions, i.e. private capital funds. I would say that due to the recent economic crisis, it was very risky.

Another preferred issue you spoke of is the anti-corruption policy.

Well, I am very disappointed by the development of our political scene. I expect that politicians affected by corruption scandals will not receive decision making positions. decision-making positions Yet, Yet things have turned out differently. It is a great problem. I would really appreciate it if bodies responsible for criminal propro ceedings would act independently, and without any political influence. And if they do act with influence, citizens should show their displeasure in the following elections.

In this respect, how do you perceive the establishment of the Great Coalition between the ODS and the ČSDD in Prague 1?

I recommended the ČSSD in Prague not to enter any coalition with the ODS, as it has not been considerably transformed yet. Nonetheless, I do not want to say with certainty that it was a disaster.

I see it as a chance for my colleagues from the ČSSD to convince us that politics can be done in a more trustful way than it has been done in the past. Additionally, it is certainly great for Prague that there was a generation of politicians who were able to make things fair, and without the use of corruption, despite party affiliations.

Nevertheless, citizens repetitively expressed their disagreement with the Great Coalition and they definitely have the right to do so.

Yes, they have indeed. I never came out against them either. On the other hand, if the second winner of elections comes to an agreement with the third, I find it normal, and this is occurring at other town halls as well. It is simply feasible.

Well, it is a problem because anti-corruption behavior in politics is feasible as well.

Well, it is obviously unusual, yet we do not have the majority election system, but the system of

proportional representation, and we have to respect it, although we do not like it as individuals very much.

In this context, do you see any chance that the Senate could also institutionally develop? After all, it has not been perceived as a necessary institution in the citizen’s eyes?

The Senate was unfortunately established largely behind schedule, and at the time, the Constitution was already long in force. In this way, the Chamber of Deputies de facto created a monopoly position within the legislative field. This status is naturally reflected by the rules of procedure of both Chambers. While the Rule of Procedures of the Chamber of Deputies had to approve the Chamber of Deputies solely by itself, the Rule of Procedures of the Senate had to be approved by both Chambers including all additional amendments.

The situation is enhanced by the fact that the so socalled “Stykový zákon” (Intercourse Act), which regulates relations of both Chambers Chambers, has not been approved yet. In connection with the presidential election, by the means of a nation-wide vote, we will strive to enforce the Intercourse Act. However, I can imagine the Senate does not make many changes within the legislative process, yet some procedures could be better balanced in relation to the Chamber of Deputies.

Can you be more specific?

For instance, I think that defeating a veto could require a higher percentage in the Senate. In addition, the Senate could have greater competence in appointing significant politicians and institutions, not only in appointing constitutional judges. This could for instance concern the Councils for Radio and TV Broadcasting. I would like to see changes of the ombudsman election, so they may be elected right in the Senate. However, I have to state that it is not very feasible at the moment, because the willingness to change the Senate’s competence is rather weak in the Chamber of Deputies. Yet, with growing debates on the Constitution of the Czech Republic, and amendments in connection with the direct vote of president, there is a suitable period for launching negotiations.

By Pavlína Holancová I

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 33

33

22.3.2011 17:03:29

interview

Tomáš Chalupa Minister of Environment of the Czech Republic Photo: Mr. Chalupa´s archive

34

Interviews.indd 34

22.3.2011 17:14:46

A talk with Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment of the Czech Republic

Many Ecological Norms ARE UNCLEAR, COMPLICATED AND UNSTABLE Mgr. Tomáš Chalupa (1974) studied at the Faculty of Social Science of Charles University in Prague, in the Department of Journalistic and Mass Communication. At the same time, in 1996, he also studied politics and history at thhe Phi hillosophi hicall Facultlty off Ch Charlles Uniiversitity.

In 1994–2002 he studied law at the Law Faculty of Charles University in Prague. He has been a member of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) since 1992. In 1997–1998 he was the press officer of the Government of the Czech Republic. In 1998–2002, Tomáš Chalupa was appointed the deputy mayor of finance, investment and security of Prague 6, and from 2002–2010, he was the mayor of Prague 6. Tomáš Chalupa was elected the MP of the Chamber of Deputies and appointed the Minister of Environment of the Czech Republic in 2010.

One of your priorities, you first claimed, was an open and transparent administration of the Ministry of Environment. Can you specify these principles?

I am going by the principle that public administratition on is a se serv rvic icee fo forr th thee pu publ blic ic,, and that it should be administered this way. Since I have been involved in communal politics I have followed the motto “padni komu padni” (“whoever is to blame”), and I am following it in high politics as well. In the eyes of citizens, we can restore the lost credibility of our Ministry only by pursuiingg consiisttentt and str tron ongg st step epss to towa ward rdss thwarting potential corruption and machinations.

Does the Czech Republic need a new and reasonable ecological vision?

I think our country does not need a new vision. We just need to realize what our problems are and where the limits of our imaginations lie. The Czech Republic has three factual problems regarding the quality of the environment. At the international level, it concerns high emissions of greenhouse effects per GDP unit and citizen. Our real national problem is the quality of air. We have rather high dust pollution and carcinogenic hydrocarbon pollution. At the regional level, the main problem concerns communal waste dispposal,, which can be used as a renewable source of raw-materials and energy. The first problem is limited by obligations that were accepted by the EU membership. These are about the climate, air, water and nature. It is goiing to cost a lot off money in a country that needs to fix its financial system, and a country that at the same time calls for social and health care reform. All of this will have significant costs. Additionally, we need to change our way of environmental protection. It cannot be bureaucratic, burdensome and expensive. We need clear rules for all of those who really significantly influence the environment. On the other hand, we do not need to oversee anything that moves in the Orwell way.

Moreover, we need prevention instead of repression; we have to find a way of cooperation with companies, and last but not least, we need to perform on the basis of the demand of consumers and citizens in general.

Are you going to continue with the National Action Plan on Energy as it was launched by the ex-minister, Pavel Drobil? In this context, is the current proportion of the energy mix ideal for the Czech Republic?

It is obvious that the Czech energg y industry will have to deal with a whole variety of questions in the forthcoming months and even years. This concerns, among other things, the future mining of brown coal, the building of new nuclear reactors, and the use of renewable resources. The share of solid fuel, in which ourr co ou coun untr tryy ha hass be been en mor oree th than an sel elff-su suff ffic icie ient nt thus far, is steadily decreasing at the national level.

On the contrary, oil and gas, whose relative significance is growing, has a fluctuating self-sufficiency of only around 2% to 3%. The National Action Plan on Energy stems from those facts as well. I suppose that the target of reaching a 13.5% share of renewable resources for our total energy consumption, and reaching a 10.8% share of renewable resources for our total consumption in transport is feasible.

In this context, it has been said that the Czech Republic needs to pursue the revision of Czech obligations towards the EU, which were established by the Accession Treaty. Can you specify in which cases the EU legislation unsuitably influences the Czech business environment?

The whole variety of ecological norms is generally unclear, complicated and moreover unstable. This all has a neggatitive impactt upon pon C zech ech com ompe petitititive vene ness ss in the global economy. The Ministry of Environment can assist the Small and Medium Businesses by creating tenders aimed at businesses, which can act as a side effect of our subsidy system.

One of your other priorities is to find a successful solution to the Program “Zelená úsporám” (Green Savings). In what stage is this program now? Can the current participants still hope to receive the state subsidy?

First of all, I have to say that breaking down this program is not in our interest. Already submitted requests will be completed. There were 77,356 requests within the administration at the beginning of February, and an additional 1,100 were requests

submitted by the public sector within the framework of public buildings. 37,483 of them have already been approved, and another 39,874 are in the decision ion-mak makin ingg pr proc oces esss at var ario ious us lev evel elss (t(the hese se f ig igur ures es are from the first week in February). I would like to decide as soon as possible how to satisfy all the requests that meet the conditions of the program.

The truth is that the volume of requests, including requested sums of money, is higher than the less than 20 billion CZK being disposed for this purpose.

On the other hand, we have to be aware that the requirired qu ed sum um, st stat ated ed in th thee re requ ques estt, is on onee th thin ingg, and the other thing is an actual sum that people can tangibly “reach” after meeting all conditions of their request. Logically, the latter is lower than a maximum required by any applicant. Nonetheless, we are looking for the fairest solution that will enable us a prompt advancement of this issue.

A joint-decision of the eco-tender is one of the main priorities of the Ministry of Environment as well. Are you promoting a division of the tender into smaller parts? In this respect, can it ensure for better transparency?

There are certain reasons why this project should be divided into small parts, or why it should be thoroughly reassessed. One of them may be the economic limits of the state budget. Nonetheless, I would like to emphasize that particular ministers have been clearly given their roles within this project.

Thee Mi Th Mini nist stry ry of Fi Fina nanc ncee is pririma maririly ly in ch char arge ge of th thee whole project. It is allso responsibl ble for the h economiic segment, as well as the intensity of the project, with regard to the stability of the state budget. The project’s funding needs to be in accordance with the actual shape of the state finances. Thus, the primary role of the Ministry of Environment is to be particular about all required criterion concerning environmental protection, which must be met professionally.

By Pavlína Holancová I

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 35

35

22.3.2011 17:15:07

On Wednesday, 23 February 2011 at the Prague Castle, the President of the Czech Republic Vรกclav Klaus met with the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy.

state visit

HERMAN VAN ROMPUY, President of the European Council, visiting the Czech Republic

36

LM_1102_events__2.indd 36

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

From right: Prof. Vรกclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council during his visit

23.3.2011 10:52:05

state visit

From left: Mrs. Livia Klausová, Bronisław Komorowski, President of the Republic of Poland, Prof.

Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Anna Komorowska

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

State Visit

of the President of the Republic of Poland in the CR

On the invitation of the President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus, the President of the Republic of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski with his wife Anna visited the Czech Republic on the 21th and 22nd February 2011.

Inspection of the Guard

LM_1102_events__2.indd 37

From left: Bronisław Komorowski, President of the Republic of Poland and Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

23.3.2011 13:55:17

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

state visit

Photo: archive of the Office of the President of the Czech Republic

On the invitation of the President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus, the President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipović with his wife Tatjana arrived to the Czech Republic on the 8th of March 2011.

State Visit

From left: Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

of the President of the Republic of Croatia in the CR

38

LM_1102_events__2.indd 38

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

From left: Livia Klausová, Tatjana Josipović, Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia, and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

23.3.2011 10:54:13

senate

From left: Milan Štěch, President of the Senate, Parliament of the CR with his wife and Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia with his wife

State Luncheon in Honour of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Ivo Josipović

The Senate President Milan Štěch held a luncheon in honour of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Ivo Josipović. The luncheon was attended by both of the politicians´ wives, and the Senate was also represented by the first Vice-President of the Senate Přemysl Sobotka, as well as senators Jaroslav Doubrava and Jaromír Štětina.

During the lunch, participants spoke mainly about the current political and economic situation in the two countries, and also mentioned the unemployment rate, and its relationship to the so-called “shadow economy”. Both sides also expressed the need to address the problems of corruption, which they regard as a serious problem for economic development. The discussion also included the internal situation in the Balkan Peninsula, including pending issues of the coexistence of various ethnic groups in the various Balkan countries. The Croatian president was also concerned about the ongoing debate about the direct election of the president in our country.

Photo: archive of the Senate

39 39 A toast

LM_1102_events__2.indd 39

23.3.2011 10:54:33

connecting czech and asian business leaders

The fifth annual meeting of the Czech-Asian Forum was organized in the Hilton Atrium from 1-2 March 2011.

Several foreign guests attended this event, such the delegation from Syria, led by Mr. Mahmoud Zanboou, Deputy Transport Minister, the delegation from Mongolia, led by Mr. Ariunsanem, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mr. Ganzoringem Gene-CEOs of the investment agency FIFTY, the delegation of Kazakhstan headed

by Mrs. Aida Bapakchovou, Director KAZNEX Invest, the delegation from Pakistan led by Mr. Rizvim, General Secretary of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the delegation from Iraq led by Mr. Adnan Al-Rahaminem, Director of investment, the delegation from Indonesia headed by Mr. Rudi Salahudinem, Department Director for Investment, the delegation from Malaysia led by Mr. Roswaidinem Zain, European Office of the Director of MIDA (Malaysian Industrial Development Agency), and the delegation from India led by Mr. Pradeep Narayanan, Director of India Tax Office, Ernst and Young, London.

Mgr. Eva Rybková, PhD., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Image Conference & Consulting, s.r.o. and Ing. Martin Bělčik, Director, Kancelář Asociace krajů ČR

th

5 Jubilee Edition of Czech-Asian Forum

40

LM_1102_events__2.indd 40

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

From left: H.E. Aitzaz Ahmed, Ambassador of Pakistan, Dr. Mahamoud Zanboa, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport, Syrian Arab Republic, Samir Masad, Embassy of Syria, Mgr. Eva Rybková, PhD., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Image Conference & Consulting, s.r.o., Syed Masoon Alam Rizvi, Secretary General, The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry with his wife, and Mrs. Nadia Rehman, Embassy of Pakistan

23.3.2011 12:36:37

Ing. Martin Bělčík, Director, Kancelář Asociace krajů ČR

Jiří Šourek, Geomin Družstvo

H.E. D.P. Srivastava, Ambassador of India

H.E. Mohamed Salaymeh, Ambassador of Palestina

Ing. Pavel Moravec, Managing Director and CEO, 1. Primossa Corporation, a.s. and Uyanga Bayarsaikhan

From left: Ing. Fawad Nadri, President, Czech Afghan Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, Daniel Soural, Vice President, Czech Afghan Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, and Jaromír Dušek, Czech Afghan Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Aida Bapakhova, Regional Director for CIS and East European Countries, Kaznex Invest, and Petr Kubernát, Director, Pekos, spol. s r.o.

From left: Lukáš Štella, Tercar, s.r.o., Milan Štella, Commercial Manager, Tercar, s.r.o., and Ing. Bohumír Heinz

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE LM_1102_events__2.indd 41

From left: Martin Šiler, České dráhy, Mgr. Eva Rybková, PhD., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Image Conference & Consulting, s.r.o., and Vojtěch Kocourek, former Deputy Minister of Transport

23.3.2011 12:37:10

From left: Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, C.K. Trading, Ltd, Bedřich Danda, Deputy Minister of Industry and trade of CR, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Ing. Fawad Nadri, President, Czech Afghan Chamber of Commerce in the CR Adnan Al-Ramihy, General Manager of Legal Directorate, National Investment Commission

From left: Mgr. Eva Rybková, PhD., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Image Conference & Consulting, s.r.o., Dr. Mahamoud Zanboa, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport, Syrian Arab Republic, and Samir Masad, Embassy of Syria

Mgr. Jan Kalousek, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations and Tourism of Prague Municipal Council Rudy Salahuddin, Director of Exhibition and Promotion Media, Investment Coordinating Board Republic of Indonesia

From left: Ivo Gajdoš, Vice President, Czech Management Association, H.E. Hussain S. Mualla, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, and Miloš Janů, Managing Partner, C.K.Trading, Ltd.

From left: Ivo Gajdoš, Vice President, Czech Management Association and Ing. Martin Bělčík, Director, Kancelář Asociace krajů ČR Pavel Nýdrle, Research and Marketing Officer, Embassy of Malaysia

From left: Ing. Vlastimil Lorenz, Director, Non European Countries Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CR, JUDr. Ing. Miroslav Okrouhlý, Head of the Department of Asia, Australia and Pacific, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CR, and Petr Bareš, Czech Space Aliiance

LM_1102_events__2.indd 42

Václav Dlouhý, Inekon Group, a.s. and Mgr. Eva Rybková, PhD., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Image Conference & Consulting, s.r.o.

23.3.2011 12:38:08

Mgr. Eva Rybková, PhD., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Image Conference & Consulting, s.r.o. and Ing. Petr Talafús, Deputy Director of Foreign Department, Czech Chamber of Commerce

To the right: H.E. Emeria W.A. Siregar, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Naser Al Hashimi, Chairman & General Manager, Mhnson Spain

From left: Syed Masoon Alam Rizvi, Secretary General, The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry and H.E. Aitzaz Ahmed, Ambassador of Pakistan Nadia Rehman, Embassy of Pakistan and JUDr. Ing. Miroslav Okrouhlý, Head of the Department of Asia, Australia and Pacific, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CR

Let us thank the patrons of the fifth Annual Czech-Asian Forum, in particular, Mr. Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Michal Hašek, Chairman of the Association of Regions, Mr. Jan Kalousek, Councilor of the City of Prague, Mr. Martin Kocourek, Minister of Industry Trade of the Czech Republic, Mr. Frederick Dando Undersecretary and the foreign section and the foreign department of the Economic Chamber for their lasting cooperation.

LM_1102_events__2.indd 43

From left: Zdeněk Fiala, MBA, Chairman of the Board, ZF Holding, Anežka Šolková, Director and Owner, Anes, and Mgr. Jakub Mulač, MSc., Managing Director, Apto Group, s.r.o.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE From left: Prof. Svatopluk Mackrle, CSc, Managing Director – CEO, Ecofluid Group, s.r.o. and Robert Y.G. Ho, Director of Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Prague, the Czech Republic

23.3.2011 12:39:10

An interview with Kamil Jankovský, Minister for Regional Development of the Czech Republic

A Radical Cut of the Operational PROGRAMS IS TO COME AFTER 2013 Ing. Kamil Jankovský graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague in economics and management. As of 1993 he worked as CEO, partner and chairman of the board of the Phar-Service company that focuses on supply and engineering in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food processing indu in dust striries es, an andd in the hea ealtlthh ca care re ser ervi vice ce. Wi With thin in his pol olititic ical al lifife he was a membber off ODA party (1994–2002), and of SNK-ED (until 2009) which he represented as elected local representative at Prague 10 (2002–2006), and acted as the chairman of the SNK-ED´s Prague organization. He joined Věci Veřejné, the junior government party, in 2009 and was appointed minister for regional development after the elections in 2010.

Photo: Archive of the Ministry for Regional Development

Interviews.indd 44

22.3.2011 17:15:34

At what stage are the negotiations on the future of the EU Structural Funds?

Discussions started during the Czech EU Presidency in 2009 when the ministry for regional development organized an informal debate between the EU ministers on this very issue. At that time, the minist ni ster erss ad adop opte tedd a jo join intt co comm mmun uniq iqué ué att th the endd off the meeting. The document contained several principles agreed upon by all 27 member states; since then,, no joint document like this was adopted until the recent meeting of the General Affairs Council, where the EU foreign ministers adopted, among other things, the conclusions on the future of the EU Cohesion policy, in response to the ´Fifth Cohesion Report´. This report of the European Commission, published in Nove No vemb mber er of la last st yea earr, bro roug ught ht new imp mpul ulse sess, as it contains the Commission´s proposals on the future look of the Cohesion policy in the upcoming years.

As far as the Czech Republic is concerned, the government provided me with a negotiation mandate, based on the analysis made by my ministry, which was tabled to the government in January of this year; the mandate tasked me with negotiating the best starting position possible. In this material, specifically called the ´Czech position´, the interests of particular ministries, regions, municipalities, employers, trade unions and NGOs are summarized. If we are currently negotiating the factual issues of the future Cohesion policy at the level of the EU, one has to add the discussion about how the funding and finances are quickly looming on the horizon. The European Commission is to present the draft EU budget for 2014-2020 around June of this year And as we all know year. know, money always comes first. first Which priorities does the Czech Republic follow within the negotiations on the future EU budget, in the area of Structural Funds and Cohesion?

As far as the principles, or the general priorities, are concerned, the Czech Republic keeps vigorously promoting, as its main point, an effort to help the underdeveloped states and regions. Furthermore, we would like to see more flexible funding, and more freedom for the member states to decide on the selection of priorities.

We also want to see simplifications of the whholle systtem of subsidies, including controls. The particular development priorities which we would like to channel the EU funding to within the Czech Republic will be discussed during the July meeting of the government. The ministry for regional development remains responsible for this policy field, and is thus engaged again in intensive consultations and negotiations with all partners.

However, one thing is already clear – the number of obje ob ject ctiv ives es nee eeds ds to be cut ut, an andd, obv bvio ious usly ly, so doe oess th thee number of operational programs. And we all have to agree quickly on this at the level of the Czech Republic, so that we have a single unified position.

Will the Czech Republic continue supporting the idea of micro-regions and single strategies for micro-regions?

We have good experience with the projjects att the level of micro-regions, which contributed significantly to the dev evel elop opme ment nt of pa part rtic icul ular a territories. But I have to clarify that the member states are the actors within the EU Council negotiations, and that they are responsible to the European Commission and to the European Parliament for effective spending of the EU money.

From the strategic programming point of view, it will be particularly important how we´ll manage this process at home, how the local needs and priorities – which, among others, also emanate from the strategies for micro-regions – will be jointly communicated in the context of strategies for the wider development of individ iduall territories, and in a ´National program of reforms´.

The Czech Republic is growing richer; will the subsidies from the EU Structural Funds decrease after 2013?

The answer is not as outright as one would imagine.

You are right that the Czech Republic is growing richer, but the other member states have not stagnated in their development either! From the competition point of vie iew w, our pos osititio ionn is not so br brig ight ht, accordi ding to thhe international comparison; our GDP still reaches only up to 80 % of the EU-27 average. Hence I estimate that the Czech Republic as a whole is unlikely to grow so rich after 2013, so as to move, with all of its regions, among the group of the most developed EU member states. In effect, this means that we’ll keep our net beneficiary position, and draw more money from the EU budget than we contribute. But I have to emphasize again that the total allocatition on of fu fund ndin ingg de dedi dica cate tedd to the Cohesion policy is still to be negotiated. As I mentioned, the European Commission will table the draft EU budget in June of this year; I am a realist and I expect that the whole macro-economic situation of many of the important EU member states, including the net contributors, will be mirrored in this proposal. In any case, we will strive to negotiate the best conditions for the Czech Republic within the upcoming budget deliberations.

With regard to the current cuts in the Czech budget, can a decrease of the state co-funding be expected? How can the applicants compensate such a decrease?

I am not going to avoid the direct answer, but unfortunately, a simple answer is impossible to give. What the beneficiaries currently feel as a problem is nothing, compared to what we have to prepare for in the future.

The Czechh Re Th Repu publ blic ic wan ants ts to sa save ve on co-fin f inan anci cing ng, an andd thus indirect forms of support have to be sought instead of direct subsidies. These will be convenient loans, guarantees, interest subsidies, etc. Two objectives are followed by this approach – first, the beneficiaries will have to take more responsibility for the preparation, management and funding of the projects, and, second, it will allow for the repeated use of resources for more projects.

Howe Ho weve ver,r, to me me,, much more impo p rtant than the total sum allocated for the particular programs is effective spending. I am not satisfied with the current situation when projects, which are not only failing to bring the desired outputs, but even turn into burdens due to costly operations, are being funded. I am unwilling to give you particular examples, but the general types off proje ject ctss I ca cann me ment ntio ionn ar aree he heal alth th car aree an andd frfree ee-t -tim imee facilities; their impact, besides giving jobs to the construction companies, can be rather controversial. I will support the need for the applicant to prove that the project is sustainable in the long run; its outputs and delivered facilities have to run without additional demands for covering the running costs from the public

budgets. Or – if there is no other way, public support of the running costs has to be spent effectively, without waste. The investors who expect that ´someone pays´ for their projects, without delivering on these conditions, will have to look for other sources of funding, for example within their own reserves. The Eur u op opea eann resources should be channeled to the projects supporting the competitiveness of the Czech Republic, not comp co mpet etin ingg wi with th pririva vate te inv nves estm tmen ents ts, an andd th they ey should ld clearly demonstrate public interest, not only the interests of an investor.

Is the current division of the country into the NUTS II regions going to remain after 2013?

In my opinion it is not realistic to expect otherwise.

The legal preparation of such a change cannot be made on time. The current methodology that sets NUTS II regions as the main recipients of funding from the Structural Funds is valid for all member states. One can say that in the case of the Czech Republic, the division into these regions is not always natural, especially when a NUTS region involves three different regions.

I can understand this, but to change the system is not my priority now. If there is to be a change, it will concern ways of improving the redistribution of resources with wi thin in the NUT UTSS re regi gion onss. Man anyy ma mayo yors rs of sm smal alle lerr municipalities now rightly feel that they cannot influence the decision-making at the level of the regions. So I want the decision-making to be balanced, with a corresponding measure of direct responsibility.

The Czech Republic is often used as an example of a member state with too many operational programs.

Is their number going to be truly cut after 2013?

Yes and there is no doubt about it. it I am bound by the government´s Program statement that includes support to a radical cut of the operational programs in the upcoming budgetary period. The previous experience and criticism of the European Commission also proved a need to cut down on the redundant number of the operational programs that were a result of complicated negotiations among the ministries and regions, which all wanted their piece of cake. Also, the fact that our system of the Cohesion policy is over-complicated has been be en art rtic icul ulat ated ed by th thee be bene nefifici ciar arie ies. s. I con onsi side derr it an important reproach that needs to be heard. Simultaneously, it will be necessary to adjust the corresponding European legislation, so that the demands on the programs and project administrators will be maximally simplified, while maintaining the effectiveness and purposefulness of the spent resources. It is always essential to take the experience of the applicants into consideration. However, any decrease in operational p oggrams is just one part of the improved future milieu; pr again, it is a must, but not a sufficient condition.

Together, with lowering the number of operational programs, we have to unify the rules for all potential funding resources – and this process must start at the level of future EU legislation. This debate will unfold in the upcoming months, and the ministry for regional deve de velo lopm pmen entt as the nat atio iona nall co coor ordi dina nato torr is rea eady dy to take its part in it.

By Věr ěraa Ři Řihá háčk čkov ováá I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 45

45

22.3.2011 17:15:50

A talk with Jakub Hodinář, Deputy of the Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic

GALILEO SHOULD BE LAUNCHED IN 2014 Photo: Vladimír Weiss

Mgr. Jakub Hodinář graduated from the Metropolitan University Prague, in the subject of International Relations and European studies in 2006. From May to July 2005, he worked at the Czech News Agency (ČTK) as a news correspondent. Jakub Hodinář has been working at several significant positions in the public administration since April 2006.

2006 He has been engaged in the Ministry of Transport since July 2010. Jakub Hodinář was appointed the Deputy of the Minister of Transport, responsible for international relations and satellite systems, in November 2010.

The Czech Republic has definitely acquired the opportunity to host a significant EU institution – the European Global Navigation Satellite System Agency (GSA). Where is the GSA going to be located and when should its relocation start?

The GSA is going to be located in the Prague suburb Holešovice, in Janovského Street. Many remember this building as a former seat of the Czech Consolidation Agency. I suppose it is definitely a very representative place. Communication with the EU and the GSA representatives, based upon particular conditions and the schedule of the relocation of the GSA from Brussels to Prague, already started in January. The negotiations are still in progress, as relocation itself must not endanger the institution’s operations in any case. More spe-

46

Interviews.indd 46

Leaders Magazine II/2011

22.3.2011 17:16:15

cific figures are going to be known in about two months’ time.

What does the GSA’s location in Prague mean for the Czech Republic?

It is a very prestigious thing for us, and economically a very important fact. The area of global navigation satellite systems supports the development of innovation, economic growth and competitiveness. Additionally, it creates high quality job opportunities. A great advantage of the institution is the fact that its sphere of activity is global, with regard to the current cooperation with the US, Russia, China and India within the field of satellite navigation, and astronautics respectively. This also represents a significant difference compared to the other EU agencies, which in this context have only a regional nature. It opens up a great opportunity for our industry as well, as we can be more easily involved in the development of Galileo applications. Yet, we will definitely not acquire anything for free, or without hard work.

About 11 countries originally applied for the GSA location in their country. What criterion finally helped the Czech Republic become the winner?

The definite advantage of the Czech Republic was that it was always our priority issue.

Moreover we were able to show that we meet Moreover, all conditions needed for successful operation of the GSA in Prague Prague. Our country repeatedly showed that it was able to successfully organize an international event interconnected with high security risks, be it the International Monetary Fund Summit, the European Bank 2000, or the NATO Summit in 2002. On top of all this, we are a country with a developed space industry, and the whole program arouses remarkable interest, even within the scientific sphere with the main focus on space. The inland scientific and professional workplaces are thus prepared to cooperate tightly with the GSA experts. Last but not least, Prague by itself is unambiguously a very attractive meeting place to all intents and purposes, based on the standards of the most developed European countries. Our strategic location in the middle of Europe enables easy operative connection with all of the EU member states.

What exactly is Galileo aimed at?

It is going to provide positional and navigational information, for example the exact time from the atomic clock which is located in the satellites. Being more precise, the Galileo system is going to offer 5 kinds of services: 4 navigational services to meet several requirements of their users (Open Service, Commercial Service, Safety of Life, Public

Regulated Service) and one service aimed at searching or emergency facilitation. It will cover the needs of the ordinary users of road traffic, and it will meet parameters of certified services, for instance those used in air or railway transport. Yet, Galileo will obviously be beneficial in areas outside of transport, e.g. it could be used for exact timing, for human life rescue, for protecting people from criminal acts, for so-called exact agriculture, for the localization of accidents at pipelines, for the exact following of the movements of emission clouds, for the exact determination and iterative search for the location of rare and protected plants or animals. And there is a great interest in the applicability within the insurance area. As we can see, its application is really wide.

How many satellites will Galileo finally comprise, and what service will be publically available?

Galileo is expected to be launched in 2014.

There should already be 18 satellites for the operation of the navigational system available in orbit at that time. At the beginning, i.e. by launch, we count on the provision of basic services already known to the public as GPS navigation. Additionally, since the beginning we have been counting on services aimed chiefly at the security forces of the EU member states.

Moreover the services will provide the upMoreover, up to-date service of searching and emergency location within uninhabited areas areas. The remain remaining guaranteed services are first going to be tested in 2014 and launched only as Galileo becomes fully established. This will happen when all 30 satellites are in orbit.

Are there going to be some additional applications provided by the Galileo system that are not provided by traditional GPS? Services provided by the American GPS or the Russian GLONASS are primarily without guarantee, i.e. one cannot recover damages caused by the system’s breakdown. Galileo, on the other hand, gives the operator the chance of control and verification of signal quality, i.e. a guarantee of reliability. In this way, a great chance for new applications opens up, e.g. for traffic safety of all kinds of traffic. I have already spoken about the whole variety of provided services.

What opportunities can you see within the project for Czech businesses and the Czech economy in general?

The location of the GSA in the Czech Republic means that Prague is becoming an important global place for various meetings of experts and foremost state representatives. The seat in our capital might enable better communication of Czech industry and science with foreign

partners; it might help home companies approach European projects. There are especially additional business opportunities for our industry related to Galileo, including the development of systems and applications, or the manufacturing of products and the provision of operation and services. This includes, among other things, car navigation, traffic management of company cars, the supervision of people requiring special medical care, and air traffic control. The participation of Czech companies in the development and testing of the Galileo navigation means an active Czech presence in its development, including an influence on international trends.

How does the Czech aerospace business manage to acquire tenders directly from the European Space Agency (ESA)?

The Czech Republic’s accession to the ESA in 2008 brought a great opportunity for Czech industry in various space projects. About 45 % of the total compulsory contribution that the Czech Republic pays to the ESA has been paying off for 6 years, by the means of tenders aimed at Czech industry within the so-called “Incentive Program”. The main goal is the enhancement of the competitiveness of our industries, and the facilitation of our academic sphere. At the same time, some companies have been successfullyy involved in the ESA´s optional programs, in which the Czech Republic p participates. p I hope p that the inland subjects j received a strong stimulus, and that their participation in this project will distinctly grow.

In this context, what are some potential options for the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the space segment? Are you preparing any particular projects?

Apart from conducting negotiations with the GSA about the GSA relocation, the Ministry of Transport generally creates a favorable environment with regard to the development of space activities. We aim for the maximum involvement of our private sector in European space programs. The Galileo project has a huge commercial potential, however its success depends on its use in all live spheres and the availability of its applications. In this there lies a tremendous opportunity for Czech companies. Our main task is to open Galileo’s door for them, and to support them as much as we can, be it by launching pilot projects, or solely by providing information services and the contacts of the great European participants within the space sector.

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 47

47

23.3.2011 13:39:53

fine dining and art event

Special thanks to Hotel Hoffmeister for making this reportage possible

Helena Kroftová Leisztner, Artist and Member of the Board, Friends of National Museum of Women in the Arts with her husband Roland Leisztner and their son

Venice & Colours of Woman

by Helena Kroftová Leisztner at Hotel Hoffmeister In its newly re-designed interior named the Hoffmeister Gallery, Hotel Hoffmeister organized the 2nd vernissage, in cooperation with Helena Kroftová Leisztner. The exhibition was held under the auspices of the Italian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco.

Helena Kroftová Leisztner is a painter, photographer, and clothing designer who presents her creations through her own multimedia Art & Fashion. On this occasion, the audience had the opportunity to see her art exhibition called Venice & Colours of Woman. Many ambassadors and businessmen came to admire not only the artwork, but also the excellent cuisine of Hotel Hoffmeister.

Some of the participants included the Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Vicente Expeche Gil, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. José Manuel Lira, Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. José Luis Bernal Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Jan Cornelis Henneman, Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Yaakov Levy or Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Celia-Sandra Botha. “We aim to present our new concept and connection between fine dining and art, which is the purpose of our regular Art Exibitions“, addressed Ivana Michalová, managing director of Hotel Hoffmeister.

A partner of the exhibition was GOURMET PLUS GROUP.

48

LM_1102_events__2.indd 48

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

From left: H.E. José Luis Bernal Rodriguez, Ambassador of Mexico, Mrs. Henneman, wife of the Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel, Gianclemente De Felice, Counsellor, Embassy of Italy, Helena Kroftová Leisztner, Artist and Member of the Board, Friends of National Museum of Women in the Arts, Andres Botha, María Gabriela Zimmermann de Espeche Gil, H.E. Celia-Sandra Botha, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, and H.E. Vicente Espeche Gil, Ambassador of Argentina

23.3.2011 10:49:05

From left: Lenka Dušková, Vice Chairwoman, Friends of National Museum of Women in the Arts, Přemysl Synek, Executive Director, Diamonds International Corporation – D.I.C., MUDr. Jana Synková, Founder and Director, Diamond Foundation, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher From left: Eva Zaoralová, Art Director, KVIFF and H.E. Jan Cornelis Henneman, Ambassador of the Netherlands

From left: Ing. Marie Kousalíková, Mayor of Prague 6, Dr. Zuzana Jallou, and H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE LM_1102_events__2.indd 49

Eden, revolving mandala 140 x 100 cm, combined technique, canvas, 3D effect, now at the International Exhibition of Modern Art in La Coupole, Paris

From left: Ivana Michalová, Managing Director, Hotel Hoffmeister, Helena Kroftová Leisztner, Artist and Member of the Board, Friends of National Museum of Women in the Arts, and Andrea Jakubíková, Managing Director, Gourmet Plus Group

From left: Ivana Michalová, Managing Director, Hotel Hoffmeister and Gianclemente De Felice, Counsellor, Embassy of Italy

23.3.2011 10:50:09

A talk with Miroslav Vlček, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics off the Facullty of Transportation Sciences at the Czech Technical Univeerssity in Prague

A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY Should Be Managed Much Like a Big Company Photo: Vladimír Weiss

50

Interviews.indd 50

Leaders Magazine II/2011

22.3.2011 17:17:07

Prof. RNDr. Miroslav Vlček,, DrSc. gr g aduate tedd fr from om the Fac acul ulty ty of Ma Math them emat atic icss an andd Ph Phys ysic icss of Cha harl rles es Uni nive vers rsitityy, whe here re he re rece ceiv ived ed his RND NDrr. in th theo eore retitica call physics in 1975. He has been working at the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) since 1974, where he received his DrSc. in radio electronics. He has been a full professor of theoretical electrical engineering since 2000. Since the begi g nningg of his enggaggement at CTU,, he has reg egul ular arly ly and suc ucce cess ssfu fullllyy applied for foreign scholarships and lecture tours. He received an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation scholarship and an Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship. In the early 1990s, he worked for 3 years as a professor of mathematics at the Junior College, University of Malta. From 1974–1994 he worked as a research fellow at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEE) at CTU; from 1993–1998 he was the vice-dean for education at the Faculty of Transportation Sciences (FTS) of CTU. Miroslav Vlček was appointed dean of FTS in 1998, and from 2000–2010 he worked as vice-rector for international relations of CTU. During his term as vice-rector he made short visits to several partner universities in Europe and overseas. He has been the head of the Department of Applied Mathematics of FTS since 1995. His main scientific activities include digital signal processing applicable to telecommunications; digital filter design; theory of approximations; and special functions and numerical methods. Professor Vlček is a member of the editorial boards of international journals and panels. He is married and has two children. Apart from mathematics, his interests include baroque music and travel.

What brought you to mathematics?

Apart from the talent itself, I suppose that the ability to deal with mathematics successfully is very much mu ch bas ased ed on pe pers rson onal al mot otiv ivat atio ionn. You nee eedd to have someone smart around you during your infancy, someone who is able to introduce you to this subject.

In this respect I was very lucky, for my parents were engaged in mathematics, as were many people around them. My mother worked at the Institute of Mathematics of the Academy of Sciences, and I learned straight from the director, Professor Knichal. As a legacy I received from him tens of specialized books with his signature signature, of which I still have several. Actually, the most difficult part for me was to learn how to be on formal terms with these people.

Additionally, I recall a story from my childhood, when I was 4 or 5 years old. I liked to press buttons in the lift in our house. One day, our neighbour asked me how many I was able to count to. And as a small boy I was already able to count 10, 100, and actually however many I wanted. At that early age, I anticipated that there is no end to counting. I had quite a clear idea in my head about numbers and some of their characteristics.

Mathematics seems to be a rather necessary evil, since pupils struggle to study maths from primary school onwards, and the humanities are overestimated.

I would not use the word overestimated. It is rather about b t an ability bilit tto perceive i th thatt some thi things come from the category of meta-language, or in other words, the things underlying all of this. If you look at the development of our secondary education over the last 60 years, you’ll find that we have gradually removed all structural sciences. During the last regime, Latin disappeared from secondary schools as result of the reforms of Minister Nejedlý. Latin is a meta-language which expands beyond many European languages. Today’s high-school students do not even suspect that Czech grammar has its background in Latin. The disappearance of Latin was the first blow for structural thinking in the humani ma nitities es. Th Thee te tech chni nica call sc scie ienc nces es suf uffe fere redd in a siimiilar way. Mathematics disappeared from the secondary school graduation subjects during Minister Buzková’s term in office.

Well, mathematics disappeared quite recently.

It disappeared quite recently, but quite decisively.

The Czech Republic still takes a foremost position in various mathematical tests and competitions.

Mathematics is the meta-language of engineering and the natural sciences. Anyone who does not know

calculus obviously cannot know economics either.

And so, once we say mathematics does not matter, it will not matter. And if educational leaders do not care, most mo st of so soci ciety t will ill nott care eith ither. But we at the technical schools still do care. Calculus makes sense.

What do you train your students for, here at the Department of Applied Mathematics?

Applied mathematics uses mathematics to comprehend the outside world in some way. Before the Second World War, the Czech-born mathematician Johann Karl Gustav Radon founded integral spectral transformation. The transformation is pursued on a parametric line or a radial, radial the direction towards the radius of a circle. This transformation was then “discovered” by people who, at that time, started to use it for computed tomography (Computed Tomography – CT). This is what I call applied mathematics.

I may find a solution to a very difficult task, and its results may perhaps be useful in the future. However, a long time may pass before the results of our research emerge into the real world. Computed tomography, as you know, is an immensely important tool. We cannot imagine present-day medical science without CT. So you are a kind of futurist?

Well, I would not put it that way. In any case, our students are not a pririor orii en enga gage gedd in mat athe hema matitics cs or physics. We have to seduce them a bit and spoil them a bit, and this is not easy at all. Apart from math, th we also l tteachh physics h i att our D Department. t t The basic building blocks that our students take with them into practical applications exist within the sphere of transport automation, transport prediction, prediction algorithms, statistical methods and similar disciplines. We have a very talented student at our Department at present, Jana Kuklová, who is studying and displaying the velocity of air flow over the wing of an airplane. Traditionally, the velocity of air flow has been measured in aerodynamic wind tunnels. She has sta tartted to ob obse serv rvee th thee ph phen enom omen enon on with the help of a thermal imager. I have to say that she has already come up with some fascinating pictures andd resultlts.

After leaving the Department of Applied Mathematics, where do graduates mainly find employment?

Our graduates have achieved several great results in their work. One of the first, Pavel Paclík, worked on recognition of traffic signs, beginning with the Road Sign Recognition System project. At that time, our Department was one of the first workplaces in Europe in this field of research. Pavel Paclík then

went to study at the Delft University of Technology (TU), and afterwards he studied for his PhD at our Department, and he also presented his work successfully at TU Delft. Today he has his own business in the Netherlands. These are our stars. Currently we are developing a new spectral selective transformation for digital processing of non-stationary signals for speech, ECG and EEG, in cooperation with colleagues from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of CTU in Prague. This is a multispectral transformation, which time-frequency resolution is superior to the results of ordinarily used tools for analysing biological signals signals, for example the wavelet transformation and the short-time Fourier transformer. CTU as a whole produces a lot of high-quality results, but unfortunately Czech society does not pay a lot of attention to our achievements.

Can you clarify this remark?

A flat system for distributing funding is still in use at Czech universities. The funding allocated to the universities is not related to the results they produce on the global scale. Public universities ought to be managed much like a big company. After all, CTU has an annual turnover of around 4 billion CZK. The point is that we are failing in the so-called “cultivation of elites”. We are a nation of egalitarians; we do not like ourr el ou elitites es at al all.l. We do don’ n t kn know ow how to mo motitiva vate te sma mart rt young people, or even how to acknowledge them.

How do you explain this situation in our society?

I would ld say th thatt we perceive i ffreedom d andd globalil b li zation this way. Our society has begun to take everything for granted. Yet, the opposite is true, nothing can really be taken for granted. One of the inner “demotivations” of our society results from this. Just compare the behaviour of our students with the behaviour of a diligent Chinese student, who is trying to work his way out of a small village into the capital city or into Shanghai. We do not possess any personal motivation like that. Everybody says: “Well everythin th ingg is mad adee in Chi hina na any nywa way” y . Bu Butt th this is is a fu fund ndaamental error. Yes, many things can be made, but not everything. Much has to be invented as well.

Invention is up to people that you can approach, people you can motivate; this is about the great minds, which occur by chance. We have to do something about this very quickly, in our country and in Europe as a whole.

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 51

51

22.3.2011 17:17:24

interview

Jiří Dienstbier Vice Chairman of the Social Democratic Party Photo: Vladimír Weiss

POLITICAL PARTIES

Advance their Private Economic Interests, Rather Than Values and Visions Interviews.indd 52

22.3.2011 17:17:46

A talk with Jiří Dienstbier, Vice Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, and its Candidate to the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Jiří Die Jiří iens nstb tbie ierr (1 (196 969) 9) gra radu duat ated ed fro rom m th thee La Law w Fa Facu cultltyy of Cha harlrles es Uni nive vers rsitityy in Pra ragu guee. In 19 1990 90–199 1992 2, he wa wass an MP off the Feder d all Assembl bly.

He was a representative of Prague 2 in 1994–1998; he returned to this position again in 2006. Jiří Dienstbier has been a member of the Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) since 1997. Presently, he is a shadow minister of justice. He also works as an advocate. He is presently the ČSSD´s candidate to the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic in the district Kladno. Jiří Dienstbier is married and has a son.

Since the parliamentary elections, people seem to be interested in politics again. A wave of resignation on public issues seems to have been replaced by an active interest. Are you seeing this as a politician?

I can see a distinct shift for the better. A whole range of initiatives, especially coming from young people, students, artists, and others, has been established. I am ta talking, g, for exa xamp mple le,, ab abou outt th thee “Inventura demokracie” (Stocktaking of Democracy) or “Změň politiku” (Change Politics). Another essential issue was the so-called “circling revolution”, when voters first used preferential voting on a large scale during the Parliamentary election last June.

In doing so, they significantly influenced the selection of people representing particular parties in the Chamber of Deputies. I believe people will want to keep it this way, and assert their ideas in the same way in all other elections. Yet, I still find citizens’ activity insufficient. If people are not actively interested in public affairs, and don’t create relentless pressure on politicians, much won’t change anyway.

I want to believe that the aforementioned activities are only a first taste, and that the public activities of citizens will strengthen even more. A scant interest in the membership of political parties is an essential problem as well. A small member base of all parties is pressured byy various entreppreneurs. If peop pe ople le ent nter er pol olititic ical al par artities es on th thee la larg rgee sc scal ale, e, and their member base approaches, for example, thee ci th circ rcum umst stan ance cess of the F irirst st Rep epub ublilic, c the henn no nobbody d will ill bbe able bl tto iinfluence fl decision-making d i i ki other th than by through political tools. The weakness of thee cu th curr rren entt polilititicall partities is the main i weak point of our current political system. Thanks to that, parties themselves very often operate as a tool of advancement of their private economic interests, rather than as the bearers of values and visions.

Yet, politicians do not really reflect the voters’ wishes. What can voters do about this?

They should be interested in life around them, share their views, be it at university discussions, or by par-ticipation at public meetings of various selfgove go vern rnin ingg bo bodi dies es, or by in invo volv lvem emen entt in dem emon onst stra rations and strikes, and by membership in public benefifitt orgganizati i tions, par ticularly i in political parties. As I have already mentioned, without a greater involvement of a substantial portion of the people in public affairs, hardly anything can be changed for the better.

In this context, how do you perceive the future of development at Prague City Hall? Do you believe the Great Coalition can last for the whole term?

The decision of the Constitutional Court, concerning the validity of the election to Prague’s Council, is not yet clear. It is evident that the election was not fair. I consider the violation of the equality of active voting rights the most essential violation of constitutionally guaranteed rights. If the Constitutional Court is consistent, it should cancel the election. It is not certain yet. In the case that the orig or igin inal al ele lect ctio ionn is abo bolilish shed ed, a ne new w el elec ectition on mus ustt be held, and the Coalition must be newlyy formed. If the election is not abolished, I believe the Coalition will be able to withstand the whole electoral term, as the bonds are strongg enough g .

According to you, how are important decisions of the ČSSD virtually influenced by the inner division of the Party, between followers of Bohuslav Sobotka and followers of Michal Hašek? Is the Social Democracy not weakened too much by it?

There was still a vast and open debate going on prior to our Congress. Both of the chairman candidates have shown their views, and were trying to find support for them. This is completely legitimate and it should also be done before any similarly essential decision is made about the management of the political party. Furthermore, independent intellectuals outside the Party were involved in the discuss cu ssio ion. n. T hi hiss he help lpss th thee ČS ČSSD SD sea earc rchh fo forr an answ swer erss to questitions conc qu ncer erni ning ng soc ocia iall is issu sues es and nd,, at t he same time, it contributes to its ope p nness and improv pr oves es its com ommuniicatition witithh th the publ bliic. I suggest it iis th the only l ffeasible ibl way ffor th the successful f l enforcement of our visions. Thus, the openness of the debate taking place prior to the ČSSD´s Congress was undoubtedly strengthening our Party.

You have been a member of the ČSSD since 1997. In your view, how should the politics of the ČSSD be changed, how should they be transformed?

The Social Democratic Party needs to be a trustful and consistent party concerning its ideology, which has not always gone well in the past. We essentially need to defend and develop the concept of a European pe an Soc ocia iall St Stat atee, whi hich ch is a resultlt off th the lastt 150 years of development of European civilization.

Thus, a chance of respectable life should be ensured.

Since we are talking about justice and solidarity, we cannot tolerate our politicians’ incorrect behavior, the misuse of their status for personal benefits and deals, or especially corrupt behavior. For a party with a pr prog ogra ram m fa favo voriring ng tho houg ught htfu fuln lnes esss, aim imed ed at bo both th people and the environment, any such untrustworthiness is much more devastating than the program of a differently oriented political subject.

You were a candidate to the Senate byelections. What is the core of your election program?

It was simply about polite, consistent and socially considerate politics. One of the issues comprises the implementation of rules restricting corruption, for instance equity returns, in order to hold illegal and tax-free incomes liable; transparent rules of publ pu blic ic ten ende ders rs;; th thee op open enne ness ss of al alll de deci cisi sion on processes in the pu p blic ic sph pher ere; e; and the ava vaililab abililitityy of all essential information for the public. I should not forget the fair tax system, e.g. tax progression of income tax,, or the preservation of the red educ uced ed rat atee of the VAT concerning basic needs, and the preservation of a firm level of living standards for underprivileged citizens. A variety of other topics would comprise a high quality of public service.

Could you reveal by what political principles your father inspired you? What activities did you take up with him?

I found his tenaciousness essential, and his persistence in the enforcement of life’s essential values, even in situations when he did not see his goal within easy reach, and when it might have even been considerably uncomfortable for him. This is the heritage of the experience of the pre-1989 democratic opposition, with which I grew up thanks to myy pa p rents. s You are also the shadow minister of justice of the Social Democratic Party. What reforms does the Czech judiciary need most?

This question could be better covered by special conference, rather than by shorter answer. I don’t lilikke using i thhe term refform in connection with justice. We really need to create a solid background for the judge’s procedural activities. The idea of the creation of “judicial mini-teams”, which could be managed by the judge himself, and which could give him both an administrative and professional basis, is still vital. In this way, the judge can pursue entirely procedural activities, which is actually his main mission. Obviously, this represents a very ambitious challenge from the financial point of view vi ew, wh whic ichh ca cann ha hard rdly ly be pu purs rsue uedd by a Gov over ernm nmen entt aiming for budgetary cuts. Other steps, for example the implement th l t atition off elect l troniic justice, are not so essential, though they can definitely lead towards interesting partial shifts for the better.

By Pavlína Holancová I

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 53

53

22.3.2011 17:18:01

well as member of International Civil Aviation Organizations.

SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd is a state owned Georgian company providing secure civil air navigation services to civil Airlines using airspace and aerodromes of Georgia. The main task of the organization is to maintain a safe environment for dynamically growing air traffic and changing conditions of international air transport. According to its mission, SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd is strongly motivated to modernize its technological equipment in all directions and is participant of several international projects as

The Mission of SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd is the provision of air traffic services and the ensuring of flight safety both in the upper air space of Georgia and in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi TMA-s.

Sakaeronavigatsia – Tbilisi

SAKAERONAVIGATSIA LTD Main Tasks Provision of air traffic control; Flight safety ensuring; Provision of radar, lighting, navigation and communication services for flight operations.

“It has been a privilege to work with SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd to enable them to make their business and processes more efficient.” George Parobek, CEO LAIC.

LAIC are pleased and honoured to sponsor the Reportage of Georgia Independence Day

LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT LAIC Aktiengesellschaft (LAIC) is an international organization recognized for providing international expertise in the fields of international law and legal matters, international finance, support and general logistics for all the consortium members. LAIC provides together with Group Companies a range of Products and Services specialising in Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Air Traffic Control (ATC). Our Services and Solutions are of a very high and reliable International and Swiss Quality Standards.

In addition to being an ISO 9001

54

LM_1102_events__2.indd 54

accredited organisation, ensuring the delivery of quality solutions and services, LAIC is also accredited by the Civil Aviation Authority for the provision of goods and services to organisations within the air navigation services industry. LAIC has a long-standing, proven record of supplying Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems and service provision.

LAIC Aktiengesellschaft started discussions with SAKAERONAVIGATSIA Ltd in August 2008 for LAIC’s ATRAK-BS® Billing & Statistics, a comprehensive system that provides a complete billing and statistics solution for Air Navigation Service Providers. The system is fully compliant with central bodies such as the Central Route Charges Office (CRCO)

of EuroControl and IATA and offers a powerful billing management, billing reporting and statistical analysis solution in one comprehensive package.

In April 2009 we signed a three year contract to supply ATRAK Flight Billing and Statistics System.

We visited Georgia in April 2010 to fully demonstrate our ATRAK – BFMS (Business and Financial Management System). The system has all the standard features needed to help manage customers and suppliers professionally and ensure an efficient cash flow for air navigation businesses. At an early date SAKAERONAVIGATSIA representatives are coming to Prague to discuss our proposal and future requirements in more detail.

Leaders Magazine II/2011

23.3.2011 16:48:47

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

Reception for

diplomatic event

From left: H.E. Jan C. Henneman, Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and H.E. Nino Nakashidze, Ambassador of Georgia

H.E. GRIGOL VASHADZE Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE From left: Nino Kalandadze, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, H.E. Nino Nakashidze, Ambassador of Georgia, H.E. Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. and Laic Aktiengesellschaft, and his wife Šárka Parobek

LM_1102_events__2.indd 55

On the occasion of the working visit of H.E. Mr. Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and the official opening of the Embassy of Georgia, the Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Nino Nakashidze was able to welcome hundreds of invited colleagues and guests who enjoyed the friendly reception and warm atmosphere with delicious food, beer and wine.

24.3.2011 9:28:43

From left: H.E. Mohamed Kamel Haj Sassi, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Hamdi, Ambassador of Yemen, and H.E. Hussain Saleh Majeed Mualla, Ambassador of Iraq

From left: H.E. Koray Targay, Ambassador of Turkey and H.E. Vicente Espeche Gil, Ambassador of Argentina

From left: H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia

From left: Ing. Radek Dohnal, General Manager, TOP HOTEL Praha and Congress Centre and George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. and Laic Aktiengesellschaft with his wife Šárka Parobek

From left: H.E. Phaedon Anastasiou, Ambassador of Cyprus and H.E. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of Kuwait

From left: Martin Košatka, Director, Department of Northern and Eastern Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the CR and H.E. Stefan Gorda, Ambassador of Moldova

56

LM_1102_events__2.indd 56

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

From left: Levan Khechuashvili, former Consul of Georgia to France, Ia Makharashvili, Director of Press and Information Department, MFA of Georgia, and Nino Kalandadze, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

23.3.2011 16:49:33

From left: H.E. Celia Sandra Botha, Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Inger Ultvedt, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Jens Eikaas, Ambassador of Norway, and Hannu Kasi, President, ABB CR

From left: H.E. Lรกszlรณ Szรถke, Ambassador of Hungary and H.E. Jean Faltz, Ambassador of Luxembourg From left: PhDr. Juraj Chmiel, CSc., Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Ing. Petr Kubernรกt, Director, Pekos s.r.o.

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Marta Gellovรก, Secretary General, AFIZ, and H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel

H.E. Aurimas Taurantas, Ambassador of Lithuania and H.E. Marita Ladaveri Porturas, Ambassador of Peru

H.E. Nino Nakashidze, Ambassador of Georgia and Levan Davituliani, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.E. Nino Nakashidze, Ambassador of Georgia in the middle and H.E. Dinkar Prakash Srivastava, Ambassador of India with his wife

LM_1102_events__2.indd 57

24.3.2011 9:29:53

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Chamber of Commerce, and Nick Bolkvadze

From left: H.E. Jan Pastwa, Ambassador of Poland and H.E. Jan C. Henneman, Ambassador of the Netherlands

58

LM_1102_events__2.indd 58

From left: George Parobek, General Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. and Laic Aktiengesellschaft and H.E. Mr. Grigol Vashadze Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

From left: Miro Smolák, Owner and Director of MIRO Gallery and Jakub Štunf, First Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia

From left: H.E. Chikahito Harada, Ambassador of Japan and H.E. Jose Luis Bernal, Ambassador of Mexico

From left: H.E. Daniela Anda Grigore Gitman, Ambassador of Romania and H.E. Jens Eikaas, Ambassador of Norway

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE 23.3.2011 16:53:25

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT: What Is Super in ‘Superstrategy’?

In mid-January 2011, The Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic presented the public with a document named “Strategy of Transport as an Inevitable Part of the Development of the Czech Republic until 2025“ (Strategie dopravy jako nevyhnutelná součást rozvoje České republiky do roku 2025). The document, in parentheses, included the phrase “Superstrategy – green paper“. This document is intended to be, according to the Ministry, the first conceptual paper aiming to solve the problems of the entire scope of the transport sector, and indicate the direction of development of all modes of transport, with the priority of supporting ecological issues. The Ministry has undergone a discussion with governmental institutions and other stakeholders, and after its appraisal by the Government, the document should serve as a basis for a more extensive document, for which, in formal conformity with the practices of European officials, the name of a ‘white paper’ has been coined. This should be finished by the beginning of this summer.

The document comes at a moment when stagnation in the Czech economy seems to have ended. Nevertheless, the state budget will have to struggle with the social consequences of financial crisis, as well as delayed reforms, for a long time to come. The amount of investment in the state transport infrastructure has dropped from the previous amount of CZK 88.3 billion (EUR (E U 3.6 billion) in 2009, to CZK 68.2 billion (EUR 2.78 billion) n) in 2011, or in other words, by 23%. The discussion on wh wher e e the remaining public funds should be invested will inde deed e be very fierce.

The ‘Superstrategy gy’ has a relatively complex structure of a single base text xt and a host of annexes. This makes the paper in some waay intricate. Those who expected it to be an inspiring and rip ipee conception, an accomplishment in the form of a Gothicc cat a hedral, or of the US Declaration of Independence, will ce certainly be disappointed. The prefix ‘super’ in its subtitle is in a way misleading. A certain crudeness and disequilibrium transpires from each of its chapters. The main part of the text (and its annexes) is devoted to individual items of investment in transport infrastructure, and much less to the proper strategy of the Ministry within the entire spectrum of transport. Nor does the text address which programs the Ministry wishes to promote in the new conditions, and which, on the contrary, to potentially suppress.

One of the key corrections contained in the document is an approximate doubling of funds designed for repairs of the state-owned road network, which should commence by 2011. This is in response to years of neglected maintenance, and a parallel large expansion of new investment, which led to a deterioration of the condition of the existing network.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Interviews.indd 59

Beginning in 2015, the funds for the maintenance of rail lines are also to be enhanced. A po portion of the outstanding funds deficit is to be resolved by a relatively dramatic rise in rates of tolls, and an extensi sion o of tolls on roads of lower classes.

Investment into transport infrastructure is to be specifically directed towards the completion of projects-in-progress in upcoming years, as well as into new projects that will be part of the Operation Programme Transport, in this and the next EU programming periods. All of the available funds for new investment are to be reserved until 2021 for co-financing contributions from European funds. If we have a look into the map of road projects planned until to 2025, we can see that they are distributed into partial short sections, which are often only bypasses of more significant residential areas. With the exception of the completion of the D11/R11 Motorway to the Polish border, and of the construction of the missing R35 road link between the Pardubický and Olomoucký regions, no integrated transport corridors are about to emerge during the observed period.

The above plans are to be verified by means of a multi-criteria analysis, but their principles are not described in the document, and so the process still remains a secret.

A similar re-allocation of CZK 9 billion (EUR 367 million) from railway to road network is expected to occur within the framework of the Operational Programme Transport for 2007–2013. This may be in contradiction to the proclamations about the support of ecological transport modes; it is true, however, that the Czech Republic has a share of rail similar to other EU-15 countries, in the creation of GDP, while the quality of rail transport remains low and does not attract many customers. Let’s hope that this financial shift, which might provoke a widening gap in the quality of the Czech rail transport vis-à-vis EU-15 countries, will be compensated in the later structure of investment.

Thee ‘SSuperstrategy’ provides, in contrast to the previous per erio i d, for a broader utilization of publicprivate partners rshi h ps (PPP) in the construction of transport infrastructu ture re. The yearly exposure of the Government in the repaym men ent of private investment is to reach CZK 17.7 billion (EURR 720 2 million) by 2025, when all of the envisioned projects ar aree to be in operation. PPP projects can be fruitful, especial ally ly as agents of good practice regarding the construction an andd operation of road networks. Paradoxically, they can eve venn bring an economy in public expenditure, in spite of the common wisdom that private funds are more expensive than public ones. This might be a consequence of an inefficient spending of public funds

Photo: Mr. Šíp´s archive

over the past years. PPP’s can also become the only accessible resort for the construction industry, in a period when the transport investment party is definitely over, and public expenditure was drastically restricted.

Despite all of the above shortcomings, it cannot be ignored that the document does not lack positive features. One of them is its clearly manifested will to save costs. If the document has some significance, it is in the fact that it is not a package of requirements for fine weather, and that the structure of proposed investment is at a minimum level. It clearly says: if the economy grows faster, construction will also gain speed, and be enhanced. Investment that the Government policy will concentrate on will probably be better prepared, and suffer from less delay during its materialization. The effort to find new strategic priorities in changing times should not be disregarded either.

Businessmen and investors now need clear guidance for their decisions, and from this point of view the ‘Superstrategy’ has to be significantly elaborated upon and improved. If the mentioned shortcomings are removed, the document will gain credibility, and may become one of the factors of future accelerated economic growth in the Czech Republic.

Emanuel Šíp Partner Allied Progress Consultants Former Deputy Minister of Transport for Strategy To be continued..... česk če s ý překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi m gazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz ma

Leaders Magazine II/2201 0111

59

23.3.2011 17:33:05

An interview with H.E. Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

Democracy Is Like an Alphabet Grigol Vashadze graduated with honors from Moscow State Institute of International Relations in international law, and in 1990 from the Dipplomatic Acad adem emy. y. In 19 1990 90-2 200 008 8 he was enggagged in pr p iv ivat atee bu busi sine ness ss. He was app ppoi oint oi nted nt ed Dep eput utyy Mi ut Mini nist ni ster st er of Fo Fore reig re ignn ig Affairs in 2008 and later on the same year he became Minister of Culture, Monument Protection and Sport. In December 2008 he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. He speaks Russian, English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and French.

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

60

Interviews.indd 60

What is the major purpose of your visit in the Czech Republic, and what are Georgian expectations from the whole region of Central Europe?

The Czech Republic is a friend and staunch support po rter er of Ge Geor orgi giaa; I am meetiting with ith my C zechh colleagues to discuss and assess where we are today, where we would like to be in a year’s time, and what we shall be doing for that. It´s a normal practice; I am visiting minister Schwarzenberg now, and he will visit Georgia in the middle of May. We have some very important international gatherings ahead of us and I would like to hear his opinion about the progress Georgi g a is makingg when it comess to the Eur urop opea eann Union, our accession to NATO, and about the regional situation. We don´t expect any documents to be signed during this visit or any practical precise results. It is more like contemplation.

Georgia is one of the Czech transformation assistance target countries. How do you assess the impact of these efforts, are they visible?

If you compare today´s Georgia to Georgia in 2003, when we regained our independence, then you would immediately get an answer to your question.

We could not achieve this without advice, assistance andd he an help lp fro rom m ou ourr frfrie iend nds. We were a country t whi hichh was falling apart, with the most corrupted police in the world, with bribing as a system of relationship between bureaucracy and citizens, with a nonexistent economy and total lack of electricity, health care or normal education – if you compare that Georgia to the Georgia of today, with a booming economy, with an energy sector that is exporting electricityy to each and everyy neigghbor – inc nclu ludi ding ng Russia, with police that enjoy 87 % of the public’s trust, and where a bribe has not been given or t ak aken en by 97 % of th thee Ge Geor orgi gian an pop opul ulat atio ionn si sinc ncee 2005, with 7.5 % economic growth expected this year, despite the war with Russia and the world economic crisis, then you can assess the role of the Czech Republic in particular, and of our political friends and allies in ge g neral,, when itt com omes es to bu builildd ing up a normal, viable, European, liberal democratic state. Of course, it is not a paradise, and we are making mistakes – we have a very high rate of unemployment, we still have to do a lot of work when it comes to the independence of the judiciary and mass media, we know this, and that there are no miracles happening. Everything is a result of consistent and hard labor. During that process, we will need the privile vi lege ge of be bein ingg as assi sist sted ed by ou ourr Cz Czec echh frfrie iend ndss.

Leaders Magazine II/2011

22.3.2011 17:18:41

How did the war disturb the development you have described?

Thee wa Th warr wa wass so some meth thin ingg th that at lef eftt a tragi gic trace in the history of my country, and in the spirit of each and every citizen of Georgia. It was something like an outer force trying to shatter our dreams. And if you like to have some kind of historic parallel (which granted are not always precise), you can think about 1968 in this country, when instead of building up a normal state we ended up with the soviet occupation. But what is very important is that we have discovered that Georggia alre al read adyy pa pass ssedd a poiintt off no-return t – nobboddy wants to go back, nobody wants the new edition of the Soviet Union or to go back to a country with no respect for human rights, rule of law, and other democratic principles. Democracy is like an alphabet – when you say ´AA´,, and you mea eann itit, th then en the pro roce cess ss wililll ta take ke you to ´Z´, you can´t avoid that. The citizens of Georgia and the government are determined to go the whole wayy. Our way has bee wa een remarkkabl bly shhortt andd thhere are two factors that contribute to that. First, the whole world wishes success for Georgia, except one country.

Second, Georgia is a relatively small country, so you can make a lot of reforms in a condensed period of time. The government was absolutely determined to achieve those results.

In order to create a normal democratic environment, one not only needs a strong political will but also the support of the population…

I would like to give you an example; the experience off G Georgia i when h iti comes to reform f off the h law l enforf cement agencies. Basically all neighboring countries are coming to Georgia now to learn this experience.

Knowing that the soviet system cannot be reformed, everybody was fired, which was a very difficult decision, and new structures were created from scratch.

Those structures are based on respect, professionaprofessiona lism and understanding that this is our country and if we are not going to build it, nobody will build it for us.

When it comes to the fight against corruption you mentioned, you succeeded in fighting petty corruption, and there is a new law regulating public procurement. Is it true that this law was very much inspired and brought to life thanks to the NGOs like Transparency International, etc.?

The allocation of finances of each and every state agency is happening through tenders now. It is very difficult – for example, my ministry is out of tonners and we have to go through tender in order to purchase new ones. Sometimes it is time consuming, but you still have a guarantee that nobodyy is misusingg the funds.

And you are right that a lot of ideas incorporated into our reforms came from the NGO sector. Also, the NGOs in Georgia have been demanding a new electoral code, too, as we have inherited the current one from the previous government. The electoral code has been elaboratted ra ted for for a co coup uplle le of ye year arss wi with thin in the fra rame mewo work rk of a special commission, with participation of the ruling party, parliamentary opposition, non-parliamentary opposition and the NGOs. It is a difficult issue, full of mutual accusations but the working process is there and that is the most important thing. Everyone is learning gradually but steadily how to work together.

Within the EU, the year 2011 is the year of the Visegrad EU Presidencies which are favorable

towards the Eastern Partnership. How beneficial is this situation for you, and do you have any specific expectations from Hungary and Poland, or other central European countries that also went through the transformation?

I do have expectations; the Visegrad group is sharing their transformation experience with us already.

They went down this road much earlier than us and their experience is something we should take into very careful consideration. Actually, on March 2nd and 3rd I am meetingg witithh al alll V4 for orei eign gn min inis iste ters rs in Br Brat atis isla lava va.

The period as of January 2009 up until now has been generally very productive when it comes to Georgia’s negotiations with the EU. If I enumerate all the agreements we signed, put into force or ratified, it is a very impressive list. First of all, as of March 1st, Visa Facililita tatition on and Rea eadm dmis issi sion on Agr gree eements t are coming i into t force, Common Aviation Space is already acting, and Mobility partnership is there. In summer this year we will sign the Mutual Protection of Geographical Indications Agreement – this is very important for Georgia because all famous Georgian brands were misused. We are now engaged in the negotiation process on the Association Agreement, and I am not allowed to say how many, but a lot of chapters are enclosed. And we are impatiently waiting to start negotiations, hopefully this year, on a Deep Free Trade Agreement with the EU. So when you asse as sess ss the res esul ults ts of th this is wor orkk, fra rank nkly ly, I co coul uldd no nott be happier. The whole legal basis we are creating together with the EU is bringing Georgia closer to a goal, which we hhave ddefined fi d for f ourselves l – iti iis allll four f freedoms f d (of the EU Single market) and institutions as well. Let´s get to this point and let the next generation of Georgian and EU leadership decide where we go from there.

Are you expecting any special support from the upcoming Polish EU Presidency?

After the Lisbon Treaty the competences of the Presidencies changed significantly, but we hope to get support not only from the Polish Presidency, as we have ha ve bee eenn ge gett ttin ingg su supportt from eachh andd every Presidency. Spain was very important for us; Hungary is doing a lot when it comes to ideas on how to develop the Eastern Partnership. You are right that the Polish Presidency will be very important because together with Sweden, Poland fathered the idea of Eastern Partnership.

The Eastern Partnership summit that was scheduled for Budapest in May was just postponed until September to take place under the Polish Presidency. What does it mean?

It is ve very ry dififfificu cultlt to un unco cove verr th thee ra ratition onal alee be behi hind nd the Brussels decision, but my understanding is that Poland, being an initiator of the Eastern Partnership, deserves to have this summit as their inevitable right.

For us it would be very nice to have the summit in May in Budapest, but if the decision is to have it in fall in Wars Wa rsaw aw, it is no nott a probl blem eith ither. Th The most important thing is to discuss the future perspectives of the Eastern Partnership with the member states, and to discuss how to transform the principles that we have enshrined into the agreement here in Prague in 2009, into concrete steps.

How would you summarize the current security situation in the Caucasus? Georgia recently opened a new border crossing with Russia…

Let me make a small correction – Georgia´s borders have always been open for all Russian citizens,, and we didn´t change that even during or after the war. Every Russian citizen can cross any legal border checkpoint, fill out a very small form, pay 30 USD and get a 90-day visa on the spot. The whole procedure takes 30 minutes maximum. What we have canceled is the necessity to pay 30 USD and for the visa to be stamped into the passports for the residents of the northern Caucasus republics. It is purely a humanitariririan ta an mea easu sure su re.. Le re Let´ t s tak t ake ke Nor orth th Oss sset etiia ia – cur urre rent ntly ly throughout Georgia you have over 100,000 Georgian citizens of Ossetia origin that have relatives and friends over the border, or take Russian citizens – residents of Caucasus republics that are transiting Georgia very often or comingg to Georgi g a for different reasons. Since introducing those corrections to our visa regime with the Russian Federation, there has been be en no si sing ngle le cririme me com ommi mitt tted ed by a re resi side dent nt of the Northern Caucasus in Georgia, which means that if you treat people with respect and in a civilized way, they answer you with the same thing. Also, when those residents of the Northern Caucasus are crossing our borders and coming into Georgia, they are not to fall victims to Russian propaganda saying that Georgia is a failed state without any future, and only close association with Russia would save her.

What is the current situation of the internally displaced people who emerged after the war with Russia in 2008?

Let´s start from the origin of this problem – Russia says these people are never going to return to their homes, they are never going to get their property back. An even more outrageous example is that Russia created a commission in Abkhazia that envisages the return of the property to the citizens of Russia. Now, believe it or not, in the 21st Century Russian citizens of Georgian origin are excluded from this th is, wh whic ichh is pur uree fa fasc scis ism m. We ar aree do doin ingg ev ever eryt ythi hing ng the Georgian state can do for the refugees´ property rights. When it comes to housing, right after the war the government built 5,000 houses for the recent wave of refugees, and we have repaired another 3,000 houses recently. This work is constantly going on and I would like to thank the Czech Republic and other EU member states, because they contributed a lot to this program. We are tryi y ngg to create jobs for them, too. The economic perspective of Georgia guarantees that these people will have a decent and civi ci vililize zedd fu futu ture re.. We are nev ever er goi oing ng to st stop op leg egal al, political and diplomatic efforts to ensure their safe and dignified return to the places of their residence because these people have been ethnically cleansed.

Neither Georgia, nor the rest of Europe will tolerate this abnormal situation and eventuallyy, Russ ssiaa wililll have to t akke into account the opinion of the international community, and guarantee what is envisaged by all international cornerstone documents like the Charter of Human Rights.

By Věra Řiháčková I 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 II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 61

61

24.3.2011 9:43:10

A talk with Fawad Nadri, President of the Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic

The Afghan Market Offers a Huge Potential for Czech Businesses Ing. Fawad Nadri (1968) was born in Kabul, Afghanist stan an.. Hee gra radu duat ated ed fro rom m th t e Faacu cultty of o Eco cono nomics cs at Kabul University in 1984, and in 1992 graduated from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. He worked in the company ŠAR – Wad in 1992. Fawad Nadri founded the Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic in 2005, and he has been its president since that time. He also works as the chairman of the supervisory board of the Czech Institute for Tourism and Management, o.p.s. and from 2008 he has been a member of the board of directors of Ariana Capital, a.s. He has been studying for his MBA at the Prague International Business School, at the University of Economics in Prague since 2010. Fawad Nadri is married to his wife Šárka, and they have daughter Liliana and son Arian.

Nooorrbber N Nor eer t Auer ueerbach ue bac h bac FFiliillm Prrod rooduce oduce od ucce c er PPho Ph hhooto to: to: o: Pa Paul Paul ul Pac PPaacey ey Photo: Vladimír Weiss

62 62

Interviews.indd 62

What is the tradition of Czech involvement in Afghanistan?

Czechoslovakia had a really great tradition in Afghanistan. Everything that was imported from Czechoslovakia to Afghanistan was of an immense quality. For instance, Astra razor blades, Škoda tires, and Tesla Pardubice had great successes in Afghanistan. Trinkets and jewellery from Jablonec were very successful there, which were imported further into Pakistan. Czechoslovakia worked in Afghanistan on major projects of infrastructure as well. It constructed a complete ferry of trolleys all over Kabul in 1974. There is a great tradition here of sugar refineries, cement factories and many other industries.

When did you come up with the idea of establishing the Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic?

When the environment in Afghanistan started to stabilize a little bit in 2005, we immediately began to continue the old traditions of Czechoslovakia.

Presently, private companies are struggling to gain their place in this market again. We are obviously doing our best to help them in their efforts.

In what way?

In part, we are preparing meetings with corresponding partners on the Afghan side, and at the same time, we are helping them to prepare particular contracts. Furthermore, we are helping to provide interpreters and security escorts for these partners, throughout their stay in the Afghan territory. We are

Leaders Magazine II/2011

23.3.2011 17:38:22

also participating, in a significant way, in the promotion of these companies and their projects. We actually work much like a network.

Afghanistan is a country supported by development aid. Could you tell us what financial assistance our companies can draw out of this aid?

Development aid is provided by means of special funds of the EU, NATO and the UN. It represents extensive financial potential for use by Czech companies. Unfortunately, it is not going very well at the moment.

How do you explain that?

Some companies often do not surmise that there is financial support such as this within the “risk markets”. Obviously, the time factor and investment returns play their crucial roles. Receiving financial supp su ppor ortt fo forr de deve velo lopm pmen entt re regi gion onss ta take kess at lea east st t wo years. Besides this, the project design is quite difficult as well. Nonetheless, the Afghan market offers a huge potential for Czech businesses. Thus, companies should realize that if they cooperate with particular ministries, there is really a large opportunity for their services and products. I believe it is significant at a time of reduced outlets and economic crisis.

In this respect, how is the Czech Government supporting the development of projects in Afghanistan?

The Government should partly support particular companies and projects primarily in Brussels, at the level of signing the bilateral contracts on mutual trade. Furthermore, I should obviously not forget the lobbying of these companies in Brussels. I am very happy that after a long time, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as other ministries, is interested in the development of projects, and is much more engaged in the Afghan market and economy, since Czech soldiers are fighting there as well. If the Czech Republic contributes heavy expenses with its military capabilities in Afghanistan, I cannot see a single reason why the same state cannot support, and actually take advantage of this market, and thus enable Czech companies to trade there.

In what way could the Czech Republic endorse Czech companies directly in Afghanistan?

We would like to organize a Czech promotional exhibition in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Kabul. Big Czech companies should p rticippate in it,, and it should basicallyy involve the pa promotion of the entire Czech industry. If it is going to take place, it opens up the door to our other companies. In this connection, I would like to emphasize that Czech companies should get more inspired by foreign companies. Many of them have already been doing business for a long time in Afghanistan.

It chiefly concerns our German neighbours. The German Ministry of Trade invested a relatively large amount of finance in the promotional exhibition in Afghanistan, and invited all of its companies. At that time, we managed to place at least one CzechSlovak company specializing in the production of mine clearing machines called “Boženka”. Thanks to that, we sold three machines specialized in mine clearing. A large space is opening, for instance in

Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Chamber of Commerce with Antonín Kratochvíl, Photographer

the areas of water treatment and sewer construction, because there is in fact a catastrophic situation in Afghanistan in this area. Thousands of people, including small kids, fall ill from the bad water there.

What other projects are going to be running in the near future?

In the next six months, the project “Trolleybuses in Kabul”, which is funded by the Afghan Government f from the h ddevelopment l aid, id will ill begin b i running. i We W have been preparing this project for two years and $360 million USD has been earmarked for it. This is, however, only the beginning. If this project is successfully launched in Kabul, a Czech company can get the tender for other regions. Another important project, which we are currently working on, is a project called “Forestry”, focused on the planting of trees in the vast areas of Afghanistan.

Can you describe this project?

One Czech NGO has this project under its auspices, and it has been doing something similar in Congo, for which it has gained over $2 billion USD aimed at the planting of 5000 hectares. We have been preparing the same project for one and half years for Afghanistan as well. The College of Agriculture and Forestry and other subcontractors have also been involved in this project. However, it seems that the Czech Republic is focused solely on the Logar region, perhaps because the Czech reconstruction team is there. It would be good to advance cooperation like that in further areas. The North of Afghanistan is very interesting. It is a rather calm area even when it comes to security. People are much more approachable there, and there is also a little bit different culture; there is a great tradition of Buddhism in the North of Afghanistan. Business has been established there, chiefly by the Japanese and the Chinese. The English are getting ready to build a downhill course there. In addition to that, the Czech media does not sufficiently show what positive things NATO and NGOs have achieved in

Photo: Petr Moudrý

Afghanistan. I have a great respect for all of these people.

Can you praise some of them?

Petra Procházková and her organization Berkat has been helping the Afghan women a lot. Presently, more than 250 women from four villages around Kabul have been involved in her projects. They are sewing and embroidering traditional Afghan clothes, and Petra Prochá ko á is selling them across EEurope.

Procházková rope Moreo Moreover, er within the project Adžmal, cornea transplantations have been carried out, and this has already helped to restore sight to tens of people in Afghanistan. We were also very much engaged with this project, as it was originally frozen by Kabul’s Government. Additionally, there is another woman in Afghanistan who is taking care of Afghan’s widows. Last but not least, I cannot forget the “People in Need”, which has its greatest foreign mission in Afghanistan. All of these people and organizations directly perform the fieldwork, and the Czech Government should assist them more financially; this concerns various cultural-humanitarian projects as well.

Do you currently participate in any of the cultural-humanitarian projects?

The world-famous photographer, Antonín Kratochví ch víll, is go goin ingg to car arry ry out his six ixth th exp xped edititio ionn in Afghanistan in the spring of next year. Antonín Kratochvíl, among others, took photographs of the Soviet invasion in North Afghanistan in 1979. His future expedition is going to be accomplished with our assistance and under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. The whole project will culminate by organizing an exhibition in Prague, and by publishing a book of reports from trips to Afghanistan.

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 63

63 6 3

22.3.2011 17:19:49

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Business May Be Your Life – But – Life Is Your Business Part IX: Inspirational Leadership® Inspire: Self – Others – the World: Part 1A, B, C

James A. Cusumano, PhD

“Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

George Bernard Shaw KEY CONCEPTS: I Organizational leadership is rapidly evolving to a new way of thinking and being in order to manage the global challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex and interconnected society.

I Created and popularized by Dr. Lance Secretan, Inspirational Leadership® 1) succinctly portrays and embraces this transition.

I Inspirational Leadership® is based on the CASTLE Principles, an acronym for Courage, Authenticity, Service, Truthfulness, Love, and Effectiveness. When internalized and practiced proficiently, these principles form the basis for creating an organization that is personally rewarding, commercially advantageous and socially responsible2).

INSPIRATION Have you ever worked with a person who inspired your professional and personal endeavors so deeply that you just might have considered working for minimum wage?

I have. It is a most exhilarating experience, and it’s as personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling as it gets!

My first job after graduate school was as a research scientist with Exxon. Prior to my full-time employment with Exxon, and during the summer of my last year as a Ph.D. candidate in physical chemistry at Rutgers University in New Jersey, I was accepted as a summer research associate working for Dr. John H. Sinfelt at Exxon Research & Engineering Co. I thought it would be good experience before moving to California after completing my studies.

I had planned for some time to be in Silicon Valley where “all the action was taking place,” and I thought that some experience in R&D with a premier company such as Exxon would be a benefit. But my move to California was not to be for another seven years. I would be captured by the talent of the technical genius of John Sinfelt, who, equally

64

JIM.indd 64

importantly was gifted with the capability of elevating the human spirit.

I didn’t realize at the time that John is one the world’s most accomplished scientists in the important field of catalysis. Catalytic industrial processes are directly responsible for more than 30 % of our annual global GDP – everything from fuels to food to fibers and pharmaceuticals.

And beyond that, enzymes – natural biocatalysts – are the fundamental force that helped create life on our planet, and orchestrate all of our bodily processes from the moment of conception to the instant of death – and actually, for some time afterwards, as well!

John has been nominated several times for the Nobel Prize, and has won more honors in science than most in his field. When I entered his office for the first time and addressed him as Dr. Sinfelt, his immediate response was “Call me John, please.” I found him to be brilliant, yet humble. He could explain complex technical concepts so clearly and accurately that even a non-technical person could understand them. He was thorough, careful and deeply considerate of his co-workers. I suppose you could say that John was very comfortable with who he was and what he was doing with his life. He had a quiet passion for his work, and yet he could be as determined as a “bull-dog,” to reach his goals, once he had the internal commitment to do so. I learned so much from John, about science, about technology, about people, about life. But most of all, he inspired me to be the best I could be at everything I did.

What are the fundamental principles that underpin inspirational people like John? Are they born that way? Do they learn these principles along the way? What gives them purpose, passion, and more fundamentally, what causes them to bring out the best in the people around them – to inspire people to actualize their best personal potential?

I have asked these questions many times, and I think one person who has found the answers is Dr. Lance Secretan, father of the Inspirational Leadership® movement.

Lance’s qualifications are noteworthy. As a former CEO of Manpower, Inc., the world’s largest employer, he helped lead that enterprise to a multibillion dollar FORTUNE 200 company. He is the author of 15 books on leadership, including his current best seller, “The Spark, The Flame & The Torch – Inspire Self, Inspire Others, Inspire the World3).”

His clients include 30 of FORTUNE Magazine’s ““America’s Most Admired Companies” and 12 of “100 Best Companies to Work for in America.” His premise is that successful organizations have moved to a higher level of leadership – a quantum jump – from Motivational Leadership to what he calls Inspirational Leadership®. He maintains that this movement is a natural evolution of the human psyche to enable us to manage the global complexities and challenges of a diverse interconnected world. In broad terms, leadership has evolved from Hierarchal (boss-employee relationships) – developed at the inception of the Industrial

Revolution – to Motivational (create an environment with pschological and financial perquisites and rewards) – developed in the 1960s – to Inspirational (inspire the leader, inspire the employees) – developed over the last decade.

So, what is Inspirational Leadership®, especially as it applies to the corporate world? We can summarize the key aspects of Inspirational Leadership® by looking at what inspirational leaders do.

INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS: G Build businesses that benefit all stakeholders – employees, customers, investors, suppliers, and society.

G Fervently internalize and pursue their company’s purpose – vision, mission, values, goals & strategies – and enthusiastically and effectively communicate this purpose to all of the company’s stakeholders.

G Create an environment that inspires employees to passionately direct their personal skills at the company’s purpose.

Just how do these leaders do this? Can Inspirational Leadership® be learned? The answer to the second question is, “Absolutely!” As to the “how,” Lance summarizes the important elements in what he calls the CASTLE Principles. CASTLE is an acronym for Courage, Authenticity, Service, Truthfulness, Love, and Effectiveness.

When followed faithfully, he maintains that “These principles are the path to becoming free of living small, uninspiring lives, enabling us instead to live bright lives as a flame that lights the way for others, making a difference and lifting their spirits.” He and his colleagues at The Secretan Center, Inc. have developed an effective organizational tool that accurately measures the degree to which employees feel that their company is practicing the CASTLE Principles. In this article, the first of two parts, we take a brief look at the first two of these principles – Courage A)

EDITOR’S NOTE – This is Part IX 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 & Inspirational Leadership as a means to lasting fulfillment in life and success in business.

B) The author may be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.Com. C) Part 2 of this article on Inspirational Leadership® appears in the next issue of LEADERS Magazine.

Leaders Magazine II/2011

24.3.2011 10:45:59

TO BE CONTINUED...

Figure 1: Inspiring people often requires more courage than that for climbing high mountains

and Authenticity. y The remaining principles are covered in the next article in this series.

COURAGE Inspiring leaders practice mental and moral courage, always following their basic personal values and the values of the organizations they lead. This becomes part of their operational fabric; they know that most people have a disdain for cowards and admire leaders with courage.

And this admiration almost always flows from a deepseated trust in the courageous leader.

Lance Secretan is a certified ski instructor, and as such, he often uses skiing as a metaphor and tool for teaching Inspirational Leadership®. It is an integral part of some of the courses he teaches at the Secretan Center high in rugged Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He regularly accomplishes what many ski instructors say is impossible – he enables leadership students of intermediate skiing ability to overcome their fears so that they ski moguls during their first half day and double-black diamond runs (“experts only” terrain) by the end of the first day. He does this by gaining their trust, expertly evaluating their true capabilities, which are generally much beyond their internal perception, and challenging them to personal feats they never thought possible. This is primarily because as with many leaders, they have reached a plateau in their perception of their potential, and they continue to coast. They fail to realize that they can do much better.

Some months ago, during a leadership course, Lance and a group of executives were at the top of a 3,800 meter mountain in Colorado. The weather unexpectedly changed to a snow storm with nearly zero visibility. Lance told the skiers – all with early intermediate skills – that the only way off the peak, which he knew like the back of his hand, was for them to trust him and descend single file, following the backs of his skis. They did so, and all made it down safely without incident. The skiers trusted Lance because he had already demonstrated that he cared for them and would not put them in unnecessary danger; they saw his commitment throughout the week’s course to help them grow as leaders; and because he never accepted any of their unjustified fears. Caring leads to trust where it is possible to let go of uncertainties. This leads to change, and in change there is power.

As Lance reminds us, “It takes little courage to cling to the stillness of the status quo – it is movement and change, which involve letting go of the familiar while embracing the new, that requires courage. In this way, we sacrifice what we are for what we can become – and that takes courage4).”

He quite rightly points out that it takes courage to do those things that we admire in great leaders: being vulnerable; admitting a mistake; the ability to apologize sincerely;

showing others that we care for them; listening to understand, and not just to hear; empathizing; abandoning flawed decisions; changing ways that no longer serve us well; and standing for integrity. Doing any of these inspires those around us.

I have been a high-altitude mountain adventurer for many years and have found that it takes at least as much courage to inspire people as it does to conquer challenging peaks (see Figure 1). As author and poet, Maya Angelou has often said, “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”

AUTHENTICITY Authenticity is alignment of what we do with what we think and say. This builds trust in those around us. One of the hallmarks of authenticity is the ability to admit mistakes. So often in the corporate world, there is a tendency to not accept responsibility for mistakes. There is fear of reprisal, punishment and the appearance of incompetence.

Two tragedies come to mind which illustrate the power of authenticity in corporate leadership. The first is the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear accident which occurred in 1979 near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is the most significant accident in the history of the American nuclear industry.

Figure 2: Management at the Three Mile Island nuclear accident showed poor authenticity

manufactures Tylenol® took immediate responsibility for working openly and accurately with the authorities to determine how this could have happened. Although one man was charged and imprisoned for trying to extort $1 million from Johnson & Johnson, he was never found guilty of poisoning the victims by tampering with bottles of Tylenol® in various Chicago pharmacies.

Johnson & Johnson became a textbook case on how to deal with a corporate disaster, and the company received significant positive coverage by the media for its handling of the crisis. The Washington Postt reported that “Johnson & Johnson has effectively demonstrated how a major business ought to handle a disaster. This is no Three Mile Island accident in which the company’s response did more damage than the original accident.” The newspaper applauded the company for being honest with the public. In addition to instantly issuing a recall on Tylenol®, Johnson & Johnson established direct links with the Chicago Police, the FBI, and the Food and Drug Administration5).

Does authenticity in leadership pay off? At the time of the crisis, the Tylenol® share of the analgesic market collapsed from 35 % to 8 %, but it rebounded in less than a year, which was credited with Johnson & Johnson’s prompt, honest and aggressive actions. The company reintroduced Tylenol® with a triple-sealed, tamper-proof packaging and coupled with price promotions, within a short time Tylenol® became the most popular over-thecounter analgesic medicine in the U.S. In contrast to the TMI incident, the success of Tylenol® after such an incredible crisis was the result of a management versed in authenticity6).

The CASTLE Principles are a proven means of inspiring employees, and for that matter, all stakeholders. As a consequence, they also lead to a powerful competitive advantage for the companies that practice them.

In Part 2 of this article, we examine the practice and impact of the remaining principles – Service, Truthfulness, Love, and Effectiveness.

James A. Cusumano, PhD 1

The plant was owned and operated by General Public Utilities and Metropolitan Edison Company. Through a series of human errors, a partial core meltdown occurred in one of its pressurized-water nuclear reactors, releasing 13 million curies of moderately potent radioactive gases and 20 curies of especially dangerous iodine131 isotope.

A curie is a unit of radioactivity equivalent to the amount of radioactive material that decays at the rate of 37 billion disintegrations per second. It is approximately equivalent to the radioactivity of 1 gram of radium.

Information released by the operating companies was confusing and often incorrect and misleading. To this day, the potential health impact on living species is still debated. As a consequence, the incident created a huge negative reaction that gave birth to a strong anti-nuclear movement, which led to the decline of the American nuclear industry. Although the impact of this accident was not minimal, as the plant owners contended, it is now generally thought that the impact on them and the nuclear industry could have been exponentially less negative had they been forthright with the public, admitted certain wrongdoing, even if it had resulted in litigation (see Figure 2).

Contrast the TMI incident with handling of the disastrous Chicago Tylenol® murders, which occurred in 1982. Seven people died after taking the pain-relief drug, which someone had laced with potassium cyanide. The management team at Johnson & Johnson, the pharmaceutical firm that

The term Inspirational Leadership®, a register trademark

by Lance Secretan, is sometimes used in the literature interchangeably with the term Conscious Leadership.

2 Much of the substantive content of this article is based on the CASTLE PRINCIPLES, which have been developed by Dr. Lance H. K. Secretan. See for example, “ONE – The Art and Practice of Conscious Leadership,” The Secretan Center, 2006.

3 Lance H.K. Secretan, “The Spark, The Flame And The Torch,” The Secretan Center Inc., 2010; for release in the Czech language in May, 2011.

4 Ibid, p. 112.

5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Tylenol_murders.

6 Ibid.

About the Author: James A. Cusumano is Chairman and Owner of Chateau Mcely (www.ChateauMcely.Com), chosen in 2007 by the European Union as the only “Green” 5-star luxury hotel in Central and Eastern Europe and in 2008 by the World Travel Awards as the Leading Green Hotel in the World. He is a former Research Director for Exxon, and subsequently founded two public companies in Silicon Valley, one in clean power generation, the other in pharmaceuticals manufacture via environmentally-benign, low-cost, catalytic technologies. While he was Chairman and CEO, the latter – Catalytica Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – grew in less than 5 years, to a $1 billion enterprise with 2,000 employees. He is co-author of “Freedom from Mid-East Oil,” recently released by World Business Academy Press (www.WorldBusiness.Org) and can be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.Com.

Leaders Magazine III/2011

JIM.indd 65

65

24.3.2011 10:46:17

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

tasting event

From left: Marco Girardi, Director, Consorzio Riviera Garda Lake Lemon & Castles and Giorgio Bonneli, Owner, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

Lake Garda comes to the Czech Republic and presents its tourist offers especially tailored to the needs of visitors.

The evening, organized at the prestigious Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa was attended by many journalists and members of the professional media, tour operators and institutions, as well as the Ambassador of the Italian Republic in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Fabio Pigliapocco; the mayor of Prague 1, Mr. Oldřich Lomecký; and the regional tourism ambassador of Veneto, Mr. Marino Finozzi.

Lago di Garda Region at Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa

66

LM_1102_events__2.indd 66

From Left: Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, Veronika Blažková, Spokesperson, Prague 1, and Ing. Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor of Prague 1

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

23.3.2011 16:55:58

Kateřina Neumannová, Olympic Cross Country Skiing Gold Medal Winner

H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy

From left: Ing. Tomáš Král, Owner, Consultour Travel Agency, Hotel U Krále and Arcangelo De Min, Member of Lago Di Garda Italy

The tasting of typical regional products was followed by a gala dinner. The menu consisted of excellent products from the lake’s region. During the evening, while presenting Lake Garda, Mr. Enio Meneghelli, the President of the Garda Unico project, introduced endless possibilities and specializations of tourism that are offered by this region throughout the year.

LM_1102_events__2.indd 67

Marino Finnozzi, Alderman, Tourism, Foreign Trade and Internationalization, Promotional Activities, Regione Del Veneto in his speech

Veronika Chotěborská, General Manager, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa, and Mr. Ulrico Bovo

From left: Enio Meneghelli, President, InGarda Trentino and H.E. Fabio Pigliapoco, Ambassador of Italy

67 Crystal Room at Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa

23.3.2011 16:56:39

A talk with Jan Talich, top Violinist and Conductor

Vision, Sound and Harmony You were born into a music family; have you ever considered any other career but music?

Both of my parents are musicians, and so my chances for another career were not very high. However, besides applying to the Prague Academy of Music, I was considering studying math, which I enjoyed very much. But all was decided when I was accepted to the Academy. Also, having a famous name brings about advantages and disadvantages; of course, e, now I can mos ostltlyy se seee th thee po posi sititive vess, but it

does not mean cheap advantages. I inherited the name for free, but one still has to build up a position for himself, and hold the responsibility not only for himself, but also for the family name.

You played together with your father in the Talich Quartet for a certain period of time. What kind of experience was it?

I am veryy much grateful for the titmee tha hatt I pe perf rfor orme medd with my father. There was nothing specific about playingg wi in with th a fam amililyy me memb mber er – whe henn yo youu wo work rk, yo youu ei eith ther er

have inspiring partners, or you do not. My father is one of the best musicians I know, so it was very inspiring and illuminating.

Since the beginning your father knew your style and followed your professional growth. Did this contribute, for example, to your reaching a faster harmony of sounds within the Quartet?

Thee Qu Th Quar arte tett ha hass to per erfo form rm witithh on onee vo voic icee, and it is naturally an advantage to play with people who share a co comm mmon on cul ulttura rall backg k ground, d in order d to achi hieve the h

Jan Talich (1967) inherited a famous name in the world of classical music. He graduated from the Prague Academy of Music and from the Academy of Performing Arts. He received fellowships in the U.S. and at Guildhall School of Music in the UK. He won the first prize in the International ´Vaclav Huml´ Violin Competition in Zagreb in 1989, which opened the doors to an international soloist career. He established the Talich Chamber Orchestra at the beginning of the 1990´s.

In 1997, he left the Kubelik Trio and joined the Talich Quartet as the first violinist. The Talich Quartet belongs to the top world-renowned ensembles and plays regularly on famous European and world stages and festivals. During the last few years, Jan Talich has dedicated a growing amount of time to conducting.

He became the Chief Conductor of the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of South Bohemia in 2008.

He plays on Giuseppe Gagliano (1780) and Antonio Stradivari (1729) violins.

Photo: Vladimír Weiss

Interviews.indd 68

22.3.2011 17:20:18

common harmony. When I listen to Quartets composed of different nationalities, there is a difference.

Their sound does not have any regional specificity – which is an el e em emen entt th thee Cz Czec echh Qu Quar arte tets ts alw lway ayss ha hadd, andd bu an buililtt th thei eirr na name mess an andd tr trad adititio ionn on on. My fat athe herr founded the Talich Quartet before I was born and he travelled a lot. We saw each other rather scarcely, and he did not have time to oversee my upbringing. I studied in Prague, then abroad, and as musicians we met only in the Quartet. Naturally, I listened to the Talich Quartet since my early childhood, and it influenced me very much. Even if I listened to many great world Quartets, the language and interpretation of my father´s ensemble were still my greatest model. First, I tried to adapt to it but later on, I found my own style.

The current Talich Quartet is different and original but we still subconsciously feel the style of the old Quartet.

You mentioned a certain specificity of the Czech Quartets, can you define it?

The tradition of quartet chamber music performance in Bohemia goes back to the beginning of the last century. Despite the fortyy unfortunate ye y ars of communism, the Quartets enjoyed a certain financial support and background for their artistic development They didn ment. didn´tt experience the current existential and financial pressures but the support – a phenomenon unknown in the West, was also not for free.

Most of the honoraria received for playing abroad had to be returned to the state authorities. So the music tradition in general is great here, and if there is a demand for performing representative Czech music elsewhere, a Czech Quartet is usually invited. We are growing up with a certain notion and knowledge of the popular folk music, from which Smetana, Janacek or Dvorak draw, and that is naturally mirrored in our interpretation. Perhaps it sounds a bit arrogant but when you hear Janacek’s music, where the bonds with the folk music are probably strongest from the Czech composers, one realizes that without knowledge of Moravian folk songs a musician cannot get deeply into it.

Turning the argument around, when you play other than Czech music, do you feel you are missing something in your interpretation?

I don´t think so; but it is not so much about the tradit ditiion off interpreting Mozart, Ravel, Debussy or Beethoven, it is more about a style, and that is much more accessible to everyone. A style when performing Mozart or Beethoven keeps changing, research is carr ca rrie iedd ou outt, the oririgi gina nall sh sheets ts off music i with ithoutt romantic arrangements are published – the interpretation is constantly moving ahead and, in fact, goes back to its original.

You are playing on a Stradivari violin. How important are these original old instruments for you?

In the Quartet, compared to performing on a ´normal´ instrument – there is a huge difference. There is a difference in colour, tone bearing and also in the easiness with which the instrument responds. These are the basic differences, but if I am to underline one feature, it is its specific timbre; the timbre of Italian instruments is special, and for the Chamber musician ci anss it is im impo port rtan antt th that at all fou ourr in inst stru rume ment ntss in the Quar Qu arte tett so soun undd si simi mila larlrlyy. If th ther eree is one mod oder ern, though gh

excellent instrument, and one old Italian instrument, the final harmony can be hardly reached. We have already experienced this a couple of times. At the end, we all fou ourr en ende dedd up witithh ol oldd ItItal alia iann in inst stru rume ment ntss, and ourr so ou soun unds ds con onne nect ct and mer erge ge alm lmos ostt au auto toma matitica callllyy.

But, of course, it is a privilege to play these instruments; they are not ours but we have borrowed them from the state collections. What the audience hears and what we want to pass on to them is our idea of sound, which we all have in our heads, and for which we try to find an adequate instrument that could embody it best. However, not all musicians want to play a Stradivari violin – it is, when not considering the financial side, a matter of individual taste.

For you the Stradivari violin is the instrument which best serves your idea of music?

Personallyy, I still have a little bit different im imag agee of sound. It goes that the great violin virtuosos either play pl ay Str trad adiv ivar arii vi viol olin inss or Gue uern rnar arii vi viol olin inss. If I am to admit the truth, the second option embodies the ideal sound to me. Besides the beauty and nobleness of Stradivari violins, to me the Guernari violins have somethingg more.

Have you had a chance to perform on a Guernari violin?

I had a chance to borrow this violin and to play on it for a while but, unfortunately, I haven´t yet had one for a longer time.

You are also a conductor, and were appointed Chief Conductor of the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of South Bohemia in 2008. How do you manage to combine all of your duties?

It is very much time-consuming. I have been conducting for quite a long time, but the post of Chief Conductor of any orchestra is always far more obliging, as you cannot only come for a couple of concerts, but have to take part in the life of the ensemble.

Simultaneously, we´ve always had an agreement in the Talich Quartet that the Quartet is our priority which needs certain energy. In order for the work to be meaningful with a Quartet, one should dedicate about 90% of his or her time during the first ten years to it, as the vision and sound are being formed, and it takes a long time until it all fits. My father says it takes at least five years until the Quartet ´starts playi y ngg´, and then comes the elaboration of repertoire. It is not a problem to learn a composition, but when performing it for a fifth time, it is naturally better, and it is totally different after five years. You can replace this by nothi hing ellse but playing, rehearsing and performing. We all have our activities outside the Quartet,, but we do not want them to interfere with its work, as one can lose a name very quickly – a couple of years of bad performance and all is gone.

How did you start conducting, and have you ever felt a certain handicap of not studying it properly?

I got to conducting after the Talich Chamber Orchestra had existed for a couple of years, and which I founded. We started rehearsing more complicated things in larger composition when it was no longer possible to not have a conductor. At that time, we couldn´t afford to invite visiting conductors, so I took hold of it, though in a very amateur fashion. Later on, I gott more andd more invollvedd in it. But when one does thiings witithh enthusi th h iasm, it does not mean he does it

well. I felt and sometimes still feel that I lack the education, and I would have liked to study conducting, however, it was not feasible due to my tough schedule.

So I am ca catc tchi hing ng up whil hile in the process, but there h is rare ra relly an id ideall sitituatition in lifife. My fififf teen-year experience from the Chamber Orchestra and the Quartet is helping me – I have a certain vision of how the result should appear.

What music do you like the best, and what is your favourite composer to perform?

We cannot really choose – we have to play more or less everything. It is not possible that we play only Dvorak, we have to find an affinity for all compositions; however, it is true that we do not play what we truly dislike, but there are only a few examples such as these. Today, the work of all composers has been record co rded ed,, an andd a co coup uple le of titime mess – Mo Moza zart rt, Ha Hayd ydnn, etc tc., and there is a tendency or a trend to ´dig out´ old comp co mpos osititio ions ns, so some metitime mess re reggardl dless off theiri qualit lity.

Of course one can find jewels among them, the compositions that were lost – but these are only few. The reason why these composers were not performed is prob pr obab ably ly not tha hatt th they ey wer eree fo forg rgot otte tenn. And the henn th ther eree are pieces that do not fit us. But when you play a piece, you cannot tell yourself it is ugly, because the audience can feel it. it If I am to be specific specific, I love Dvořák and Janáček, but I also like more and more the music of the first half of the 20th century – Bartok, Stravinsky, Ravel, and many more. With the Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra of South Bohemia, which used to be rather conservative in its repertoire, I try to bring a bit of change to the audience. But I, of course, clashed at the beginning with the audience, which was used to Haydn and Beethoven, so the first couple of years were rather a shock therapy.

Have you ever started rehearsing a piece with the Quartet, and then decided not to play it?

When we choose ourselves, we naturally pick the compositions we want to play. Then there are orders, when we are invited and instructed what to play. In this case it is up to us to decide whether we want to perform, or not. There is no ideal world, and one has to swallow some inconveniences, but it has happened to us that we have refused to perform. But mostly we learn the pi p ece and do not ot pla layy it aga gain in,, as we ca cann nnot ot relate to it. The worst is when you feel bad on stage.

I admit that in my case it is usually the contemporary modern music we talk about. Not that I don´t like contemporary modern music but all is simpl p y not so good – similarly to the age of Beethoven, when not all that th at was pro rodu duce cedd wa wass go good od, an andd on only ly the hig ighh qu qual alitityy compositions survived. On the other hand, there is a certain reluctance in the Czech Republic to experiment and to interpret contemporary modern music. It clashes with the audience, which is not used to it. The situation is better abroad – there is rarely a festival programme there that would not include contemporary modern music; this is unthinkable here. And out of the quantum of modern pieces that are performed, the truly interesting pieces are crystallizing.

By Věra Řiháčková ■ českýý př p ekladd na nale lezn znet etee v el elek ektr tron onic ické ké ver erzi zi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 69

69

22.3.2011 17:20:33

An interview w with Taťána Kuchařová, Miss World 2006

Beauty of Help Taťána Kuchařovvá is a Czech beauty titleholder who won the titles of Miss Czeech Republic and Miss World 2006. In doing so, she became the first woman from the Czech Republic to win the Miss Worldd title. She is a high schoool graduate and she currently attendss the University of Finance and Administration in Prrague. Besiides her modeeling careerr, today she focuses more and more on charity. She participated in many charitable activvities as Miiss World, andd those activvities helped to raise some $10 millionn USD for charitable purposes. Taťána consequentlyy founded her own founddation “Beauuty of Help” in 2008.

Photo: Archive BA Navigation

Interviews.indd 70

22.3.2011 17:21:02

You have followed the example e of many of your mode colleagues from the modeling industry by connecting your name with char charity. What is the mission Beaauty of o Help? of the foundation Beauty Our foundation Beauty oof Help primarily focuses on supporting projects foor elderly e people and senior citiizens. We support four kinds k of projectss from the moost vital and needed areeas – caretakingg services andd personal assistancce, which involve everyday asssistance for elderly peoople and pensiooners who want to stay in their hom mess, but who needd everyday carre and help. We enhaancce programs to make the eldderly more active, esppeccially programs aimed at mootion independence and improving i physiccal fitness Anoother activity we suppoort is the purchasing of medical devices. But what is clossest to my heart and which we also try to help with is volunteering. Volunteers visit the senior citizens onn a regular basis, and spend tim me with them. This is abbout building a relaationship, frieendship, and empathy forr those people.

Why Beauty of Hel Help? lp? What W do you want to say by the name?

When we were choosinng the t name for ourr activities we knew what our missioon should be, andd what we would like to do, and wheere we would like too help. We loooked for a name that woould be positive annd easy to rem member, while at the sam me time underlinne the importance of our work. Eveerybody who has evver helped som mebody realizes that helpping is beautiful.

The foundation started staarted its work in June 2008.

How successful havee you been in your mission so far?

T he facts speak for theemselves. By thhe end of 2010 we had distributeed 8 million CZK amongst 62 organizations, suppoortted 72 projectss, and we hellped 137 individuals.

What are your plans plaans with w the foundation for this year?

We organized our firsst ccharity concert that was brooadcasted live by Czech Television T at the beginning of March. It was the firsst annual a charity concert of Beauty of Help Foundatioon, and it will becom me a regular event. We presented thee public with the issue of eldderly people, and the problems that senioor citizens havve to face in their everyydaay life. We also presented thee projects we support. Thhere was a DMS collection orgganized during the brooaddcast and all thhe money colllected is now being disstributed amongg specific proograms for senior citizzenns throughout the Czech Republic.

We are also happy that we became a non-profit partner of the Internatiionnal Film Festivaal Karlovy Varr y, where we plan to orgganize a number of fundraissing events and to preeseent our foundatioon and its proojects.

Is your fundraisingg aime aimed just at big donors? Or can anybody support your ffoundation?

T he easiest way to supppoort our projects for the elderrly and senior citizens is to send a DMS text DMS FONDSENIORU to numbeer 87 777. Or anyybody can reggularly support any speecific project byy sending mooney to the foundationn’ss bank account.. Anybody inteerested in sharing our efffort can find all the informaation on our web site w w ww.krasapomoci.cz, along witth information about thhe ways of gettingg involved,

infoormation aboutt us, our projects and planned eventt s. Certainly there is also information about where and how w we help.

Getting back to the beginning, why did you choose to do charity in this area – helping the elderly?

Leaving aside my personal experiennce and the dedication to helping the elderly, as weell as the simple factt that the majjority of existing founndations focus on children and otheer areas, theree was a mix of reassons I decided to go a different direection than the other foundationns. It was not my aim and it has not been my ambition to build my image on charitable activities. I am inteerested in helpping where there is a real need forr help. I hope to graddually change the view and percepption of the prooblems of the elderlly and senior cittizens. The elderly are unfortunately ostracized by the majority of societyy, and left on the edgge of it. The whoole topic of being old is pushed awaay from the spotlight. I feel there arre just a few of us whoo do really takee some action to helpp in this area. All surveys show thatt the topic is not at the top of the public’s agenda. I was shocked thatt, worldwide, thhere are more organizations focuseed on protecting anim mal’s rights thhan helping the eldeerly. Our population is getting old,, the elderly isssue is being overlookked, and adequuate care is lacking. And it is a global issue that toucches on every one of us and will have an impact on all of us. Everyy social area needs attention, and I peersonally appreeciate all the people who rightly work and support any socially challenged social grouup.

Has the perception or the approach of the public to the elderly changed since you started the foundation’s activities?

One can see som me shifts in the attitude. The questionn is how serioussly anybody decides to become involvved. Real changges begin only when society stops beinng reluctant, annd people realize that the issue will alsoo touch them soooner or later. I am positive that we will gradually succceed in changing the way people lookk at the elderly and their needs. I know it is a long wayy to go, and it will need time to succeed. However, afteer only two and a half years of the foundation, we can see differencees and we are starting to achieve our first victories.

What is your own view of an ideal late age?

An active time spent among people in society that offeers me possibiliities and opportunities to fulfill my timee and my life. Being surrounded by family, not losing contact witth friends, and living without the fearr of poor medicaal care.

So at what age would you consider somebody

Photo: Matúš Tóth

elderly? For instance, there is a magazine called 55+ which is meant for the elderly, but I do not perceive people of 55 elderly nor senior citizens.

I agree and you are rightt. This question is up to the individual. It depends onn the overall physique and psychical state of thee person. This is something to which you can harrdly apply any objective parameters.

How do you spend your time with your own grandparents?

I pay them regular visits noo matter how busy my schedule gets. My grandpaareents brought me up in a way. We share a wonderful and strong relationship.

I got a lot from them in myy liife, and I would like to thank them from all my heart for all they taught me.

We enjoy talking about the old days and comparing their youth to what I live through today. I love to see the memories when myy grandmother pulls out her photographs and startss her stories and shares her wisdom over them. Wee go out into the woods together and talk a lot.

By Filip Hubáček I český překlad naleznnete v elektronické verzi magazínu na w w w.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine i III//2011

Interviews.indd 71

71

22.3.2011 17:21:20

gala evening

A special thanks to PRK Partners and LUKOIL Czech Republic for making this reportage possible

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: Ing. František Masopust, Executive Director, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries, H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, and Doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chairman of the Board, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries

th

10 Czech-Russian Ball 10th Czech-Russian Ball at Žofín – organized by the Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries under the auspices of H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic

72

LM_1102_events__2.indd 72

The ball room, in the middle: Jan Kohout, Managing Partner, PRK Partners with his wife JUDr. Ivana Kohoutová Valentová

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

23.3.2011 16:32:37

From left: Vladimir S. Mikoyan, Russian Chamber of Industry and Trade, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Alexander Akulinin, Project Manager, Russia and CIS Operations, Comenius, and Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President, Comenius

From left: Anatoly Agapov, Minister-Councellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in the CR and H.E. Vasily Markovich, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus Milan Kohout, Member of the Board and Commercial Director, Škoda JS a.s. with his wife

Stanislav Wiener, General Manager, Procurus Europa with his wife

From left: Zufar Abdulgaleev with his wife and Viktor Okunev, Regional Manager for Eastern Europe, Rossiya

From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President, Comenius and Ing. Helena Švédová, Director, Department of Trade Administration, Czech Export Bank with her son

Vítězslav Jonáš, Senator with his wife Vladimír Hořejší, MBA, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Director, Evropskoruská banka with his wife

JUDr. Vladimir Ermakov, CSc., General Director, Managing Director, Vemex with his wife

LM_1102_events__2.indd 73

From left: Ing. Kristýna Hrdličková, Jindřich Olek, and Mgr. Marta Gellová, Secretary General, AFIZ

23.3.2011 16:33:08

Dancers

From left: Doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chairman of the Board, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries and H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation with his wife

H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation delivering a speech

From left: Doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chairman of the Board, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries, Jana Kordačová, Deputy Director, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries, and Ing. František Masopust, Executive Director, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries with his wife

From left: Ing. Jiří Vacek,Head of Representation, První česko-ruská banka and Ing. Michail Filippov, Vice President, První česko-ruská banka

Helena Kubalová and Karel Pleva, CEO and Chairman of the Board, EGAP

From left: Mrs. Žoudlík and Julia

LM_1102_events__2.indd 74

Dipl. Ing. Josef Vokroj with his wife

23.3.2011 16:45:29

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, H.E. Stefan Gorda, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova with his wife, and Mgr. Marta Gellová, Secretary General, AFIZ

From left: Ing. František Masopust, Executive Director, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries and MUDr. Přemysl Sobotka, 1st Vice President of the Senate

Martin Grubner with his wife

Igor S. Plaskin, Head of the Economic Group, 1st Secretary, Embassy of the Russian Federation in the CR with his wife

From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President, Comenius and Dr. Ing. Jaromír Drábek, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs with his wife

From left: MUDr. Přemysl Sobotka, 1st Vice President of the Senate, Doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chairman of the Board, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries, Ing. František Masopust, Executive Director, Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries, and H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation cutting the cake

LM_1102_events__2.indd 75

23.3.2011 16:47:18

A talk with Jan Kohout, Partner of PRK Partners law firm

OUR PRIORITY

is High-Quality Expertise JUDr. Jan Kohout is an attorney and managing partner of one of the biggest and most reputable law firms in the Czech Republic, PRK Partners (previously Procházka Randl Kubr). Following in the footsteps of his grandfather – Antonín Kohout – a distinguished Czech cellist, Jan also pursued music, graduating from the Prague conservatory in violin before beginning law school. After graduating from the Law Faculty of Charles University in Prague in 1997, Jan joined PRK as a lawyer. Presently, he focuses mainly on banking and financial markets law. His expertise has been recognized by several international institutions and publications, which have recommended Jan as one of the leading practitioners in the field. His experience includes project financing, project restructuring, mergers and acquisitions and real estate law.

In addition he has been instrumental in developing the firm’s Russian practice. Thanks to his Russian roots, Russian is his second nat ativee la lang ngua uage ge;; Ja Jann is als lsoo flue uent nt in Englilish. h With more than 100 lawyers active in Central Europe, PRK Partners is a Czech law firm which has successfully built a reputation among local and international clientele across Central Europe. We spoke to Jan Kohout, a partner of PRK Partners and head of its Russian desk who also specializes in Russian speaking clients.

Photo: Jan Kohouts´ archive

76

Interviews.indd 76

How would you characterize the law office of PRK Partners?

PRK Partners was founded in 1993 by Marek Procházka, who was subsequently joined by Pavel Randl and Radan Kubr. Since the very beginning, PRK’s exceptional composition of partners has distinguished it from other Czech firms. Nowadays, the firm has offices not only in Prague but also in Ostrava, Bratislava and Budapest. The Czech practice is composed primarily of Czech lawyers; however, many of our partners grew up and studied abroad. Thus we possess in-house knowledge and experience of many other social and legal systems. In other words, our comfort zone extends beyond the Czech legal environment.

Can you introduce the partners in more detail?

Marek Procházka, our founding partner, considers Switzerland his second home, and he is well known for his affinity for German speaking countries as well as having the trust of our German, Austrian and Swiss clients. He graduated from the law faculty in Bern, wher wh eree he als lsoo wo work rked ed as an aca cade demi micc fo forr so some me tim imee.

He also received an LL.M. degree from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, D.C. Radan Kubr also spent his childhood abroad and received law degrees in Geneva, Switzerland, and in Belgium.

This background has given Radan a firm francophone orientation. He started his career as a lawyer in Switzerland, and before joining PRK in the early ’90s, he worked for a U.S.-based international law firm in Prague. With this experience he has gained the confidence of prominent Anglo-Saxon law offices which use PRK for cooperation in international transactions. Dan Rosický is our native-English speaking partner, as he grew up and studied in Canada. This year François Veit joined the firm as the Prague office’s first non-Czech partner. He came to us from the Prague office of the French firm, Gide Loyrette Nouel, where he was partner in charge from 2000 to 2010.

Moreover, we are one of the few law offices in the region to have two Harvard graduates amongst their

Leaders Magazine II/2011

22.3.2011 17:21:58

partners – both François Veit and Martin Aschenbrenner received their LL.M. degrees there. François also studied philosophy at the Sorbonne. I don’t want to bore readers with my colleagues’ CVs, but I want to show that our talk of having a “global” identity and expertise is not just a marketing ploy. Our international background logically leads us towards cooperation with chambers of commerce in the Czech Republic. These include, for example, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, the Franco-Czech Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Czech Republic, where Marek Procházka serves as president. Our partners don’t just affix their name to the work we do; any client can be confident that their case is being actively supervised by a partner.

Practically speaking, what does that mean for clients?

From the very beginning the law profession is rooted in personal involvement and ethical responsibility.

The various aspects of a lawyer’s role begin with conf co nfid iden entitial ally ly and end witithh pe pers rson onal al res espo pons nsib ibililitity for the quality of work and its result. Today we face high pressure as regards the pace of work, its quantity, global aspects, the changing environment, etc.

Th some firms’ Thus, fi ’ partners t have h abandoned b d d their th i personal involvement vis à vis work quality. We aim to keep up with our clients’ requirements, even though in some respects see us as just another business. We are very conservative concerning the quality demands of our results. Our partners lead their teams and their client’s cases personally. In the legal market it has become common for firms to have only a few partners compared to other lawyers, and thus the partners cannot truly supervise all of the work produced there. Our partners inform clients about a given case and have complete knowledge of the facts and legal implications. At the same time, they obviously do not work on the case alone, as that would be ineffective and unnecessarily cost-intensive for our clients.

Is this dimension of quality reflected in the range of services PRK Partners offers?

We obviously cover a complete range of business law. I am saying it this way intentionally, because we are not only concerned with commercial law. I dare say we have a well earned reputation for high quality work in all key practices. If I were to stress our most important area, it would be banking and capital markets in the Czech Republic. Our excellent know-how includes everything that pertains to financing a business. We have been awarded “Law Firm of the Year” in banking in the Czech Republic three years in a row.

Moreover, we won the Chambers Europe Award for Excellence in the Czech Republic, as a national firm, an award given in London by the Chambers and Partners, the preeminent legal directory.

And other specializations?

We are also highly ranked in real estate, dispute resolution and corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions.

How did your career develop within PRK Partners?

I am an example of a PRK partner who was first working in our firm as a concipient (trainee lawyer).

Once I finished myy concipi p encyy, I became an attorney ey,, and later on a partner. In principle, this shows the openness of our structure and the democratic approach of our entire firm, which can be seen from the inside as well as by clients. Like some of our other partners, I benefit from a national “duality”; for although I grew up here, I have my roots in the former Soviet Union as well.

Your parents were born there?

My mother comes from Central Asia, from Tashkent. However, my family is not ethnically Uzbek.

My grandmother was Russian and my grandfather was Persian. My mother met my father in Moscow, where she studied ballet choreography, and at the same time, she danced at the avant-garde Moiseyev Youth Ballet. One can say that my entire family is originally very artistically inclined. My mother was a prima ballerina of the National Theatre, my father was a first violinist in a string quartet. We have other artists in our family as well. Nonetheless, I became a lawyer, and although I graduated from the Prague Conservatory, t I do nott devote myselff to music any longer.

When did you start developing the Russian desk?

I basically started in 2003 and immediately saw a ggreatt opportunity t it for f severall reasons. First, Fi t I had h d a personal interest in Russia because, as a student, I wanted to pursue Russian studies and I was accepted to the Philosophical Faculty as well as the Law Faculty. I also maintain a close contact with Russian culture and the country itself. In addition, I recognized that our competitors to a great extent lacked a Russian-language element to their practices.

Standard working languages included English, German and some French. At the same time, I felt that there was considerable demand for this by both Czechs and Russian-speaking clients. Thus, under my management, we worked to create a team that would satisfy both groups of clients.

Do you have any branch in a Russian-speaking country or directly in Russia?

We have established our own network of reliable partner firms there. With their assistance we are able to serve our clients at the highest level. I would like to say that whether we perform the service for our clients ourselves,, from our own offices in Praagu gue, e, Bra ratitisl slav ava, a, Ostrava or Budapest, or in cooperation with our partner firms abroad, the main emphasis is always on personal relationships and knowledge of the local environment. Our strategy is based on cooperating with only the best firms in each country, and each of them is a leading firm for the given area of law. Thus, our clients are always in the best hands in whatever sector they do business in, and with regard to whatever problem they need to solve. Thus we can always provide excellent results. Therefore we have longstanding, successful co-operation with colleagues in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and also recently in Central Asia. This approach is applied to all of our relations around the world.

In what way did the economic crisis influence the development of trade relations within this area?

Trade relations between the Czech Republic, Russia and other CIS countries have obviously been

strong stro ngly ly aff ffec ecte tedd by the glo loba ball ec econ onom omic ic cririsi siss. Ma Many ny transactions were frozen and, at the same time, we observed a drop in demand for certain types of legal advice, particularly in 2008. We can say that there has been some recovery in the last year, and this also concerns our clients. In any case, the issue is more complicated where Russian-speaking clients are concerned. Although the Czech Republic is generally open to new investment, from the historical side of things, Czechs have a certain fear of a strong Russian involvement in the Czech economy. This clearly is not always beneficial. For instance, I didn’t side with those complaining about potential Russian involvement in the privatization of Czech Airlines.

You cooperate with partner-firms, but you still decided to establish your own operations in the Slovak Republic. How are you doing in Bratislava?

Yes, we did. Once you want to expand to a new market, you need to have someone in your own ranks who is personally devoted to this project in terms of time, innovation and energy. This is the case of our Slovak office, where our partner, Martin Kříž, is in charge of management and strategy development.

Si 2005, Since 2005 Martin M ti andd the th Slovak Sl k team t have h created t d a strong practice in Bratislava with internationally recognized expertise in corporate law, including M&As, banking and real estate. Our Slovak team has recently been strengthened by Miriam Galandová, a Slovak tax adviser and lawyer who was previously a partner in one of the foremost international law firms in Bratislava. Martin devotes a substantial amount of personal time between Prague and Bratislava, which is especially difficult and obviously requires the full support of his family. We also have other partners in Bratislava who actively participate in the design and success of PRK Partners there.

Do PRK Partners expect to expand into new territories and jurisdictions in the future?

For a firm of our size size, it is definitely crucial to have a vision of further development. We have been growing since 1993, when our firm was established, and we keep growing both extensively and intensively. We grow gr ow in te term rmss of our tea eam m, ter erririto tory ry and pro rofe fess ssio iona nall scope, and in a certain sense, in terms of our specialization. Today, taxes and economic consulting have become part of our interdisciplinary view. As I have already stated, we have a strong operation in Bratislava, and we have our own office in Hungary as well. Yet, a certain respite is needed between each phase of expansion, including time for consolidation.

Our recent achievements have been very rewarding for us in this respect, as we have significantly strengthened the Prague team via the French section, and we will continue to develop our Slovak branch.

Wherever we sail, our priority still remains to provide high-quality advice to our clients.

By Pavlína Holancová ■

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 77

77

22.3.2011 17:22:22

th

20 Anniversary of Lukoil By the end of this year, twenty years will have passed since the birth of our company Lukoil.

Lukoil has come a long way since then. Today, Lukoil is among the global leaders in the ďŹ eld of drilling, processing and distributing oil and petroleum products.

Denis Ryupin Managing Director of Lukoil Czech Republic s.r.o., CEEB Cluster Manager Photos: Archive of LUKOIL

Interviews.indd 78

23.3.2011 15:18:56

Through the November 25, 1991 decision of the Council of Ministries of the thenSoviet Union, a state-owned oil concern came into existence with a difficult-to-pronounce name composed of abbreviations: “LangepasUraiKogalymneft”. Take notice of the capitalized letters LUK, which provides a clue as to where the subsequent name of the company was taken. A year later, on the basis of a presidential decree, the privatization of the oil industry was begun. Lukoil became a joint-stock company, which from the very start was in effect not only within thee Ru th Russ ssia iann Fe Fede dera ratition on but bey eyon ondd itits borders as well.

Lukoil activities today are conducted in several dozen countries of the world, including some of the most exotic. In the 1990s, Lukoil began drilling for oil in the Azerbaijani area of the Caspian Sea, in Kazakhstan and in Iraq.

Acquisitions at the end of the 1990s included, for example, the Romanian petroleum refinery Petrotel and the Odessa Refinery in the Ukraine. Lukoil became owner of the American firm Getty Petroleum Marketing

Interviews.indd 79

in 2001 and shortly afterwards began operations in Canada, Columbia and Serbia. In Iran, Lukoil works in collaboration with Norwegian concern Norsk Hydro, which was the winner of the tender to drill for oil in Egyptian fields.

The year 2006 was significant for us in Central Europe when Lukoil bought petrol 376 stations in seven European countries from ConocoPhillips, operating under the brand name Jet. Lukoil has recently expanded operations into distant countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, t Chi hina, the Ivory Coast and Ghana.

The Czech market Lukoil entered in 2007.

In the Czech Republic Lukoil bought from ConocoPhilips the network of 44 filling stations. In June 2008 Company began the process of redesign of Jet-branded fuel stations to fit Lukoil brand. Currently Lukoil operates throughout the Czech Republic 43 filling stations. Apart from acquiring the Jet network, in 2007 Lukoil subsidiary Lukoil Aviation Czech signed a contract for the supply of aviation fuel for Prague Air-

port. Lukoil Czech Republic is part of the world’s second largest private oil company in terms of proven oil and gas reserves. Main activities of the company are exploration and production of oil & gas, production of petroleum products and petrochemicals, and marketing of these products.

Central and Eastern Europe is covered by Cluster Lukoil CEEB. Headquarters of CEEB is situated in the Czech Republic in the capital city Prague. Office is located near the old town with excellent transport links, the connection to the Prague ring road and airport access. CEO for Central Europe and Belgium has been Denis Ruypin since January 2009.

Ruypin entered the Lukoil company in 1997.

Before coming to the Czech Republic, he worked as Sales Director of Lukoil Romania.

Denis Ryupin was born in Perm, Russia. He graduated at the University of Perm, focused on Economic Cybernetics and Marketing Communications. Denis Ruypin is married and his hobbies are volleyball, football, fishing and hiking. He speaks fluent English.

■

24.3.2011 10:47:43

launching event

at Neoluxor Bookshop

From left: Tomio Okamura, Vice President and Spokesman, Association of Czech Travel Agents, Marta Nováková, Investor, Ivan Pilný, President, Tuesday Business Network, and Lenka Čížková, Computer Press

Launching of Ivan Pilný’s NEW BOOK “PŘÍŠTĚ SPADNI LÍP” Without accepting reasonable risk, one cannot be a good entrepreneur or manager. Successful companies tolerate mistakes, in order not to repeat them. The new book of Ivan Pilný is not a “how to” or “what to” textbook, nor is it a summary of the usual buzzwords – leadership, reengineering, change management etc. Instead, it is more of a helicopter view of what is important for managing yourself, your company, and your environment with elements of kind humor.

80

LM_1102_events_1.indd 80

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

From left: Jan Toman, Local Government and Education, Sales Representative, Microsoft, s.r.o., Ivan Pilný, President, Tuesday Business Network, Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman, Europe Microsoft Corporation, and Zdeněk Jiricek, Managing Director e-Government, Infrastructure Solutions, Microsoft, s.r.o.

23.3.2011 16:11:56

From left: Tomio Okamura, Vice President and Spokesman, Association of Czech Travel Agents and Vladimír Forst, TV Director, Day D (Den D)

From left: Ivan Pilný, President, Tuesday Business Network and Jiří Fuchs, Director, C15 From left: Tomio Okamura, Vice President and Spokesman, Association of Czech Travel Agents and Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine

From left: Ing. Jessie Hronešová, Director, Czech Travel Center and Marta Nováková, Investor

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE LM_1102_events_1.indd 81

From left: Ivan Pilný, President, Tuesday Business Network and Prof. Petr Zuna, PhD., D.Eng.h.c., FEng., President, Engineering Academy of the CR

From left: Tomáš Březina, Chairman of the Board, BEST, a.s., Ivan Pilný, President, Tuesday Business Network, and Tomio Okamura, Vice President and Spokesman, Association of Czech Travel Agents

23.3.2011 16:12:37

The Gala Evening was held under the auspices of Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and Jiří Besser, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic.

culture event

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

The Municipal House, Prague

th

11 Annual of the Trebbia European Awards and Benefit Cheques Trebbia on March 13th, 2011

From left: Daniel Dvořák, Scenographer and Director, National Theatre in Brno and Michael W. Pospíšil, General Director, Czech Centres (Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011)

From left: Jan Černý, Director, A-Keramika Group, Prague Region, Sergey B. Kyselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, MUDr. Jiří Besser, Minister of Culture, and Oleg Tabakov, (Russia) Actor and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011

Eliška Coolidge-Hašková, former Assistant to five American presidents and Member of INC Trebbia during the Laudatio speech

82

Trebbia.indd 82

From left: Klaus von Trotha, former Minister of Culture of Baden-Württemberg and Jan Světlík, Chairman of the Board and General Director, Vítkovice Holding and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011

From left: Jiří Menzel, Film Director, Marcela Mojtová, Vice Chairwoman of the Board, EUROKIM a.s., Bratislava, and János Bán, (Hungary) Actor and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011

24.3.2011 12:28:13

From left: MUDr. Jiří Besser, Minister of Culture, Mgr. Bc. Jiří Besser, Lawyer, Weil, Gotshal & Manges s.r.o., PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Founder, Trebbia, and Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman, Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament

H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in the Czech Republic with his wife

From left: Martha Gellová, Secretary General, AFIZ, H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation with his wife, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Member of INC Trebbia

Mgr. Andrea Jakubíková, Gourmet Plus and Milan Uhlový

Trebbia.indd 83

From left: Ing. Radomír Šimek, President, DTIHK – ČNOPK with his wife and Dr. Stefan Keil, Counsellor and Head of Economic Department of German Embassy in the Czech Republic

Francesco Augusto Razetto, Director of Architectural Consulting, s.r.o. and Barbora Bergová, Press Office, Public Relations

From left: Michael March, Founder and President, Prague Writers´ Festival and Aleksander Nawrocki, (Poland) Writer and Businessman, Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011

JUDr. Aleš Janků, Managing Director, Provident Financial with his wife

From left: Ivo Gajdoš, Vice President, Czech Management Association, Ing. Míla Petrová, Executive Director, Otto Blanc Fashion Salon, and MUDr. Michael Vít, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Public Health Officer with his wife

From left: Petr Mikoška, Executive Director of SYNOT TIP, a.s. and Tibor Huszár, Photographer and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011

From left: Štefan Čemický, Diagnostics and Research, ARG AG, JUDr. Klára Drechslerová, Ph.D., Head of Acquisition Department, S.P.I. Holdings a.s., Taťána Kuchařová, Miss World 2006 and Founder, Taťána Kuchařová Foundation – Beauty of Help, Mirko Lachman, Senior Advisor, Leaders Magazine, and Lucie Smatanová

24.3.2011 12:29:30

From left: MUDr. Jiří Besser, Minister of Culture, Meda Mládková, Owner, Kampa Museum, Member of INC Trebbia, Jitka Novotná, Moderator, Czech TV, and Ľubomír Bajaník, Moderator, Slovak TV

Natália Cehláriková, State Secretary, Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic and Jan Mojto, (Germany) European Film Producer and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011 From left: Miloš Jaro, Director of the Czech Centres in Moscow with his wife and Michael W. Pospíšil, General Director of the Czech Centres

From left: Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman, Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament, Tibor Huszár, (Slovak Republic) Photographer and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011, and Jitka Novotná, Moderator, Czech TV

Alena Miro, Soprano, Soloist, State Opera Prague and Peter Berger, Tenor, Soloist, National Theatre in Brno

From left: Georgi Stojanov, Taťána Kuchařová and MUDr. Ján Lešták who auctioned the painting by G. Stojanov for the sum CZK 200.000 for the benefit of Taťána Kuchařová Foundation – Beauty of Help

All participants of the Benefit Gala Evening Trebbia (Laureates, Artists, Patrons and Personalities who presented the Awards and Cheques)

Trebbia.indd 84

24.3.2011 12:31:36

From left: JUDr. Cyril Svoboda, former Chairman of KDU-ČSL and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ing. Mária Wagnerová, Assistant to Vice President, Private Banking, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, and JUDr. Richard Wagner, Senior Partner, Attorney Office Pokorný, Wagner and spol.

MUDr. Pavel Pafko with his wife

From left: Lukáš Hurník, Director, Český rozhlas and Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Conductor and Composer

From left: Vladimír Páral, Writer and Tibor Huszár, Photographer and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011

From left: Miro Voštiar, Owner, Aria Hotel and Petr Šmída, Owner of Enern with his wife

Vilém Veverka, Oboist, Soloist, Brno Philharmonic

From left: Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine, János Bán, Actor and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011, Soňa Illner Pajerová, Attorney, and Lenka Dušková, Vice Chairwoman, National Museum of Women in Arts

From left: H.E. Petr Kolář, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in the Russian Federation and Vladimír Laštůvka Aleksander Nawrocki, Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011

Mgr. Petr Šťastný, Attorney Pávková Šťastný with his wife

Trebbia.indd 85

From left: Růžena Nechanská, Eliška CoolidgeHašková, Member of INC Trebbia, and Marie Kousalíková, Mayor of Prague 6

24.3.2011 12:33:05

Tomáš Hanák, Patron, Help Children Association with the Benefit Cheque in the amount of CZK 335.000, Jaroslav Jirkovský, Export Director, PSJ, a.s. who auctioned the painting by Karel Gott, Alena Cocherová, Communication & Brand Director, Orange Slovensko, a.s. who auctioned the painting by Juraj Jakubisko, Marcela Mojtová, Vice Chairwoman of the Board, EUROKIM a.s., Bratislava who auctioned the painting by Ronnie Wood, Nikolay Razguliaev, Russian Businessman who auctioned the painting by Helena Vondráčková, and Zdenka Sigmundová, TREBBIA Foundation with the Benefit Cheque in the amount CZK 335.000

From left: Pavel Štesko, Sculptor, Ing. Barbora Palovičová, Vice Miss of Slovakia, MUDr. Ján Lešták, Owner, Eye Centrum JL Prague, Elena Tomíčková, and Tomáš Lešták

From left: Jana Hubinská, Film Actor, Laureate of Český lev, Andy Hryc, Film Actor, Producer, Director and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Seychelles, Eva Goľová, Director, Private Art School in Snina, Slovakia, and Andrej Smolák, Artist and Owner, Andrej Smolák Gallery in Snina, Slovakia Vladimíra Václavíková, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine and Jiří Menzel, Film Director

From left: Petr Jirsa, Choreographer, Ballet SOP, Juraj Filas, Music Composer, JUDr. Danka Andrašková, Law Office Vyroubal, Školoud, Krajhanzl, Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Conductor and Composer, and Ondřej Krippner, Vertrag und Sicherheit

From left: Leoš Svárovský, Conductor, Deana Jakubisková, Film Producer, Jakubisko Film, Ltd., Juraj Jakubisko, Film Director and Martina Svárovská, Raiffeisen Bank Sven Hanss, 3rd Secretary, Culture Department of German Embassy in the Czech Republic with his wife

86

Trebbia.indd 86

Oleg Tabakov, Actor and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011 with his wife Marina Zudina, Film and Theatre Actress

From left: Peer Gröning, Director, VIVACON CEE a.s., Ms. Gerlee Rösch, Martin Rösch, Director, Bundesbank, and Dr. Gunnar Enghusen, Lawyer with his wife Oyuntuya Oyunjargal, Culture Manager

24.3.2011 12:34:44

From left: Amri Aminov, Sculptor, Author of the Trebbia statue, PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Founder, Trebbia, Oleg Tabakov, Actor and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011, and Michal Zábojník, Owner, Dendra

From left: Eduard Hrubeš, Moderator and Entertainer with his wife and Ivo Smolák, Composer, Moderator and Director of Documentary Film

From left: MUDr. Jiří Besser, Minister of Culture, Mgr. Bc. Jiří Besser, Lawyer, Weil, Gotshal & Manges s.r.o. and Kristýna Kočí, Member of Chamber of Deputies of Parliament of the Czech Republic

From left: MUDr. Ján Lešták, Owner, Eye Centrum JL Prague, Georgi Stojanov, Painter, and Taťána Kuchařová, Miss World 2006 and Founder, Taťána Kuchařová Foundation – Beauty of Help

From left: PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Founder, Trebbia and Jaroslav Jirkovský, Export Director, PSJ, a.s.

From left: Xu Ze, Lieutenant, Secretary to Military and Air Attaché, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China with his wife, and Vladislav Kučík, Director and Writer

730 guests in Smetana Hall in the Municipal House Prague

Trebbia.indd 87

24.3.2011 12:36:54

From left: Oleg Tabakov, Actor and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011 with his wife Marina Zudina, Film and Theatre Actress and H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation with his wife

From left: PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Founder, Trebbia and Dr. Jutta Walter, Director, Commerzbank, Divison Prague with her husband Matej Mináč, Film Director, Zuzana Mináčová, Photographer, and Patrik Pašš, Film Producer

From left: Vladimír Páral, Writer, Vlasta Brtníková, Prague Writer’s Festival, Tibor Huszár, Photographer and Laureate of Trebbia Award 2011, Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman, Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament, and Michael March, Founder and President, Prague Writers´ Festival

From left: PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Founder, Trebbia, Helena Vondráčková, Singer, and Nikolay Razguliaev, Russian Businessman Mrs. Zuzana Tančaková, Hotel Hilton Prague and Ulf Landeberg, General Director, Crowne Plaza Prague Castle Hotel

From left: Ing. František Mojto, Director, EUROKIM, a.s., Bratislava, PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Founder, Trebbia, Natália Cehláriková, State Secretary, Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, Marcela Mojtová, Vice Chairwoman of the Board EUROKIM a.s., Bratislava, and Miro Voštiar, Owner of Aria Hotel

From left: Ladislav Špaček with his wife, and Petr Bratský, Senator From left: H.E. Lembit Uibo, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia and Nick Bolkvadze, Leaders Magazine

88

Trebbia.indd 88

From left: Ing. Vladislav Stanko, Managing Director, CZECHOSLOVAK REAL (CZ), s.r.o., Lucie Smatanová, and PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák, Founder, Trebbia

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Marketing Director, ECOFLUID Group Ltd., Juraj Jakubisko, Film Director, Mr. Reon, Artist, and Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer, Conductor and Composer

24.3.2011 12:38:09

From left: Mgr. Robert Štajniger, Advisor, Ministry of Health, Martha Gellová, Secretary General, AFIZ, MUDr. Michael Vít, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief Public Health Officer, and Jaromír Šlápota, President, ČSÚZ

From left: Gabriela Šetlíková, Stylist, Jadran Šetlík, Photographer, Ladislav Kaboš, Film Director, and Svatava Maria Kabošová, Film Producer PhDr. Jaroslav Šuvarský, The Orthodox Church of Lands with his wife

From left: Richard Hošek, Honorary Consul, Honorary Consulate of the Slovak Republic, Ľubomír Galko, Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic with his wife, and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic

From left: Václav Moravec, Politics Commentator and TV Moderator, JUDr. Dagmar Raupachová, AK Černý- Raupachová, and Ing. Pavel Štefka, 4-star General (ret.) and Director TATRA a.s.

Alena Miro, Soprano, Soloist, State Opera Prague and Felix Slováček, famous Musician

Martina Bačová, Violinist

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE FIDEL CASTOR UND DIE TRANSPORTER (Germany), Swing Band from Berlin

Trebbia.indd 89

24.3.2011 12:39:50

networking/charity Guest of Honor: Robert Čásenský, Editor in Chief, Mladá fronta Dnes

Lions Club

From left: PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes, JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, and Robert Čásenský, Editor in Chief, MF Dnes

Prague Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Oldřich Hořák, Owner of Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady, JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, and Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., Commercial Director, Secretary of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

From left: Ing. Jiří Nejezchleb, Tax Advisor and Mgr. Jan Haur, IS Administrator

Jan Budín, Professor, Deyl´s Academy

90

LM_1102_events_1.indd 90

From left: MUDr. Václav Poláček, CSc., Plastic Surgeon and Ing. Antonín Mika, Regional Director for Foreign Trade

From left: JUDr. Jan Kotous, University Teacher, Právnická fakulta UK, Fra. Karel Paar, Grand Prior of Maltese Knights, and Prof. ThDr. Jiří Huber, Dean, Vyšehradská kapitula

23.3.2011 17:06:51

From left: Ing. Pavel Barák, Economist, Ing. Jiří Opichal, Executive Head, Allimex Trading s.r.o. and former President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Ing. Jiří Málek, President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, and Ing. Antonín Mika, Regional Director for Foreign Trade

From left: Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director and Ing. Josef Čekal, former President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

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

LM_1102_events_1.indd 91

From left: Petr Laštovka, Enterpreneur and Ing. Jiří Málek, President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Prof. ThDr. Jiří Huber, Dean, Vyšehradská kapitula, JUDr. Jan Kotous, University Teacher, Právnická fakulta UK, and Fra. Karel Paar, Grand Prior of Maltese Knights

From left: Ing. Milan Maxa, Director and Owner, TECHEM CZ, s.r.o. Praha, MUDr. Jiří Pekárek, former President, Czech Dental Chamber, MUDr. Blanka Seifertová, General Practitioner, and Oldřich Hořák, Owner of Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady

23.3.2011 17:08:20

global perspectives

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

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

Interviews.indd 92

22.3.2011 17:23:06

NEW SPUTNIK MOMENT FOR WEST October 4, 1958 marked indeed been a hugely important milestone in the history of the human kind. It was a day when the Soviet Union successfully launched the first Earth-orbiting artificial satellite, so called Sputnik 1. However this day not only symbolized an unprecedented progress in our exploration of the Space, but at the height of the Cold War between USA and USSR, it also triggered what became known as the Sputnik Moment and the subsequent Sputnik Crisis. Until that day the USA had believed itself to be the global leader in space technology and exploration and the surprise launch of Sputnik 1 was a major wake-up call for the entire American government. Ultimately the Sputnik Crisis led to a series of new US bills, investments and initiatives, which all boosted the US space program and at the end of the day resulted in the USA winning the so called Space Race by putting the first humans on the Moon thru the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

Now over 50 years later the USA and in fact all of us living in the entire “Western world” are experiencing another surprise Sputnik Moment. President Barack Obama articulated this very clearly in his 2011 State of the Union Address. While he has not focused that much on foreign or military policy, which his administration has to deal with on a dayto-day basis anyway, he did evoke a huge defense issue from a half-century ago – the signal wake-up security call that marked the years of transition from Dwight Eisenhower to John F. Kennedy, the single word that has symbolized ever since the fear of slipping behind: Sputnik. “This is our generation’s Sputnik moment,” President Obama said. As a result, we need to fund “a level of research and development we haven’t seen since the height of the space race,” with particularly strong investments in biomedicine, information technology, and cleanenergy technology. In the same section of the speech, he likened this funding effort to the Apollo Project, which, as I already mentioned and as everybody knows, later successfully put a man on the moon.

President Obama and many of the EU leaders who recently started to realize this need for increased investments into innovation are absolutely right.

Over the past decade we have witnessed a huge redistribution of global wealth as well as accompanying resources and unless we get on this train really soon we will not succeed.

Let’s just take a quick look at some of the examples. In 2010 alone China has filled more patents than the USA for the first time ever. China itself has

almost $3 trillion USD of cash reserves, moore than any other country in the world. The venture capital per capita available is $100 USD in the USSA, it is $250 USD in Israel, it is $5 USD in the Euuropean Union and it is already $4 USD in China. Most importantly, in the so called PISA study (Proggram for International Student Assessment coordinaated by OECD), students from Shanghai have for the first time surpassed students from the so far most competitive countries of the world including Finnland or Korea. One could argue that student asseessment program does not tell anything about GDP orr current economical performance of a given country or region or city, but while that might be true about todday I can absolutely assure you that the quality of thhe PISA study results today will fully reflect into quality and therefore competitiveness of the work-force in 10 years time. By the way, back in 19995 the Czech Republic’s own ranking in the PISAA study was 7th from the top while over the past 16 years we have dropped down to the 27th place… … clearly not a result to be proud of.

Now, having digested these facts, you coould ask what we can and should do about this. I havve a real personal privilege to serve as a Chairman of thhe World Economic Forum’s European Roundtable onn Global Education Initiative. As a result I often haave the great opportunity to discuss this topic with various European government leaders and while theeir many ideas and efforts are truly encouraging I soon became a strong believer that the only possibilitt y to be successful in the future is in a quick but also very deep reform of our educational systems. At thhe same time these conversations led me to understaand one of the main difficulties in making such a chhange – while the reform of an entire educational system is a project for probably up to 10 years, the political cycles that our politicians live in are limited to 2 to 4 years. Well, please don’t get me wrong – I am not calling for extension of political mandates, but this clearly means that a broad multi-party (nnot just coalition) agreement would be needed thru each of the political arenas to get this going and more importantly to make any such reform sustaainable.

Actually the Czech Republic where we haave had 6 Ministers of Education over the span of the past 8 years is a great example of why this can become extremely difficult.

On the other hand we don’t have to look thaat far for some great examples of how this can be donne in the very democratic fashion, environment and deespite of the changing governments – one such outsstanding

case study iss Finland. Years ago the Finnish government was ablle to secure a broad political conssensus and to convinnce even the opposition for the need to execute suchh education reform. Results aree overwhelming: greeat PISA study results; creation of a sophisticated coaching and mentoring system ms who students who lack behind the others; advvanced psychological testing of those who want to become teachers; aveerage of 7 days a year for each of the Finnish teachers for the own education on new teaching methods… all of this while studeents in Finland spendd on average 25% of time less at school that is the PISA’s average (and of course Finnland’s remarkable competitiveness)! Secondary efffect of this broad annd deep reform had been in a signnificant increase in reeputation of the teacher’s job, thhe fact that school principals have actually become managers and can fully focus on quality of the curricculum’s delivery. It iss clearly a way to go for manyy other European govvernments, too.

Despite off my busy travel schedule, each month I try spend soome time on one of the European universities. While the quality of their curriculum is geenerally outstanding, one observation I can make is consistent througghout our continent – students who are the EU natioonals are mostly in their comfortt zone, digesting thee particular subjects, however with incomparably less effort invested compared to their visiting colleagues, students from Asian couuntries, who study annd work visibly harder. Again, onee could argue that it is only a soft characteristic, but it is no doubt alreadyy visible.

Our childreen’s generation is the first geneeration facing the facct that the global connectivity also means a global fightt for jobs. While it is obvious to evveryone now that life--long learning will be a must, we all also need to realizze that unless we change somethhing today, our kids will have real difficulties winningg in this global markeetplace in 10 or 15 years time. Back in 19th centuryy the arts have been somewhat disconnected from the science during the Second Inddustrial Revolution. Itt is now time for all of us to re-connect these in ordeer to bring the dots together aggain for ourselves andd for our kids. That should be not only US governments’, but also European Union’s Sputnik Moment befoore the train is gone.

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

Leadders Magazine II/2011

93

Interviews.indd 93

22.3.2011 17:23:23

Guest of Honor: JUDr. Bohumil Studýnka, CSc. Evening Topic: Gold and its Role in Human History

networking/ charity

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Lions Club

From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and JUDr. Bohumil Studýnka, CSc., Lawyer

Prague Bohemia Ambassador

From left: PhDr. Ladislav Říha, Owner, CK RI-Tours and former President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Ing. Ladislav Bouček, CSc., Enterpreneur, former Governor, LCI Czech Republic

From left: Ing. Jaromír Kaulfus, Enterpreneur, MUDr. Blanka Seifertová, General Practitioner, and JUDr. Vojtěch Trapl, Lawyer, former Governor, LCI Czech Republic and Slovak Republic From left: Petr Laštovka, Enterpreneur and Ing. Antonín Novotný, CEO, CSI

94

LM_1102_events__2.indd 94

From left: Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., Commercial Director, Secretary of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Oldřich Hořák, Owner of Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady

From left: Ing. Antonín Novotný, CEO, CSI, Petr Laštovka, Enterpreneur, Ing. Jiří Málek, President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, and Ing. František Chaloupecký, Member of the Board, Confederation of Industry of the CR

23.3.2011 17:01:14

From left: Mgr. Jan Haur, IS Administrator, Ing. Jiří Nejezchleb, Tax Advisor, and Ing. Aleš Haur, Enterpreneur

From left: Ing. Ladislav Bouček, CSc., Enterpreneur, former Governor, LCI Czech Republic and Antonín Felix Slováček, Conductor Ing. Jiří Málek, President of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Ing. František Chaloupecký, Member of the Board, Confederation of Industry of the CR and Petr Laštovka, Enterpreneur

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

LM_1102_events__2.indd 95

From left: Ing. arch. Petr Bílek, Architect´s Studio Bílek Associates, spol. s r.o., Ing. Antonín Mika, Regional Director for Foreign Trade, and Petr Laštovka, Enterpreneur

From left: Oldřich Hořák, Owner of Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady, JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident of LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Governor of LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director, and Ing. Jiří Novotný, CSc., MBA, Financial Director, Ratiopharm

23.3.2011 17:02:23

EVA JIŘIČNÁ IN ZLÍN

Architect Eva Jiricna in her Prague design studio

Iff youu wou ouldd lik ikee too wittne ik ness ss an ev e en e t tthhat at reppr se re sent ntss the nt thhe pi p nn nnac a lee in woorrlld ar a chhit itec e tuure ec r , thhere er is no need er neeed ed foorr you o to go g to Neew Yoorkk, Pariss or Londoon.

Pa n Insste tead add, vi visi siit thhe Mo sit Moravi raavi vian a an c ty ci t y of ZZllin, wh w er eree tthhe late laate test st ver ersi siion of a mu multti-fuunc n ti t on o al al Congr onngr gres e s annd Un es Univ ivver ersi rsity siityy cen entr trre w s ju wa just st ope pene ned th ne this hiss Jannua uary r y.. Th ry The au auth t or th or of the h pro r jeectt is th t e ou o ts tsta tand ta nddin ingg ar arch chit ch hitec ittec e t Evaa Ji Ev Jiri r cn ri cna. a. Tha hanks nks to its ts bolld vi visi sion, onn, th thee ci c ty ty o Zlilinn is opeeni of n ngg a new pha hase se of ciityy dev e el elop op-ment me nt at ann int n er erna rnnaati tion onaal al lev evel e , an el a d thhus folllllow fo o s th t e gr grea eaat pi pion o ee on eeri ring ri ngg tra radi diti t on on of Toma To mass Ba ma B ta t .

Eva JIRICNA A is a titiny ny,, extr exx tr trem em mel ely kkiindd wom oman aann wiith a pec ecul u iaar char ul arm m an andd a lo lott off eneergg y. As a chil chilid sh ch shee suuff f ered edd froom po polilo bu b t toda tooda day, y, thi hiss neewl w y 70 70 -yyeareaar-ol o dd--yoouunng laady woouuldd easil ol assililyy shhovve ma many n tiirred e wom o enn in thhei e r foorrttiees in i to to her er p cckket po et. t. Sh S e iss the h greeat a es est co est c nt nteem mpo p ra rary ryy Czeech desi de s ggnner er. Sh S e lilive ves in Lon ve ondo d n,, whe h re she h rose osse too fam me. e Sh S e iss a mem embe mber of o the h Ord rder e of tthhe B er Brrititis tissh Em mpire piire re, e, a me m m mbberr of th the Ro Roya yaal Ac A addem my of Art rts, s s, and an nd wa wass ac acce cept ce pted pt edd inntto the thhe Am Amer e ic er ican an Hal alll of Faam mee. Sh Shee co comm m an ands d thee res ds espeect espe c t of th thee worlrd’ wo d s gr great eeaat arrcchhittec ects ts.. Heer arrcchhiittecc ttuure ts uree giv i eess thhe same same sa me imp mpre ress re s sio ss ionn thhat a she doe o s:: of ddeeliliccaacy acyy annd ge and gent ntle tle lene nneesss whi hile l staanndding ing on in on soollidd gro r unnd. d Evaa Jiri Ev Jiirir cnna co com mes fr me from om Zlilin, om n and n, n her e liffe an andd caare reer eerr too ookk a ne new di new direectio cttioon wh whenn in AAuugu g st st 19 1 968 8, afte aff te ter a coomp m et etitititio ioon of an inntern terrnnshhip te ip, p, sh s e coulld not co not retu no reeturn tuurn home. om me. e Back Ba ck theen, ck n she he wass onl nlyy 3 30 0 yea ears rss oldd and nd had too t ak ake ke ca caree of hheer care er 17 7-y -yea earea arr--ol old br brot othe her,r, who he h se se retuurrnn to thhei re e r home homel ho mela me lanndd waass ref e used usseedd jusst aass

96

Drebítko.indd 96

h rrss was he as.. Th T her erea eaft ea fftter er,, sshhe annd heer faath ther e , an er a d arrchititi eecc t frrom Zlil n, ch n nev e er e met aga gain in. Sh S e diid not noot retu re t rn tu r hom omee unntit l thhe ye year a 199 ar 990, 0, whe here r she re he lat a er seet upp her Cze zech chh AI De D si siggn gn Stu tudi d o, lec di ec tu ture reed aass a pr prof o es of esso sorr at the Uni so nive vers ve rsitity itt y off App ppllied Arrtt s, s and ca an carr rrie rrie ied ou outt pr proj o ecc ts in Pr oj Prag aggue ue, Br Brno noo, Zl Z inn, Maririieennba Ma bad, d, andd oth d, t eerr ciittie i s aff te terr tthhe re revo volu l tit on lu on.

Eva Ji Ev Eva Jiririricn cna cn na is the onl nlyy lilivi v ng arc vi rchi hite hi t ct who bee-te long lo n s too thee Brirititit shh Boook De ng Desi sign si g Piiooneer gn neers r s ooff the he 20th 20 0 th t centu enntury turyy, al alon oonngs gsid ide na id name mess su me such chh as Le Le Cor or-b si bu s er er, Mi M ess vann derr Roh ohee an andd Ma Marc rcel rc ell Bre r ueer..

In 200 In 03 she shhe waas el e ec ecte tteed chhairw airw ai rwom o ann of th om thee Ass so Asso s ci c at a iioon of of Arc r hi h te tect ctss in Loonndo don. n Shhee hol n. olds ds seeve seve vera rall ho honora norraaryy doc no octo toora rate tes. She h is st stilill illl mo m ddeest s aannd frie frie fr i nddly and n rad a ia iate tes wi w thh opt ptim iim mis ism. m m.

S e fifirrs Sh r st be b ccaam mee reennow wne nedd fo f r heer in i teerir or or arr c ittecc tu ch t ree. Th T he di dist sttin i ct ctiv ive iv ve chhar a ac acte teriririst te stic st icc of he herr w rkk is a stai wo st airc st rccaasse, as if she ree-di d sccov di over ered er edd itss fuunncc tit on as a foocu c s an a d a dyynaami micc paart of tthhe e tire en re int n er nt e io ior.r. She und nder erst s an st a ds mat a he hema maatitics mati ccss, phhyssicc s an a d st s attis i tit cs anndd is th t er ereefforre ex exce cepceptiionnal a and coonnsi sist sten sten entt in her inggen e ui u tyy of deesiign gn.

Congress and University Centre Onne off Eva Jirriccna n ’ss las a t gr grea rea eatt ac achi hiev evvem e en ents tss is thh mu the m lttiffun unct ctio ct ioonal naal Coonggre r ss s andd Uni n veerssiti y Cent Ce ntre ree in Zl Z inn, KU KUC. C. T he wor ork is a pie iece ce of wo worlrlrd c ass cl ass s ar archhittec e tuuree, do down wn to tthhe de wn d tailililss off the inn terior or f it titing n s, s andd thee city itit y of Zlil n iss thus huus nnoow reeccoord r eedd inn th thee hi histtor oryy off arcchi hite tect te cttur u e, beyyon o d th thee regi re gionn and gion gi nd even veen bbeeyyoond n the he Cze zech ch Rep e ubblilic, c, in a si s mi mila larr ma mann n er er to thhe Sp Span anis an i h ci is c tyy of Bi Bilb lbao bao a .

Whhen en thee rec ec to ecto t r Pe Petr ttrr Sah aha se sett ou o t to t get e thee Univ Un iverr si sity ty in Zl Zlin inn ontto thhe lliist s of th t e wo worlrlrd’ d s mo most

renoow reno wnned uni niveerssitiees, he qu q ititee loogi g ca c llly as aske k d forr the fo thhe ou outs t stand ts t a dinng pr ta p oj ojec ectt archittect ec ec t an ec a d na n tiive v of Zliin, n Evaa Jirricna iccna. The T h mo Th m de dern rn uni nive v rsit rssitt y unnit waas im mpl p em emen ente tedd inn 200 008, 8 anndd the fac 8, acul u tyy, wi ul with t th itt s ex e ce c llllen llen entt te tech chhno nolo logy ggyy andd mod oder e n fa er f ciililititit es for or reese sear arch ar ch “iss now w secconnd inn Eur urop o e, and op n among mongg mo tthhe to topp 40 0 in thhe worl woorld, d ” ac d, acco corddin co ingg to to rec ec to t r Saahaa on tthhe acchi hievvem emen entt. en A courageous plan and challenge for the city T e laand Th nd rem mai aini n ng from room demo deemolish sshhed Massar a yk sccho hool ols, s,, and thee iddeea too cre reat a eam muulttififun unct un ctio ioonal naal conf co nfer nf eren er enncee cenntr tree ffoor educatio ed ed on annd cu c lttur u e att thhiss sitte, e was a ind as n ee eedd a co cour urag ur ageo ag e uss onee, bbuut f r th fo the ci the c tyy and ittss fur urth ther th er devvel elop opme m ntt it w me waas a ve veryy imp mpor orta t ant ta ntt str trat ateg at egic eg iicc dec ecis isio ion. n The reggiona naal Deepu p ty t y for or Cuulltu ture ree of th thee fo form rmer May ayor Tomas ass Ulleh U ehla laa, Mr M s. Ire rena na Onddrroova va,, toook ok up thhe laargge pprroj rojec ojec oj ectt wi w tthh cou o raage g , an andd su s ccces e sful sfully ly led e it too itt s co c mp mple letitition le oonn. Wh W enn thee citt y m maana nage geed to to get et thhe vi v ta t l fund fund fu n inng ffrrom m the he Euurrop opeeaan Unnion, ion, io n whi hich chh c ve co vere r d th re t rreee quar qua ters qu teerss of th the co cons nstr ns trruc u tion on, th t e bbaattle tttlee was as alm as mos ost won.. Inn Jaanuuar ar y of o thi h s yyeeear ar tthhe ccoomppleex wa wass ooff fifici c ally ci alllyy putt inntto op operat erra ion, ioon, n, a d in add an ddittio ionn th thee ci city tyy sav a edd thee sub ubsi siidy dy of CZ C K 1 0 mi 12 milllll io ion whi ion, h ch wililll be used seed ffooorr th thee fu f rt rthe herr he impr im prrov ovem e en em entt off the h citityy cent ceennttree. To Toda day, da y, the y, h preestitgi giou ouus unnivversi err si s ty t y is eq equi uipp ui pped pp ed witth mo ed m deernn t chhnnoolo te olo logy gyy andd att ttra ract ra c tss gr ct greaat innte tere reest rest s froom po po-tent te n iaal st stud uddennts ts, wh whil h le thhe muultltilti--ppuurpos rppos o e haalll for 850 pe 85 850 peoopple le pro rovi vide vi des, de s,, on th t e ot othe theer ha hand ndd, gr grea e t ea faci fa cililiti ci itities es for thhee Zlilinn Phhililha harm ha rm monnicc Orche rcche h st straa, stra annd its and itt s supe supe su perb rbb aco cous ous u titics css and n layou ayouut meet ay meeett the me high hi g esst de gh d ma mand ndss fo nd forr ev e en ents tss of an a y ki kindd.

Iva Drebitko at the multi-functional hall of Zlín Congress and Unversity Center

Leadder Lead Le ers Ma M ga gazi azi zine ne II/ I 20 2011 0111

24.3.2011 9:22:04

The Congress Center, main entrance

The beauty of architecture rests in the properties of aesthetics, functionality and timelessnes A pr p oj o ec e t of of thi hiss ty t pee andd com mpl p ex e itityy diid no nott deve de vellopp wiith ve t oouut em mot otio ioon. T hee bui uild uild ldin ing’ in g s moode g’ dern rnn oval ov al shhaape ini n tial a ly aroouussedd hessitt at atio ioon am amon ongg on thee Zllin con th onse serv erv rvat a ivve ppoopuulati at laation on, wh whoo re r seentted any innte an t rffer erence ce witi h thhe “B Bat ataa styl stt y e” e (a con on-ssttru r cttivve stt yl y e of of Tom omas as BAT A A in i the h ear arly lyy 20 0tth cee ur centur u y) y). Jiiricn ricna ha h s, s on th thee co cont nttra rary rary ry,, hi high ghlliigh ghli ghte ted ted the uunniq th ique u neess ue s off th t e pl plac a e wi with th her inn th nnov nn ovat ov ativve at archhittec ar ecttuure re,, re reflflec e ting ngg thee eraa in wh whic ich ic ch tthhe ed edidifif ice ce wass bui u ltt. Sh S e sens seenssititiv tiv ivel e y foolll ow el owed edd the he urbbaann a xiss andd des ax e iggne ned th the wh whol olee coom ol mpplex lex wi le withh ele l g nce aannd so ga soph phhis i ttiiccaationn, al all inn a perr fe fecctt fun u cc-tit onnal a itt y off suucccce ceess cess s sivve sp spac aacces es thaat looggiicaalllly ly titiee inn to th the neeigghb hbou ourh rhhood. d. T he shaape p of th t e gllaazzed atri at trirum m briring nggs liligh g t from from fr om alll siddess and is th thee ccoonnect nect ctin inng lilink nkk beett we ween en alll of th thee bu buililildi ldi d nggs. s

A cceert rtai ain re redu duct ctio ionn off thee hal all’l’l’ss no nois isse waas aacchi hiev eevved by Ji Jiriricn cnna by cre reat aattin ingg an a arcchi hite teectu tect cttural rallllyy peerf r eecc t soouunnd baarr rrie ier.r.r. T hee sec ie e on o d ffaacaade d tha ha t coovers cove verrss the f irr stt ovaal gr grou o ndd pla ou lann was was ma wa m de d froom s gmen se gmennts gm t of sa sannd ndblas ndbl a te as tedd Ve V rlrlititithh glas glas gl a s annd ccoonncrret e e bl b oc ocks of a ssiimp mplee com ompo posi po s tition si onn, annd thhus u rem re minds mind mi ds us u of thhe sp s irriitt of Ba Bata t a’ss reecc ta tang ngul ul ar ular arch chitititec e tuure. re re Thhe de desi s gn si gner e als er lsoo liigh ghte teene n d the the wi th w de d spa pann off the rrooof by usin th the usinng ec us econ onnoom miiccal con oncr c ette, and hid cr i thee te tech chni niica c l eq equi u pm ui pmen entt onn the rooof unndeer a so en s p isstitca ph cated cate ted rir b, b so thhat a thee asp spec ects ts of tthhe bu buillddinng lo look okk aeesstthhettical ical eveen wh ic when loo ooki king ki ng at th thee buuilildi ldi d ngg fro rom m ab abov ove, ov e, fro e, rom m thhe su surr r ou rr ound ndin nd ing in ng hiilllls. s.

“N Nattur uree ha has in insp spiririred sp edd me too t ac ackl klee th kl this is dem manndiinng sstt at atic icc str truc uctu uc t re tu re.. Itt is a ttiinyy ani nima mall ca ma calllll ed a di d at a om om””, ”, Jirric icna na addds as na as if th this is ob obvi viou ous, s, s, “aa kinnd ooff phy hyto y to topl p an pl ankt kton o , wh on which icch has haas a peerf r ec ectt phys ph yssiq ique que ue.”

Thhe ac acou ousst stic icss of o thee hal alll w waaass a bi b g chhaallleengge.

“IIt ca cannnnot o be te test sted st edd in addvanc vvaanncce, e youu musst bbeelil ev e e thhe ccaalccul ulat attio i ns ns as we w ll as th t e ex expe p ririen pe eenncee o speci of peeci cial alis al ists is t ,”” say ts ayss JJiirir cn cna. a T hhee whhiittee aco a. cous usstitc usti pane pa neelss t ai ailo lore oreed to the h ref efra rraact ctio ioon off sou ound n , al alon o g with wi thh wooode d n floo f looors andd oth ther er int nter e naal eq er equi uipm ui pm pmen men t o the of he halll,l, com ompl pleet pl eted e the h perr fe f ct ctly l acoous ly u ticc whhol ole. e T hee faam e. mou o s te teno noor Da Davi v d Loome vi m lii sai a d here heere afte af terr a co conc ncer ert: er t “I’I’ve t: ve nev ever er hea er eard rd my vooicce so so w llll.” we .” A noovvel shade haadee of pu p rp rple plee for the h eleemeent ntss of o thee innte th teririor or hass lonng be b en e stu tudi died di ed,, an ed a d hi h ghhliligh ghhts thhe vi visu s al uniqu su niiqu quen enes en eess s off the he pro roje jeect c.

Eva Jiricna and Iva Drebitko meeting in Prague

W enn asked Wh skkedd wheeth ther heerr Evaa is saatiisff ieed w wiith thee outc ou utcom tcom tc me off heerr prrooject ject je c , sh shee m moodeest s lyy rep eplilied ed:: “I ed “Iff I am m coom mpl plet etel et e y saatit sf el sf ieed wi w thh my woorkk, I wi will not ot ggeet et an anyy fuurt rthe thheer.r T he he bes estt pr proj o ec oj ectt is alw lway way ayss th thee onne whhic ichh iss yet e to come comee.””

Arch Ar chitititec ch ec tu ture re has a beaauutttififiul u miss si sion onn, bu on, b t a gr grea eatt reesponsi ea sibbili si bility tyy as we w llll,, too sett a new w dirrec ec-ttiion o in ou ourr pe perc r epptiton of sp rc spac ace. Forr thi ac ace. h s reeas ason onn, we willl gl g addly kee e p reetuurn r inng to to Zlil n..

Byy Ing. ar arch chh. Iv Ivaa Dr Dreb ebit eb itko it koo I Phhottos Arc rchi h ve hi v : Evva Ji J riicnna annd Iv Ivaa Dr D ebbittko k česk če skk ý př p ekla ekklaad na n leezn znette v elek ele ttrr onic el i ké verzi er zi er maga ma g zíínu na ww ga w w..le lead a ersm ad magaz azzine. azin e cczz

The open gallery of the Congress Center, Zlín

Lead Le aders errs M Maaga gazi azi zine ne III/201 /2201 011 011

Drebítko.indd 97

97

22.3.2011 18:26:13

event

This year’s partnership in the traditional culmination of Brno and South Moravian ball season has been taken by the ZFP akademie (ZFPA) from Břeclav together with the Wine-growing Improvement Center of Velké Pavlovice. This event held on Sunday 16th January 2011, gave the 400 guests the opportunity to enjoy the South Moravians’ proverbial hospitality.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Two superior companies from the Břeclav region joined their efforts with Boom Band, the best dancing orchestra in our country, which hosted Karel Gott who also performed as the main ball’s celebrity. The ZFP akademie accepted the offer to become the Diamond ball’s partner for several reasons.

From left: Václav Kopal, Key Account Manager, Kooperativa pojišťovna, a.s., Member of the VIG group, Mr. Michal Poliak, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ZFPA, Mrs. Zuzana Smékalová, Member of the Board of Directors, ZFPA, Ing. Richard Procházka, Director of Foreign Trade Management, Kooperativa pojišťovna, a.s., Member of the VIG group, Dipl. Ing. Mgr. Dita Kaňová , CEO and Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors with her husband, ZFPA, Dipl Ing. Pavel Pavlík, Member of the Board of Directors, ZFPA, and Mgr. Monika Grellová, CEO and Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, ZFP akadémia, a.s. Slovakia

DIAMOND BALL: ZFP akademie, Wine and Karel Gott more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

Dipl. Ing. Vladimír Kos, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board, ZFPA dancing

Karel Gott, famous Singer

The first one is their residence in the city of Břeclav, South Moravia, the second one is that Mrs. and Mr. Jarmila and Vladimír Poliak, the company founders, wanted to express acknowledgements to their broad sales network partners for their co-operation to date. This gave rise to the opportunity to get the broad public ball guests introduced not only to the ZFP akademie but also to the topquality wines produced by the Wine-growing Šlechtitelská stanice (Improvment Center) Velké Pavlovice whose foundations and a hundred-year tradition are a base upon which to jointly build the Poliak Family wine-growing business.

LM_1102_events_1.indd 98

Jarmila Poliaková, Owner and Member of the Supervisory Board and Vladimir Poliak, Chairman of the Supervisory Board ZFP akademie

24.3.2011 9:40:05

BRAND JOURNALISM? NO, Czech Power – Common Sense Included When I decided to set up my own media education company last year in May, my wish was to share my experience with those interested in a journalist’s point of view on public relations. On top of that, I wanted to give my clients something else — a consultant who would listen to them and shape advice based on their own needs, not on an egocentric self-sufficiency that I often find overwhelming with local PR advisers. “I want to give my clients some common sense. Like this, they will be able to recognize the difference and appreciate it,” I said. “Common sense in the Czech business environment?” a good PR friend reacted. “You must be crazy. I give you one year to get rid of your naïve ideals.” More or less joking, I set up one of my company slogans as “Media intelligence. Common sense included.”

Now, one year after, I’m happy to say I was right.

On April 14–15, 2011, Media Education CEE – the new identity of my company since February – is organizing an international workshop on brand journalism. One of the parents of the concept, David Henderson, is coming to Prague to share how this new PR trend works. What does brand journalism mean? It means that responsible companies, industry leaders, got that it’s not enough to speak and expect stakeholders to listen. It’s not enough to flood the market with old-fashioned communication tools such as product press releases. The only reason people would read such news is because the product would make an immediate positive change in their lives. It’s now about the people and what they want, not about companies saying something. So, how does one get a corporate message across in this new reality?

BRAND JOURNALISM IS A MATTER OF STRATEGY The enlightened industry leaders I mentioned – such as the technology solution provider Cisco or the international bank HSBC — understood that listening with a bit of modesty, empathy and common sense raises their image in the eyes of global stakeholders. These companies are actively using journalistic techniques to generate corporate news

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.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Interviews.indd 99

and to engage stakeholders in the latest type of conversation driven by social media in the new digital reality.

Basically, any enlightened industry leader would be aware that it’s necessary to be ready to answer any kind of questions, coming from all over the world, at any time in a responsible brand-enforcing style.

Let’s take a concrete case – BP (formerly British Petroleum) for example, the company so much despised for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico it produced last year. As soon as the unfortunate explosion occurred, the company used its own website to communicate its point of view on the event. The reply to the public anger was posted on the same website that the company used to praise itself for environmental achievements and consciousness. If the situation hadn’t been so dramatic, the way BP handled its crisis communication would have been risible. Therefore, for any enlightened company that is aware that an incident can spread digitally like fire and take down even the highest positioned business leaders, it’s vital to manage communication properly.

Brand journalism is about strategy – it’s a conscious decision to stop talking down to stakeholders and actually getting an online newsroom that isn’t full of nonsense and outdated press releases, but of meaningful content generated by engaged company staff and journalists commissioned to provide relevant industry news. Such a newsroom is enriched by high quality pictures that stakeholders – employees, clients, consultants and other media reps can download immediately – and promote your name by posting you as the picture source, for that matter.

It also features videos that explain the company point of view on certain issues, interviews and real human stories emphasizing the need for more story-telling in the corporate discourse, and links to social media that generate real conversation around the company doings. Everything that needs to be in an online newsroom if you want to be seen and make a difference is there: people who are fast to answer stakeholders’ questions, blogs about the industry, valuable visual tools (pictures, videos, graphs, charts) and, above all, the most important sign that you communicate and care – links to social media.

CZECH COMPANIES CAN MAKE A GLOBAL DIFFERENCE The message of why it’s important to have a balanced, respectful and two-way conversation with your stakeholders may come as an odd thing in our CEE post-communist economies. I can already hear the voices of my fellow communication advisers: “You must be crazy. I give you one year to get rid of your naïve ideals.” But Czech, Polish, Slovak and Romanian companies can indeed make a difference if they want to make it through tomorrow. To find their way on the global market, they need to be able to engage people from China, India, Brazil or Kazakhstan thanks to their online newsroom.

As we go global, our companies need to answer the demands of a global clientele and stakeholders. These demands are usually much higher than those of our passive and fatalist Czech or Romanian customers, and these people have no hesitation to give up on you because they

Photo: Jakub Stadler

have a global market of suppliers to choose their services from. If there is something that is truly frustrating in the Czech Republic, it is to see managers of leading Czech firms going to public meetings and presenting old PowerPoint slides, talking about themselves in a flat voice for minutes and minutes, then stepping down convinced of their own importance and waiting for praise and a happy retirement.

These people are not aware that, when behaving like this they are actually knocking nails in the coffin of this country’s industry and potential. These people, in positions of power and decision-making, have spent their best years sunken in the reality that it’s enough to exist in the market so that people see how great you are, and to buy from you. That might have been valid in the COMECON, the former Iron Curtain common market, but now we’re 21 years later and things are changing by minutes, not by centuries.

Czech companies that want to make a difference tomorrow and that will actively contribute to the growth of this country and to the education and competitiveness of its youth are the companies run by open-minded leaders who are wise enough to take a step back, wonder if their means of communication are proper for today’s digital world, and then adjust policies accordingly. The global market belongs to visionary leaders with an open-mind, courage and an appetite to engage in real conversation with stakeholders.

The Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, and Slovakia can be a part of this market. When minds open, brand journalism is a fresh communication strategy at hand that brings conversation, social media, digital PR tools and company brand enforcement together to boost your position in the world. Are you ready to step into the 21st century and make news in this challenging, yet rich and beautiful digital world?

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

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

99

24.3.2011 12:57:40

diplomatic event

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence, 20th Anniversary of Liberation and 5 years since H.H. Sheikh Al-Sabah assumed the office of Emir of the State of Kuwait.

THE NATIONAL DAY

From left: Dr. Jiří Weigl, Chancellor, Office of the President, and H.E. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait

of the State of Kuwait at the Spanish Hall of the Prague Castle

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz From left: H.E. Mohamed Salaymeh, Ambassador of Palestine, H.E. Nadra Sayaf, Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Hamdi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen, H.E. Mohamed Kamel Haj Sassi, Ambassador of the Tunisian Republic, and Lynn Tourkiová, Marketing Executive, Leaders Magazine

LM_1102_events__2.indd 100

This year’s celebrations marked an important milestone in Kuwait’s history. We celebrated our golden jubilee since the independence, twenty years since the liberation, and five years since the accession of His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

23.3.2011 16:57:48

From left: H.E. Hussain Saleh Majeed Mualla, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq and H.E. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait

From left: H.E. Jose Luis Bernal, Ambassador of the United Mexican States, and his wife

Wahida Jaet, Director, Tunisian National Tourism Office for the Czech and Slovak Republics

From left: H.E. Kaspars Ozolinš, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia, H.E. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, and H.E. Jens Eikaas, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway

From left: Chimaa Youssef, Director, Arabesque and H.E. Amal M. Mourad, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

From left: Mr. Kudera, H.E. Marita Ladaveri Porturas, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, Dušan Milowský, Director of Investment Section, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the CR, and H.E. Victor Julian Hernandez, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Hosting this event in the Spanish Hall at the Prague Castle highlighted the importance of these occasions. The Czech Republic is very much part of this history we are celebrating. Czechoslovakia participated militarily in the liberation of Kuwait. Looking at the future, while our region is undergoing major changes, we too in Kuwait are experiencing a revolution of sorts. It is a developmental revolution, for which the Kuwaiti government has earmarked an estimated $130 billion USD to be spent in development projects over the next 4 years. We look forward to Czech 101 1 10 01 participation in those projects, and by doing so, being part of our future, in addition to being part of our history.

LM_1102_events__2.indd 101

23.3.2011 16:58:13

From left: Ján Valo, H.E. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, and Ing. Jaroslav Kumbera

From left: H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and Tomáš Smetánka, Director, Middle East and North Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

102

LM_1102_events__2.indd 102

From left: Mgr. Roman Bradáč, Executive Director, ČT24, Czech Television and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic

From left: H.E. Koray Targay, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Daniela Anda Grigore Gitman, Ambassador of Romania, and H.E. Amal M. Mourad, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

From left: Alexandra Rudysarova, Deputy CEO, CzechInvest, Vlastimil Lorenz, Senior Director General, Non-European Countries Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and H.E. Ayman Mohammad Aladsani, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait

23.3.2011 16:59:50

analyse

COMMUNICATION on Facebook Can Develop into a Primary Digital Channel Whether the traditional media such as television, press and radio likes it or not, digital marketing is gradually beginning to take over and to completely transform the media. As television is being transformed into a more on-demand form, it is quickly becoming more of a content library rather than a broadcast channel. Today’s generation will no

longer switch between programs, but will actively seek what they want to watch, and take into consideration what others like. Radio will survive (primarily thanks to cars) but it will steadily decline, and it will be replaced by on-demand music, podcasts and by more interactive forms of content such as Apple’s iTunes and others. The press will become

a luxury commodity. But before all of this happens, we will experience a revolution purely in a channel that we use every day – the Internet.

The behavior of Internet users is changing.

Although there are not many studies concerning the frequency and the depth of Facebook usage, or the time spent on the site in the Czech Republic, in America the numbers are known. In some parts of the world, people spend more time on Facebook than watching television or using any other internet service combined. Facebook is amazing for its openness – and thus perfect for measurability between competing brands. It can therefore be easily determined what success each existing car brand has witnessed on Facebook. In the meantime, this factor is also contributing to a greater competition between brands.

People do not spend as much time as they used to on traditional internet home pages, but they are on Facebook. They connect, communicate and inform each other via this website. It is therefore logical that marketers are becoming more and more interested in this channel. In the Czech Republic, the best brands, such as HP, Vodafone and McDonald’s already have hundreds of thousands of Facebook fans. Some Facebook campaigns of the above mentioned brands have, judging from the published figures, much higher traffic than their own sites.

Some clients have gone even further and begun to perceive Facebook as the first-choice communication channel. For example, the ski brand K2 has decided to completely redirect their web pages to their Facebook page – as there is no reason for them to support a site that is aimed more toward B2B partners, rather than toward customers wishing to communicate purely on Facebook.

And it makes sense to be able to focus on customers in an environment in which they have their friends, and to offer them the choice to share their view in their native environment. All of this allows the brands to expand their community organically.

On Facebook, brands themselves must come to the users and communicate there. Of course they have to do this accessibly, cautiously and more than ever they have to clearly communicate their brand message.

Jan Řežáb, CEO Candytech I Candytech is the only Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant in the Czech Republic, and it owns the largest portal with Facebook statistics in the world – Socialbakers.com

Photo: Mr. Řežáb´s archive

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

Leaders Magazine II/2011

Interviews.indd 103

103

22.3.2011 17:24:07

afghan new year

From left: Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce and Daniel Soural, Chairman of the Board, Ariana Capital, a.s. and Vice President of Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Nouwrus means “New Day”. It is the new day that starts the year, traditionally the exact astronomical beginning of the Spring.

Celebration of Nouwrus New Day, organized by Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce

Daniel Soural, Chairman of the Board, Ariana Capital, a.s. and Vice President of Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce and JUDr. Petra Buzková, Partner, Vyroubal, Krajhanzl, Školout Attorney Office s.r.o.

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Peter Formanek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce with his granddaughter (far left), Andy Formanek, and Suzanne Formanek Jan Vylita, Secretary General, Ministry of Defence with his wife

104

LM_1102_events_1.indd 104

From left: Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce, Julie Pazderka, Frankie Pazderka, and Julie Pazderka

From left: Radek John, Minister of Interior of the CR and Fawad Nadri, President, CzechAfghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce

23.3.2011 16:28:17

From left: Prof. MUDr. Miroslav Nosek, Director, ČR – Zdravotnické zařízení MV, Jaroslav Zavadil and Ing. Michael Hrbata, Deputy Minister of Defence

From left: Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce and Ing. Karel Havlíček, Ph.D., MBA, General Director, Sindat, s.r.o.

Martin Črep, Photographer

Pavel Zelenka, CEO, Apiems a.s. and Pavla Linkensederová, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

From left: Jaromír Dudák and Khalil Abdul Qudus, Counsellor, Embassy of Afghanistan Jan Martásek, Managing Partner, Quinary Capital Partners with his wife

From left: Ing. Michael Hrbata, Deputy Minister of Defence, Jaromír Dušek, Václav Irovský, Director, Lom Praha s.p., and Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce

From left: Jaroslav Strnad, Owner, ExcaliburArmy s.r.o. and Jiří Staněk, Ministry of Defence

From left: Karel Eder and Jaroslav Kříž

JUDr. Ing. Václav Školout, Vyroubal Krajhanzl Školout, Attorney Office s.r.o. and Lenka Galeoni

LM_1102_events_1.indd 105

Afghan Music

24.3.2011 10:56:52

synot event

Companies SYNOT W, a.s. and SYNOT TIP, a.s. participated in the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) 2011 at London´s Earls Court Exhibition Centre at the end of January. This exhibition is one of the most important European lottery exhibitions. It offers novelties from the gaming equipment industry.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

SYNOT HOLDING has introduced itself at the prestigious International Casino Exhibition in London “International Casino Exhibition is traditionally attended by the vast majority of our customers and business partners. We have introduced new products in our new exhibition stand, covering an area of approximately 250 m2,” said Pavel Michalcio, SYNOT Holding Sales Director and a Member of the Board of Directors. At the show the company introduced a whole range of innovation for the year 2011, such as new games for VLT systems IVT 2 and Super VLT, which were developed in cooperation with GTECH G2, and a new 5th generation VLT terminal called “Black & White”. “We have prepared a new sports betting application for self-service double screen terminals. This new product is currently being tested in the Czech Republic; it could be launched in Slovakia in around half a year,” added Pavel Michalcio. In its activities SYNOT Holding focuses primarily in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where its main business is concentrated. SYNOT Holding supplies the market with quality products for the long term, and is the leader in the industry; therefore the company is strongly supported by customers, and thanks to its strong position has been able to easily get through the global financial crisis.

106

LM_1102_events_1.indd 106

23.3.2011 16:14:13

SYNOT Holding also feeds other foreign markets, which is the main reason why it is the leader in its field. It is also very popular for betting customers, thanks to its accomplishments in technological innovation.

In addition, SYNOT Holding built a new, ultramodern Data Centre Monaco for its customers in 2010, which among others is the superior facility for the Central Lottery System.

107

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

LM_1102_events_1.indd 107

23.3.2011 16:15:20

workshop

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE Photo: Kateřina Petrů

H.E. Jan C. Henneman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of

Territorial Workshop DEVOTED TO THE NETHERLANDS Territorial workshop devoted to the Netherlands was organised by the International Chamber of Commerce in Prague in close cooperation and partnership with the Mixed Chamber of Commerce Czech Republic-Netherlands and Dutch Embassy on March 16, 2011. Representatives of more than 20 Czech companies received practical information and advices about doing business in the Netherlands. At the same time concrete business and investment opportunities, including priority industrial sectors, were introduced. To evoke a right atmosphere, Dutch national specialities were served during the following informal matchmaking.

108

LM_1102_events__2.indd 108

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

First line from left: Petr Kubernát, President, Mixed Chamber of Commerce Czech Republic-Netherlands, Ilse Smits, Head of Economic and Trade Affairs, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Vincent Stokman, Unit Manager Holland Branding, NL Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Mgr. Martin Pospíšil, Director of European Countries Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and H.E. Jan C. Henneman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

24.3.2011 11:08:48

Mgr. Martin Pospíšil, Director of European Countries Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade

From left: Prof. Ing. Michal Mejstřík, CSc., Chairman, ICC Czech Republic and Ilse Smits, Head of Economic and Trade Affairs, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Štěpán Petruš, Director of Foreign Office Netherlands, CzechTrade

From left: H.E. Maja Mitrovič, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Czech Republic and Petr Kubernát, President, Mixed Chamber of Commerce Czech Republic-Netherlands

Ing. Jan Polter, Trade and Marketing Director, DACHSER Czech Republic a.s.

LM_1102_events__2.indd 109

From left: Prof. Ing. Michal Mejstřík, CSc., Chairman, ICC Czech Republic and Vincent Stokman, Unit Manager Holland Branding, NL Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs

24.3.2011 11:12:04

An interview with Roman Onderka, Mayor of Brno

BRNO IS A LIFESTYLE Bc. Roman Onderka, MBA (1965) graduated from Brno Business School with a Masters of Business Administration. He is now serving his second term as the Mayor of the city of Brno. He is Deputy Chairman of the Czech Social Democrats (ČSSD) and he is the shadow minister of transportation.

Photos: Roman Onderka´s archive

You won a second term as the Mayor of Brno – a large city agglomeration. Defending a political position of any sort is still relatively rare in the post-communist countries with young democracies. Why is this so?

People expect politicians to bring change, and impr im prov ovee th thei eirr lilife fest styl yles es. Th Thei eirr ex expe pect ctat atio ions ns are logical. However their expectations are sometimes not fulfilled, and consequently in the next election they go for another politician or political party. This happens everywhere in Europe, not only in the post-communist countries.

In the so called new democracies people have won their freedom, free enterprise, or their chance of going abroad, but many times they still expect that their success and fortune will be provided by politicians. If their expectations are then not met, they often switch their support to other parties. We have more than 20 years of experience with freedom in these countries.

In every one of them governments have changed,

110

Brno_Ostrava.indd 110

and the responsibility of government has been experienced by both the left and the right.

Unfo Un fort rtun unat atel elyy, the pub ublilicc in tho hose se cou ount ntriries es sha hare re disappointment in that they haven’t benefited much from the new possibilities, and that none of the governments of the traditional left nor right wing parties have succeeded. This brings about the rise of support for the extremist and populist parties which I find rather dangerous.

On the other hand, politicians who do promise too much, and whose promises seem to vanish after election day, deserve no less than being voted out of office. Winning the trust of the electorate is a tough business, and losing it is so easy at the same time. Breaking promises to people is a guaranteed way of losing it.

From the point of view of local politics, the situation is little bit different. Parties Parties’ manifestos do not draw big promises or grand schemes such as pension reform or healthcare reform. They speak of clear and specific things with realizations that people can check and control every day. If I bind myself to mend a road or to build a sports arena, citizens of the city can very easily confront my promise after four years, knowing the reality of it, and find out whether I did not talk nonsense.

Local politicians work much closer to people.

They administrate and manage their home district. They seek solutions to their neighbors everyday troubles and worries. People can continuously verify whether a town’s administration works the way they wanted it to before the election. This is why local politics and defending the mandate is so difficult.

Is there a country where you would enjoy politics more for any reason?

I am of the opinion that politics is very much similar in any of the standard democracies. The differences are in countries that are in the hands of dictators, or which suffer under totalitarian regimes. Managing to improve people’s lives is always about the same simple things, which will be reflected in your policies and the question of whether you acted honestly and fairly. I do not think then that I would enjoy politics in Germany, France, or Italy better. I like the Czech Republic and Moravia, Brno and its people even more. I am very happy and fortunate that I can practice politics here.

Looking at you, I cannot help saying that you do not give the impression of a deep-rooted, socialist local politician from Central Europe – which is usually a stout man, in a formless suit with a sideways tie and strange behavior...

If you try you will find such politicians in the conservative or right wing parties too. It is not so much what party a politician comes from, but about their approach to the mandate. As the Mayor of Brno, I represent my city and its people.

I cannot imagine appearing anywhere untidy and underdressed. I would not misrepresent only myself, but also my city and its people.

Czech politicians are often not the best examples of smartly dressed public figures.

What is it about you and fashion?

I like fashionable and elegant clothes and I believe it is something that simply belongs to the position of Mayor of Brno. I spend most of the official program and my time at work in a suit. So I require my suits to be of a good handcraft, and quality fabric, and I pay much attention to picking the right ones. As I spend so much time in a suit, I appreciate more and more the time when I can simply go out in jeans and a shirt.

What about you and the arts? Are you gifted in any sort of talent for singing, playing a musical instrument, or drawing? Or would you be able to perform on stage maybe?

I cannot say that I am aware of any significant talent that I possess. When I was young, I wrote poems as anybody else. I played guitar and admired Pink Floyd. Nonetheless, I do have a strong relationship to culture. I enjoy theater. I really do lilikke Brno’s ’ drama scene andd Leošš Janáč áček’ k’s music that has its traditional ties in Brno. I am happy that culture in general has been on the increase in Brno in recent years. Brno has become a pulsating, living city. We enjoy the biggest European drama festival Divadelní svět and a whole range of remarkable events. You find culture here not only in the stone theaters, but also in the streets, and I really do appreciate that.

Town management is in its essence more of a managerial job than an ideologically political one. What sort of manager are you? Intuitive, sensational, table based, or systematic?

Town administration offers space for tables, systems, calculations, but also intuition. The key

Leaders Magazine II/2011

24.3.2011 13:05:53

is to put together people who can work together and cooperate. Those who met me know that I do not suffer from ill mock-modesty, but no mayor alone succeeds in anything without cooperation with the coalition partners, the ‘city fathers’, and the town’s public servants. If this does not work, then no matter what you do the desired results won’t come. You are only a strong and competent mayor if you have a strong and competent team.

I do my best to give our efforts clear directions, and a vision that we can all consequently make a reality. I believe this for the better of Brno.

Do you feel more comfortable as a leader possessing plenary powers and absolute responsibility, or is team work closer to your nature?

I consider myself a team player. On the other hand, as a mayor you carry a significant responsibility that is absolute in the people’s point of view. Something goes wrong with the water supply and Onderka is to be blamed; busses are late, Onderka is to be blamed. I do not complain, because it is simply natural. Why should anybody investigate whose fault a broken water supply is, if they elected Onderka to keep everything working. That’s why I get personally involved in many projects that could be seen as not falling into my portfolio, when I could easily delegate them onto other members of the council. But I know that if anything goes wrong, I would be the one people would blame. I work some 15 to 18 hours a day. I reply to e-mails even at 3am and I try to have a general idea about everything. Not that I want to manage and decide

everything, but I do not want to underestimate any problem or issue.

Are you a manager who prefers working on a men’s team, or do you have women on your team who you delegate serious responsibilities and powers to?

As a manager I prefer capable people and I do not care a bit if they wear skirts or pants. I used to say before the election that a pavement is neither blue, nor orange, but well mended, or broken.

The same applies to colleagues. Smart or less smart – that is the measure which I choose people by. Besides, in politics you often face a situation when you do not simply choose your fellow workers. They are simply elected to you.

I have had good luck so far, and that applies to female as well as male colleagues.

If you have to accept a job as a simple team member what would suit you? A female boss, or a male boss?

I would like to work under a boss who I could learn from, and gain new professional experience from. I have to believe that we can succeed under her or him in our efforts. I believe that employees do not care much if the boss is nice and friendly, man or woman, but more if they are just and fair, and if they know their work. Then the team is likely to succeed under their leadership.

What is the worst aspect of managerial work for you?

Paradoxically it is decision making. At times you feel the need to decide everything, and that’s not good.

What do you consider your managerial strength?

Have you surprised yourself by having a disposition or a sense for something in particular?

Others should answer such a question. I can be hardly bipartisan in evaluating what I am good at.

I like personal contact with people. My years in politics taught me to listen to people and to make quick evaluations of the important things. I dare say that I have a nose for people. I know who I will get on with well, and with whom I would have problems. This has been proven to me many times.

You are not only a mayor administrating and managing a city. You are also a politician.

Does Roman Onderka prefer administrating the city, or do you equally enjoy politics?

Those two things are interconnected and you cannot separate one from the other. I went into politics to change things, to improve things.

Andd you can do thatt onlly whhen you win i th the trustt of people in elections. Only then can you make a real difference and change things for the better.

Politics as such is not much fun. I would say even on the contrary, it is about long sittings, voting, reaching deals. However, it is the only democratic way of winning power, which you can change the world around you with. So yes, managing Brno is a wonderful job. It is a dream that came true. But I would never have gotten to do it without politics, and working with my colleagues in the social democratic party.

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

Tereza Maxová and Roman Onderka

Brno_Ostrava.indd 111

24.3.2011 13:06:23

LABYRINTH BENEATH Cabbage Market to Become a Gem of the Upcoming Tourist Season The launch of the Brno 2011 tourist seeason is approaching, together with a long-awaited event – opening of the Labyrinth beneath thee Cabbage Market square, refurbished and equipped with exhibition displays.

Photo: Archive

On Thursday, March 31, ceremonial ribbon cuttingg will mark the com mpletion of the next stage of a projectt entitled Making Brno Underground Accessible. From m Friday, April 1, thiis new attraction will be made fully ac-cessible to the puublic, hence stepping out into the new w tourist season on Saturday, April 2, will be given a reallyy festive and joyouus touch. On this occasion, the court-yard of the Old Town Hall will host a rich social andd cultural program, including guided tours, workshopss

The romantic underground premises will be animated by thematic exhibitions

Brno_Ostrava.indd 112

for parents with children and a new competition – “Run to the Tower.”

Tourists as well as anyone interested get another opportunity to immerse deeper into the history of Brno. The recently open Mint Master’s Cellar under the New Town Hall will be extended through the labyrinth with several other ancient cellars and romantic underground spaces, supplemented by thematic exhibitions. Under the marketplace on the surface there will be then a real “underground marketplace of historical attractions”, offering sophisticated entertainment and rich experiences with features of what we may call living history.

NO RISK IN WANDERING AROUND THE BRNO LABYRINTH The underground spaces under the Cabbage Market (formerly known as Upper Market) have always functioned as supply and storage facilities - extensive cellars were gradually built under houses and backyards, but also beneath streets and squares. Nowadays, visitors will descend into the re-opened underground (with some newly dug sections) via the main entrance of the house No. 21 on the Cabbage Market and ascend back to the surface in the premises of “Malý Špalíček” at Cabbage Market No. 13. In 45 minutes, they will beat 212 stairs with a guide and will move at a depth of 6–8 meters below the surface of the square. On their way, they will visit

a uniquely equipped wine and beer sttorage area, and will see various forms of food storage as well as lighting devices, which were used in the histooric cellars. They can explore walled-up gateways as well ass functional links with individual houses on the surface of thee square. In addition, the display offers an opportunity to leaarn about the work of the Brno alchemists and physicians (at the time called “physicus”), and an interactive prisonn with torture chamber and pillory. Finally, they can sit down and sort out their rich experiences in a functional replica of a medieval inn.

The project was implemented withh the use of pooled funds of the city of Brno and the EU funds, Regional Operational Programme NUTS II Soouth-East. The total cost of interior furnishings and display setup of the Labyrinth beneath the Cabbage Maarket and the Mint Master’s Cellar amounted to almoost CZK 20 million (about US $ 1.2 million).

As the mayor as well as a citizen of the city of Brno, along with the staff of the Brno Culturaal Centre – the operator and manager of the newly opened underground – I believe that this attraction will contributte to Brno being perceived as a friendly city full of history and unique present.

Come in and check it for yourself.

Byy Roman Onderka I Mayoor of the City of Brno

The labyrinth beneath the surface of the square reveals mysterious spaces

23.3.2011 15:10:51

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Labyrint pod Zelným trhem SE STAL PERLOU NADCHÁZEJÍCÍ TURISTICKÉ SEZONY Zahájení brněnské turistickéé sezony 2011 se blíží a s ním také jedna z dlouho očekávaných událostí – zpřístupnění oppraveného a expozicemi vybaveného Labyrintu pod Zelným trhem.

Slavnostním přestřižením pásky tak bude ve čtvrtek 31. března završena další eetapa projektu Zpřístupnění brněnského podzemí. Odd pátku 1. dubna již bude novinka plně k dispoozici veřejnosti a vykročení do nové turistické sezzony v sobotu 2. dubna získá tedy vskutku slavnosstní a radostný ráz. Na nádvoří Staré radnice při té ppříležitosti čeká na návštěvníky bohatý společensko--kulturní a průvodcovský program, včetně dílen pro rodiče s dětmi či nové soutěže „Běž na věž“.

Turisté a ostatní zájemci letos ddostávají další možnost vnořit se hlouběji do brněěnské historie.

K nedávno otevřenému Mincmistrovvskému sklepu pod Novou radnicí přibude díky labyrintu hned několik dalších starobylých sklepů a romantických podzemních prostor doplněných teematickými expozicemi. Pod tržištěm na povrchhu tak vlastně vznikne i „podzemní tržiště historiických zajímavostí“, nabízející sofistikovanou zábbavu a bohaté zážitky s prvky tzv. živé historie.

BRNĚNSKÝM LABYRINTEM LZE BLOUDIT BEZ RIZIKA Podzemí pod Zelným (dříve H Horním) trhem vždy fungovalo jako zásobovací a skladovací prostory – rozsáhlé sklepy vznikaly ppostupně pod

domy, dvorky, ale i ulicemi a náměstím. Dnes do zpřístupněného a v několika místech i nově proraženého podzemí sestoupí návštěvníci hlavním vchodem z domu č. 21 na Zelném trhu a zpět na povrch vystoupají do prostor tzv. Malého Špalíčku na Zelném trhu 13. Za 45 minut zdolají s průvodcem 212 schodů a budou se pohybovat v hloubce 6–8 metrů pod povrchem náměstí.

Cestou mimo jiné navštíví unikátně vybavené prostory pro skladování vína a piva, uvidí nejrůznější formy skladování potravin i osvětlovadla, která se v historických sklepech používala. Prozkoumat mohou zazděné vchody i funkční propojení s jednotlivými domy na povrchu náměstí. Dále jim expozice nabídne možnost poznání práce tzv. brněnských fysikusů, neboli alchymistů a lékařů, a v interaktivní trestnici i útrpného práva a pranýře.

Na závěr pak mohou posedět a utřídit si bohaté zážitky ve funkční replice středověké krčmy.

Projekt byl realizován ze sdružených prostředků statutárního města Brna a fondů EU, ROP NUTS II Jihovýchod. Celkové náklady na interiérové vybavení a expozice Labyrintu pod Zelným trhem a Mincmistrovského sklepa dosáhly výše necelých 20 mil. Kč.

The Mint Master Bruno comes back to life in Brno underground

Jakko primátor i jako občan městaa Brna věřím spolu s pracovníky Brněnského kultuurního centra, provoozovatelem a správcem zpřístuppněného podzemí, že i tato atrakce přispěje k tomu, aby bylo Brno vnímáno jako přátelské město plné historie i jedinečné současnosti. Přijďte see o tom přesvědččit i vy.

Roman Onderka I primátor statutárníhoo města Brna

Countess Amálie z Bubna a Litic welcomed the distinguished guests – the Mayor of Brno, Mr. Roman Onderka and the expert on Brno underground, Mr. Aleš Svoboda in the labyrinth

Photos: Marie Schmerková

Brno_Ostrava.indd 113

24.3.2011 13:14:06

MORAVIAN-SILESIAN REGION

will be attracting visitors with gastronomic specialities Photos: Archive

“ as “T aste t the Mor te o av a iaan-Si n--Si S leesi s an a Reg e ioon” is th t e name na me of a ne n w pr p es e en e taatition onn eve vent nt tha h t wi willll be p omot pr om mot otin ingg ou in o r re regi gion on thr hrou ouugh an of offe ferr of var fe ario ious io us g st ga stro roono nomi m c spec ecia ialtltie ia iees. s T hi hiss pr proj ojec oj ectt wa ec wass pr pree s nted se ntted e by th t e le lead aders of the h Morravia avvia iann-Si nS le Si l siian R gi Re gion at th the Holiida d y Wo Worlrldd 20 2011 11 1 int nteerna erna er natitition onal on a al trad tr adee fa fairr forr touurirism fair s inn Pr sm Prag ague ag u tog ue oget etthe ethe herr wi w thh Toomi m o Ok O am amur amur u a who who wa wh wass a gu gues e t at a the pre ress ss

confer co e ennce er c , wh wher e e th er thee co comm omm mmon o goa on oall of sup uppo porpo r tit nngg andd rev eviv viv ivin ingg re in r ggiioonnal spe p cialtiess in th t he Mora Mo ravi av an an-S -Sillessia -S ian Regi Reegiionn was preese s nttedd in co co-oper op errat a io ionn wi w th the Ass ssoc o iaatit on of Tr oc T av avel e Bur el u ea e us us annd Aggen enci cies es. Thhe ac es a tit vi vity ty willl be fooccus used edd on mapp ma ap inng th t e hiist stor oryy of cullinnar or aryy cu cultltltur urre an ure a d reevi viv ng vi n upddat ated ed uni n qquue reeggiion onal a sppeecciial al a tiiess tha h t willlll enrric wi ichh th thee of offe f riring ng of re rest stau st a raantt s andd in au inns nss i thee reggioon, whi in h le l inc nccrreeeas a inng th as thee att trracc titveeness neess s of our reg egio i n foor boothh dom io omes omes estititicc an a d fo f reeig ignn visitoorss. Th Thee en e tiiree pro roje ject is duue too kicck off f att the je h g st ga s ro rono nomi no m c feest stivval a in Os Ostr t av tr ava. a. a.

B t tthhis Bu i is no nott al a l th that a is prep at epared e for o touurist sts whho de who d ci cide de to sppennd th thei e r free eee time in i thee Mooravi raavi vian an-S -Siles esia es i n Regi ia g on gi on.. Annotheer at a trac a tion ac andd no an nove v lty ve ltt y wi w lll be 2 to 3-d -day a stays ay ys focused on sign si gnififific gn ican ic antt inndu an dust striririal st a sitites al es in co comb m in mb inat atioon wi w th rela re laxa la xaatition on in sp spaa an andd we wellllllne ness ne ss facil accililitititie iees, ies s, toggetthe herr with wi th an expe exxpe peririr en ence ce on St Stod odol od olní ol ní Str tree eeet in Ost s raava v .

We are awa ware ree tha hatt no nott al alll to tour uurris ists ts wili l re respond to t e off fe th ferr buut we want annt ou o r visi is tors to learn about the regi the th reegi gion on in a no nonn tr ntraddititio tio i naal wa wayy an and nd pr p in inci cipa pallllllyy pa in pla lace cess th ce t at can anno nott bee found no ouund n any nywh wher wh here ere eellse er se..

Beskydy Highway

114

Brno_Ostrava.indd 114

E er Ev e ytthi h nngg wiilll be creeatted in cl clos o e co os coop operrat op a io ionn wiith tra w r ve v l ag agen enci en ciies in th thee reegi gion on and wililll bee offeereed inn the heirirr ext xten ennsi sive ve sal ales e nett wo es work rk..

Anootthe An Anot herr im i po p rtt aannt prroj ojec ecc t thhat ect at is be b inng pr p epaare redd iss the he soo ca c lll edd “si sing ngltlttre ng rek” k”. Itt is a pr k”. k” p od oduc uctt uc foor bu buililildi ding di ngg saffe, e, ennvviriron oonnme m nt ntal ally lyy-f -fri frien endl ndlyy cyycl ce r uttes ro es for o thee ent ntirirre fa fami am miily ly,, leead a inng th thro r ug ro ughh fo foreestt road ro adds inn the Besskkyydy d Mou ount ntai nt a nss. Th Thee Mo Mora r vi ra v an anSiile lesi sian ann Reg egio ioon is i str t on ongg in i cyc y ling ngg tou ouririism s tooo annd th that att iss wh whyy we want to exten endd ou ourr ra rang ngge with th othe ot her op optitiion o s that can bee very r int nterres estiting nngg for o visitors rs.. So thee Beskydyy Arter ery pr p ojec ect wa was crreaated, d d, whicch iss a large num mbeer of int nterco c nnnec ec teed cy cyccle rooutes equuipped wi with the nec eces essa sary ry fac a illittie i s, suuch c as in information maps ps,, panora ramicc m maaps ps and n many oth ma ther necces essa s ryy ser ervi v ce c s fo forr cy cyclists. cll T e Mo Th Mora ravi ra avi v aann-S n Sililes esia es ian ia an Region offers not only b autititifu be full co c untryside and sports facilities, but also good food. We believe that these are suff f icient reasons for you to make your stay with us.

Jaro Ja rosl ro slav av Pal alas aass I Pres Pr esid es iden id e t of en o thee Moorrav avia iann-Si Sile Si lesi le sian si an Regio eggionn

Klimkovice, Sanatorium

L ad Le ader e s Ma er M ga g zi zine n II//20 ne 2011 1 11

24.3.2011 11:27:47

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

MORAVSKOSLEZSKÝ KRAJ bude lákat návštěvníky na gastronomické speciality „Ochutnejte Moravskoslezský kraj“, to je název noové v prezentt ač a ní n akce, která bude propagovat nášš kr ná kraj prost rost ro stře řeedn dnic icc tv t ím nabídky nejrůznějších gast ga s ro st rono n mi no m ck ckýc ýchh sppec ýc ecia iaalit. lilit Tento záměr představ lo ved vi eden e í Moora en r vsko koslez ezsk skkéh ého kr k aj ajee na mezinárodn ro dním dn ím vel e et e rh rhuu ce cest sttov o ního ho ruc uchu h Holid hu olidday Wor orld 2011 20 11 v Praaze spo pole lečn le ččnně s pa p ne nem m To T mi mioo Ok O amur am mur u ouu, kter kt err ý byl byyl ho h sttem m tissko kové vé konnfe fere renc re ncce a kd kdee by byll prrez ezen e toováánn,, ve sp en spol o up ol u ráci c s Aso s ci ciac acíí ce ac cest sttovvní n chh kaanc n el e ář á í a aggenntu t r,, spoolečn čnný zámě záámě měrr vy v tvvořř itt p ojjekk t na poddporu pr ruu a obn bnov ovvení ení re en r gi gion onál on ální ál ních ní ch spech cial ci alitt v Morav al orravsk avsk av skos o le lezs zské zs kém kkrraj ké raj aji.i. Akttiv ivititi a se buudde zam za měřova měřo ova v t na zma m po pová vání vá ání n histo isstoorie riie ku kuliliná kuli náárnní kulttury,, ob ry o noove v ní staro rono nový vých ch uni ch n káátnníc í h reegi gion onnál álních ní ích spe peci c al a itit,, kterré oboh ohat atíí na at nabí bídk d u re dk restt auuraací a ho host stin st inců in ců v reg egio ionu a z vý io v ší tím í atr ím trak a titivi vituu naa šeeho kra raje je pro dom o ác ácíí i zaahr h an aniční iččn náv á št štěv ěvní n ky k.

Celý Ce lý pro roje jekt je kt by mě měll bý býtt od odst star st arto ar tová to váán naa gas a tr troroo feest stival aluu v Ost al stra ravě ra vě. vě To vša š k ne neníí vše še, coo see př přip ipra ip ravu ra vuje vu je pro r tur uris isty is ty, ty ktteř e í se roz o hodn dnou str dn trávitit svů vůjj vo v ln lnýý ča čas v Mo Moravs ra vsko vs vsko kosl s ez sl ezsk z sk s ém kra rajiji.. Daalším raji llšším m t ahák ahhák ákem em a nov ovin vinnkou koou budo bu doou 2– 2–3 3 de denn nníí po p byy tyy zam aměř ěřen enéé na v ýz ýzna namn mnéé

idustriální památky v kombinaci s odpočinkem v lázeňských a wellness zařízeních, spojené se zážitkem na Stodolní ulici v Ostravě. Jsme si vědomi, že ne všichni turisté na tuto nabídku zareagují, nicméně chceme, aby náš kraj návštěěvníc ícci poznali netradiční formou a hlavně na mís í teech c , která jiind n e nenajdou. Vše bude vytv vy t voř tv ořen enno v úz eno úzké k spo polu lupráci s cestovními kanlu ceelááře řemi mii v reggio ionu onnuu a nab a ízzen e o v je jejijij ch c široké prod pr o ej od e ní n sítíti.i.i Daalšším m v ýzna ýzzna namnným ým pro roje jeekt k em m, kt kter e ý see přiř er prraavvvuj uujje, je tzz v. v. sinngl gltr t ek ek.. Je Jedn dnná se o pro dná rodu duukt na vybu vy b do bu dová váníí bez vá ezpe pečn pe čnnýc ých, h, přířívě h, věětit vý v ýcch ch k život ivvot o ní nímu mu pprros ostř třed eddí cy c klloo ookkrruh uhůů pr proo ceelo lou roodi dinu nuu, ve vedo d uc ucí-í-í m les mi e ní n mi m ces e ta t am v Bes tami esky kyde ky dech ch.. V cy ch cykl k ot kl otur tur uris iisstitice ce jee Mor orav a sskkossleezs av z ký k kra raj op o ět sililný ný,, pprrot ný o o chhce ceme mee m naši na ši nab a íd ídku ku ro ku rozš zšířit o dal alší ší možžnoost stii,i, k te teré ré ré m ho mo houu bý býtt pr proo náávšště těvn ěvník íkyy ve ík v lm mi za z jíjíma mavé ma vé.. By vé Byll vytv vy t oř tv ořen en pro roje jeekt k t t zzvvv.. Be B sskkyd k yddskké maagi gist strá st rály rá ly, co ly cožž p ed př edst stav st avvuj ujee ve velk lkké mn množ ožst ož ství st víí prop roopo poje poje jený jený ných ch cyklo yklooyk tras tr ass, vyybbaave avenýých pot otře řebn ře bnným m mob obililiá iáářeem jaako jso souu info in foormač rmač rm ační níí mappyy,, panor anor an o am amat amat a ic ické kéé mappy a mn mnoh o o oh dalššíc íchh po potř třeb e ných nýýchh služe lužeeb pr lu p o cy cykl klis isstyy.

Mora Mo rraavvssko k sl slez ezz sk skýý kr kraj aj nab abíz ízíí ne íz neje jeen ná n dhherrno nouu přírírírod př oddu, u, sppoort rtov ovvní ní v yžit yžžitití,í, alee t ak akéé doobr b é jíjídl dlo. dl o.

S ad je too dos Sn ost dů důvo ůvoodů d pro r too, abbyysstee k nám m p ijjel př e i..

Jaarosl roosl s av Paallass I heejt jtma man Mo ma man M ra ravs v koosl vs s ez e skkéhho kr k ajje

Cup of Beskydy Highway, Pustevny 2011

Lead Le ader ad ers Ma ers M ga gazi zine n II/ 20011 ne

Brno_Ostrava.indd 115

115

23.3.2011 15:14:22

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

An interview with Karel Havlíček, Vice-President of the he European Eurropeean Association ooff C Craft and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises UEAPME and General ne Manager of Sindat d Group

SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES MUST CHANGE their behaviour and products; and concentrate on fields with new products related to services based on high added value, knowledge and permanent innovations Having graduated at Czech Technical University with an MSc in Engineering, Karel Havlíčekk ha če hass go gone ne on to gai ainn an MBA fro rom m th thee Manchester Metropolitan University and a PhD from the University of Economics in Prague.

Karel Havlíček is the General Manager for Sindat Group, a holding of European SME´s in the chemicals, biomedicines and textiles manufacc turing sectors. He is also for many years closely losely cooperating with academic sector. He is the Dean of the Faculty of Economic Studies at the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) and has published several professional texts and books on management. He is also the founder and Chairman of the Czech Association of SME´s (AMSP) andd the Vice-Pr Vice-President of UEAPME, which is thee employers e ployers’ organization representing the interests terests of European E crafts, trades and SMEs MEs at EU level and a represents more than 12 million enterprises.

He is a member of the th Board of China Advisory Council (Understanding stt China). Understanding China is a program co-funded by the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.

Karel Havlíček speaks Czech, English, German, Russian, Spanish and has a basic knowledge of French and Chinese.

Photo: Archive

116

EU matters.indd 116

In Sindat Group you are dealing with nanotechnologies and biomedicine. Do you think that the SMEs need to be supported in their innovation activities by public or EU institutions in order to become successful?

Small and medium-sized companies must change their behavior and products, and concentrate on fields with new products related to services based on high added value, knowledge, and permanent innovations.

They must achieve success on their own merits, but governments must prepare a playing field for them.

Companies must manage product, procedural and management innovations themselves, however the role of the State is not substitutable. The State should mainly enhance the cooperation between the aca-

Amsterdam Athinai Berlin Bratislava Bruxelles Bucureşti Budapest Dublin Helsingfors Kobenhavn Lefkosia Lisboa Ljubljana London Luxembourg Madrid Paris Praha Rïga Roma Sofia Stockholm Tallinn Valletta Vilnius Warszawa Wien

22.3.2011 18:28:42

demic-scientific and business sector and help the transfer of knowledge. This applies on both the EU and national level. In SINDAT Group we are gradually abandoning traditional manufacturing sectors, and starting to invest in new branches, based on competitive advantages consisting of people and so-called brutal innovations. The Czech Republic has a tendency to not support specific sectors, and it gives the same possibilities to all of the sectors. This is a very liberal approach. However we should not forget that globalization is very powerful and our country is relatively small. Therefore, it would be much wiser to pick up some high-tech sectors – such as genetic engineering, biotechnologies, nanotechnologies, space engineering, and become the European or even a World leader in some of these sectors. Look, for example, at Turkey or South Korea; they are specializing in a few sectors. Turkey supports the textile sector and their companies are doing very welll co compared ared wit with EU enterprises that are slowly shutting ng down the their businesses. Good tools to support high-tech sectors se are clusters and incubators, but ut we do not kno know how to manage g them in the Czech ch Republic. We used str structural funds to finance the development ment of o incubators via CzechInvest agency, but in thee end en these incubators have a very poor added-value.

What do the SMEs need to enter new markets?

Firstly, SMEs need to be self-confident, patient and have a certain degree of humility towards foreign cultures, mentalities and values. They also need to speak foreign languages to negotiate with their trade partners.

Secondly, they need to have marketing market skills linked to the ability to manage ge risks. Entering Enteri new markets requires courage. In many cases tthe entrepreneurs must also overcome the he internal animosity ani of companies and their employees, oyees, and enter new territories. t Simply put – companies need leaders. Czech businesses b can be assisted in their first rst steps st by the CzechTrade agency.

Nevertheless theyy ccannot rely only on the State, which cannot make business on their behalf. Many companies forget this element and criticize the State´s assistance.

CzechTrade can be very helpful in preparing market analysis and helping with establishing blishing business contacts in the given territory. I think Czech zech export sup support measures and the available tools for internalization internaliz of SMEs are very good. Nevertheless, ess, we need to adapt the support measures to current situations and development.

We are fully integrated in thee European Union, Unio so we have to perceive the Internal Market ket as ke a a domestic market. The Internal Market offers us fre free movement of four freedoms – capital, goods, people and services. Although there are some persisting or emerging barriers linked ed to the new products and processes, the Internal Market k t beke be haves as a domestic market. Therefore the Czech export strategy should shift from the EU to the third markets, which represent a great potential for Czech businesses.

In your opinion, which markets are attractive for Czech SMEs? Nearly 80% of our exports are directed to the European Union for the reasons I have just mentioned, and in my opinion it will remain a crucial destination for our exports. Germany, our Western neighbor, is – and in my opinion will – remain an important destination for our exporters. But the economic crisis showed that emerging markets are a good opportunity to replace “old” stagnating markets. Look at the BRIC countries for example. These are the markets we must consider more and more seriously. Today, they even become

-

supplemented by the SAR and South Americ erican cou er ounn tries, which are experiencing a great boom. The world has changed – there are no “iron curtains”; information matioo and communication systems are available even to small sm entrepreneurs, neurs, and trave travel expenses are much lower and faster than an in the past. Territories that used to be inaccessiblee are openin opening up to small and medium-sized enterprises. erprises. I can share my own experience with you.

In 2002, Sindat Group Gro was operating in ten markets, namelyy in the EU Mem Member States. Five years later, we were operating opera in eighty World and EU markets. We even succeeded eed in entering the countries that are very little known to the Czech public, such as Guadeloupe, Venezuela, Benin, Mauritius and Azerbaijan. Today, SMEs can find their potential business partners everyy where in the world and there is no recipe to specify which countries they should go to. It depends on their scope of business. The barriers are slowly disappearing. The World markets get more and more interconnected and open every year.

The European Commission would like to ease the SMEs access to finance. What is your view regarding the SMEs access on capital markets?

I am afraid there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution regarding the SME access to finance. Each business needs its tailor-made instrument. Traditional family-run businesses depend on loan financing, to which access worsened during the crisis as the banks became more cautious. Investment financing has especially become more problematic, and banks are not willing to grant the loans for more than four years. It will certainly lead to industrial production being controlled by large companies with small manufacturing workshops, with up to a hundred employees supplementing them... Capital markets, in my opinion, will never be decisive for SMEs or at least will not represent the only solution to the financing of SMEs. Bank loans and private investors will predominate. SMEs should cooperate more with venture investors. They should not be afraid of the participation of external entities.

The European Union set the 25% reduction target for administrative burden by 2012. What would you recommend to the Commission for its new post-2012 agenda?

To be honest, I cannot imagine how the European Commission can measure the results achieved eved from thee reduction of ad administrative burden. I perceive eive this more ass a marketing statement, however efforts ts are going in a good ood dire direction. Small and medium-sized m-sized enter enterpris ises perceivee administrative burdenn much more sensitively than largee companies. We must understand tand tthat small entrepreneur ntrepreneurs are not only shoppers-service ervi providers of craftsmen, but they are also human rresource managers, marketing managers and accountants. The more administrative burden they have to deal with, the less business operations they can manage. In the time of crisis we cannot afford a system that results in less jobs and less growth. I support radical simplification, even to the detriment of higher taxes. Time is much more valuable to smaller entrepreneurs than the tax rate.

SBA revision asks for better implementation of the SME test. How can the EU Member States be motivated to implement it properly?

I am not a fanatic proponent of the SBA and I do not believe that it is only the SBA that will solve the SME issue in the EU. However, I do not deny its principals and measures. Anything that can help improve the business

environment in the EU, and enhance enviro ance SMEs´ competitiveness, must be supported. I believe elie that the greatest break in the implementation of the t SBA is represented by the Member States. Almost all measures included in the SBA were adopted by the European Commission. Butt if there is no follow-up and no governance at a national and local level, the SBA cannot celebrate its second birthday. The European Commission has to convince national governments that the SBA is not only about supporting the SMEs´, but it is also about the improvement of the business environment in the EU as a whole.

How do you rate the European business environment?

It is very developed, although expensive and too sociallyy oriented, but this is actuallyy one of its competitive advantages, because it enables a very comfortable life for the middle class, from which small and medium companies profit in particular. The example of Germany, which in my opinion is the most developed country in the world, even though it has undergone the demanding transformation of its eastern part and has also experienced an ordeal duringg the world economic crisis, is an objective example for the whole world that everything requires hard work and you must not depend on miracles.

You are General Manager of SINDAT, chairman of the Czech Association of SMEs, and you are the Dean of the Faculty of Economic studies at the University of Finance and Administration. What do these positions have in common?

Business forms new values, the academic sphere is the platform for research and new brains. All this is not enough if interests are not promoted to legislators, and this is the association’s purpose. I have always considered the mutual connection between these three worlds the basis for success. At the University of Finance and Administration I set up a new business management program and later a faculty ty. I ttry to use m my experience from the academic world in business, and vice-versa.

Managers should combine bine theoretical theoret and practical knowledge. If they use only the theoret theoretical they manage the companiess as scientists, and this thi is not good.

Students at our university ty learn lea not only on a theoretical basis, but we teach them em also the practical side. The university cooperates w with companies, financial institutions and saving banks. Their top-managers lecture at our university. On the other hand our students have the chance to write their theses in these companies and participate in their projects. In cooperation with CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU, we cooperate on round table discussions on EU topics, and last year we prepared a visit to EU institutions in Brussels for our students. It is very important to students to see the real world.

What would you recommend to young entrepreneurs?

Business is not the last pitch for the unsuccessful, but the first choice for the most capable individuals who are willing to work hard, create and take risks. If we realize that business is not about luxury cars, golf and infantile dreams from business clubs, but about working hard, diligence and constant education, we have a chance of success.

By Alena Vlačihová I Deputy Director of CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU (supported by CzechTrade)

Amsterdam Athinai Berlin Bratislava Bruxelles Bucureşti Budapest Dublin Helsingfors Kobenhavn Lefkosia Lisboa Ljubljana London Luxembourg Madrid Paris Praha Rïga Roma Sofia Stockholm Tallinn Valletta Vilnius Warszawa Wien

EU matters.indd 117

117

24.3.2011 13:34:00

EU matters debates

From left: Michal Urban, Director of the Youth Department, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Pavel Tratina, Member of Economic and Social Committee, and Vojtěch Eliáš, President, Charity of the Archdiocese in Prague

On 15 February 2011, over 40 representatives of Public Service, non-governmental organisations, non-profit associations and business sector gathered in the European House in Prague in order to discuss the European Year of Volunteering.

The purpose of interactive debate was to talk about the aim of the Volunteering Year, discuss its impact on volunteering in the Czech Republic and unveil the contribution of volunteering to the Czech society. The participants agreed that the definitions of volunteering and its forms are significantly different across the EU. The most important aspect to become a volunteer is the motivation. The debate took place within the framework of a common project of KZPS, CEBRE and the Delegation of the European Commission in Prague.

What will the Year of Volunteering 2011 bring?

The Future of European Energy On 1 March 2011, 011 the European House in Prague hostedd a ddebate b on the ffuture of European energy. Over 50 representatives of non-governmental organisations, business sector, and Public Service gathered in order to discuss the key initiatives of the European Union Energy Communication “Energy 2020 – a strategy for competitiveness, sustainable and secure energy”.

From left: Martin Sedlák, Energy Expert, “Hnutí DUHA”, Zuzana Krejčiříková, Director of the European agenda, ČEZ, a.s., Václav Hrabák, Chairman of the Energy Section and Member of the Board, Czech Chamber of Commerce, Roman Portužák, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Miloslav Ransdorf, Member of the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, and Jan Michal, Head, Delegation of the European Commission to the Czech Republic

The purpose of the debate was to present the main points of the Commission’s Communication “Energy 2020”, to assess the impact of increasing environmental standards on the competitiveness of European manufacturers and suggest what should Europe’s energy do by 2050. The debate should also contribute to finding solutions to the motivation of European companies, especially small and medium-sized, in their energy efficiency.

The debate took place within the framework of a common project of KZPS, CEBRE and the Delegation of the European Commission in Prague.

EU matters.indd 118

The audience of the debate on “The future of European energy”

24.3.2011 11:36:39

Milena Vicenová, Czech Permanent Representative to the EU and Roman Haken, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group III (Various Interests)

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

EU matters event

Members of the European Economic and Social Committee and Czech regional representatives met H.E. Milena Vicenová, Czech Permanent Representative to the EU in order to discuss current EU legislative and non-legislative proposals. The event was organized by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU in co-operation with the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU in Brussels on 16 February 2011.

EESC GLASS OF WINE

Ivan Voleš, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group I (Employers) and Věra Knoblochová, Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU, Sectorial Policies Unit A, Acting Head of Unit

Marie Zvolská, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group I (Employers) and Jaroslav Němec, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group III (Various Interests)

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

From left: Helena Čornejová, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group II (Employees), Martina Němcová, Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU, Sectorial Policies Unit B, Intellectual and industrial Property, Roman Haken, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group III (Various Interests), Dana Štechová, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group II (Employees), Lucie Studničná, European Economic and Social Committee, Group II (Employees), and Ludvík Jírovec, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Group III (Various Interests)

EU matters.indd 119

24.3.2011 11:44:29

Günther Oettinge, Member, European Commission – Energy

JAPAN NUCLEAR DISASTER Sparks Heated EU Debate

Japan’s nuclear reactor emergency triggered a wave of reactions in the European Union, with environment ministers urging stress tests on operating nuclear plants and MEPs calling for nuclear energy to be phasedd out.

While awaiting clearer clear inf information n orm from Japan, EU ministers and experts in ccharge of energy and nuclear issuess will meet today (15 March) in Brussels at the request of EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger. tinger.

They Th ey wililll mu mulllll the he pos ossi sibl blee ap appl plic icat atio ionn of EUwide stress tests ts for the 143 nuclear reactors currently operating on the bloc’s territory, and debate the wider issue of nuclear security in Europe.

EU environment ministers, gathered yesterday (14 March) in Brussels for or a regular meeting,

expressed essed support for a proposal from Austria to check ck tthe security of operating nuclear plants.

German m Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the three-month suspension of a law aimed at prolonging the activity of old nuclear plants. Two of the 17 ope pera ratiting ng rea eact ctor orss in Ger erma many ny are exp xpec ecte tedd to be temporary shut down.

During the moratorium “the security of the situation will be assessed in view of what happened in Japan,” Merkel said during a press conference in Berlin.

The two main parties in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Social Democrats (S&D), called for security checks to be carried out at all nuclear plants in Europe.

Span Sp anis ishh an andd Po Port rtug ugue uese se env nviriron onme ment nt rep epre resentatives (both from socialist governments) went further and called for the gradual phase-out of nuclear energy, echoing the position of the Greens.

Britain, France and Italy asked for “calm”. France and the UK are the EU countries with the highest number of nuclear reactors, 58 and 19 respectively. Italy has no nuclear plants but has embarked on an ambitious nuclear programme to reduce its dependency on external energy sources.

EU Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaar ga ardd ga gave ve ass ssur uran ance cess th that at “al alll ne nece cess ssar aryy me meaasures will be taken,” but added that with 143 operating reactors, “nuclear power will be there for quite some time, whatever happens”.

Source: EurActiv.cz I

More than 10,000 people may have been killed in Japan as the tsunami triggered by Friday’s 8.9-magnitude quake surged across the coastline, reducing whole towns to rubble. It was the biggest earthquake to have hit the country since it started keeping records 140 years ago.

The situation was further aggravated, when a hydrogen explosion blew the roof of nuclear reactor No. 1 at Fukushima nuclear power plant on Saturday. The blast was followed by a new explosion at nuclear reactor No. 3.

Reports from Japanese media currently tell of rising radiation levels in the areas south and southwest of the troubled plant due to a change in wind direction toward the southwest. Ibaraki prefecture, immediately south of Fukushima, was reported to have higher than normal levels.

The International Atomic Energy Agency ruled out comparisons between the Japanese accident and Chernobyl, the worst ever nuclear disaster. The agency admitted, however, that the Japanese authorities were still fighting a potential meltdown.

The earthquake was the fifth most powerful to hit the world in the past century. It surpassed the Great Kanto quake of 1 September 1923, which had a magnitude of 7.9 and killed more than 140,000 people in the Tokyo area. In more recent times, the 1995 Kobe quake took the lives of 6,000 people.

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant

120

EU matters.indd 120

Amsterdam Athinai Berlin Bratislava Bruxelles Bucureşti Budapest Dublin Helsingfors Kobenhavn Lefkosia Lisboa Ljubljana London Luxembourg Madrid Paris Praha Rïga Roma Sofia Stockholm Tallinn Valletta Vilnius Warszawa Wien

22.3.2011 18:31:15

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

BUSINESS NEWS M

A

R

DID YOU KNOW THAT… …the European Economic and Social Committee knows how to cut emissions?

The European Economic and Social Committee was requested by the European Commission to prepare an opinion on a low-carbon energy system by 2050. In its opinion adopted in February, the EESC showed the way forr 80 fo 80% % cu cuts ts in em emis issi sion onss to be ac achi hiev eved ed by th thee mi midd ddle le of the century, and stressed the need for clear goals and instruments, if the EU wants to be successful ccessful in its energy en policy. Moreover, Member States, regions, industry industr and other stakeholders should assume their responsibilities respon and supervise their performances. s. The EESC be believes that more than half of the reduction uction in emissions by 2050 would come from energy efficiency measures, part particularly from construction and transport. …the European Commission reduced its late payment problems?

Thee Eu Th Euro rope pean an Omb mbud udsm sman an P. Ni Niki kifo foro ross Di Diam aman ando dour uros os commended the European Commission for the progress in reducing its late payment problems. According to an investigation and a public consultation conducted on this issue, the number of late payments and the overall sums of money affected fec e ed by the delays decreased significantly from 2008 08 to 2009.

9. As tthe problems remain, the Ombudsman askked the he Coom mmission to submit the figures for its performance formance in 2010 2 in order to continue monitoring the he situation. si ...a public consultation on the taxation of the financial sector has been launched?

The European Co Commission launched a public consultation on the taxation t of the financial sector on the 22nd of February. The aim of the consultation is to receive wide feedback from market participants, regulators, social partners, non-governmental mental organizat organizations and other stake holders on the ideas as set out in a Co Communication of the Commission last st October. The T feedback received from the consultation, ation, as well we as results of a thorough Impact Analysis, lysis, will be reflected reflecte in proposals on the taxation of the financial sector to bbe published in the summer of 2011. …Czech and Slovak meat products were registered as “traditional specialties guaranteed”?

The names of four meat products made in the Czechh Republic and Slovakia were added to the list of “tradit raditional specialties guaranteed” (TSG) and got the TSG protection. The four products are: “Lovecký salám, Liptovský salám, Špekáčky and Spišské párky” (Czech products) and “Lovecká saláma, Lipovská saláma, Špekačky and Spišské párky” (Slovak products). TGS does not refer to the origin of the products, but points out the traditional character. This registration does not prohibit other producers from using the name of the meat products,, even if theyy do not meet the apppr p oved spe p cification. …the EU intends to enhance registry security and combat fraud?

The European Commission proposed a series of measures to enhance the integrity of the European carbon market in response to cyber-thefts from EU Emissions Trading System registries last month. The Commission outlined a range of actions that Member States are able to

C

H

2

adopt optt in the short term to improve security. For the op medium and long lon ongg term, t rm the EU will be cooperating with te Member ber States St and stakeholders through a regular dialogue gue in i order to identify solutions. …the operation “Hermes” was launched in Italy?

The mission “Hermes” was launched by the European Commission on the 20th of February in order to help the Italian authorities manage the inflow of migrants from Northern Africa due to riots in this area. The operation is a part of a broader framework of measures established by the European Commission to cope with these flows of migrants. It includes cooperation with Tunisian authorities, financial support, assistance of the European Police Office (Europol) as well as aerial and naval aid by participating Member States. …in-depth investigation into restructuring aid for Czech Airlines has been opened?

The European Commission has started a formal inve in vest stig igat atio ionn of Cze zech ch Airirliline ness un unde derr th thee EU sta tate te aid rules. The purpose is to examine the Czech Airlines restructuring plan and its impact on the company’s longterm viability and also to assess the sufficiency of proposed reduction in activities to prevent the distortive effect of the aid received. The measures include a loan of CZK 2.5 billion (approximately 94 million euro) granted by the state enterprise Osinek under allegedly preferable conditions, its later cancellation, its transformation into equity capital and its use as a potential guarantee for the purchase of an airplane.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS €170 million for vital infrastructure projects across Europe The European Commission selected 51 projects involving 24 Member States to receive €170 million of trans-European transport (TEN-T) network funds. The grants will help to build missing transport links, remove bottlenecks, and increase safety and security on the road across the European Union. The EU intends to focus on development of an integrated and environmentally viro ntal friendly transport system, promote the interconnection terconnection ion of different transport tra modes, accelerate and facilitat facilitate the im impl implemen p e en enta tatition on of TE TENN T pr proj ojec ects ts, an and ndd pprovide supp ppor pp ortt to public-p -private partnerships. €120 million Swedish crowns for Volvo Aero Corporation The Europ ropean Commission has approved roved under EU State aid rules a repayable advance of €120 million Sta Swedish crowns that will be grantedd to Volvo Aero Corporation for the development of the Intermediate Compressor Case for the Trent XWB engine. Trent XWB engine is being developed by Rolls-Royce and a new aero engine component by Volvo Aero Corporation would reduce the engine’s weight and improve fuel consumption of the aircraft with lesser impact on the environment.

If the pro roje ject ct is su succ cces essf sful ul, th thee ai aidd wi willll be fu fullllyy re repa paid id, including interest.

1000th name of quality food was registered An Italian sheep’s cheese – The Piacentinu Ennese – became the one thousandth name registered under the EU’s agricultural product and foodstuff quality labels. The labels have been used for products made in the EU and beyond since 1992, and in recent years the requests for

0

1

1

registration is increasing due to enlargements of the EU, and interest of non-EU producers (mainly from India, China, Thailand and Vietnam). The quality registers still have great potential, and the one thousandth name registered is a milestone for these schemes.

EU IN THE WORLD The EU-Russia Partnership Thee EU and Rus Th ussi siaa ar aree no nott on only ly nei eigh ghbo boriring ng cou ount ntriries es but also strategic partners. They cooperate on a wide range of bilateral and global matters on the basis of joint commitments and shared interests. A Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) adopted in 1997 presents a current legal basis for relations between the EU and Russia, and provides for political dialogue, bilateral trade, investment liberalization and social, economic, financial, scientific and cultural cooperation. It is annually and automatically extended until it is replaced by a New Agreement. The EU is the largest market for Russian goods andd Ru an Russ ssia ia is EU EU’s ’s thi hird rd mos ostt im impo port rtan antt trtrad adin ingg pa part rtne nerr in goods. The EU hosted the Russian Government on the occasion of executive-to-executive talks that covered the full range of EU-Russia relations, from support port to Russia’s modernization process to trade and energy matters, from deeper technological cooperation to international affairs.

The EU and Armenia have signed a Memorandum Olli Rehn, the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, has signed on behalf of the EU a Memorandum on 100 million euro of financial assistance to Arm rmen enia ia.. Th Thee Me Memo mora rand ndum dum um sset et the the eeco cono co nomi micc po polilicy cy conditions for providing macro financial assistance to Armenia, which will receive a loan of up to €65 million and a grant of up to €35 million. on. n The fina financial nann assistance will be used for supporting ting the adjustm adjustment tmee program agreed upon between Armenia and the Interna International Monetary Fund to help the country to get et out the global crisis.

The European Parliament adopted a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea A Free Trade Agreement between the EU and South Korea was adopted at the plenary session in Strasbourg on the 17th of February and will come into force on the 1stt of Jul 1s ulyy 20 2011 11. Du Duee to the agr gree eeme ment nt, bu busi sine ness sses es fro rom m the both sides will be able to trade more freely and easily than ever before, and 98.7 % of duties in trade value for industrial and agricultural products will be eliminated within 5 years after enforcement of the free trade agreement. The remaining products will be duty free over longer transitional periods.

■

Brought by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU (kindly supported by CzechTrade), www.cebre.cz

Amsterdam Athinai Berlin Bratislava Bruxelles Bucureşti Budapest Dublin Helsingfors Kobenhavn Lefkosia Lisboa Ljubljana London Luxembourg Madrid Paris Praha Rïga Roma Sofia Stockholm Tallinn Valletta Vilnius Warszawa Wien

EU matters.indd 121

121

24.3.2011 13:48:58

LIGHTNESS OF CO2 EU’s February energy summit has been to a certain extent overshadowed, and in my opinion rightly so, by the events in North Africa. Nevertheless, we should be even more aware of the slowly returning topic of climate commitments. The clearer it becomes that the EU remains the only player in the game for the most ambitious climate commitments, the more generous and controversial commitments are accepted. To the well known 20-20-20 targets (twenty percent of renewables, reduction of CO2 emissions by twenty percent and twenty percent of energy savings by 2020) the energy summit haas br b ou ough g t us anooth t er e com o mitm t en e t. t Itt haas been agreed that all new public buildings will need to comply with the strictest standards of energy efficiency. The recent common study done by Accenture and Barclays Capital has shown that in order to accomplish these commitments, EU will need more than 2 trillion Euros. However, since the beginning of the crises, the trend is exactly the opposite: the investments in low-carbon technologies have dropped by three-fourths. At the summit the Czech Prime Minister Necas has been one of the few that has stressed that new technologies and energy savings are clearly beneficial, but it is not possible to enforce them, when they are not economically viable.

The concept of economic efficiency is not very trendy in Brussels. It is much more comfortable to ignore the reality and continue to dream.

The overemphasized biofuels have been found to be more harmful than the fossil fuels, but the European Commission documents do not mention these facts. We ban the classic light bulbs and substitute them with energy efficient fluorescent tubes, which use dangerous mercury. The euroblindness is not only in the area of climate-change. It is considered to be antiEuropean to claim that the EU budget should not rise during difficult economic times. The Euro, as an attempt to create a federal currency, has been collapsing under first major difficulties. Solution? We step more on the gas, federalize the debts and add new taxes for companies. By the way, one such planned tax is the added carbon tax, which will affect absolutely everyone.

12 1 122 22

Interviews.indd 122

Lead Le ader erss Ma Maga gazi zine ne II/ I/20 2011 11

If we take into account the facts, it seems like that Brussels follows different rules compared to the rest of the world. We preach about savings, but around us constantly new office buildings rise up. I go to my committee meetings through a glass corridor, which during the winter is kept warm by additionally installed two big electric ventilators. No need to mention t e summer air-condi th d titoningg bills. Furthermore, it is almost embarrassing to mention the second seat of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The building is only functional 48 days during the year when the plenary sessions take place. Rest of the 317 days the building is kept without purpose. This is an example of energy and economic efficient functioning of public buildings.

It is always important to have political courage and high goals. However commitments, which are not all supported by reality, are the biggest threat for the EU. Achieving these unrealistic and ambitious eurotargets affects everybody. The European Union is not formed by eurocrats and their slogans, it is the people, who will eventually need to pay for all these commitments. In the coming years it will be necessary among other obligations to invest one trillion of Euros into EU energy infrastructure. Most of the funds will need to be private. Therefore instead of the competition for the most ambitious commitments, we should try to ensure that in the future overregulated EU there will be still some entrepreneurs and the EU companies will be able to compete globally.

After the adoption of the Lisbon treaty the main power in directing the EU lies on the government representatives of the Member States,

Photo: Archive

namely ministers, prime ministers and heads of state. I hope that representatives of our government will be able to promote the realistic view of the EU’s future. There are many topics, which are important and beneficial, where common view needs to be found among the Member States. It is absolutely crucial that we give up on the pointless idealistic, unrealistic and economically inviable commitments, which we than slowly abandon. There are too many of these sad examples.

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

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

23.3.2011 15:22:20

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

ČSÚZ

Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Helps to Preserve Czech in Slovakia Not a long time ago, we were living together in one state. The Slovaks in the Czech Republic and the Czechs in Slovakia have never been in the position of a minority, there were no barriers to separate them from the majority of the nation nor from their homeland. After the separation of Czechoslovakia in January 1993, everything has changed. The Czech community in Slovakia, especially in Bratislava and in Košice, felt the necessity to form its organization to protect their own national interests. This resulted in establishing a Czech club in Slovakia in April 1994. „When we started, we had nothing but the enthusiasm of the founders and the desire of the Czech community, becoming a national minority overnight against its will, to gather to preserve its language, culture, self-awareness and place in society, values that had been taken for granted until then,“ the chairman of the Czech club in Slovakia Pavel Doležal remembers Within a relativelyy short pperiod of time, ten regional organizations and four local clubs were formed throughout the whole of Slovakia. Some of them, such as the one in Košice, have become independent legal subjects in 2005, but they remained members of the Czech club as a coordinator of activities of fellow countrymen in Slovakia and the representative of Czech fellow countrymen in Slovakia for outside, for example in the Federative Union of Slavonic Minorities in Europe or International Czech club, the member of which the club is. Within sixteen years of its existence, the club organized many cultural, social, educational and sports programmes around the whole of Slovakia, as well as shows of artistic activities, runs of solidarity, salons, photographic contests, tourist meetings, painting symposia, festivals and trips to the Czech Republic.

The Czech club in Košice and the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute which, as a part of its programme, is supporting high-quality education of Czechs living abroad and contributing to spreading the Czech language and Czech culture in the world, organized an educational Czech camp in Prague at the turn of February and March this year. “Czech educational camps for children and young people, compensating for classes of Czech language, literature, history and arts that are not included in the Slovak educational system, even in an alternative form, have already been organized for many years. We want to make it possible to get to know the historical monuments and

the cultural life of the capital of the Czech Republic directly,” MUDr. Dagmar Takácsová, the chair of the Czech club in Košice, wrote when she asked the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute for support of this event and for preparation and realization of the cultural and educational part of the trip to Prague. The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute gladly agreed; it prepared and paid for a five-day learning and cultural programme for fourteen students at the age from 12 to 16 years, two university students and two supervisors.

A member of the Managing board accompanied them in sightseeing in Prague Castle, the National Theatre, the Old Town Hall, the Bethlehem Chapel, Charles Bridge, the Municipal Hall, Jewish monuments, Prague Zoo and a ballet performance of „Cinderella“ in the State Opera House and „The Pub at the Stone Table“ in the Theatre Na Fidlovačce. „No matter that we have our webpage, occasional Slovak TV broadcasts broadcasts, a Czech nation magazine, news about the life of the Czech community appears in regional news or a weekly mi minority news and regular broadcasting in the Czech language is a part of the Slovak radio.

Children living in Slovakia, including those of Czech origin, gradually lose the ability to understand Czech automatically,“ our Czech fellow countrymen in Slovakia admit. More than 500 of them are living in the area of Košice. A new

Slovak legal adjustment concerning the use of the state language and the languages of minorities does not guarantee in any way that presentation of Czech culture will be possible in future in the way it has been ensured in the media by the Czech clubs – so far without any problems.

The situation has been further complicated by the decision of the Czech government to abolish some Czech centres abroad to save money. The Czech centre in Košice is among them, it is closed since the 1st March. „It complicates the situation for the Czech club very much,“ MUDr. Dagmar Takácsová admitted. It was precisely the Czech centre that represented such a platform for the club to organize regular Czech cultural and social events. In that respect, the cooperation of the club with the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute becomes more important and already helped significantly two years ago, for example for its Women’s Choir by buying a new electronic piano.

“The The help from the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute is priceless for us,” Jitka Smrigová, the chair of the Czech educational camps, camps repeated during her stay in Prague. She is convinced that similar systematically realized events remain the only way to ensure keeping and further developing the Czech language and Czech culture with young people from Czech and mixed families in Slovakia.

HEBR I

The group of Slovak students from Košice when sightseeing Prague, accompanied by the member of the managing board of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, Dr. Helena Briardová (on the right) Photo: R. Briard

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 123

123

24.3.2011 12:20:16

prague castle event

Martin Brunner, Piano and Tomáš Hobzek, Drums

Martin Brunner Trio Martin Brunner – Piano Martin Kapusník – Contrabass Tomáš Hobzek – Drums Lukáš Martinek & Private Earthquake Lukáš Martinek – Electric Guitar Roman Vícha – Drums Václav Vávra – Bass Guitar Jan Kořínek (as a guest) – Hammond B3

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Jazz at the Castle

with Martin Brunner Trio and Lukáš Martinek & Private Earthquake

From left: Ing. Petr Kuchár, General Director, Prominecon with his partner and Dr. Jan Vinter, Advisor

H.E. Norman Eisen, new Ambassador of the USA with his wife

Alvise Giustiniani, Managing Director, CR, SK and HU, Philip Morris CR, a.s. and Nina Giustiniani

124

LM_1102_events_1.indd 124

From left: Jiří Weigl, Chancellor, Office of the President of the CR and Prof. JUDr. Jan Kříž, Advokátní Kancelář Kříž a Bělina s.r.o.

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

From left: Tetsuo Hara, President, Venus Records with his wife and Emil Viklický, Musician

23.3.2011 15:54:03

From left: Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, Consultant with his wife, Helena Švédová, Director, Department of Trade Administration, Czech Export Bank, and Ing. Petr Kubernát, Director, Pekos s.r.o.

From left: Ladislav Mravec, Director, Foreign Affairs Department, Office of the President of the CR and H.E. Frane Krnić, Ambassador of Croatia

Josef Vejvoda, Musician with his wife

Jan Černý, Attorney at Law, Černý-Raupachová and Dagmar Raupachová, Attorney at law, ČernýRaupachová

From left: H.E. Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in Culture, Ambassadorat-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the CR, Elena Gagarina, Director of the Kremlin Museum, Moscow, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

From right: MUDr. Leoš Heger, Minister of Health of the CR, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, H.E. Sergey B. Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, and Jiří Weigl, Chancellor, Office of the President of the CR

LM_1102_events_1.indd 125

23.3.2011 15:55:57

From left: Tetsuo Hara, President, Venus Records with his wife and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

James Rubenstein and Eva Lorencová, Editor

From left: Martin Brunner, Marcela Kirschová, and Vladimír Suchánek, Academic Painter with his wife

Martin Kapusník, Contrabass From left: Petra Hrochová, Miroslav Macek, and Milada Karasová, Czechoslovak Models with her daughter

126

Jazz at the Castle LM_1102_events_1.indd 126

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Enterpreneur, H.E. Norman Eisen, new Ambassador of the USA with his wife, Josef Nálepa, Academic Sculptor, and Nora Stříbrná, Senior Stewardess, VP – BKS and Photographer

23.3.2011 15:58:20

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE EUROPEAN LEADERSHIP & ACADEMIC INSTITUTE P R A G U E

LEADERS Xxx AS MENTORS favorite spiritual teacher, professor at school, or an important person in business that serves as an inspiration to us.

Xxx

FORMS OF MENTORING

Photo: Archive ELAI

The origin of the word ´mentor´ can be found in Greek mythology. In the Odyssey homer introduces the old Mentor, into whose hands Odysseus entrusts the upbringing of his son Telemachus. Mentor and Telemachus commence a long lasting teacherpupil relationship, which later inspired the meaning of the word – it was to signify a method for personal development and learning, specifically the process of handing over experience.

The person who lets himself/herself be mentored is termed the ´mentee´.

Historical variations of mentoring can be found in the roles of old wise men, gurus, spiritual fathers, or in the relationship between masters and their apprentices. We can find modern forms of mentoring almost everywhere around us. Mentoring is used in education, politics and in business. Over our lives we establish naturally informal ties with persons that we can call our mentors, even though we may have never met them. Our mentors can thus be our

If we focus on a formalized mentor-pupil relationship in the business sphere, we can observe that this relationship has been developed according to certain rules.

Twenty years since the Velvet revolution, a new generation of mentors has formed, and therefore we can also find this style of personal development in the Czech Republic.

A business can choose between using its internal resources for the mentoringg of o its empplooye y es,, or it can reach out to external resources. Both methods have their advantages.

Many larger organizations have a sufficient pool of experience and seniority, and thus they can cover mentoring needs with their own managers. More experienced managers take the less experienced ones under their wings, and hand over the knowledge that they have acquired in the given organization. In this way, organizations mentor their talented employees who show the potential for further development, and train the next generation of top managers in line with the ´know how´ and needs of the organization.

It is also advisable to apply internal mentoring to a new employee. In this way, a more experienced employee mentors the new colleague during his/hers first months, and helps him/her to become oriented to the new environment.

This style of mentoring is surely motivational, and helps new employees overcome many of the initial obstacles they may face.

In contrast to this, external mentoring is applied to senior managers that have spent a large portion of their lives in one organization. An external mentor can widen a mentee´s horizons and bring new perspectives. Observing and learning different perceptions and values can give employees valuable inspiration and motivation.

THE PROCESS OF MENTORING At the beginning of every path, it is important to set a goal. Similarly, in mentoring, one should have a clear idea of what he/she wants to reach.

The goals could be of a various kind: to broaden

knowledge in a field of work, to teach or improve the ability of strategic thinking, or to work on selfconfidence and assertiveness. Or the goal can simply be to provide feedback on ideas or personal style, as well as leadership and managerial skills. It can be useful to take minutes during the regular meetings with a mentor, and to refer to these notes before the next meeting. Every mentor has his/her personal style, just as every mentee has different needs. In order to build an effective partnership, there must be a certain degree of mutual understanding between the two.

MENTOR AS A HERO Mentors are usually people with some experience. We can call them true leaders. Leadership and mentoring are interconnected. For example, we can visit the world of fantasy. Are you familiar with the comedy show ´30 Rock´? One of the main characters, Jack, considers himself to be a true leader. Consequently, he sees himself as being a mentor. He chooses Liz Lemon, whom he leads and supports in various job-related tasks, as well as personal matters. Jack is an example of a self-confident leader, who is choosing his mentees very carefully. He says: They (the mentees) must be devoted and ambitious in order to merit my time; intelligent, in order to understand the challenges in front of them; humble, in order to except my help; and finally their life must be in total chaos. The last point is of course not a necessary condition for all those who want to be mentored. Yet one should be aware of the fact that every mentor is different in his or her views.

Another example of a positive hero – a mentor – is Obi-Wan Kenobi, who mentored both Skywalkers, Anakin and Luke. The mentoring of Luke starts immediately after their first meeting, when the experienced Jedi explains to young Luke the importance of the Power of the Force. From this moment, a strong bond between the teacher and the student developed, which deserves to be called Mentoring with a big ´M´. The example of Star Wars shows that one mentor can reach different results with his/her student. This may show that the role and experience of the mentor is certainly important, but in the end, mentoring is always about the personality of the pupil.

Eva Williams I Patron of European Leadership & Academic Institute (ELAI) český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine i II/201 I 1

Interviews.indd 127

127

24.3.2011 13:11:26

prague castle event

A special thanks to Synot Tip for making this reportage possible Aga Zaryan, Jazz Singer

Photo: Jaroslav Tatek

with Aga Zaryan

Aga Zaryan: Singer David Dorůžka: Guitar Michał Tokaj: Piano Michał Barański: Contrabass Łukasz Źyta: Drums Robert Majewski: Trumpet

Jazz at the Castle From left: Jaroslav Jurečka with his wife, Ing. Stanislava Janáčková, CSc., Advisor to the President, Office of the President, and Prof. Ing. Kamil Janáček, CSc., Bank Board Member and Chief Executive Director, CNB

128

LM_1102_events_1.indd 128

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and H.E. Marie Chatardová, Czech Ambassador to France

H.E. Jose Luis Bernal, Ambassador of Mexico with his wife

From left: Petr Somol, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, JUDr. Jaroslav Bureš, Judge, and Olga Petříková, Corporate Advisor, JetInvestment

24.3.2011 13:22:29

From left: Filip Kotora, JUDr. Hana Mesthene, Attorney, Soňa Kodetová, Chairman, Klub 3. tisíciletí o.s., and Jiří Zavázal

From left: Jiří Weigl, Chancellor, Office of the President of the CR and and H.E. Ferdinand Trautmansdorff, Ambassador of Austria

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Andrea Scheider

From left: Elena Sonenshine, Jazz Singer and Vladimír Suchánek, Academic Painter, with his wife

From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, Dr. Jan Hejma, Chairman of the Board, Bohema Wellness, a.s., and Petr Hejma, former Mayor of Prague 1

From left: Tamara Křivková, Miloslav Langer, Regional Project Manager, BMW Group, and Zdeňka Ashfieldová

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE LM_1102_events_1.indd 129

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

From left: Bronislaw Komorowski, President of Poland with his wife and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR with his wife Livia

24.3.2011 14:00:33

David Dorůžka, Guitar

From left: Nick Bolkvadze, Leaders Magazine and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: Karel Vágner, Music Publisher, Dariusz Marcinkowski, Chairman of the Board, Club of Polish Capital in the CR with his wife, Mgr. Ewa Luchowska-Mertl, Managing Director, Quick Translations, and Janusz Paterok, Sales Director and Executive Officer, Maspex Czech s.r.o.

Bronislaw Komorowski, President of Poland with his wife

130

Jazz at the Castle LM_1102_events_1.indd 130

From left: Karel Vágner, Music Publisher, Michal Erben, Peter Schärli, Musician, JUDr. Jaroslav Bureš, Judge, and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

23.3.2011 16:26:49

legal affairs Produced in partnership with the PRO BONO association

The Insolvency Act Amendment “The legislature in the contested provision restricted, even nullified the creditor’s right to seek protection of their rights before a court or other authority” stated the Constitutional Court of Czech Republic in its decision in a case file reference. Pl. Ú.S. 14/10 in relation to the abolition of the Insolvency Act as of 31 March 2011. It is particularly this part of the law that did not allow creditors to deny filed claims of other creditors and thus denied their right to a fair trial.

A part of the Insolvency Act has been already repealed by the Decision of Plenum of the Constitutional Court, file reference. Pl. Ú.S. 42/08 of 21 April 2009. Originally, the repealed part did not allow an appeal against the order in which the bankruptcy court takes note of the withdrawal of the debtor’s debt relief and that consequently set up a legal fiction of withdrawal of a creditor’s motion to discharge from debts in case the debtor does not attend a meeting of creditors without a prior excuse or without an excuse that the court would find reasonable. The Constitutional Court has pointed out in this decision that without the borrower being able to defend himself against the general court by a legal remedy, the introduction of a legal fiction would limit the debtor’s right to a fair trial.

Finally, the Constitutional Court annulled, trough the finding of the Plenum of the Constitutional Court of 27 July 2010 file reference. Pl. Ú.S. Sept.

19, the particular part of the Insolvency Act in which the debtor’s unexcused failure to attend the announced meeting of creditors was associated with a penalty in terms of accession of a legal fiction of withdrawal, whereby debtor loses the possibility of solving his bankruptcy by discharge from debts and he is declared bankrupt. For the borrower as well as the lender, inactivity therefore carried both procedural and substantive consequences in a form of bankruptcy.

By the above-mentioned decision, the Constitutional Court has created space for a major amendment to the existing bankruptcy law, which has already undergone several amendments during its three years of existence. Their common denominator is, inter alia, the replacement of those provisions that have limited or conversely favored some of its participants in the interest of speeding up and simplifying the insolvency proceedings.

In defense of the existing legislation, it should be noted that so-called incidental disputes of the creditors’ claims that were raised by various creditors and which took place under the previously existing law were often induced purposefully and

Photo: Archive

have significantly extended the length of bankruptcy proceedings. For this reason, the new Insolvency Act has entrusted the right to deny the filed claims of creditors exclusively to an insolvency administrator.

The new Insolvency Act has therefore stemmed from an overall concept of the position of an insolvency administrator in the insolvency proceedings, from the major influence of creditors on the administrator’s appointment and from the creditors’ influence on decisions of other major management issues of insolvency proceedings by voting. It has also drawn on the concept of the administrator’s liability for any damage caused to creditors as a result of a discharge of his office.

The floor manager of the Insolvency Act amendment, which would become effective on March 31 2011, has formulated the following main objectives: ● to comply with the findings of the Constitutional Court, ● to prevent tactical litigation intended to influence decision-making conditions in the insolvency proceedings, ● to prevent the prolongation of the insolvency proceedings, ● to minimize costs to the state budget in connection with an increase in disputes over the authenticity, order or amount of the denied outstanding claims and the related prolonging of the insolvency proceedings.

The new legislative therefore combines the right of individual creditors to deny the filed claims of other creditors with such obligations that particularly aims to prevent creditors from obtaining unfair advantages and purposefully abusing the right of denial and hence prolonging the insolvency proceedings.

Creditors are granted the right of denial only in a case of bankruptcy, denying claims by the creditor does not affect the voting power of the registered creditor whose claim was in this way denied.

The creditor who denied the claim must give a security for costs, and where appropriate, a security for damages or other losses caused by an unjustified claim denial.

In connection with the discussion of this amendment, the Minister of Justice has stated that his department is preparing a larger amendment to the bankruptcy law, which should be presented to lawmakers later this year. The question remains, however, whether this amendment with finally succeed to overcome the major contested provisions of the existing law.

JUDr. Roman Jelínek, Ph.D., Lawyer, Association of Lawyers PRO BONO český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine II/2011

Interviews.indd 131

131

22.3.2011 17:28:21

La Femme Gallery is pleased to invite you to an art exhibition by the famous painter, graphic designer, illustrator and sculptor Boris Jirků. The exhibition is named Light Before the Light, to mark the occasion of the artist´s publication of a monograph which carries the same title. The exhibition features the author´s recent paintings, mainly from his travels to Andalusia, France, Ecuador and the Galapagos, which were undertaken in cooperation with La Femme Gallery, as well as from the author´s private journeys.

vernissage

Opening speech by Michal Horáček Performance by Lucia Šoralová & La Alma

From left: Michal Horáček, Producer and Text Writer, Olga Lipinová, and Miroslav Lipina, Owner, La Femme Gallery

at the La Femme Gallery

Prof. Boris Jirků (*1955, Zlín) graduated from the Arts and Craft School in Uherské Hradiště and continued his higher education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague under Professor A. Paderlík, majoring in architecture, monumental painting. For many years, Prof. Boris Jirků had been teaching figurative drawing at the Academy of Industrial Art, while also organizing figurative drawing workshops and lectures at the University of Palacký in Olomouc, the University of West Bohemia, the University of Mainz and the Williams School in Connecticut.

Boris Jirků “Světlo před světlem”

From left: Prof. RNDr. Václav Hampl, DrSc., Rector, Charles University in Prague, his daughter, and Prof.

Boris Jirků, Artist and former Lecturer at VŠUP

Aleš Háva, Keyboard and Lucia Šoralová, Singer

Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Maya Lukas, Corporate Art Curator, CumArte, s.r.o.

From left: Juraj Čutek and Bohumír Gemrot

From left: Ing. Alžběta Severinová, Slavomír Lener, Director of Hockey Development, Czech Ice Hockey Association with his wife, Šárka Pospíšilová, Director, I.G. Investment, a.s., and Miroslav Lipina, Owner, La Femme Gallery

LM_1102_events_1.indd 132

23.3.2011 16:17:13

The exhibition and book were launched by Michal Horáček and Lucia Šoralová & La Alma.

Besides painting, Prof. Boris Jirků is actively engaged in illustration, for which he has received numerous prestigious awards.

BORIS JIRKŮ – Světlo před světlem/Light Before the Light

133

La Femme Gallery, Bílkova 2, Praha 1 8. 2.–12. 3. 2011

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

LM_1102_events_1.indd 133

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE 24.3.2011 13:35:09

Ing. Martin Pinl, Alexandria Real and Monika Lipinová, Gallerist

From left: Mrs. Lenerová and Mrs. Jirků

From left: Růžena Karlíková and Olga Lipinová

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, JUDr. Petr Vyroubal, Partner, Law Firm Vyroubal Krajhanzl Školout, and Dragan Hoxa

Presently, Prof. Boris Jirků leads lectures in figurative painting at the Institute of Art and Design at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, and supervises PhD studies in classical media at the Academy of Fine Arts in Banska Bystrica.

134

LM_1102_events_1.indd 134

Boris Jirků “Světlo před světlem” 24.3.2011 13:53:58

Richard Wagner

PARSIFAL Událost operní sezony!

Premiéra: 19. března 2011 Reprízy: 27. 3., 3. 4., 22. 4., 15. 5. 2011

Dirigent: John Fiore | Režie: Jiří Heřman Scéna: Pavel Svoboda | Kostýmy: Alexandra Grusková Sbormistři: Pavel Vaněk a Lukáš Vasilek Dramaturgie: Ondřej Hučín | Světla: Daniel Tesař Parsifal: Alfons Eberz Kundry: Eva Urbanová Amfortas: Tomasz Konieczny / Ulf Paulsen Gurnemanz: Matthias Hölle / Manfred Hemm Klingsor: Ivan Kusnjer / Svatopluk Sem Titurel: Ondrej Mráz a další.

Sbor a orchestr Národního divadla, Pražský filharmonický sbor

Vstupenky: tel.: 224 901 448, 224 901 319, 224 901 668 ntprague@narodni-divadlo.cz, Ticketportal, Bohemia Ticket, Ticketpro www.narodni-divadlo.cz

Parsifal-inzerce-Leaders-Magazine-234x325.indd 1

11.2.2011 17:04:08

culture event From left: Kateřina Kněžíková, Soloist, the National Theatre Opera, Tomáš Netopil, Chief Conductor, the National Theatre Orchestra, Adam Plachetka, Soloist, the National Theatre Opera, Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman, the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Ondřej Černý, Director, the National Theatre

The Estates Theatre is the only fully operational theatre in the whole world that remembers the world´s first premieres of some of the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart´s operas. For that reason the Estate Theatre has been celebrating this year the 255th birthday of this famous author. There we could hear the arias from Idomeno, Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro and the Magic Flute operas performed by Kateřina Kněžíková and Adam Plachetka, the soloists of the National Theatre.

Mozart’s Birthday Birthday of the National Theatre Maecenas Club In January 2011, the National Theatre Maecenas Club celebrated its first birthday. During its first year of existence, the club welcomed over 70 benefactors, with whose help the National Theatre has gained 878.000 CZK. The donation will go towards supporting art and non art projects of the National Theatre in year 2011.

From left, patrons of the National Theatre Maecenas Club: Tomáš Netopil, Chief Conductor, the National Theatre Orchestra, Ondřej Černý, Director, the National Theatre, Tereza Podařilová, First Soloist, the National Theatre Ballet, and Václav Postránecký, Actor

LM_1102_events_1.indd 136

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

Benefactress Dr. Dadja Altenburg-Kohl handing a 500.000 CZK cheque to Petr Zusk, Art Director, the National Theatre Ballet

23.3.2011 16:20:54

In February 2011, the National Theatre presented Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew. In the main role of ill-tempered and shrewish Katherine alternates Pavla Beretová and Lucie Žáčková, and the character of Katherine´s husband Petruchio was impersonated by Igor Bareš. Come and see a bit different love tale written by William Shakespeare!

culture event

perex

From left: Lucie Žáčková, Miloslav König, Jiří Štěpnička, Igor Bareš

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

The Taming of the Shrew

From left: Ondřej Černý, Director, the National Theatre, František Mikeš, First Deputy Minister of Culture, Bohuslav Svoboda, Prague Mayor

Pavla Beretová and Igor Bareš

LM_1102_events_1.indd 137

Martin Čičvák, Director of the performance with his wife

From left: Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman, the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Vlasta Parkanová, Vice Chairwoman, the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Běla Jensen, Foundress, the Stonožka Charity

137

24.3.2011 14:04:31

LAT_print_ad_191x131.ai

1

3/18/11

4:54 PM

now available in Brussels

LE ADERS MAGA ZINE PHOTO COVERAGES FROM TOP EVENTS: CONCERTS – SEMINARS – CONFERENCES – GALA EVENINGS

INTERVIEWS WITH TOP PEOPLE: CULTURE – BUSINESS – POLITICS – SPORTS

PR ARTICLES, ANALYSIS AND MUCH MORE p rtner:

• the most efficient advertising methods in the defence and security industries • exclusive advertising representation for all issued titles

Brno is

E PROMOTION ACTIVITIES:

the Center

Photos: Archive

The city of Brno started to develop dynamically after the period of economic transformation that took place in 1990s. This dynamism has taken on additional momentum recently.

The development of the city needs to be stream-

:

ADVERTISING ACTIVITIES

of • proposal for the processing promotion (advertising) campaigns, fairs presentations at international and exhibitions, design and implementation in respect of security exhibition • production of advertising/ promotion-oriented objects mes, • production of video-program video CD, DV, DVD and photographic

by research, development, innovation an cation. More than eighty thousand st attending local universities and colleges underline the importance of this pillar. sential part of the graduates remain i after completing their studies, providin the city with a large pool of qualified wor That is also why Brno is becoming a ce innovation.

One of the essential projects, which markably influence not only the city’s development, but also the competitive Brno, is the Masaryk University Campu capacity of the campus has been desig host about 4800 students and about 8 versity teachers, scientists and researche recently opened INBIT biotechnology inc facility is also situated on the campus.

Czech Defence Industry

& Security REVIEW

CDIS Re

published magazine English-Czech quarterly strategy of the CR, intented on the security public and state on communication among security industry. sphere and defence and of Czech defence It serves for promotion and introduction and security industry in the Czech Republic. companies foreign of

documentation • translations

ENGLISH

Publishe importa exhibitio with off of the C the sup Securit The ma for lon repres Agenc

MS Line, s g house

MS Line, s. r. o. - Publishin

MS Line

Publishing house

P. O. BOX 11 289 15 Kounice

area. house in Defence and Security Review, CDIS Review MS Line is a Publishing exclusive magazines - CDIS MS Line publishes and distributes ISET NEWS as well as Catalogue of Security and NEWS, Catalogues of the DSIA CR, Special, CDAI Review, IDET Defence and Security Industry Defence Technologies and military consulting, etc. nies’ profiles provides special C

®

Leaders Magazine focuses on lifestyle, interviews, business, culture and luxury products and covers many important and interesting events. Our readers are people from diplomatic society, government officials and decision makers in business.

The targeted distribution is cca 20 000 copies including 1400 pcs to the top EU officials in Brussels.

Leaders Magazine® publikuje rozhovory s význanými osobnostmi obchodní, politické, umělecké a kulturní sféry a přináší fotoreportáže z důležitých společenských událostí v ČR. Našimi čtenáři jsou osoby s rozhodovacími pravomocemi v diplomatické, státní a soukromé sféře. Cílená distribuce je cca 20 000 ks včetně 1400 ks představitelům EU v Bruselu.

15:08:28 9:39:03 19.1.2010 22.3.2010

83 0x - MS LINE_R.indd interviews.indd

1

For Full Electronic Version Go To www.leadersmagazine.cz Interviews.indd

49

Interviews.indd 138

Ostrava_Brno.indd 78

15.7.2009 19:42:22

21.7.2010 13:28:27

24.3.2011 13:45:00

PMpropagace_Leaders_234x325mm:Layout 1

2/17/11

6:37 PM

Page 1

politika • ekonomika • byznys

Máme vliv Parlamentní magazín je seriózní politicko-ekonomick˘ mûsíãník s aktuálním a ucelen˘m zpravodajstvím z oblasti celé státní správy a podnikatelského sektoru.

Elektronickou podobu ãasopisu najdete na www.parlamentnimagazin.cz

234x325.indd 3

26.2.2010 11:20:16