Prague Leaders Magazine Issue 01/2013

Leaders Magazine No 1/2013

PRAGUE

leaders 1/2013 199 CZK

now available in Brussels

MAGAZINE

Ing. In g Mililoš oš Zem eman a , Pr P esident Elect Photo: ČTK/Horázný Josef, Štěrba Martin

WELCOME MR. PRESIDENT OF THE CR www.leadersmagazine.cz inncl c . el elec e tr ec troonnicc verrsi sion on Brno I Ostrava I Plzeň I Liberec I Olomouc I Ústí nad Labem I Hradec Králové I České Budějovice I Pardubice I Zlín I Jihlava I Turnov I Karlovy Vary I Mladá Boleslav

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Systém CESR spolehlivě ochrání vaše podnikání před nespolehlivými obchodními partnery.

The CESR system will reliably protect your business against unreliable business partners.

Rating českých ekonomických subjektů jednoznačně ukáže, na co si u dané společnosti dávat pozor a jaká rizika při spolupráci s ní očekávat

Rating of Czech economical subjects it will show unambiguously what to be aware of in particular company and what risks can be expected when cooperating with it

Hlídání insolvence program u zadaných subjektů sleduje, zda nebyl podán návrh na zahájení insolvenčního řízení, a informuje o všech změnách

Insolvency watch a program checking selected subjects for information whether an insolvency proceedings was not started against them, and informs about all changes

Hlídání změn v obchodním rejstříku program sleduje zadané subjekty v obchodním a živnostenském rejstříku a e-mailem zasílá informace o zjištěných změnách - např. likvidaci

Watching for the changes in business register a program watching selected subjects in business and trade register, and sends e-mails about noticed changes – e.g. liquidation

Registr dlužníků zadejte do systému své problematické dlužníky a dluhy se až do splacení promítnou do jejich ratingu

Register of debtors input your problematic debtors here and their debts will affect their rating until they are paid

Adresář subjektů kompletní adresář českých ekonomických subjektů, v němž lze vyhledávat podle regionu, oboru, obratu apod.

List of subject a complete list of Czech economical subjects, where one can search by region, field, turnover, etc.

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publishers note & contents events

Dear Readers, Brr, brr, it is rather cold as I write these words. This is not surprising as we are still in January, but the spring seems to be so far away.

However, the weather didn’t hold people back from voting for a new president. There was much speculation before this election, but in the end it was a battle between Miloš Zeman and Karel Schwarzenberg. Mr. Zeman, now Mr. President, rather clearly won a comfortable victory. In Prague it seems to me that a big majority voted for Karel Schwarzenberg, but the support from the rest of the country was decisive for President Zeman’s victory. I and this magazine want to congratulate the new President and wish him a very successful presidency for the years to come. We also delayed this issue for some days in order to have our new President on the front page together with an Interview.

Dear Readers, time is flying. It is again a new year and I think that many people have mixed feelings, asking themselves what will come.

Last year in my mind was a year with a lot of frustrations, uncertainties, disappointments, and economic upheavals that affected most of us.

I think we must focus much more on improving relations between people, reaching out a hand, being more competitive in our work, putting more pressure on our politicians, and being more aware of protecting our environment and planet. After all, we have only one.

Other prominent interviews in this issue are with Mr. Zbyněk Stanjura, Minister of Transport; Mrs. Ludmilla Müllerová, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs; Mrs. Alena Gajdůšková, First Vice President of the Senate; Mr. Vojtěch Filip, Chairman of KSČM; Mr. Radek Urban, Deputy Minister of Finance; Mr. Jaroslav Hanák, President, Confederation of Industry of CR; Mrs. Nicole Lamb Hale, charismatic US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Service, to mention some.

From our photo reports I would like to mention a few, incl. the traditional Czech 100 Best of Czech Companies by Comenius, which is considered to be the biggest event of the Year with nearly 800 invited guests to the Spanish Hall at the Castle. It was a magnificent and spectacular event. Other important events to remember were the Austrian Ball at Žofín; the Zlatá Koruna Forum at Top Hotel; Algerian National Day at Hilton; the German-Czech Chamber’s sixth economic discussion at Mandarine Hotel; Round Table by Comenius with Minister Kuba and Deputy Ministers of Regional Development Mr. Janeba and Mr. Sixta; the Celebration of Lucia at the Swedish Embassy; Hilton Hotels traditional Christmas Concert; CFO Club seminars; Opera in Brno; and Jazz at the Castle. his one Dear Readers – another year is in front of us – let’s make this a good year.

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A New-Year Meeting of Senators with Diplomats

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Key Factors of Success – Comenius Czech 100 Best/Conference

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Czech 100 Best Gala Evening

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Twenty Years of the Czech Constitution

Comenius Czech 100 Best/Conference Key Factors of Success

As an important and traditional part of the “Czech 100 Best” competition, Comenius Society organized an international conference “The Key Factors of Success”...  page

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Christmas Leaders Magazine Advisory Board Dinner

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The President for the Way Out of Crisis

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6th Annual Economic Discussion

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Zlatá koruna Forum Pension Reform at the Start

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The Best Entrepreneurial Project of 2011

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Round Table of Comenius with Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade

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Round Table of Comenius with Michal Janeba and Jan Sixta, Deputy Ministers of Regional Development of the Czech Republic

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How Hit Movies Are Made – Christmas Event of CFO Club

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Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Pre-Christmas Charity Fundraising Evening

96 St. Lucia Party with Red Nose for Charity Zdravotní klaun 120 Czech School in Vienna Celebrates 130th Birthday/ČSÚZ

St. Lucia Party with Red Nose for Charity Zdravotní klaun

Benke Aikell I benke.aikell@leadersmagazine.cz www.leadersmagazine.cz

6 Leaders Magazine I/2013

This year’s traditional St Lucia party of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce took place on the magic date 12.12.12., hosting nearly 200 guests, half of which were children..  page

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contents diplomatic events

interviews 10

Dear Mr. President Elect

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State Visit of the President of the Slovak Republic

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A Superministry Is a Reasonable Merger A talk with Zbyněk Stanjura, Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic Pension Reform Is about Personal Responsibility A talk with Radek Urban, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic

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Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Algeria and of the Establishment of Bilateral Diplomatic Relations

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Sankta Lucia at the Swedish Embassy

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Czech Industry Awaits the Beam of a Slight Recovery in 2013 A talk with Jaroslav Hanák, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

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Women Need to Be More Confident A talk with Alena Gajdůšková, First Vice President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

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The Second Pillar Is a Special Opportunity A talk with Ludmila Müllerová, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic

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New Possibilities for Czech-Russian Cooperation An interview with Vladimir Ermakov, Chairman of the Russian-Czech Chamber of Commerce and General Director, Vemex

Interview Nicole Lamb Hale Competitiveness Is the Road to Growth

State Visit

At the invitation of President Václav Klaus, President of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Ivan Gašparovič with his wife Silvia visited the Czech Republic...  page

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culture events 30

Austrian Ball

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Benefit Auction III. of Works of Blind Sculptors

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Timeless with Matragi

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Hilton Hotels in Prague Supported Tereza Maxová Foundation

104 The Brno Opera Ball and Its Main Star, Anthony Delon 108 Jazz at the Castle with Štveráček Q + Fečo Family 111 Jazz at the Castle with Hiromi – The Trio Project 114 Art, Picassos/MIRO

She is the current U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services. Prior to being confirmed as Assistant Secretary, she served...  page

Jazz at the Castle with Hiromi

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Keeping Peace Through Dialogue An interview with Ambassador Jiří Parkmann, Head of Prague Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

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Competitiveness Is the Road to Growth A talk with Nicole Lamb Hale, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services

106 Our Victory Is Based on Voters’ Disagreement with Coalition Reforms A talk with Vojtěch Filip, Chairman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia

The Trio Project Hiromi – Piano; Anthony Jackson – Bass Guitar Steve Smith – Drums  page

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contents & info contributors 38

Support Real Growth in your Startup – Begin with Self-awareness/Jan Mühlfeit

51 55

The Million Things I Enjoy.../Ivan Pilný The Pot Calling the Kettle Black/Evžen Tošenovský

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The End of the Media World as we Know It and What to Do about It/Cristina Muntean

65 73 77 79

What Was and What May Come in 2013/Emanuel Šíp Climate Change – ČR Supports Global Action/Jonathan Wootliff Channels of Communication in the Czech Republic/Martin Opatrný Rehabilitate Your New Year’s Resolutions/Karin Genton

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Dinner Discussion with Members of the National Economic Council of the Government of the CR/ELAI Ambassadors without Diplomatic Passport, Ladislav Špaček and Petra Procházková/Linda Štucbartová

Publisher: Benke Aikell Head of Editorial: Lenka Helena Koenigsmark Office Manager/Head of IT: Michael Serences Office Assistant: Tatiana Fominykh

102 Cosmic Consciousness – A Journey To Well-being, Happiness, and Success, Part VII: My Gift To YouA,B/ James A. Cusumano, PhD 125 Reputation is the Cornerstone of Power/Emil Jimenez

Desire for Victory

Webmaster: Nikoloz Bolkvadze EU Matters: CEBRE Czech Business Representation, CESES, Europlatform Contributors: James A. Cusumano, Iva Drebitko, Joseph Drebitko, Karin Genton – L´Epée, European Leadership and Academic Institute, Pavlína Holancová, Martina Hošková, Emil Jimenez, Zuzana Kasáková, Jan Mühlfeit, Cristina Muntean, Ivan Pilný, Sanjiv Suri, Emanuel Šíp, Jaroslav Škrabálek, Linda Štucbartová, Evžen Tošenovský, Jonathan Wootliff Photographers: Dean Batak, Jiří Dvořák, Josef Horázný, Roland Hilmar, Anna Chlumská, Konstantinos Joanidis, Zuzana Jirásková, Jaroslav Fišer, Luděk Krušinský, Zbyněk Maděryč, Štěrba Martin, Filip Pokorný, Jan Šulc, Hana Schmerková Subscription service: Leaders Magazine, CEPONA, s.r.o.

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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

Petra Kvitová won Wimbledon in 2011 and this success was followed by a triumph of Czech women’s team in Fed Cup in 2012. But Petra Kvitová remains forthcoming and outspoken. She just wants to play well and beat her rivals.  page

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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.

EU matters 126 Investing in Entrepreneurship Education is one of the Highest Return Investments Europe Can Make An interview with Vice President of the European Commission Antonio Tajani

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.

128 Debate on Free Trade Agreements: EU-South Korea and EU-Japan 129 Pre-Commercial Procurement: Cost-effective Innovations 130 Business News

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Photos from the last Advisory Board Dinner

info ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Benke Aikell, your Publisher in his welcoming speech

From left: Milan Šimandl, Counsellor, Head of the Economic Department, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Florian Müller, President&CEO, Mercedes-Benz ČR, s.r.o., Ing. Radomír Šimek, former President, German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Ing. Helena Rögnerová, Director, Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, H.E. Detlef Lingemann, Ambassador of Germany, and MUDr. Richard Sequens, PhD., Head of Surgical Gastroenterology Center and former Senator

From left: Genmjr. JUDr. Lubomír Kvíčala, former Director, Department of Protection of Constitutional Officials, Police of the Czech Republic with his wife Hana, Ing. Pavel Štefka, 4star general (Ret.), Msc., Chief of Defence and Special Programs, Tatra, JUDr. Dagmar Raupachová, Ing. Pavel Kafka, President, Czech Management Association, Doc. Ing. Václav Peříček, General Manager, Chamber SNS, and Prof. Ing. Jiří Fárek, Technická Univerzita Liberec

ADVISORY BOARD COMITTEE H.Benke Aikell, Publisher, Leaders Magazine Ing. Petr Kubernát, Director, PEKOS s.r.o. and former Czech Ambassador to the Netherlands Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President, COMENIUS

HONORARY MEMBERS ABROAD AND GOODWILL AMBASSADORS H.E. William J. Cabaniss, former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic Vincent J. Derudder, Secretary General, The European Federation of Financial Advisers and Financial Intermediaries Frank J. Devlyn, Rotary International President 2000–2001 and Rotary Foundation Chairman 2005–2006 H.E. Alexey L. Fedotov, former Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic H.E. Richard Graber, former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic H.E. Jan Cornelis Henneman, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Czech Republic H.E. Athar Mahmood, former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Czech Republic H.E. 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

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

Josef Drebitko, CEO, D&COMM Prof. Ing. Jiří Fárek, CSc., Professor, Technická Univerzita Liberec and former First Deputy Mayor, City of Prague 6 Ing. Peter P. Formánek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Mgr. Marta Gellová, Director, Česká pojišťovna and Member of the Board, AFIZ Michal Heřman, General Manager, Star Communications Václav Hudeček, Violinist Plk. Mgr. Vladislav Husák JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Law Firm JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra & spol.

Prof. Ing. Kamil Janáček, CSc., CNB Bank Board Member and Chief Executive Director Otto Jelinek, former Canadian Cabinet Minister and current member of numerous international boards Ing. Peter Jusko, MBA, Partner, London Market Ing. Petr Kalaš, Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Agriculture of the CR and former Minister of Environment Ing. Josef Kreuter, CSc., former Czech Ambassador to the EU Prof. Dr.h.c. JUDr. Jan Kříž, CSc., Partner, Law Firm Kříž a partneři s.r.o.

Ing. Jaroslav Kubišta Genmjr. JUDr. Lubomír Kvíčala, former Director of the Department of Protection of Constitutional Officials, Police of the Czech Republic Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, former M.P. Ing. Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman Europe, Microsoft Corporation Ing. Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta a. s. and former Czech Ambassador to OECD George Parobek, Managing Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy Šárka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer Consultancy Doc. Ing. Antonín Peltrám, CSc., Advisor Doc. Ing. Václav Petříček, CSc., Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber SNS Ing. Jozef Piga, Member of the Supervisory Board, Omnipol a.s.

Ing. Lucie Pilipová, Partner, Via Perfecta, s.r.o.

Ing. Ivan Pilný, President, TUESDAY Business Network JUDr. Čestmír Sajda, MBA, former Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs MUDr. Richard Sequens, PhD., Head of Surgical Gastroenterology Center, Nemocnice Milosrdných sester sv. Karla Boromejského v Praze and former Senator PhDr. MgA. Miroslav Smolák, Owner, Galerie MIRO Mgr. Albin E. Sybera, Managing Director, Sybera Enterprises spol. s r. o.

Brigadier General Ing. Andor Šándor (ret.), Consultant PhDr. Jaroslav Šedivý CSc., former Ambassador and Minister of Foreign Affairs JUDr. Josef Šesták, Assistant Professor, Vysoká škola obchodní v Praze, o.p.s.

Ing. Radomír Šimek, Current Member of Numerous International Boards Bc. Vladimír Šiška, MBA, 1st Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Jaromír Šlápota, President, Československý ústav zahraniční Ing. Pavel Štefka, MSc, 4-star General (ret.), Chief of Defence and Special Programs, Tatra Ing. Helena Švédová, HR Director, PSG International, a.s.

Ing. Josef Tauber, Advisor to the President, Czech Banking Association Ing. Jiří Vávra, Vice Chairman, STROJEXPORT, a.s.

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

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interview

Dear Mr. President Elect, I am very pleased that the first direct presidential elections in the history of the Czech Republic went smoothly and I offer my sincere congratulations to the winner, Miloš Zeman. I am certain that the majority of voters chose him primarily on the basis of careful consideration, although voters’ personal like or dislike of particular candidates must have also played a key role in the elections, along with a perfectly organised and dynamic campaign.

Czech citizens’ most important task now is to give the new president a chance to do – for the Czech Republic, for all of us and of course for himself as well – what is most needed and what he envisioned during his election campaign as the priorities and main roles of his presidential position. To that end, I would like to take this opportunity to remind us all of his opinions and election promises, as he stated them and as they are summarised in this brief selection from the plethora of questions and responses about his approaches, preferences, decisions and work as president of the Czech Republic: Photos: Archive

PRÁVO – You have stated that you do not wish to take revenge on the Czech Social Democrat Party. But isn’t that just an attempt to appease them right now?

I still feel like a Social Democrat in my heart, because being a Social Democrat doesn’t necessarily mean being part of the political party. After all, in contrast, David Rath was part of this political party. And as a staunch Social Democrat I would not, of course, want the Czech Social Democrat Party’s position to weaken, even though I fully understand that as president I would have to be completely apolitical.

Zemannahrad.cz – What should The President of the Czech Republic’s main function be?

He should be a neutral platform enabling the ruling and opposition parties to meet and discuss issues without the presence of the media, because when this neutral platform is absent, and it doesn’t exist in the Government or in Parliament, then politicians use the media to increase their visibility. And instead of trying to reach reasonable compromises they take hard-nosed positions, but after two weeks they back down anyway because they know they aren’t realistic.

Which principles do you consider as key to developing an open civil society?

Expanding citizens’ rights by amending the election law to enable citizens to also choose political representatives that are not necessarily those preferred by a given party’s leadership.

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interview Radiožurnál – Would it bother you Mr. Zeman if twenty-three years after the Velvet Revolution of November 1989 The President of the Czech Republic was a former member of the Czech Communist Party?

You know, I am also a former member of the Czech Communist Party. But I joined the Czech Communist Party in 1968 as a student.

During the Prague Spring, when, as you surely know, the majority of society believed in the Communist Party. That was the only year in history when most people believed in it. Well, and when I went through a “verification process” in 1970, I was asked two questions: Do you agree with brotherly international help and do you agree with the normalisation process?

I answered no to both questions and I was expelled from the Communist Party, which I completely deserved from the party’s point of view.

Hospodářské noviny – You mentioned that you would be an active president, attending Government sessions frequently, speaking before the Chamber of Deputies; none of your predecessors have done that. Why is it necessary?

There have been enough presidential vetoes. And ask yourself whether the presidents to date tried to influence the character of the laws before vetoing them. They could have argued at sessions of the Government or Parliament. They could have invited members of the Government or MPs to the Prague Castle or the Lány Chateau. Not doing any one of these before vetoing a law is nothing but pure alibistic behaviour.

So you won’t veto any law that you haven’t spoken out against in the Government or the Chamber of Deputies?

Yes. If the president is unable to convince the Government or Parliament, then the mistake is his. There are situations in life when your opponent convinces you. It may have even happened to you some time, although I seriously doubt it.

Why should Czech business people vote for you instead of Karel Schwarzenberg?

Whenever I went on a trip abroad as Prime Minister or Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, I took along large delegations of business people and opened doors for them on foreign markets. I would continue in this practice. Whether I would be better at it than Mr. Schwarzenberg is up to the voters to decide.

I have already achieved this. iDNES.cz – During your current political hiatus you (as you say) read a lot, maybe even got wiser. If you could turn back time, would you try to assert something that you didn’t feel was a priority when you were Prime Minister?

I would assert my three basic priorities today, too. The first is passing a law on disclosure of information about income and property as an effective tool against corruption.

My second priority is amending the election law so that citizens would be able to choose candidates from all of the political parties, not just from one party. And finally, my third priority is increasing the ratio of investment in public expenditures to spur economic growth and create new jobs.

I am interested in your opinion on our alliance with the U.S. I deem this alliance very important, due to security concerns, particularly due to the threat of international terrorism. On the other hand, I am of the opinion that this alliance should not be one-sided and should be based on additional security pillars.

Do you foresee any improvement in the situation of the Czech Republic within a certain time horizon? In both the political and economic sense?

I believe in improvement, provided that three basic preconditions are met. First, the Government and the Parliament will not be comprised of amateurs, but professionals.

Second, corruption will be prosecuted based on effective laws, including seizure of stolen assets. Third, we will invest more and consume less. In other words, we will eat fewer apples and plant more apple trees.

Does the president have any chance to establish at least a slightly stable legislative environment? This question refers to legal amendments that are passed so very quickly and without proper consideration.

An extreme example from the recent past: VAT rates unknown three weeks before the end of the year.

The president is entitled to speak at government and parliamentary sessions to eliminate meaningless amendments. As a last resort, he is entitled to veto meaningless bills.

Why do economists correlate our annual budget deficit to the GDP, rather than the budget itself? Minister Kalousek often brags about his 3% public debt to GDP ratio, but it represents almost 10% of the budget that he controls.

Three per cent public debt to GDP ratio is an international usage set out by the Maastricht criteria. The way we measure the deficit is not important in the same way that it is unimportant what kind of thermometer we use to measure the temperature. The important thing is to have a deficit budget in crisis periods only and to have a surplus budget in periods of economic boom.

What is your prognosis concerning the overall situation in the world, Europe and the Czech Republic in 10 years’ time? You

can be very brief – personally, I am interested in geopolitics, power, war, immigration, oil peak aspects.

During the next 10 to 20 years, the global centre of gravity will move to Asia, due to the growing influence of China and India. The threat of Islamic fundamentalism will grow. In addition to the oil war, there will be a conflict tied to water resources.

Do you believe in God? I don’t, but I am a tolerant atheist who believes Jesus was a genius humanistic philosopher, a human being, not God. Novinky.cz – I would like to know your opinion on the recent amnesty. If you are elected president, do you plan to declare another amnesty when inaugurated, or afterwards, when leaving your post?

I have said many times that I am a major opponent to amnesties which I deem to be a feudal anachronism. I would not declare any amnesty if elected president.

What do you think about the impacts of church restitutions on the public debt?

I believe that this country lacks money for healthcare, education, there are cuts everywhere and they are supposed to get so much money.

During my meetings with citizens on town squares I have repeated many times that

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interview since the era of Emperor Joseph II, the church has its property leased rather than owned. It is impossible to restitute leased property.

Nevertheless, I suggest the model of the German church tax, where registered members of the Catholic Church pay 1% higher income tax and this 1% is given by the German Government to the Catholic Church.

Will you support the adoption of the euro in the Czech Republic?

Currently there are two obstacles to adopting the euro in the Czech Republic. First, the unsatisfactory condition of the state budget.

Second, the fact that prior to the adoption of the euro we are supposed to go through a two-year transition period to prove that the CZK/EUR exchange rate is stable. As soon as we overcome these obstacles – within a horizon of five to ten years – I would support the adoption of the euro. It’s important to realise that the adoption of the euro helped e.g. the Slovak economy very much.

What do you think about the rising prices of cigarettes and the new anti-smoking campaign? Can you estimate the difference between the collected amount of excise tax on cigarettes and the cost of treatment of diseases caused by smoking? Isn’t it still just business rather than concern for people’s health?

As a smoker who’s trying to quit, I am not in a position to criticise the ever growing prices of cigarettes. On the other hand, I would appreciate that the increased tax yields in this area be demonstrably expended on healthcare, and not only to treat lung cancer among smokers.

How will you support this nation’s education as president? Are you for tuition at universities?

I am against tuition and registration fees at universities. Instead I suggest levying very harsh and high sanctions against incapable students who should not be there. As you can see, criticism of tuition does not suffice, a positive alternative must also be offered.

How did you address young voters (between 18 and 30 years)? What can you offer to them as a prospective leader of this country? Do you take their votes into account?

Instead of telling young voters how much I like them I reminded this social group of the importance of acquiring an apartment which is necessary for having kids. I reiterated the achievement of my Government which gave tens of thousands of new families the chance to acquire small start-up apartments, using money from the Housing Development Fund established by my Government and funded through yields from privatisation.

I sincerely believe that the above lines constitute only a simple outline of all that you are going to do on your way to follow up on the most important promise of yours: to become the President of all the citizens of the Czech Republic, citizens of this beautiful country in the heart of Europe, and I wish you the best of luck in fulfilling this promise.

By Karel Muzikář I President of Comenius since May 3, 1990 along with many friends of the “Zeman for President Campaign.”

Reference: Zemannahrad.cz Czech Radio 1 – Radiožurnál – an interview by Martin Veselovský with presidential candidate Miloš Zeman, 17 December, 2012 Hospodářské noviny – Petr Honzejk and Jindřich Šídlo interview Miloš Zeman, 23 January, 2013 iDNES.cz – On-line interview – Miloš Zeman chats with iDNES.cz readers, 3 January, 2013 Novinky.cz – Celebrity chat, 3 January, 2013

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

12 Leaders Magazine I/2013

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From left: Pavlína Heřmánková, Spokesperson, Senate, Mons. Giuseppe Leanza, Apostolic Nuncio and Milan Štěch, Chairman, Senate

senate event

On January 10, 2013, Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senate, organized a traditional New-Year meeting of senators with the diplomatic core in the seat of the upper parliamentary chamber. The event, which took place in the Main Hall of the Wallenstein Palace, was attended by tens of Ambassadors active in Prague.

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: H.E. Detlef Lingemann, Ambassador of Germany, Jaroslav Šonka, Director, European Institute Shoah and Alena Gajdůšková, 1st Vice Chairwoman, Senate

From left: H.E. Norman Eisen, Ambassador of the USA and H.E. Detlef Lingemann, Ambassador of Germany Milan Štěch, Chairman, Senate and Eva Syková, Senator

13 From left: H.E. Victor Julian Hernandez, Ambassador of Venezuela and Jiří Bis, Senator

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From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and Jan Kohout, Advisor to the Chairman, Senate

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comenius czech 100 best/conference Coome meni n uss Soc ni ocie iety ie ty org rggan aniz ized iz ed an in i tern rnat attio atio iona nal co na conf nffer erencee “ Th The Keyy F ct Fa ctor orss of or o Suc ucce c ss ce ss”” in the he mor o niingg hou ours rs of No N ve vemb mbber 30t 0thh inn the New Gallller Ga eryy Ha er Hallll of th thee Pr Prag aguee Castl asstlle. Uniiqu quee pe p rsson onal alititie iess ha h ve had a lo lott too shaare abo bout ut thheir per e so s na nall ex e peri r ence cess wiith rea each chin ch ingg in succ su cces esss an andd th thee paart rtic icip ic ippan antts ts hav ave appr prec ecia i te ia tedd th thee si sinc ncer nc ere at attititu tude tu ud off the h spe peak aker ers. Among moong ng oth ther e s, som omee of the key voi o ce cess weree M ss.. Mar Mr arta ta Sláns láánsská ká, Fo Founde der,r, Ownnerr and Gen e erral Dir irec ecto torr of MAXIMA MAXI MA MA REAALITY LITYY, Mr Mrs.s. Libuš ibbuš ušee Šm Šmuc ucle leroová vá,, Ge Gene nera rall Di Dire recttor of Rin ingi g er Axe gi xell Sppri ring nger er CZ, H.E E. Mr. Ya Yaak akov ov Lev evy, y, Amb m as a sa sado dorr off Isr srae aeel, H.E ael, E. Mr Mr. Yu Qin ingt gtai, Amba gt Am mbass ssad ador or of th thee Pe Peop ople le’s’s Repu Re publ pu blic bl ic of Ch Chiina, a, Mr.r Tom a, mášš Cha halu lupa pa, Mi Mini nist ster er of Envir nviron onme ment nt and Mr.r Jan Zad nt adák ák,, Pr Pres esid iden entt EM EMEA EA Ennte E terp rpri rp r se Ser ri ervi viice ces,s,s, Hew e lett-Paccka kard rd Dev evel elop opme meentt Com ompa pany ny..

L ve Li vely ly collle lect ctiv ct ivee di iv disc s usssi sc sion onss fo follllow owed ed eac achh pa pane nel of the con onfe fere fe r nc re nce. e

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

Photo: Ivan Malý

Luis Aneas Fernandez, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIEELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AK TIENGESELLSCHAFT

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From right: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Petr Dvořák, General Director, Czech Television, and Luis Aneas Fernandez, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd.

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comenius czech 100 best/conference

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment of the CR, and Pavel Smutný, President, ČISOK and Partner, Císař, Češka, Smutný a spol.

Petr Dvořák, General Director, Czech Television and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius Marta Slánská, Founder, Owner and General Director, Maxima Reality and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

From left: Petr Dvořák, General Director, Czech Television, Pavel Smutný, President, ČISOK and Partner, Císař, Češka, Smutný a spol., and H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel

From left: Katie Parobek, Project Administration Manager, Laic and Kateřina Janská, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd.

From left: Vilém Tvrdík, Sales Director, Hochtief and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

MO M ORE R PHOTO HOTO HO OS AN AND EL EL EEC C TR T RO ON NIC C VER RSION O AVAI AILA LAB BLE ON BL ON W WW W.LLEA E ADEERS EADE RSMA MAG GAA ZI ZINE NE.C NE.C NE .CZ From right: Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment of the CR, H.E. Yu Quingtai, Ambassador of the People´s Republic of China, Andrea Hlaváčková, leading Czech Tennis Player, Kamila Horáčková, Head of Asset Management, Axa Winterthur Zurich, Michal Štefl, General Director, OHL ŽS, and H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel

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IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

15

29.1.2013 16:57:02

comenius czech 100 best/conference

Hannu Kasi, President and Country Manager, ABB

Andrea Hlaváčková, leading Czech Tennis Player

Marta Slánská, Founder, Owner and General Director, Maxima Reality and Jiří Uklein, Secretary General, Senate of the Parliament of the CR

H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel

Libuše Šmuclerová, General Director, Ringier Axel Springer CZ

From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, Michal Štefl, General Director, OHL ŽS, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

From left: Jan Zuska, Director, UBS AG and Šárka Ducháčová, Authorised Officer, UBS AG

Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment of the CR

16 H.E. Yu Quingtai, Ambassador of the People´s Republic of China

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Jan Zadák, President, EMEA Enterprise Services, Hewlett-Packard Development Company

Michal Štefl, General Director, OHL ŽS

Kamila Horáčková, Head of Asset Management, Axa Winterthur Zurich

29.1.2013 16:59:06

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

the best is to be the best

Photo: Ivan Malý and Anna Chlumská From left: Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senatee Presi-of the Czech Parliament and Petr Kužel, Presi dent, Czech Chamber of Commerce

PRAGUE CASTLE November 30, 2012 For already the 17th time Comenius Society organized the “CZECH CZECH 100 BEST” BEST competition. competition Over O ver 700 VIP guests attended the award ceremony traditionally taking place on the last Friday of November at the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle. The evening was attended by personalities such as Mr. Milan Štěch, Š President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Mrs. Alena Gajdůšková, 1st Vice President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Bendl, Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment, Mrs. Ludmila Müllerová, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Deputy Ministers and a number of Ambassadors. As is the tradition of the gala evening, companies having an immediate impact on the living standard of the Czech population were awarded in eight distinct subject categories: Tourism and Hotel Industry, Dynamic Growth and Stability, Information and Communication Technologies, Invention – Commitment – Export – Profit, Construction & Development, Manufacturing Cooperatives, Agriculture and Food Industry, Health – Education – Humanity. The last category has for the first time had a special addition, a subcategory awarding Prof. Milan Hejný and also the inventors of the numerical game called Abaku for their exceptional contribution to Mathematics.

All winners of the Czech 100 Best together with Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Parliament and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

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29.1.2013 17:00:42

the best is to be the best

From left: Jiří Maceška, Chairman, Supervisory Board, Česká pošta with his wife and Benke Aikell, your publisher

Jan Kohout, President, Czech Chinese Chamber, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs with his wife From left: Mr. Indruch, Zdeňka Indruchová, CEO, Association of Czech Insurance Brokers, and Václav Matyáš, President, Association of Building Entrepreneurs of the Czech Republic

Luis Aneas Fernandez, CEO, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. and Katie Parobek, Project Administration Manager, Laic

Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius surrounded by moderators

Awardi Awar ding ng twe welv lvve ex exce cept ce ptio pt iona iona io nall la ladi ladi dies ess witithh th thee tititltltlee “L Laddy Pr P o” o” and six emi mine n nt genntltleem emen witi h th thee tititltlee “G Gen entltlem eman an Pro ro” be belo long lo ngged to thhe cli cllimax imax poi oint nt of th nt thee whhol ole le e en ev ening. The cer ereem emony onny wa wass co conc nclu nc luude lude d d wi with dis istititing ing nguisshhin ing ten ten “Bes te “B Bes est st of of the he Besst”” com ompa pani pani n es e of th the Cz Czec echh Repu Repu p bl blic ic andd the heir ir reppre rese sent se sent ntat ativ at ives iv ess reeccei eive vedd thei ve eir ir dipl di plom pl lom omas as ffro rom ro m th t e ha h nd ndss off Mr.r. Mililan a Ště an těch ch,, Pr ch Pres essid idennt off the Sen enat atee off the Par at arliliam liiam mennt of of the he Cze z chh Rep epub ublilic. ub lic.

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IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Lady Pro 2012 – (alphabetical order) Klára Dostálová, Radka Drexlerová, Alena Gajdůšková, Andrea Hlaváčková, Kamila Horáčková, Maureen Chang, Hana Koďousková, Tatiana Kovaříková, Eliška Kravcová, Jana Malá, Iva Perlíková, Jaroslava Valová with Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius and Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Parliament

29.1.2013 17:01:19

the best is to be the best

From left: Iva Perlíková, Domov Sv. Karla Boromejského, Miroslava Frýdecká, Superior, Domov Sv. Karla Boromejského, Zdeněk Souček, CEO, Management Focus with his wife, and Alena Svobodová, Public Relations, Prague Spring

From left: Lucie Jandová, Head of Marketing Communications & PR, ABB and Hannu Kasi, President and Country Manager, ABB Stanislav Zíma, Marketing Director, EXIM TOURS with his wife

From left: Vladimir Ermakov, General Director, Vemex and Petr Kužel, President, Czech Chamber of Commerce

From left: Tatiana Kovaříková, Fashion Designer, Boutique Tatiana with her son Max, Petr Dvořák, General Director, Czech Television, and Jan Žůrek, Managing Partner, KPMG

Ferid Nasr, Owner, EXIM TOURS with his wife

Alena Gajdůšková, 1st Vice Chairwoman of the Senate of the CR awarding Gentleman Pro: Zdeněk Souček, Tomáš Sokol, Pavel Kolář, André F. Bessel Kok, and Vladimír Dohnal

CZECH 100 BEST 2012 1 ŠKODA AUTO A.S. 2 ČEZ, A. S. 3 KOOPERATIVA POJIŠŤOVNA, A.S. 4 BEST, A.S. 5 MICROSOFT S.R.O. 6 AGROFERT HOLDING, A.S. 7 ČESKÁ SPOŘITELNA, A.S. 8 EXIM HOLDING A.S. 9 EUREST, SPOL. S R.O. 10 SEVEROČESKÉ DOLY A.S. 11 UNICORN A.S. 12 ALLIANZ POJIŠŤOVNA, A.S. 13 KOMERČNÍ BANKA, A.S. 14 TOP HOTELS GROUP A.S. 15 ŠKODA POWER A.S. 16 KPMG ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, S.R.O. 17 RWE TRANSGAS, A.S. 18 DELOITTE ADVISORY S.R.O. 19 S GROUP HOLDING A.S.

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20 VÍTKOVICE HOLDING, A.S. 21 MOUNTFIELD A.S. 22 KAREL HOLOUBEK – TRADE GROUP A.S. 23 BOHEMIA SEKT, S.R.O. 24 LINDE GAS A.S. 25 ČESKÁ ENERGIE, A.S. 26 T-MOBILE CZECH REPUBLIC A.S. 27 ČESKÉ DRÁHY, A.S. 28 AVE CZ ODPADOVÉ HOSPODÁŘSTVÍ S.R.O. 29 AGROTRADE, A.S. 30 ZÁTIŠÍ CATERING GROUP A.S. 31 ERNST & YOUNG, S.R.O. 32 IBM ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, SPOL. S R.O. 33 OKD, A.S. 34 NESS CZECH S.R.O. 35 KARLOVARSKÉ MINERÁLNÍ VODY, A.S. 36 FAKULTNÍ NEMOCNICE V MOTOLE 37 ŘÍZENÍ LETOVÉHO PROVOZU ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, S.P. 38 FINCENTRUM A.S. 39 RINGIER AXEL SPRINGER CZ A.S.

MOR MO REE PH HO OTTO OS AN ND EL EL EC EC TRON T RON TR ONIC NIC C VER RSI S ON N AVAAIILLAABLE AV BLE ON BL ON W W WW W.L .LEA LEEAADE DE R DERS RS SM MAAGA GA ZI ZN NEE.C CZ

40 GECO, A. S. 41 EXCON, A.S. 42 SEZNAM.CZ, A.S. 43 STUDENT AGENCY, S.R.O. 44 KAPSCH TELEMATIC SERVICES SPOL. S R.O. 45 CZ LOKO, A.S. 46 OVB ALLFINANZ, A.S. 47 3M ČESKO, SPOL. S R.O. 48 SCANSERVICE A.S. 49 PLZEŇSKÝ PRAZDROJ, A. S. 50 VODAFONE CZECH REPUBLIC A.S. 51 JANEK SPOL. S R.O. 52 TELEFÓNICA CZECH REPUBLIC, A.S. 53 DELL COMPUTER SPOL. S R.O. 54 OKIN GROUP, A.S. 55 VEMEX S.R.O. 56 ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ OBCHODNÍ BANKA, A.S. 57 BONECO A.S. 58 ČESKÁ POŠTA, S.P. 59 G-TEAM A.S. 60 RUDOLF JELÍNEK A.S.

61 ČESKÁ POJIŠŤOVNA, A.S. 62 ZENOVA SERVICES S.R.O. 63 ALTA, A.S. 64 ABB S.R.O. 65 ZŘUD-MASOKOMBINÁT PÍSEK CZ, A.S. 66 SKANSKA A.S. 67 BLAŽEK PRAHA A.S. 68 MLADÁ FRONTA A.S. 69 XAVERGEN, A.S. 70 SPORTISIMO S.R.O 71 KOH-I-NOOR HOLDING A.S. 72 SYNOT W, A.S. 73 GRADA PUBLISHING, A.S. 74 BRISK TÁBOR A.S. 75 J & T BANKA, A.S. 76 ZVVZ GROUP, A.S. 77 EVROPSKO-RUSKÁ BANKA A.S. 78 SERVIS CLIMAX A.S. 79 INTERCORA, SPOL. S R.O. 80 ASE, S.R.O. 81 PRAŽSKÁ ENERGETIKA, A.S.

82 PSJ, A.S. 83 LE & CO – ING. JIŘÍ LENC, S.R.O. 84 CARBOUNION BOHEMIA, SPOL. S R.O. 85 VYSOKÁ ŠKOLA FINANČNÍ A SPRÁVNÍ, O.P.S. 86 MARK2 CORPORATION CZECH A.S. 87 PROMOPRO S.R.O. 88 MP KRÁSNO, A.S. 89 CS DATA, S.R.O. 90 ŠKODA JS A.S. 91 SPRÁVA ŽELEZNIČNÍ DOPRAVNÍ CESTY, STÁTNÍ ORGANIZACE 92 BIOCEL PASKOV A.S. 93 VOMA, S.R.O. 94 ELTODO EG, A.S. 95 TOKOZ A.S. 96 ČESKÁ ZBROJOVKA A.S. 97 OKSYSTEM S.R.O. 98 GZ DIGITAL MEDIA, A.S. 99 LÁZNĚ BĚLOHRAD A.S. 100 CANADIAN MEDICAL CARE, ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA SPOL. S R.O.

29.1.2013 17:02:11

the best is to be the best

Sponzored by

From left: Miroslav Valenta Jr., SYNOT, Lenka Smolinská, SYNOT, Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman, Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, and Tomáš Šlápota, Vice President, MADFINGER Games

From left: Robert Paskovský, CEO, WBI Systems, Roman Cabálek, General Manager, Microsoft, and Tomáš Sýkora, Sales and Marketing Manager, WBI Systems with the winning award

Tomáš Hruda, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and Barbora Holková, Head of the Office of the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports

From left: Vladimír Dohnal, President, Top Hotels Group, Kateřina Gazárková, General Manager, Albion Hotel & Congress Centre, Ludmila Dohnalová, and Radek Dohnal, General Manager, Top Hotels Group

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Zbyněk Pardubský, Deputy General Manager, Public Relations, Huawei Technologies

Tatiana Fashion show

CZECH 100 BEST 2012 TOURISM & HOTEL INDUSTRY ALBATROSS GOLF RESORT CESTOVNÍ KANCELÁŘ EXIM TOURS A.S. ČEDOK A.S. ČESKÁ TELEVIZE ESO TRAVEL A.S. OREA HOTELS A.S. TOP HOTELS GROUP A.S. DYNAMIC GROWTH & STABILITY AVE CZ ODPADOVÉ HOSPODÁŘSTVÍ S.R.O. CZ LOKO, A.S. ENERGIE-STAVEBNÍ A BÁŇSKÁ, A.S. GECO, A. S. KAREL HOLOUBEK – TRADE GROUP A.S. MÉDEA A.S. SOFTWARE AG, S.R.O.

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AGRICULTURE & FOOD INDUSTRY FARMA BASÍK KARLOVARSKÉ MINERÁLNÍ VODY, A.S. MADETA A. S. MORAS AKCIOVÁ SPOLEČNOST OLMA, A.S. ÚNĚTICKÝ PIVOVAR A.S. ZEELANDIA SPOL. S R.O. ZEMĚDĚLSKÉ DRUŽSTVO HNOJICE INVENTION – COMMITMENT – EXPORT – PROFIT ENERGO-PRO A.S. HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES (CZECH) S.R.O. MADFINGER GAMES, A.S. ŘÍZENÍ LETOVÉHO PROVOZU ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, STÁTNÍ PODNIK SMÍŠENÁ ČESKO ČÍNSKÁ KOMORA VZÁJEMNÉ SPOLUPRÁCE SPORTISIMO S.R.O. VEMEX S.R.O.

MANUFACTURING COOPERATIVES INTEGRA, VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO, ZLÍN KOVO KONICE VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO KOVOBEL, VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO MECHANIKA PROSTĚJOV, VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO OTAVA, VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO STYL PLZEŇ, VÝROBNÍ DRUŽSTVO ICT DELL COMPUTER SPOL. S R.O. IBM ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, SPOL. S R.O. ICZ A.S. IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY LTD. NESS CZECH S.R.O. SEZNAM.CZ, A.S. WBI SYSTEMS A.S. CONSTRUCTIONS & DEVELOPMENT CZECH PROPERTY INVESTMENTS, A.S. ČESKÁ ENERGIE, A.S. EXCON, A.S.

HOCHTIEF CZ A. S. INTERCORA, SPOL. S R.O. OHL ŽS, A.S. POZEMNÍ STAVITELSTVÍ ZLÍN A.S. S GROUP HOLDING A.S. HEALTH – EDUCATION – HUMANITY GYMNÁZIUM JANA NERUDY LÉKAŘI BEZ HRANIC V ČR MASARYKOVA UNIVERZITA ÚSTŘEDNÍ VOJENSKÁ NEMOCNICE VYSOKÁ ŠKOLA CHEMICKO-TECHNOLOGICKÁ ZAJÍČEK NA KONI O.S. TOPIC OF THE YEAR: MATHEMATICS PROF. RNDR. MILAN HEJNÝ, CSC. POČETNÍ HRA ABAKU LADY PRO KLÁRA DOSTÁLOVÁ RADKA DREXLEROVÁ ALENA GAJDŮŠKOVÁ

ANDREA HLAVÁČKOVÁ KAMILA HORÁČKOVÁ MAUREEN CHANG HANA KOĎOUSKOVÁ TATIANA KOVAŘÍKOVÁ ELIŠKA KRAVCOVÁ JANA MALÁ IVA PERLÍKOVÁ JAROSLAVA VALOVÁ GENTLEMAN PRO VLADIMÍR DOHNAL LIBOR HÁJEK ANDRÉ F. BESSEL KOK PROFESOR PAVEL KOLÁŘ TOMÁŠ SOKOL PROFESOR ZDENĚK SOUČEK

29.1.2013 17:03:08

the best is to be the best

Best of the Best. Top 10 awarded by Milan Štěch, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic

From left: Jiří Weigl, Chancellor, Office of the President with his wife and Ladislav Dráb, CEO and Chairman, GSCEP a.s.

From left: Jan Lešták, Owner, JL Eye Clinic Prague, Alena Miro, Soprano Soloist, Prague State Opera, and Peter Jusko, Partner, London Market From left: Michal Feix, CEO, Seznam.cz with his wife and Karel Feix, Managing Director, Kapsch Telematic Services

Petr Bendl, Minister of Agriculture of the CR and Mrs. Petra Filipová

Ondřej Beránek, Managing Director, Bohemia Sekt with his wife

21 Jindřich Zdráhal, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director, Mechanika Prostějov with his daughter

Comenius.indd 21

From left: Jan Zadák, President, EMEA Enterprise Services, Hewlett-Packard Development Company with his wife and Martin Procházka, Managing Director, OK system with his wife

29.1.2013 17:03:53

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

the best is to be the best

Ministr of Agriculture Petr Bendl awarding the winners of Agriculture category Klára Dostálová, Director, CEP and Lubomír Franc, Governor of the Region Hradec Králové

From left: Daniel Beneš, Chairman/CEO ČEZ, Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Parliament, and Libuše Šmuclerová, CEO, Ringier Axel Springer CZ

Mrs. Maureen Chang, Chateau Roztěž/ Casa Serena Golf Course receives the honor of Lady Pro 2012

G. Sukumar, Director, United Enterprises with his wife, Mrs. Maureen Chang, Chateau Roztěž/Casa Serena Golf Course and daughters of Mrs. and Mr. Muzikář

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Comenius.indd 22

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Katie Parobek, Project Administration Manager, Laic, Ifield Computer Consultancy Ltd. and Tomáš Hruda, Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Sports

29.1.2013 17:05:03

the best is to be the best

Sponzored by

Winners of Travel Industry category and Jiří Weigl, Chancellor, Office of the President of the Czech Republic

The award in Invention – Commitment – Export – Profit category was accepted by Zbyněk Pardubský, Deputy General Manager, Huawei Technologies, on the right Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment

Winners of Health – Education – Humanity category with Milan Hejný and Zdeněk Čáp, both awarded for benefit to the topic of the year: Mathematics From left: Michael Hynek, Associate Director, Client Advisor, UBS AG, Šárka Ducháčková, Representative, UBS AG, and Tomáš Březina, Chairman of the Board of Directors, BEST with his wife

Winners of Building Industry category

Michal Feix, Executive Director, Seznam.cz, receiving the award in Information & Communication Technologies category from the Deputy Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Tomáš Hruda

23 Tomáš Chalupa, Minister of Environment awarding the winners of Invention – Commitment – Export – Profit category

Comenius.indd 23

29.1.2013 17:06:03

On December 10th and 11th, 2012, Milan Štěch, the Chairman of the Senate and Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman of the Chamber of the Deputies of the Czech Republic, organized a conference on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Constitution of the Czech Republic. A ceremonial assembly was also held in the seat of the Senate, where both Chairpersons of the Czech Parliament spoke, along with other important guests.

senate

Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senate, during his speech at the ceremonial assembly in the Senate

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Twenty Years

From left: Hana Marvanová, former Vice Chairwoman of the Chamber of Deputies, Petr Pithart, former Vice Chairman of the Senate and Miluše Horská, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate, at the conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Czech Constitution

Senator Eliška Wagnerová and Pavel Rychetský, Chairman of the Constitutional Court, at the conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Czech Constitution Klára M. Doležalová hosted the ceremonial evening in the Senate, where the Cancioneta Praga Choir performed

24 MORE MO RE PHO OTO TOS S AN AND D ELL EC C TR T O ON NIC NI IC VER RSI SIO ON O N AAVVAI AILA L AB BLLE ON W WW B WW.LLEA E DE D RS SM MAAGAA ZI ZINE NE.C NE .C CZ

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Organizers and main guests of the ceremonial assembly of the Senate, from left: Milan Uhde, Chairman of the National Council at the time of issuing of the Czech Constitution, Pavel Rychetský, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic, Miroslava Němcová, Chairwoman of the Chamber of Deputies, Milan Štěch, Chairman of the Senate, Aleš Gerloch, Dean of the Charles University Faculty of Law, Jiří Drahoš, Chairman of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic

29.1.2013 20:17:54

From left: Silvia Gašparovičová, H.E. Ivan Gašparovič, President of the Slovak Republic, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Livia Klausová

state visit

At the invitation of President Václav Klaus, President of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Ivan Gašparovič with his wife Silvia visited the Czech Republic, on December 10th–11th, 2012. The festive dinner was held at the Prague Castle.

From left: Livia Klausová, H.E. Ivan Gašparovič, President of the Slovak Republic, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic and Silvia Gašparovičová

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IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

25

29.1.2013 18:19:47

networking/gourmet ne et or etworking/gour etwo orking/ ourmet eev event at Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa

From left: Jan Malat, M.D., Secretary 2012–2013, NASA MRI – Neuroradiology, Rotary Club Prague International, Mgr. Alena Kopejtková, and Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, former M.P.

Christmas Leaders Magazine

Advisory Board Dinner From left: Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President, Comenius and H.E. Aitzaz Ahmed, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Michael Serences, IT/Office Manager, Leaders Magazine

26 26 Mgr. Marta Gellová, Director, Česká Pojišťovna and Member of the Board AFIZ and Jaroslav Stůj, former General Manager, DPP

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From left: Ira Saul Rubenstein, Partner, Traficon, and Ing. Marek Venuta, Consultant, UNIQA

29.1.2013 20:57:40

nnetworking/gourmet ettw etw worki rking/gourmet rkin ingg/g g ou ourmet our urrme met even eve event vennt nt

From left: JUDr. Karel Černovský, JUDr. Renáta Vesecká, PhD., Advocate, and Ing. Miloš Janů, Promexim

H.E. Aitzaz Ahmed, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and H.E. Annika Jagander, Ambassador of Sweden

Jaromír Šlápota, President, Československý ústav zahraniční and Ing. Marek Venuta, Consultant, UNIQA

From left: G. Sukumar, Director, United Enterprises, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Prof.

Ing. Jiří Balík, CSc., Rector CZU

From left: Leo Jakimič, General Director, Lasvit and Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President, Comenius

From left: Ing. Jiří Maceška, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Česká pošta a.s. and Ing. Vladimír Laštůvka, former M.P.

From left: Genmjr. JUDr. Lubomír Kvíčala, former Director, Department of Protection of Constitutional Officials, Police of the Czech Republic with wife Hana, Mrs. Stanislava Janáčková, Milena Horčicová, Director, Ministry of Finance, and Prof. Ing. Kamil Janáček, CSc., Member of the CNB Bank Board and Chief Executive Director

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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 succes-sfully develop a project such as Leaders Magazine. I understand 27 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 29.1.2013 20:26:31

nnetworking/gourmet network netw ne workinng/gou w /gourmet et event

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Promexim, PhDr. Jana Kozmanová, Csc., VŠE Praha, Zora Blümlová, Msc., Head of Director General Office, Český Rozhlas, Ing. Karel Muzikář, CSc., President, Comenius, and RNDr. Ing. Peter Kozma, DrSc., CEO, Securex

From left: Pavel Petkov, Vice Chairman, Credit Committee, ANO, Spořitelní družstvo with his partner Monika Reidlová and JUDr. Libuše Schlossbergerová, Legislative Lawyer, Ministry of Finance

From left: Leo Jakimič, General Director, Lasvit and Jan Malat, M.D., Secretary 2012–2013, NASA MRI – Neuroradiology, Rotary Club Prague International Ing. Ivan Pilný, President, TUESDAY Business Network

From left: Lenka Helena Koenigsmark, Head of Editorial, Leaders Magazine and JUDr. Renáta Vesecká, PhD., Advocate

Ing. Michal Heřman, General Manager, Star Communications

28 From left: Ing. Radomír Šimek, former President, DTIHK, now Member of the Board, Industry and Dr. Josef Reiter CEO, BMW Group

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From left: G. Sukumar, Director, United Enterprises, Manjeet Malik, President, Indian-Czech Joint Chamber of Commerce, and Rudolf Fischer, President, DTIHK

29.1.2013 20:28:09

nnetworking/gourmet et etworkking ing/gourm ing/ g/g /g rm /go /gou met m ett eevent evvent ntt

Emanuel Šíp, Partner, Allied Progress Consultants

From left: Ing. Petr Kubernát, Director, PEKOS, Lenka Helena Koenigsmark, Head of Editorial, Leaders Magazine and Martin Opatrný, PR, UAMK

PhDr. Miroslav Krupička, Director Radio Praha

Dr. Světla Prokešová, HR and Marketing Specialist, Allied Progress Consultants

From left: PhDr. MgA. Miroslav Smolák, Owner, Galerie MIRO and Ing. Helena Leisztner, Artist, Designer and Board Member of FNMWA with her husband Ing. Roland Leisztner

From left: JUDr. Libuše Schlossbergerová, Legislative Lawyer, Ministry of Finance and Dr. Otakar Schlossberger, PhD., Head of Banking and Insurance Department, Faculty of Economic Studies, University of Finance and Administration

MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

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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.

29 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

29.1.2013 18:08:03

gala evening/charity ball

Dancing

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

The “Austrian Ball” – Ball of the Association of Austrians living in the Czech Republic has been organized since 2000. This very beautiful Viennese style ball takes place in the noble ambience of the Žofín Palace. Not only Austrians are taking part in this ball, but also a considerable number of (young and not so young) Czechs, politicians, ambassadors and VIP’s. Although this event is quite young, it managed to become one of the highlights of Prague’s social life. The profit from the ball is used for charity purposes.

30 MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

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From left: H.E. Ferdinand Trauttmansdorff, Ambassador of Austria, Pavel Dobeš, former Minister of Transport with his wife, and Alexander Lochman, Chairman, Bacchus Vins & Champagnes with his wife

30.1.2013 11:00:46

From left: Mgr. Marta Gellová, Director, Česká Pojišťovna and Member of the Board AFIZ, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Marie Haasová, AUDITOR

Jiří Menzel, Film Director with his wife Olga

Mag. Georg Stöger, Managing Partner, AUDITOR and President of VÖT, Host of the Austrian Ball

From left: Heinz Reigl, E.H.R. with his wife and Dr. Erwin Hanslik, Attorney at Law, TaylorWessing with his wife

Jiří Zimola, Governor of the Region of South Bohemia with his wife

From left: Jonathan Hallett, Managing Partner, Cushman & Wakefield, Omar Sattar, Managing Director, Colliers Int., and Timothy Duffill, Advocate, Portland

Petr Minařík, Marketing Manager, BMW Group CR, General Sponsor of the Austrian Ball with his wife

31 From left: JUDr. Ing. Zdeněk Zemek, Chairman, Z-Group and Josef Drebitko, CEO/Chairman, Activ

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Mag. Georg Stöger, Managing Partner, AUDITOR and President of VÖT, Host of the Austrian Ball with his wife

30.1.2013 12:03:42

From left: Mrs. Daniela Flejšarová, Mrs. Margrit Trauttmansdorff, and Mrs. Magdalena Souček

Mario Moser, After Sales Manager, BMW Group CR and Veronika Jakubcová, Corporate Communication Manager, BMW Group CR, General Sponsor of the event

From left: Michal Spiller, Country Manager, LINDT with his wife Carole, Colonel Singh, Defence, India with his wife, and Marc Groenewoud, Customer Management Director at Makro Cash and Carry CR with his wife Kathja

Bernard Bauer, Executive Director of the Board, German Czech Chamber of Commerce with his wife

Mrs. Pavlína Filipi and Felix Slováček, Musician

H.E. Ferdinand Trauttmansdorff, Ambassador of Austria

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From left: Dr. Erwin Hanslik, Attorney at Law, TaylorWessing with his wife, Mag. Georg Stöger, Managing Partner, AUDITOR with his wife, H.E. Ferdinand Trauttmansdorff, Ambassador of Austria with his wife, and Jiří Zimola, Governor of the Region of South Bohemia with his wife

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Dr. Peter Hodecek, Member of the Board, Kovošrot Group CZ with his partner

Mrs. Magdalena Souček, and her daughter

30.1.2013 11:05:07

O Jan On a ua uary ry 8, thhre reee da days ys bef efore the presidennttiial elections, a Zlatá Koruunaa for o um m witth the thhe suubj bjec ectt ec of Thhee Pre resi s de si dent nt forr the h Way Out of Cr Crisis toook place in Prague. Thr hree ee pre resi side si dent de nttia iall caanddid idat aattes es, Jannaa Bob Ja o oš ošík šík íkov o á, ov á, Jiř iříí Diien enst sttbi bier er and Mililoš er oš Zem e an res espo pond nded ed to question onss po pose sedd by eco c no nomi mist mi stss st andd bu an busi s ne si n ss ssme m n pr me pres esen ent.t. The heyy ou o tlin tllined edd theeiirr ide deas as about the further dev evel elop opme ment me nt of thhe eccon o omy, om my, y ass wel ell as as abo bout u how thhee preesiiddeentt sho ut houl uldd fu ul fulflflfililll hiss orr herr rolle in the tim mess ahe head a . Onne of thee ad maain m in sub ubje ject cts ts wa was as th the fi the f igghht ag agai ainstt co corrrup upttiion. Bu B t the cand nddiddattes e too ookk on on evveen m moorree coom mpplleexx eccon ec onom on omic micc prroobl blem eem mss,, suucch as as the he mon onet etaarr y uunnio nio ions ions ns and n gennerral al pre rere reequis quuis isites itites for o eco cono nomi no mic mi ic gr growth wthh.

Participants of the Zlatá Koruna Forum

The President

Those discussing with the candidates included Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman Europe, Microsoft Corporation, and Michal Mejstřík, Professor of Economy, IES FSV UK

From left: Jiří Dienstbier and Miloš Zeman in discussion with Jan Mládek, Economist

Andrej Babiš, Enterpreneur

M RE PHO MO OTO TOS S AN AND EL AND E EC C TR T ON O IC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

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The speakers of the forum debate even shared a laugh, from left: Jana Bobošíková, Miloš Zeman, host Přemysl Čech and Jiří Dienstbier

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

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29.1.2013 18:55:17

KB Pension Company

PAVEL JIRÁK: Personal Pension Savings Must Be a Common Part of Our Life Since the beginning of this year, Czechs now have further options for their retirement savings. New products in the II. and III. pillar of the pension system enable savings in various funds with diverse investment instruments and, mainly, open a path to further limiting their dependency on state-paid pensions.

In the long term, one of the most reliable partners for pension savings is the Komerční Banka Group.

We discussed these new savings options with Pavel Jirák, the Chairman of the Board of the KB Penzijní společnost (KB Pension Company) and concurrently a member of the Presidium of the Association of Pension Funds of the Czech Republic.

Over 520,000 citizens of the Czech Republic know KB Pension Fund (Penzijní fond Komerční banky) as their partner for pension savings. Why did the change to KB Pension Company (KB Penzijní společnost) take place at the beginning of the year?

The KB Pension Fund was transformed into the KB Pension Company in the beginning of this year in accordance with rules stipulated by law within the pension reform. Among other aspects, the property of participants who have their savings with us was separated from the property of the company itself. According to the law, participants and benefit recipients from the KB Pension Fund thus became participants in the Transformed Fund of the KB

Pension Company and continue saving or receiving benefits according to their originally valid contracts and conditions.

Those newly interested in savings concluded contracts for savings in the II. and III. pillar, according to the new rules, with the KB Pension Company. They can thereby use certain new features, such as the choice of investment strategy and the option to influence the amount of potential revenue of their savings.

Let’s take it step by step, then. How does the II. pillar actually work and what are its main benefits?

The II. pillar is based on an opt-out principle, meaning taking a part of the levy to social care from the state-run I. pillar into the voluntary II. pillar (specifically, those payments to social care will decrease from 28 % of gross income to 25 %, while 3 % will be transferred to the II. pillar maintained by the pension company).

All this occurs under the condition that the participant adds another 2% from their gross income to the mentioned 3%. The goal of this setting is to motivate citizens to save on their own with the pension company, thereby creating additional income to finance their pension.

The benefit of savings in the II. pillar is that you don’t transfer the 3 % of your gross income to the state, but save it for yourself to your individual account. The saved money will be yours in the future or will be passed on to your heirs. The more you save, the higher your pension distributed from the II. pillar will be.

The media also mentioned threats from the opposition parties, that in case of their victory in election, they would revoke the II. pillar. Shouldn’t citizens be concerned regarding their savings when entering the II. pillar?

Our job is to convince citizens that pension savings must become a common part of family financial planning. In the future, there could be certain corrections of specific parameters regarding pension savings, but given the demographic development and the development of public finance, cancelling the II. pillar would be very irresponsible.

I’m therefore convinced that there won’t be any cancellation of the II. pillar and any threat of some nationalization of savings is, in my view, unthinkable and unconstitutional.

Strictly hypothetically, even if there were a cancellation, the participants of the II. pillar would by no means lose their saved funds.

I assume they would all be transferred to the III. pillar (which would be very profitable, despite the decrease of state income) or that the 3 % would be returned to pillar I. and the 2 %, including revenue, would be transferred to the III. pillar.

Can any citizen of the Czech Republic enter the II. pillar, including an entrepreneur who is not an employee?

Naturally, entrepreneurs can enter the II. pillar as well because, just like employees, they can decrease their obligatory payments to pension insurance in the I. pillar, from which the state currently pays out current retirees, by 3% and thus save for their own pension.

There is an important aspect of age – citizens older than 35 must decide to enter the II. pillar

by June 30th of this year. Citizens younger than 35 can enter the II. pillar at the latest by the year during which they reach the age of 35.

And what about the III. pillar? Is it still beneficial to citizens?

The III. pillar of the pension system is among the most profitable financial products on the Czech market. The option to choose this

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KB Pension Company investment strategy, gain state support for up to 230 CZK per month and decrease one’s tax base, as well as to receive contributions from employee, makes savings in the III. pillar the most profitable financial product available to everyone.

A number of participants are already saving in the III. pillar by their original, now transformed, funds. Will the change of rules somehow affect the payments of state support?

WHY SAVE WITH KB PENSION COMPANY? KB Pension Company will not charge asset management fees and performance fees to all participants who conclude their contract in the II. pillar this year.

And more.

G

G

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These clients should simply increase their monthly contributions so that, in the worst case, they won’t miss the state support (newly it is necessary to be saving at least 300 CZK per month) or, in the better case, that they will receive support in the maximum available amount (with monthly saving of at least 1,000 CZK) or, possibly that they would use the tax relief to the maximum and save 2,000 CZK per month.

The funds in the II. as well as III. pillar now allow clients to select the right profile for their savings. Isn’t this too complicated and possibly even too risky for most citizens?

True, in both pillars, clients can now decide how should their money be invested. The benefit to them is the fact that, according to their age, investment goals and income level, they can select a ratio of risk and potential profit.

The selected type of investment can be changed at any time, free of charge.

KB Pension Company fully understands that a great majority of citizens don’t want or cannot actively care for their savings and regularly monitor the development of financial markets.

So, we decided to offer three „types“ of lifecycle saving strategies in both the pillars (growth, balanced and conservative) that are set up in relation to the clients‘ risk and age.

Additionally, we prepared a number of other services that will simplify savings. For example, we will provide a gradual decrease of risk in the portfolio with the approaching retirement age of the client or the so-called balancing of the ratio of the individual funds in the portfolio, should it divert from a predetermined framework due to developments in the capital markets.

G

KB Pension Company is one of the largest companies in the pension product market. It was created through the transformation of the KB Pension Fund and it maintains property exceeding 32 billion CZK for over 520.000 participants.

In KB Pension company, the savings strategy can be changed several times per year, FREE OF CHARGE. Compared to other investments, pension savings have very low maintenance fees.

You can monitor your savings in KB Pension Company online. You can also change the basic parameters of contracts of ask for the payment of benefits through your internet account.

Enjoy discounted package programs of spa and wellness treatments from the KB Pension Company partners and the loyalty SPHERE card, with discounts of up to 30 % in a network of approximately 9,000 shops in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

We will find a suitable savings strategy for you as well. Call our toll-free info line 800 111 124 or visit the www.kbps.cz web site. you can risk more, with the goal of receiving higher profits. However, in the period closer to retirement, you will appreciate a more conservative strategy that will sustain the value of your savings even in times of unfavorable developments in financial markets. Because not every citizen is an investment specialist, KB Pension Company prepared the life-cycle strategies to monitor such rules for you.

Simply put, thanks to the KB Pension Company life-cycle strategy, there is an automatic regrouping of investments in the participant portfolios with their approaching retirement age. Over time, the ratio of equity decreases as opposed to bonds and financial market tools.

The participants in the additional pension insurance positively evaluated the guarantee of recoverability of funds. Are you also preparing something similar for your new clients?

When preparing the offer of new products, we were very well aware that a great number of participants decided to sign up for additional pension insurance due to the guarantee of no negative valorization of the funds. This is why we also added to our offer in the KB III. pillar an insured participant fund, which ensures the recoverability of saved funds, as well as the highest value of the pension unit over I a 10-year horizon.

What is the basis for this life-cycle strategy?

Over the course of decades of savings, there will be changes in your income and relationship to risk, as well as the required profit.

When you have decades left to your retirement,

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30.1.2013 12:28:55

interview

Zbyněk Stanjura, Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic Photo: Luděk Krušinský

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29.1.2013 16:30:30

interview A talk with Zbyněk Stanjura, Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic Zbyněk Stanjura (1964) graduated in electronic computers from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Brno University of Technology in 1987. After graduating from university, he worked as a programmer at Agroprojekt Opava until 1991, after which he joined ESKON s.r.o., initially as a programmer (1992–1996) before rising to Company Director (1996–2002). Since 1997, he has been a Member of the City of Opava Assembly. Between 1998 and 2010 he was a Member of the City Council, and from 2002 to 2010 he was the Mayor of Opava. From 2000 to 2011 he was a Member of the Moravian-Silesian Regional Assembly, and until 2008 he was also a Member of the Regional Council. Between 2003 and 2010, he was Chairman of the Silesia Euroregion.

He has also served as Vice President of the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic (2005–2009). Since 2010, he has been a Member of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and from 2011 to December 2012 was the Deputy Chairman of the ODS Parliamentary Club. He has been a member of the ODS since 1991. In the period from 1997 to 2002, he was Chairman of the Opava Local ODS Association. From 2000 to 2002, he was Deputy Chairman of the Regional ODS Association of MoraviaSilesia, and since 2002 has been the Chairman thereof. From 2000 to 2010, he was Chairman of the ODS Club in the MoravianSilesian Region. He has been a Member of the ODS Executive Council since 2002 and a Member of the ODS Board since 2011.

Zbyněk Stanjura has been the Minister of Transport since December 12, 2012.

Your appointment as the Minister of Transport was quite surprising. Was it unexpected for you as well?

Yes, I have to admit, it was indeed. I’ve served as the ODS deputy group head. Surely, I assumed that I would stay at this post until the end of the term.

In this respect, what are your priorities?

First of all, I’d like to see a better quality of preparation for construction. Moreover, we need to set up priorities of state with regard to the construction of transport infrastructure. Additionally, we also need to use the investment money in an effective way. Last but not least, I’d like to reduce operating expenses of the ministry as well.

Anyway, according to the Prime Minister, Peter Nečas, the Ministry of Transport itself should merge with the Ministry of Industry within 18 months. Do you find this solution reasonable? What are the advantages, and at the same time, where do you see difficulties of this plan?

Yes, I find it very reasonable. A single ministry of economy without division into particular sectors (energy, transport, communications, construction, etc.) can prepare a fundamental concept of economic policy in a much better way, and thus a favourable business environment can be established. The biggest risk is the relatively short period of time for the establishment of legislation needed prior to the merger of both ministries.

So, what strategy do you aim to apply for the merger?

My strategy is relatively simple. Prior to the merger itself, I’d like to reduce the volume of agenda and thus ensure a greater effectiveness of the activities of both ministries. Furthermore, I want to set up effective mechanisms for the

management of institutions and companies belonging to both ministries, and in coordination with the Ministry of Trade and Industry implement rules aimed at the internal operation of the thus merged institution.

What is your vision for funding the construction and repair of roads and highways in the Czech Republic? What particularly should be done, in this respect, with regard to the successful disbursement of EU funds aimed at the aforementioned projects?

Presently, I plan to transform the Road and Motorway Directorate of the Czech Republic (ŘSD – Ředitelství silnic a dálnic – editorial note) into a corporation. We draw our inspiration from surrounding countries like Austria and Slovakia.

The corporation is going to have a guaranteed income (toll, highway signs, road tax, and share of excise duty on mineral oils). Additionally, one crucial key to improving disbursement from the EU funds, among other things, is a high-quality of preparation of construction, as well as an open and transparent selection of suppliers.

The priority project is undoubtedly the reconstruction of the highway D1. Can we soon expect its necessary repairs and completion? In this respect, what other projects are essential?

The reconstruction of several key sections of our oldest highway D1 is going to be started this year. However, a selection procedure of suppliers has already been completed.

Why do you want to transform the ŘSD into a corporation?

The main reasons are to ensure better management of the owner, and moreover, to ensure our own resources aimed at transport infrastructure, and lastly to enable the use of standard credit sources for this company.

At this point, can we now state where

a nearly two-million CZK loss from ČD Cargo has emerged?

The vast majority of losses are from accounting operations, the revaluation of assets in the amount of approximately 1.2 billion CZK, and the creation of a reserve for the restructuring of over 0.5 billion CZK (including funds for severance pay). The actual operating loss will be approximately 11.5 % of the total loss.

So, how do you want to restructure it?

The restructuring plan is under discussion at the moment. However, among its key features are a reduction in the number of jobs and operating expenses, as well as the liquidation or sale of redundant assets. Also, the trade policy of ČD Cargo should be enhanced, and the role of the state within the area of particular shipments has been thoroughly discussed.

The register of vehicles has been currently undergoing an endurance test as well. Does it work properly in all regions?

Well, I’d like to point out that the basic features of the register are working well, but unfortunately, I have to admit, I am obviously not satisfied with it.

So, what are your wishes for the Ministry of Transport in 2013?

Primarily, I wish the whole ministry to have less problems with both the preparation and implementation of construction.

Do you have time for your hobbies? How do you relax?

I have only a little time for my hobbies. At the moment the best relaxation for me is time to spend with my family.

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

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29.1.2013 16:30:46

global perspectives

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

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29.1.2013 16:31:14

global perspectives 70 percent of startups in the EU survive the first two key years of existence. This is good news in comparison with the long-held belief that the majority of businesses actually fail in the first year. In fact, there’s more to be concerned about further down the road.

According to OECD, only 50 percent of startups in the EU make it to five years. The Czech startup landscape is similar to that of the EU. The percentage of presently active Czech startups and those currently being set up in the first phase is actually above the average percentage in the EU. This is a great sign because it shows strong entrepreneurial spirit. However, that rate balances out with the business failure rate, which is slightly higher than the EU average. The possibility of going bankrupt is the most feared risk among business startups, as revealed by an OECD survey. But after the initial first years of getting established in a corner of the market, and generating and acquiring funds, startups face an additional type of challenge, one much less talked about. Why do so many young businesses fail or lose their edge after succeeding at the major task of securing financing and commercializing their strategy? What are some entrepreneurs missing? And, what are the solutions to help stabilize growth?

Commercial success and financing is not enough to grow a startup into a sustainable enterprise. An additional challenge for new entrepreneurs is talent management. It is surprising how many startups are starved for mentorship in the area of people development.

People are the fundamental building blocks of any business. Furthermore, competitors can copy almost everything in a business but the people. Yet people development, soft skills and EQ (Emotional Quotient inventory, sometimes also abbreviated as EQ-i, is a measure of emotional and social intelligence) are not taught in the educational system.

I am involved in an advisory capacity with several organizations, including the European Academy of Business in Society, the Junior Achievement Young Enterprise Europe, as well as AIESEC, the world’s largest student-run organization and an international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential. When I coach startups and young entrepreneurs, I see some who are good with technology and who learn to master marketing and sales. But when startups begin to grow, they outgrow their human resources capacity faster than they are able to develop, nurture and inspire their people. Reaching sustainable growth for a startup is a key transitional phase in the lifecycle of a business, and it can be more challenging and unstable than the first phase

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

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of starting. Workforce development needs to be much closer to the hearts of entrepreneurs than it currently is, and it can start with increased self-awareness.

Entrepreneurs need to look inwards to themselves and their team because success is not only related to selling services and products, or keeping investors interested. Having the capacity to understand your own abilities, motivations, strengths and passion in relation to those around you and to your surrounding environment, is key to personal success, and beyond that to the success of your startup. In fact, capacity for introspection is crucial in two key ways. Firstly knowing your strengths and passion, and leveraging these, will help you tap into the opportunities that reside in the surrounding environment. This in turn will help you discover your personal competitive advantage in your industry – what makes you unique, and what others will value.

Secondly, knowing your personal uniqueness allows you to relate better to others, recognize their uniqueness and understand the human capital of your business – namely the knowledge your team and your partners embody that can contribute to the sustainable growth of your startup. Getting to know what your colleagues’ position of strength is, and what motivates them, can be a powerful tool to unlock their human potential – inspiring them to leverage their strengths in line with the mission and vision of your business. Questions to increase self-awareness, which can also be applied to teams, partners, or customers must be simple and straightforward, and require an equally simple and straightforward answer.

If you can’t answer the following in a single sentence, then it’s time to introspect. Key questions to start off include: What am I really good at? What do I enjoy doing? What motivates me and where do I get my energy from? How do I connect with others or how do I communicate? How do I complement those around me?

A different type of question that entrepreneurs must keep in mind in order to connect their startups and their in-house talent is – “why?” A step further from exercising self-awareness and leveraging the human capital of a business is becoming a true leader versus a good manager, and communicating effectively. A good manager is able to figure out the uniqueness of a workforce, but a leader is able to go further and align that workforce with the vision of the enterprise, and make sure the entire organization sees and contributes to the bigger purpose of the business. Unlike a good manager who will focus on the “what” and the

“how” of a business, a leader will focus on ‘the big picture’ of the business – its mission and vision – inspiring the workforce to do the same.

It is the difference between tactical and strategic thinking, the former is a means to an end, but the latter can empower.

Looking forward, the educational system across Europe can incorporate the development of these skills into their curricula in some measure and capacity, because teaching these skills is important to grooming successful entrepreneurs and leaders. This in turn will help make our EU economies more competitive.

And, since for entrepreneurs, developing these skills is part of the process of getting the business in order, startup incubators can also get involved. Indeed, incubators can increase their effectiveness by providing more mentorship in these areas. Seed funding, legal, accounting, and administrative help are all important for entrepreneurs when working tirelessly to establish a steady stream of revenues in a startup.

But to be sustainable, nobody can afford to forget the people and the talent that makes up any enterprise.

There are many ways to help entrepreneurs in these areas and there are platforms that can help circulate these priorities. At Microsoft, we have invested in helping startups succeed with all the right resources. For example, our global program BizSpark helps startups by supporting a network of organizations – startup incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies – that are equally involved and invested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship. BizSpark helps software startups succeed by giving them access to software development tools, as well as by connecting them with key industry players, and providing them with marketing visibility. The program offers technical support but also business training and a network of over 2,000 partners. Since it was established in 2008, more than 45,000 companies in over 100 countries have joined BizSpark.

A young enterprise will not prove itself until it has invested in talent development, in unlocking human potential and aligning the human capital with its mission and vision. It is growth of both human capabilities and physical assets that produce goods and services. Real return on investment is not only about steady revenues alone, we must think bigger and include return on human capital into our goals.

By Jan Mühlfeit I Chairman, Microsoft Europe český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine I/2013 39

29.1.2013 16:31:40

economic discussion

Rudolf Fischer, President, DTIHK/ ČNOPK and CFO, Siemens

The German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DTIHK/ČNOPK) organized in cooperation with the Representation of the State of Bavaria its sixth Economic Discussion in Prague on the 26th of November. The event was part of the Chamber’s annual programme “Together for Qualified Work and Innovation”. It was set up as an expert symposium with a subsequent panel discussion and hosted top-class speakers, among others Jindřich Fryč, Czech Deputy Minister of Education, and Katja Hessel, State Secretary of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. The conference was thematically dedicated to the Czech system of vocational training and its lack of practical relevance.

Photos: Anna Chlumská

Michal Kadera, Director External Affairs, Škoda Auto

Katja Hessel, State Secretary of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs

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Discussion panel

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Photo: Dean Batak

29.1.2013 18:01:13

From left: Gernot Daumann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, LBBW Bank CZ, Thomas Klatte, Senior Business Development Manager, ČSOB, and Rudolf Fischer, President, DTIHK/ČNOPK and CFO, Siemens

Dr. Jürgen Helmes, Chief Executive, IHK Regensburg für Oberpfalz/Kelheim

H.E. Detlef Lingemann, Ambassador of Germany

H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, H.E. Detlef Lingemann, Ambassador of Germany, and H.E. André Regli, Ambassador of Switzerland

The event took place with kind support of the BoschGroup in the Czech Republic and in cooperation with the German Embassy in Prague, where the 140 conference guests also took part in the closing reception. The Chamber thanks its partner Mandarin Oriental Hotel Prague. Special thanks also go to the Chamber’s annual theme partners BAYER s.r.o., Kaufland ČR v.o.s., Siemens s.r.o., Bosch Group, Demag Cranes & Components spol. s r.o. and OKAL CZ s.r.o.

PhDr. Jindřich Fryč, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports

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DEUTSCH-TSCHECHISCHE INDUSTRIEUND HANDELSKAMMER IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

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29.1.2013 18:01:42

From left: Rudolf Fischer, President, DTIHK/ ČNOPK and CFO, Siemens and prof. Ing. Ivan Nový, CSc., VŠE Praha

From left: Dr. Ing. Luděk Pitra, Executive Director, BASE – Obnovitelná Energie, Ing. Vladimír Vurm, CSc., RWE Transgas, and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Straßburg, Lawyer, Kümmerlein

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From left: Josef Hlobil, General Consul of the Czech Republic in Munich, Bernard Bauer, Executive Member of the Board, DTIHK/ČNOPK, Rudolf Fischer, President, DTIHK/ČNOPK and CFO, Siemens

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Ing. Drahoslav Matonoha, Headmaster, Vocational School Zelený pruh

Ing. Pavel Juříček, Ph.D., Vice President, Confederation of Industry of the CR

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29.1.2013 18:02:29

From left: Ludmila Műllerová, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Přemysl Čech, Moderator, Milan Štěch, Chairman, Senate, PSP CR, and Radek Urban, Deputy Minister of Finance

discussion forum

Zlatá koruna Forum PENSION REFORM AT THE START

Miloš Zeman, Presidential Candidate and Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

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29.1.2013 18:03:14

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From left: Radek Urban, Deputy Minister of Finance, Luděk Niedermayer, Economist, and Pavel Doležal, Director Zlatá koruna

Milan Štěch, Chairman, Senate, PSP CR in his speech

Jozef Burian, State Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic

Participants of panel discussion

From left: Luděk Niedermayer, Economist, Miloš Zeman, Presidential Candidate, Tomáš Holub, Director, Monetary and Statistic Department, ČNB and Přemysl Čech, Moderator

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29.1.2013 18:03:54

Ludmila Műllerová, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs

Jiří Rusnok, ING PF

Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in his speech

On November 29, 2012, the Golden Crown Forum took place under the auspices of Prime Minister Petr Nečas and the Minister of Finance, Miroslav Kalousek, focusing on the subject of Retirement Reform at the Start. The event brought together top economists and politicians from both sides of the opinion spectrum. Despite changes in the retirement system in the Czech Republic being discussed for nearly 20 years, it became apparent that the subject left no speaker without a specific opinion. While the Prime Minister explained the necessity of the reform, representatives of the opposition discussed how they would cancel all initiatives as soon as they come to power.

45 MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

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Audience

29.1.2013 18:04:57

DESIRE for

VICTORY She won Wimbledon in 2011 and this success was followed by a triumph of Czech women’s team in Fed Cup in 2012. But Petra Kvitovå remains forthcoming and outspoken. She just wants to play well and beat her rivals.

Photo: Archive BMW

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29.1.2013 16:32:10

Photos: Česká sportovní/ Pavel Lebeda

Likeable Petra Kvitová from Fulnek in Moravia, who is popular with journalists for her modest and open character, won famous Wimbledon, WTA Tour Championships, and together with other Czech players also the Fed Cup competition. The road to Wimbledon grass began eighteen years ago. With plastic racket and foam ball, Petra Kvitová started training as a four-year-old girl – in the family of teacher Jiří and his wife Pavla, tennis has always been a favourite sport. Also, both Petra’s older brothers, Jiří and Libor, used to play actively. For his daughter, Mr. Kvita completed coaching license, and also saved up for a car they could drive to matches from Fulnek. Tennis became a regular part of every day, directly after school father took her daughter to courts and trained her hard for one to two hours.

Mr. Kvita coached his daughter until fourteen years of age, then he arranged a transfer from Fulnek to tennis city of Prostějov, and gave her to hands of experienced coaches. Although she vanished from sight of her parents and started living in her own flat after her sixteenth birthday, no revolt and celebration of independent life took place. Petra finished her grammar school studies in orderly fashion and continued to train hard. According to her own words, she has never visited a disco, and only stayed a while at her senior prom. As a true athlete, she has not been smoking or drinking alcohol.

Just under three years ago, Petra had to lose weight radically because of her career, to become more agile without losing stamina and strength. For a girl from Moravia, used to home cooking full of schnitzels, sauces and dumplings, this meant a major change in her eating habits.

She lost six kilos. And as Petra says, she cared about her athletic performance, not about a model-like figure, which boys would like. She says she is not preoccupied with this at all. After

all, she does not put on make-up before matches and plaits her thick wavy hair. She says she can’t have a normal ponytail, because loosely flying hair could weave into strings of her racket. She claims not to take fashion too seriously; anyway, sports outfits she uses for matches are decided by sponsors.

She has been playing at the top level since 2006, started playing at women’s tournaments in 2008, and has been cooperating with coach David Kotyza for four years. In 2011, she put her dutiful preparation to good use, winning six tournaments, including the most famous in Wimbledon. Moreover, she played a major role

in the win of the Czech Republic in Fed Cup after 23 years. She reportedly achieved success also thanks to her cooperation with a psychologist.

She analyses with him her negative thoughts during matches and gets positively motivated.

She puts all her successes and failures down into her diary, which she then discusses with an expert. Petra has nothing but praise for her cooperation with the psychologist, saying he led her to big stability and focus. When asked how she digests her losses, Petra Kvitová answers: “It depends what kind of loss it is. I am an athlete, so I regret every one of them, and think about why it happened. But to leave it all behind and not agonize over them is important, so that the following match ends in a victory.”

Although today she does not have to worry about the balance of her account, has enriched her closet with formal clothes and exchanged her old car for a BMW, she still remains the ordinary girl from Moravia. “Thankfully, I have people around me who still take me the same. My friends from school are invaluable, because they still take me as their classmate. As far as Prostějov or Fulnek is concerned, which means family or coaches, everything is still the same,” said Kvitová during one of her interviews after the triumph at Wimbledon. Future plans are clear – she wants to pursue her sports career until thirty, then to slow down and start a family. When asked if her career should also include the top spot of world rankings, she said that she mainly wants to stay healthy and keep on improving. “But OK, I will not hide that I would be sad after my career if I hadn’t been the world number one some time,” she confesses.

By Marie Malá I český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Leaders Magazine I/2013 47

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29.1.2013 16:32:32

diplomatic event

off the 50th Anniversary of the Indeependence of Algeria and of the Establishm ment off Biilateerall Diplo omatic Reelatiions

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria in his speech

Jiří Schneider, 1st Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in his speech

4 48 Algerian wedding ceremony in traditional Algerian dresses

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MO M OREE PHO OTO T S AND AN ND EELL EC C T RO ON NIC VER RS SIION ION ON AAVVAI A LAABL B E ON O WW WW W.LLEA E DE DERSMA RSMA RS MAGAZI GAA ZI ZN NEE.CZ

29.1.2013 17:57:19

From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with their wives

Algerian traditional dance

From left: H.E. Mohamed Salaymeh, Ambassador of Palestine, H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria, and JUDr. Cyril Svoboda, Diplomatic Academy

From left: the wives of Ambassadors of Brazil, Iraq, Turkey and the Netherlands and Mrs. Rim Karra.

From left: Jiří Schneider, 1st Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria

From left: H.E. José Júlio Pereira Gomes, Ambassador of Portugal, Mons. Giuseppe Leanza, Apostolic Nuncio to the CR, Genc Pecani, Chargé D’affaires of Albania, and H.E. Cihad Erginay, Ambassador of Turkey

From left: H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with his wife and and Michael Specking, Director, Hilton Hotels of Prague

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From left: H.E. Pierre Lévy, Ambassador of France and Jiří Schneider, 1st Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

From left: H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Francoise Gustin, Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Nina Nakashidze, Ambassador of Georgia, and Ing. Milan Hovorka, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade

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29.1.2013 17:57:57

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with his wife

From left: H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria with his wife and Jean-Luc Gavard, Director, French Lycée in Prague with his wife

H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria is cutting the cake with the help of Ing. Milan Hovorka, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade

From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and Miloslav Vlček, Member of the Parliament

From left: H.E. Cihad Erginay, Ambassador of Turkey, H.E. Belaid Hadjem, Ambassador of Algeria, and Jiří Ellinger, Director, Middle East and North Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the CR

H.E. Belaid Hadjem (in the middle), Ambassador of Algeria and Ing. Ivan Jukl, MBA, Director General, Economic Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with his wife

50 H.E. Belaid Hadjem with his family and Mr. Johann Podstatzký-Lichtenstein with his wife

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From left: H.E. Gabriel Oh, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mohamed Abdel Hakam, Ambassador of Egypt, and H.E. Yu Qingtai, Ambassador of China

29.1.2013 17:59:21

analysis

The Million Things I Enjoy... days spent in unnecessary exasperation, adrenalin overproduction, rushed blood to the head and beginnings of heart attacks, significantly decrease the likeliness they will actually be able to enjoy their retirement.

I understand I’m going against the stream here and the fact that those who enjoy something exist in this life will not provide me with even a tenth of the readers browsing and commenting on the mentioned sites and texts. I don’t really care.

I enjoy singing off-key in the car whenever I’m in love. I enjoy looking forward to something or someone. I like good jokes and laughter...

I found a lot on the internet, perhaps too much, the texts about who got upset by what, even worse than that...

I shall not comment on the fact that the majority of such information is written in Czech. I wouldn’t want to live the life of a person who systematically collects things, people and events that upset them, so that they’d have at least a thousand of them.

During my singular visit of a given web site, there were 203. Others write about the ten things that anger them during sex, dealing with women or bosses... If they let themselves get that angry, they may as well not worry about the increased retirement age limit. The

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I collect smart quotations. I relish the sparks that occasionally jump between myself and the people I meet. I enjoy meeting people who have some goal and follow it. I savor good food and am fond of good wine.

I rejoice when I beat my neighbor in tennis, he plays it as woefully and enthusiastically as me. I like to look at pretty girls, particularly in the spring. I appreciate when my children manage to do something I didn’t expect.

I acknowledge with thanks when my bank account balance shows that my wife did not use the credit card for a week already. I bask in my hopeless sweater, which has been out of fashion for a long time now.

I get shivers up my spine when I read an excellent book or sit in a theater. At home, I am pleased looking at pictures I bought for me and my family to enjoy. I listen to country and folk music and don’t mind it being out of

fashion. I hold back tears when I’m touched by something.

The sparks I occasionally cause during my lectures make me feel good...

Yes, I too have days when someone is constantly asking me for money or to review some hopeless project. I get unhealthily upset at the post office and my adrenalin rises over the performance of a waiter in a restaurant when he totally ignores me. I too meet people on the roads who release their inferiority complexes there. Occasional collisions with idiots are also unavoidable. I rage over something I bought under the pressure of marketing and how it controls me instead of me controlling it. What I read in the papers bugs me.

Still, I string together the colorful beads of what I enjoy. Yes, perhaps there’s not the promised million of them, but I’m trying.

I don’t know whether the time spent stringing them will extend the days of my life, but at least I’ll enjoy the current ones I live. I wave my hand over things that occasionally upset me. I simply live and enjoy myself. Try it with me. It certainly won’t worsen the mood and atmosphere in the Czech Basin and it will lift your spirits. Have a nice day.  Excerpt from a new book to be published next year by Albatros.

By Ivan Pilný I President of Tuesday Business Network Form Fo rmer er Cha hair irma mann of Cze zech ch Tel elec ecom om

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

Leaders Magazine I/2013 51

29.1.2013 16:33:02

j Winner of the Entrepreneurial Project of 2011 in the Potential category – company FAVEA, spol. s r.o. From left: Rut Bízková, Chairwoman, Technological Agency of the Czech Republic, Milan Krajíček, Representative, Favea and Petr Ryšávka, Head of R&D, Biotechnologie

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Winner of the Entrepreneurial Project of 2011 in the Innovation category – company Contipro Pharma a.s. From left: Petr Pinkas, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Contipro Pharma a.s. and Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade

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Entrepreneurial Project of 2011, Ecoenergy – Renewable Resources category. From left: Tomáš Tesař, Deputy Minister of Environment and Milan Mašek, the author of the winning project

Winner of the Entrepreneurial Project of 2011 in the Training Centers category – company MARLIN, s.r.o. From left: Jan Wiesner, Vice President, Czech Chamber of Commerce, Dušan Bellovič, Director, MARLIN, and Libuše Uherková, HR Director, MARLIN

30.1.2013 14:28:02

Winner of the Entrepreneurial Project of 2011 in the Prosperity category – the Statutory City of Pilsen. From left: Marek Ševčík, Senior Marketing Sector Manager, Komerční banka, Martin Zrzavecký, Deputy Mayor, Pilsen, Jana Pachmannová, Project Manager, Division for Coordination of European Projects of the City of Pilsen, and Erich Beneš, Director, Division for Coordination of European Projects of the City of Pilsen

Immovables, from left: Eva Svobodová, General Director, AMSP, Jaroslav Blanář, Vice Chairman of the Board, BLANÁŘ NÁBYTEK, and Miroslav Vrba, CEO, BLANÁŘ NÁBYTEK

ONDRÁŠOVKA a.s. – winner of the Entrepreneurial Project of 2011 in the Ecoenergy: Energy Savings category. From left: Libor Duba, General Director, Vladimír Straka, Board Chairman, Association for Quality Appraisal (SOK) and Milan Ochman, Sales Director, ONDRÁŠOVKA a.s.

Winner of Entrepreneurial Project of 2011 in the ITC and Strategic Services category – company DCIT, a.s. From left: Petr Očko, Authorized Director, CzechInvest Agency and Josef Vašica, Executive Director, DCIT, a.s.

Contipro Pharma, DCIT, Milan Mašek, ONDRÁŠOVKA, FAVEA, the Statutory City of Pilsen, MARLIN and BLANÁŘ NÁBYTEK. These are the names of the successful applicants for funding from the Operational Program Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Operační program Podnikání a inovace - OPPI), who received the award for the Best Entrepreneurial Projects executed in 2011. The competition was organized by the CzechInvest Agency and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The ceremonial announcement of winners took place on December 13, 2012 in the Michna Palace in Prague. The title Entrepreneurial Project of 2011 was awarded in eight categories. The winner of the Innovation category is Contipro Pharma a.s. For the best project in the area of ICT and strategic services, the award went to DCIT, a.s. The activities of Milan Mašek were recognized as best in the Renewable Resources category and ONDRÁŠOVKA a.s. in the Energy Savings category among ecological projects. Company FAVEA, spol. s r.o. took the prize for the best research and development capacity (category Potential), while for the best infrastructure for supporting innovative enterprises (the Prosperity category) the Statutory City of Pilsen was named. The new training center of MARLIN, s.r.o. and the production hall of BLANÁŘ NÁBYTEK, a.s. also received an award in category Immovables.

All winners together

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29.1.2013 18:25:35

THE BEST ENTREPRENEURIAL PROJECTS OF 2011 FAVEA, Winner in Category Best Research and Development Capacity

FAVEA USES MODERN TECHNOLOGIES At the end of the 20th century, the pharmaceutical company Favea, spol. s r.o., based in Kopřivnice, Czech Republic, set a goal to increase the quality as well as the utility value of its newly developed products through the progressive technology of particle micronization (the decrease of size from millimeters to micrometers). The micro-grinding of a number of medical substances, vitamins and minerals, as well as dry plant extracts, or their components for cosmetic products, were tested with laboratory equipment. Technicians used the experience and knowledge gained previously in pharmaceutical production companies, to master the production processes and quality requirements for ground materials. As soon as Favea products labeled “μ” – micronization appeared, their overextended laboratory equipment exceeded its capacity and the company purchased production equipment. Besides the requirements of their own production, orders arrived from the cosmetics industry for micronization of components, as well as microgrinding materials for foreign companies and thereby extending to tens of tons of micro-ground materials.

Professionals from the cosmetic industry knew very well that they would be considerably more successful if the sharp edges of pigments for decorative cosmetics were removed through micronization. The female skin is particularly sensitive to those sharp edges and, additionally, they required smaller amounts of pigment to achieve more intensive tones. (We also learned that a modern woman uses 2 to 5 kilos of lipstick over a lifetime of make-up). When Favea set up its operation with a micronization line and supplemented it by equipment for concurrent drying and a freezing unit, it was able to obtain microparticles with more uniformity in terms of particle distribution and very low moisture content. At the same time, the company created the conditions for lower occurrences of agglomerated micronized particles. They further developed processes using micronized active substances, by technology that produced tablets with very fast disintegration and the immediate absorption of micronized active ingredients in the user’s oral cavity.

These are the actual properties of the substances effecting so-called “biological availability.” Briefly put, the quantity of nutrition, medication or supplements given to the user, is not as important as how much the body can actually use. Then there is an additional factor of each of us having slightly different settings for necessary parameters within a certain range and the results, for example, in pharmacodynamics for individual testing, are not the same.

It is expected that optimum absorption will be found in substances soluble in water. But solubility is not a sufficient measurement of bioavailability. Factors of intestinal permeability must also be considered. It is apparent that most new medications, particularly those aimed at treating widespread civil illnesses, are practically insoluble in water environments.

Through substance micronization and the use of high-tech fluid jets, it is possible to achieve a 5 micron particle size reduction limit and significantly increase the surface (for example,

JUBILEJNÍ

from the initial substance with particles of 600μm, the number of particles ground to the size of 5 μm increases 1,750,000-times and the surface increases 120-times). The increase in bioavailability can more easily get the substance into the circulatory system, achieving higher dissolution rates and faster absorption. The possible adjustment of dosages ensures the same effect, as well as lower occurrences of negative side effects.

These adjustments may lead to achieving bioequivalence with the selected standard medication. We cannot micronize substances with low melting points or those that are in a liquid form under normal temperatures. We have therefore developed a different method for liquid and semi-liquid fillings, called hard capsules. The capsule material is not a gelatin, but plant materials. With only one dosage of medication per day, it is possible to achieve either nearly immediate effects (faster than effervescent tablets) or, on the other hand, a long-term effect.

Quite often an active ingredient in the form of powder must be added to the oil and this is where problems arise in traditional medications, because from 20% concentrations on, the mixture acts like a paste (even tooth paste has approximately 20% of solid substances and the balance is water). The blood of animals contains approximately 50% solid particles (red blood cells in plasma). Favea developed a method to enable the capsule to contain up to 80% solid particles.

We cannot say we have exceeded nature, but in this single case, we came close to it... Severely ill patients should particularly benefit from this and that was our goal.

For more technical details, visit www.combicaps.com

By PharmDr. Milan Krajíček I

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Interviews.indd 54

31.1.2013 10:33:38

energy analysis

the Kettle Black Every year during December budgets are being agreed and there are broad discussions in the first January days, in which the past year is evaluated. One of the key topics are the budget results.

The coalition usually explains why it was not possible to more stabilize the budget and on the other hand the opposition calls for more effectiveness.

The same story is in Brussels. Brussels has been pushing for austerity in member states, but member states are also forcing Brussels to start saving as well. They argue that Brussels should have lower and more cost-effective budget. I believe that there is genuine space for cost savings. The budget cuts would not decrease the economic growth of the European Union, but I am convinced that the decrease in unnecessary expenses would help achieve financial stability and the competitiveness of the EU. With my ODS colleagues from the European Parliament we have been for a long-time

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

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pointing out the wasteful expenses; we have tabled amendments, which have the goal to avoid pointless for example self-advertising projects. The abolition of regular monthly travelling to Strasbourg would bring to the budget extra 200 million Euros.

Savings can also be found by lowering the funds for expensive parliamentary information offices in each member states and also by avoiding projects such as the House of European History. There are many other examples. If the Parliament does not tackle its own issues, it does not have the right to call for a higher budget. Therefore we have asked the leadership of the European Parliament to find a reasonable compromise with the member states to prevent further tensions – this includes also internal savings. Another related key debate is why the European Commission wants to decrease the provisions for Cohesion Funds in its budget proposal – I have to ask myself, why does not the European Commission decrease its administrative spending, for example by decreasing the number of its bureaucrats. I would like to point out to the words of the British prime-minister David Cameron, who at the end of the last EU summit has told the press that there are a number of chapters in the EU budget where savings can be made without touching the cohesion fund, which are important for new member states. He has stressed that the enlarge-

Photo: Archive

ment of the EU is beneficial for all 27 member countries and that is why it is not recommended to decrease the funds for the development of poorer regions. The Cohesion Funds can be an engine for economic growth and they can promote the EU single market without barriers. I fully agree with this view.

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

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29.1.2013 16:33:24

networking/discussion event

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade and Vladimír Dohnal, Chairman, Top Hotels Group

Round Table of Comenius with Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade

From left: Jaroslav Chmelař, CEO, JMJ Partners, Adéla Syberová, Councellor to President, Comenius and Martin Červencl, Investment Diamonds Specialist, Diamonds International Corporation – D.I.C.

56 Libor Joukl, Deputy Governor, Region Vysočina

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Miloš Večeřa, Head of Trade Finance, Raiffeisenbank

From left: Jan Oberman, Director, Korado Consulting, Jiří Jež, Director, Diamo, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Martin Lukš, Director of Sales, CS Data

30.1.2013 14:44:10

networking/discussion event

From left: Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Michal Štefl, General Director and Chairman of the Board, OHL ŽS, and Vladimír Vaněk, Partner, Deloitte Advisory

From left: Michal Feix, Executive Director, Seznam.cz and Radek Špicar, Vice President, Confederation of Industry and Transport Milan Kubek, President, Czech Medical Chamber

From left: Albín Sybera, General Director, Sybera Enterprises and Pavel Baštář, Executive Director, Invelt

From left: Vladimír Plašil, Chairman of the Board, Alta, Josef Bárta, Chairman of the Board and General Director, CZ LOKO, and Petr Choulík, Managing Director, Linde Gas

The last 2012 Round Table of Comenius Society (December 18, TOP Hotel Praha) was held with Dr. Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, and First Deputy Chairman of the ODS Party. During the lively debate Minister Kuba has once again proved his patience in answering questions and eagerness to discuss very specific issues of the Ministry. Minister Kuba began the discussion with pointing out the solid cooperation between Czech ministries and the private sector and also the strong competence of Czech companies within the EU.

MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ Jan Wiesner, Honorary Chairman, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Cooperatives, Vladimír Dohnal, Chairman, Top Hotels Group, Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman of Europe, Microsoft, and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia

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The Minister also noted that he would like to reinforce stronger cooperation between Czech companies and the schooling system, which could prove to be mutually effective. The entire discussion then shifted to strategic relationships of the Czech Republic with the EU and more effective use of EU funds.

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networking/discussion event

From left: Jiří Jež, Director, Diamo, Jana Fialová, Member of the Board, Region Vysočina and Libor Joukl, Deputy Governor, Region Vysočina

From right: Jiří Mráz, General Director, Unicorn system, Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman of Europe, Microsoft, and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia

From left: Rostislav Dvořák, Chairman, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Cooperatives and Ladislav Macka, Chairman of the Board and General Director, Českomoravská záruční a rozvojová banka

From left: Zdeněk Pelc, General Director, GZ Digital Media and Martin Kuba, Minister of Industry and Trade

From left: Otakar Hora, Partner, KPMG ČR and Petr Choulík, Managing Director, Linde Gas

Jana Fialová, Member of the Board, Region Vysočina

58 From left: Jan Komárek, Sales & Technical Director, OHL ŽS and Stanislav Novák, Vice President, Comenius

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From left: Karel Muzikář Jr., Managing Partner, Weil Gotshal Manges Law Firm and Milan Křístek, General Director, Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Jan Wiesner, Honorary Chairman, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Cooperatives, Petr Kužel, President, Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic, Karel Muzikář Jr., Managing Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, and Jan Oberman, Director, Korado Consulting

30.1.2013 14:47:11

media power

The end of the Media World AS WE KNOW IT AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT When I entered the Faculty of Journalism at the University of Bucharest in June 2000, a whole world was just about to begin. The promise of free journalism in a country that was still licking its wounds 10 years after the fall of communism sounded like heavenly music to my teenage ears. Our professors, some of whom were working in the media, took the time to teach us both the craft and the theoretical background of media’s social impact. Little did I realize that I was among the last generations to enjoy such a luxury – learning the craft of making real news from those experienced in the battlefield, for whom nothing was too hard to get in their quest for a solid, truthful and balanced story.

SINKING CERTITUDES Fast forward to today. The challenges the media world has been facing under the impact of new technologies – the Internet, search engines, web and blog management, mobile and tablet technology – are enormous. In order to adapt, too many media outlets put resources into new distribution channels and forgot about content that is essential to feed these extra channels. With sinking advertising revenues, the money that goes into new platform building is taken from somewhere else, such as payrolls for senior reporters and staff training. Who can afford the luxury of spending a few days – not months, like in the good old times – but a few days on a real investigation? Who can afford to address a busy senior reporter and ask for advice without risking a coffee mug landing on your

Cristina Muntean is a communication adviser with more than 12 years’ experience in the Czech, Romanian and international media. Between 2005–2010, Cristina worked for the English-language economic magazine Czech Business Weekly (CBW) in Prague. During this time she wrote more than 3,000 news articles, features and interviews. Cristina graduated in journalism from the University of Bucharest, Romania.

She also holds a master’s degree in project management. In June 2011 Cristina was elected president of the Czech PR Klub.

Currently, she provides reputation management advisory, media training, coaching and support 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@mediaed.cz.

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head? The days when media were a tough school of life are over; the only learning now is how to do more with less, speed up, drink more coffee, and forgive yourself for being superficial here and there, like in checking some names and facts. What is the impact of this state-of-art of the media world on us? Let’s take a look at a few trends that leaders who aim to make their voice heard should pay attention to.

1. Sinking quality of the media content. With advertising revenues drying up and more technologies to integrate in a desperate attempt to adapt and survive, media content’s quality will continue to decrease. As little money is put into market surveys, the connection between reporters and readers will grow even weaker, despite the possibility for the public to comment on articles and blog posts. In short, reporters will continue writing about what they think is relevant and who isn’t happy with the story can swear freely at the end of the story.

2. Advertising pressure. “If you’re willing to put no money into advertising, how do you expect us to go on and be on the market to publish your crap?”

Under the pressure of economic uncertainties this question will be more and more heard by PR people and corporate communication advisers. We can expect that content publication will get tied even closer to thoroughly negotiated advertising contracts.

3. Brand Journalism. With no training budgets and no real career growth perspectives, more and more talented journalists will flee the media world.

Their talent will find shelter in PR agencies or in internal corporate communications departments. More companies will review the impact of the Brand Journalism strategy as an authentic way of making news and gain engagement in a digital world.

4. Improved websites. With media relations becoming more and more challenging, companies will turn their attention back on themselves to do more with less. Among the biggest missed opportunities on the Czech market are quality websites. A good web should function as an adviser and guide to take the visitor to do the actions you need him to do (read, send inquiries or buy). As Czech companies learn to sell more with clever strategies, we can expect website design, search engine optimization (SEO) and digital communication management to gain in importance.

5. Inspiring blogs. Hand in hand with quality websites come inspiring blogs. More and more leaders will learn the power of the written word on their digital reputation. Writing skills and human storytelling will also become a part of the toolbox of inspiring leaders.

Photo: Jakub Stadler

6. Clever apps. Companies can be expected to discover the charm of getting into the pocket of their consumer thanks to smart mobile phone applications.

The room for creative solutions is unlimited; it’s only a matter of budget and political will to influence the extent to which Czech companies will add more smart apps into their communication portfolio.

7. Personalized newsletters and customer care.

Genuine customer care is still a large gray area on the Czech market. In an attempt to create unity, consistency and powerful messages we can expect more attention to be paid to integrating marketing, PR, social media and customer care departments into one unit, and more budget to be placed into these people’s training.

On top of these issues, we can also expect more leaders to open up and admit they don’t know. As uncertainty is the only certitude ahead of us, more and more top decision-makers will be open to admit that Excel charts don’t work in business planning anymore, and it is needed to listen more to gut feelings and follow instincts in order to navigate a world few understand.

As further changes lie ahead for us, one thing is certain: Our world as we know it is gone, we can only barely see the shape of the world ahead of us, and it’s only into our hands to create both the content and layout of this new world for each of us.

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

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30.1.2013 15:14:11

interview

A talk with Radek Urban, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic

PENSION REFORM Is about Personal Responsibility Photos: VladimĂ­r Weiss

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interview Radek Urban graduated from the University of Economics (1987) and the Swiss Banking School (1999) (with the publication “Emerging currency eurobonds: opportunity or threat”). He also successfully completed special courses e.g. at the University of Virginia McIntire International Banking School; J.P. Morgan Central Bank Reserves Management Seminar; J. Henry Schroder Wagg and Co. Graduate Training Course, a World Bank Assets and Liabilities Management Seminar. From 1990 to 2001 he worked in the Czech National Bank (ČNB). He was working in the Investment Company of the Česká spořitelna, a.s. (ISČS) from 2005 as the Vice Chairman and the Deputy Director. Radek Urban was appointed the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic in September 2011.

A pension reform has been launched in January. What kind of retirement savings would pay off and to whom?

The pension reform especially introduced the principle of merit within the II pillar. It is not present in the dominant state I pillar. Retirement savings would generally pay off to all who want to share the risks and have more resources of their income in old age. Moreover, it is suitable for all those who want to reduce their dependence on the state and rely more on themselves.

It is also worth it to those fellow citizens who want to reduce taxation and ensure heritage for their descendants. To sum it up, it is a reform of personal responsibility.

Was the pension reform discussed with opposition with regard to its continuity?

The pension reform has been discussed for at least 15 years. I recall for instance the “Bezděk’s Commission” which operated during the term of the current opposition. The proposed system is very similar to what we’ve just introduced.

Thus we’ve finally approved a solution which resulted from discussions with all partners. The solution consists of the fact that the II pillar of pension reform won’t become compulsory, yet one can join it on a voluntary basis. Finally, we’ve also introduced the institute of “early retirement” which has been approved by tripartite dialogue.

What was the view of NERV or of the World Bank on the Czech pension reform?

I would start with the OECD which recommends risk diversification, an increase in financial stability and additional motivation for private savings. NERV´s members also participated in the pension reform’s preparation, and the World Bank recommends the same principles that we implemented as well.

Are you planning a special campaign for a detailed presentation of the pension reform?

The promotional campaign is already up and running. We now organize discussion meetings in each region. We’ve also put together a manual with very detailed information. Anyone can read it through on our web page or on a special webpage launched just for the purpose of the pension reform: http://duchodovareforma.mpsv.cz/ cs/. Moreover, let’s not forget the press releases, press conferences, interviews and comments we’ve already published. There are multi-page supplements exclusively devoted to the pension reform in the newspapers. A promotional campaign has also been founded by particular

pension companies. Thus, everyone has access to a sufficient amount of information, and obviously anyone who is interested.

So far, the surveys show that the second pillar is going to serve about 2% of the population. So, what are its real benefits?

I can’t comment on that because I haven’t seen such a survey yet. In addition to the general benefits described above, I’d like to add that its advantage can’t be compared to the development of the state pension from the pay-as-yougo I pillar as we know it today. Due to the aging population, the state will simply not be able to provide for a long-term pension at the current level of about 40% without having a significant impact on public finance. It could be fixed by a further increase in the retirement age or by raising taxes. Yet, we all feel this path can’t be followed endlessly.

Is there any other advantage?

I can see further advantages in regulation which, among other things, ensures very low fees compared to all financial products outside the II pillar. Thus, we have found justification for price regulation in one of the few industries. Hence, the commission of particular agents has been limited to a nominal figure. So, when we hear from some agents that selling a II pillar product doesn’t pay, it actually means that we’ve set the ceiling of commissions well. Therefore the real winner of the system is the citizen, i.e. a participant in retirement savings. We definitely can’t say that about life insurance or the building of society savings (Stavební spoření).

Does participation in the II pillar bring any real risks?

First of all, I’d like to point out that there is not any investment without risk. There is, however, certainty regarding the amount of pension from the “state” pillar. When we were constructing the II pillar we built into it a sophisticated mechanism which considerably decreases risks to a minimal level. Firstly, the pension companies are required to meet strict conditions in order to join the market. Then, the Czech National Bank oversees particular activities of the pension companies, much like particular financial transactions; in the latter one the Bank plays the role of a “depository”. Moreover, assets of pension companies are separated from the savings of participants.

Also, the pension companies have a strongly regulated maximum cost aimed at property administration, which are the lowest out of all financial products (e.g. Fund of State Obligations

makes up 0.3 % per year). In recent years, the so-called “autopilot” has been activated which makes the savings more “conservative” and as safe as possible. Finally, I’d like to mention that the savings within the II pillar are protected against seizure.

And how is the III pillar used at present?

Concerning the fact that this is an optional system – given the number of participants (there are more than 5 million of them) – the III pillar has been used very well so far. However, monthly deposits are still quite low and still insufficient for adequate security for old age. On top of that, only a handful of people use it to pay monthly annuity; savings are usually drawn at once and are often used for a different purpose than to provide for in old age. In addition, those rules of investment, which have been historically established, forced pension funds to invest the long-term savings within a one year horizon. We responded to the issue and changed the rules to take effect from 1.1.2013. The system of state support has changed as well, and thus we can motivate people toward higher deposits.

What will happen if the pension reform is canceled after the next election?

I can’t comment on political risks. However, I suggest that the adopted changes won’t be canceled in the end.

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

Prague Leaders Magazine I/2013 61

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29.1.2013 19:21:57

Special thanks to SA AB for making this reportage possible

Major General Bohuslav Dvořák, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the CR and H.E. Annika Jagander, Ambassador of Sweden

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

at the

SWEDISH EMBASSY

From left: Lea Turcarová, Executive Director, Nordic Chamber of Commerce, Marika Přinosilová, Industrial Cooperation and Marketing Manager, SAAB Czech, and Mats Fagerberg M.Sc. MBA, Director, Regional Marketing and Sales, SAAB

From left: Colonel Andrew Shepherd, Defence Attaché, British Army and Aleš Výborný, Director, CR, BAE Systems H.E. Andre Regli, Ambassador of Switzerland and H.E. Smiljana Knez, Ambassador of Slovenia

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From left: Mr. Robert Bjorklund, Business Area Aeronautics SAAB, Campaign Director, Gripen Export and Jiří Šedivý, General of the Armed Forces (Ret.), now Head of GENERALS s.r.o.

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From left: Peter Andersson, Country Manager Central Europe, Lindex, Birgitta Olofsson, First Secretary, Embassy of Sweden, and Karla Ševčíková, Diplomat & Expatriate Sales, Auto Průhonice a.s.

29.1.2013 18:11:32

From left: Colonel Phillip D. Janzen, Army Attaché, Embassy of the USA with his wife Coleen, Hakan Sigfridsson, Executive Vice President, SAAB Czech, and 1st Lieutenant Adam Karlsson, Aircraft Engineer, Swedish Armed Forces

From left: Bengt Littke, Managing Director, Gripen Int., SAAB and Vladimír Ficenec, Ministry of Defence

Ulf Landeberg, General Manager, Lindner Hotel Prague Castle with his charming wife Zuzana

From left: H.E. Ed Hoeks, Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Souriya Otmani, Ambassador of Morocco, H.E. Gabriel Oh, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Odilia de Ranitz, Royal Netherlands Residence, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

The Amba The Th Ambbaassssaddor Am or of Sw Swed eden ed e H.E en E . Annnniikkaa Jag agan andddeer and an annd thhe De Defe fence ncce At A ttaach ché hé o Sw of weede denn Lt L Co C l.. Per Rås åste teedt werre ha happ pppy too wel elco c mee maanny fr co frie frie iend nd s t the to heir ir traadi dititiion onall San a kt k a Lu Luci cia ev ci e en e t an andd pr prov ovid ov vidded gue uest sts allso st so witth ttrrad additittiioona n al S edis Sw eddis ishh Chhriisttma m s fo food od „ju od julb llbboorrdd““ to th the he ddeeli eliligh gghht off allll.l.

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63 From left: Plk. Ing. Milan Novotný, Director, Directorate of Foreign Operations, Brigadier General, Jiří Verner, Commander of the Air Force AČR, and LtCol. Per Råstedt, Defence Attaché of Sweden

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From left: H.E. Yaakov Levy, Ambassador of Israel with his wife and H.E. Annika Jagander, Ambassador of Sweden

From left: Mr. Robert Bjorklund, Business Area Aeronautics SAAB, Campaign Director, Gripen Export, and Vladimír Ficenec, Ministry of Defence

From left: Major General Bohuslav Dvořák, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the CR and Colonel Oleg Smirnov, Deputy Military and Air Attaché to the Embassy of Russia in the CR

From left: Mrs. Denisa Verner, Brigadier General Jiří Verner, Commander of the Air Force AČR, and Marika Přinosilová, Industrial Cooperation and Marketing Manager, SAAB Czech

From left: Peter Andersson, Country Manager Central Europe, Lindex and Birger Husted, General Manager, UniqueConsultant CR

From left: Prof. František Janouch, MUDr. Richard Sequens, PHDr. with his daughter and Mrs. Janouchová

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Lucia Performance

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infrastructure analysis

What was and what In 2012, we could see a continuing recession in the Czech economy, caused chiefly by very cautious spending of households, even if external influences also added a fraction of negative percentage. We stared at new parts of the infinite chain of crises in the Government as well as at the comeback of the Communists to top positions in Czech regions. The methanol poisonings scandal threw light on the size of alcohol black market in the country. We also arrived at the expected surprise that the world did not end in the month of December.

But it is all history that cannot be changed and does not mean as much as the trends that may come in the Czech economy in 2013.

2013 has several domestic prerequisites to be more successful than its predecessor.

Stabilization measures for the Czech economy that evoked so much public disagreement and pushed the economy down in fact come to the end. Public budgets have got a more equilibrated, even if not an ideal balance, the domestic banking sector is stable and the former restrictive policy may even work for a more healthy growth in the future provided there is sufficient demand for Czech exports. An anti-recession impulse can as well originate from raised volume of investment into transport infrastructure.

Latest statistics of 3rd quarter of 2012 document that the downturn of households’ consumption begins to level and some growth can be predicted at least for the second half of 2013.

It is also because households saved in the last quarters more than it could be expected from the development of their income. Investment in household equipment, suppressed during the last period, cannot be delayed ad infinitum. The most painful problem remains to be unemployment soaring up to 10% (which was unprecedented in the Czech economy so far), but also here we can predict change to stagnation, and hopefully later to a gradual decrease.

Other positive things also are to come or continue also in 2013. We can look forward

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to cheaper telephone calls due to a new regulation of roaming as well as to potential reduction of bank fees. Some persons in high spheres of the society suspected of corruption may come before court. But the future will only show if these are not isolated cases only and the process of purification will really continue. It also depends on how the main problem will be tackled: financing of political parties.

The very late approval of the raising of VAT by 1% generally by the Parliament at the very end of the year caused turmoil in the business sphere but it probably will not be too significant either in prices or in demand, and can also hardly patch widening gaps in the state budget like growing expense for social security and impacts of the former unrealistic support of solar energy.

Cuts in public administration are necessary, but they depend primarily on reducing administrative agendas in public sector, and this is in domestic conditions very difficult looking at the meagre success in the last decade or so.

In these conditions, main risks to the Czech economy may stem from abroad. Risks may come from the protracted recession in the eurozone and another stage in European bank bailouts, chiefly in Spain. The German market, which is the main trade partner of Czech enterprises, takes risks in exporting products with Czech components to USA that cannot evade hitting, even in a distributed and thus moderated way, the fiscal cliff created by accumulated imbalances of the federal budget, and also to China that begins to experience a palpable slowdown of its so far excellent economic growth. The latter may cause problems also to the Czech automotive industry. Some, although limited relief can be in such a case found in the exchange rate policy of the Czech National Bank that has so far succeeded in keeping the exchange rate of koruna vis-à-vis euro at the level of about 25 korunas.

Another problem of EU to be mentioned here is the still unsolved decay of ill-performing countries like Greece or Portugal. Continuing

hard-to-repay loans to them fed from the European Central Bank and other EU funds cannot bring any recovery. It may, on the other hand, significantly reduce real financial space for cohesion policy of the next programming period, which, of course, would influence also the Czech economy. It gets more and more obvious that the clue lies in shabby competitiveness of those countries, which can hardly be repaired without their temporary leave from the eurozone.

The Czech and Slovak experience from the early 90’s clearly shows that a significant devaluation of domestic currency brought about a strong inflationary shock and a slump in the living standard of the population, but the countries did not perish. Even more, the devaluation gradually conditioned a strong influx of foreign investment and created large space for efficient exports and significant economic growth.

By Emanuel Šíp Partner Allied Progress Consultants Association český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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29.1.2013 16:35:32

interview A talk with Jaroslav Hanák, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

Czech Industry y Awaits the Beam of a Slight g Recovery in 2013

Jaroslav Hanák – graduated from the University of Economics in Prague. He has been the Chairman of the Board and the President of the transport company FTL – First Transport Line in Prostějov. He has also been a long-time President of the Transport Union. Since 2011, Hanák has acted as the President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic and the Vice President of the Council of Economic and Social Agreement of the Czech Republic.

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Jaroslav Hanák with his wife Anna, Director of Transport and Logistic Division, FTL-Transport Lines Photos: Archive

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29.1.2013 19:22:52

interview In your view, what prospects in 2013 are in store for the Czech industry?

So far this year, many prospects have emerged, to which there appears to be a slight recovery as their common denominator by the end of 2013. We’ve conducted a personal survey among our partners and subsidiaries, to which our conclusions still show that the industrial production remains at fragile state since the end of the first month. Thus by the end of 2012, the industrial production showed a deficit of more than 6 percent. We know how wary our firms are for this year.

However, I’d like to point out that many companies are more than capable to handle with existent problems on daily basis, and that many of them are showing signs of optimism with signing contracts and making investments.

Keep that in mind, what is your opinion on the government’s measures, budget cuts, surplus packages and tax increases? Should balancing the budget deficit be the key, governmental priority? What are the other viewpoints towards these measures and how have they really affected the economy?

We can all agree that fiscal consolidation is crucial.

However, we might continue to bicker on how to accomplish this. Thus, we still confer with government and its representatives, negotiating with them at various stages over the necessary reductions, which are becoming less and less possible in a deflating economy.

We continue on making our case for efficient public funds usage, cost reductions and improvements in government affairs and public administration. On top of that, we call attention to the tax collection insufficiencies. So, what we’re now lacking is a long-term strategy for our economic policy that synchronizes with the state budget policy while boosting our key industrial sectors. However, many of our economic hurdles have arisen due to many consolidation instigators, negating to raise any queries.

The Strategy on Global Competition (SMK) has been established over a year ago. Even you had partaken in its configuration. Which stage is it at now, and does the government plan to abide by it?

Unfortunately within the past few years, the SMK is not the only policy to be adopted by the government.

Another equivalent problem is that it had no correlations with the government’s current consolidation plan.

The government cannot approve any stratagem without a real budget plan. Additionally, its implementation has been without coordination, which has also achieved little benefits. Therefore, we have proposed the formation of a panel of employers, civil representatives, and NERV experts from certain fields, each form a third or the panel itself to make up a total of fifteen. Thanks to a sequence of assemblies, we’ve managed to set up a set of antecedences that could stimulate the economy in a relatively short timespan. Yet, I am aware that we need to coerce this administration further, which is already under fire and has undergone many personnel changes. Our next course of action should incorporate several forthcoming plans and agendas, as well as personal responsibility and performance evaluations. We don’t want to drag our feet and see what happens; we’ve already had enough on our plate. What we really need is further execution.

What are your recommendations for the SMK?

Read the policy’s guidelines and you will pretty much subscribe to it. This government has less than a year to make a significant contribution. By the end of 2013, the Parliamentary elections will recommence, which we are going to be bombarded with populist slogans. Time is short. What we want is to carry out at least some of the aforementioned stratagems, particularly those crucial for businesses. These are, among the few, organizational improvements, innovative support, vocational-technical assistance, exportation endorsement, and last but not least, building a new infrastructure.

However, we have also surmounted a few hurdles, i.e. the prevention of the EU transposition statues in the case of power and environmental law.

You’ve mentioned of Czech exportation support.

Can you size up the new Czech Exportation Policy for 2012–2020?

We’ve helped prepare this policy from the very beginning and incorporated most of standpoints, including the incorporation of twelve prominent countries outside the EU. Companies want to have unrestricted access to these Eastern markets and distant countries with Russia as a priority country. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has established a commercial network with these countries, which representatives from our Confederation are in line for its selection process.

Moreover, we have launched novel exportation amenities that only need to solve its subsidy shortcomings.

Of course, not everything is copasetic. We have to consider the lack of co-operation between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly with the exportation endorsement. For many years, we’ve pointed out that obstacle. I even asked the Prime Minister to do something about it for our country’s advantage. So far, I haven’t seen any adjustments.

You’ve also mentioned something about the funding. So, what are the roles of the Czech Export Bank (ČEB) and the EGAP in relation to the exportation promotion?

These two key organisations are the fundamental components of the Czech exportation. Thus, at the time of both of their C.E.Os.’ departures, we asked that their successors were not political throwbacks but more business specialists who also have interests in further developing exportation. The selection process was apparent and, unlike many other cases, these posts have not become a “severance package” for retired legislators. Both ČEB and EGAP have an adequate faculty for finance and insurance. Many Czech companies are coming up with other special ventures, some of which are now under negotiation. Therefore, we need sufficient funds from these institutions, but with a much quicker system for assessment and approval. It applies particularly to EGAP as pointed out by some businesses.

What should the current administration do to guarantee a first-class businesses environment and to generate global competition?

Even employers think that the long-term, business environment is insufficient for the Czech Republic, which even our findings further support this conclusion.

Our survey in December proved that firms continue to suffer from poor legislation, its incessant changes, poor law enforcement, red tape and civil corruption. After

so many years in the companies’ point of view, almost nothing has changed for their betterment. It is obvious that the best aim is to create a friendlier business environment, not the one where we are currently reinforcing shoddy quality and massive disputes, where administration costs, volatile circumstances or bad legislation or political decisions considerably hinder Czech commerce, itself.

A great problem of SME´s (and of course other unmentioned organizations’) is obtaining the EU funds. How can the state facilitate Czech businesses in drawing money from the EU? First, state shouldn’t create any bureaucratic barriers between businesses and the EU funds, as it happens to do so in reality. Recently, our survey has addressed this setback, and we’ve come across some alarming reactions.

Could you be more specific?

Up to four-fifths of the business majority have launched their own ventures that funded by the EU in the last five years, which each of them have also had problems with the administration. The bureaucratic process itself is extremely arduous, convoluted and drawn-out. Hence, companies must recruit external experts, which increase their costs. The administration varies according to each individual venture. In addition, a recurrent turnover of leading administrators and equivalent regulations also play a part to this backbreaking process. Money often comes in late and companies are automatically penalized for suchlike administrative errors that could remedy with advance notice.

Thus, we demand that the administration initiates some crucial adjustments in its bureaucracy by 2014.

Otherwise, there would be a risk of a huge lack of interest in drawing financial support from the EU in avoidance with Czech bureaucracy. This could result in a drop in their development and or renovation, which could, in fact, harm the employment rate in the Czech Republic.

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

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Alena Gaj Gaajdů důškov k á, first st Vicee Presid Pre s ent of thee Sena sid e te t of the Pa Parli rliiame am nntt of the Cz C ech ch Re Repub pu lic Phooto: to Arch rchive ive ve

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interview A talk with Alena Gajdůšková, first Vice President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic You have been involved in high politics for many years. What message would you give to women who are planning to enter politics?

I am always saying to women that they need to be confident. They shouldn’t be afraid to take responsibility. I namely don’t know any man who would reject an offered post. However, the majority of women would consider whether they have the qualifications, experience, whether they can handle it. In general, women have better preconditions to be good politicians and managers.

There is only one difference between men and women – the extent of their self-esteem. Yet, women shouldn’t give up their feminine side within politics.

They should behave as they normally do. What can and needs to be equalized is the proportion of men and women in decisionmaking, as well as the perception of society’s needs, social sensitivity, honesty in politics, practicality and fairness.

Do you think that the introduction of quotas for women in politics could help to improve the current political scene?

Sure, history has shown that the introduction of quotas is the only way to accomplish equal representation of men and women in decision-making processes. It is an absolutely pragmatic requirement today. Countries which have managed to reach their full potential, i.e. where both men and women have taken part in decision-making, have been the most successful countries not only from an economic point of view, but in their standard of living. Yet, this should be the goal for all “enlightened” people, regardless of gender.

Recently you co-initiated a proposal to repeal a part of amnesty, in which you require the abolition of Article 2, which terminates some long processes, such as prosecutions lasting more than eight years and sentences up to ten years. What made you take this step? What is your chance of succeeding in the Constitutional Court?

I’ll start from the end. I don’t know what the chance for success in the Constitutional Court is.

Yet, even if the chance to succeed is small, it is impossible to not fulfill our role as senators, i.e. to be “safeguards” of constitutionality in the Czech Republic. It is the president’s right to declare amnesty. Yet, it is not an absolute right in democracy.

It has its limits, expressed by the pledge which is btw valid for the president as well as the legislator. It is the promise that we will honor the principles of constitutionality and democratic rule of law. The reach of amnesty means a violation of citizens’ right to a fair trail, and to the protection of property. Executive power has significantly affected the competence of judicial power by

stopping pending criminal proceedings. It has particular economic, social and international implications. In fact, due to the definition of a sentence up to 10 years, the “general pardon” for all property and economic crimes of the past was applied, and in many cases yields from moneylaundering activities were also legalized. Citizens have lost their remainder of trust in justice and the rule of law. The role of the democratic state is to protect rights and property. On the basis of the Amnesty of President Václav Klaus and the Prime Minister Petr Nečas, the Czech state has

public administration, corruption, or the respect for human rights.

Did the current results surprise you?

It depends. I was hoping that Jiří Dienstbier would advance to the second round. However, it could otherwise be expected that people would eventually elect those who already have some experience in high politics, with the administration of the country. This has finally been proven true by the selection of the top three candidates.

It’s a lesson for the personnel policy of all political parties.

Do you think direct elections will become a successful tradition in our country, and should we further expand the process to other elections?

I believe so. The direct election of mayors would be particularly logical.

People especially know each other in smaller municipalities; therefore they should be able to choose their mayor directly. They obviously don’t understand that after someone wins the election, due to the formation of coalitions, the female or male mayor must become someone else. ČSSD supported Miloš Zeman in the second round. What is your opinion of his support?

It is necessary to respect the will of the voters.

If they decided so in the first round, it was a fight on the left – right basis, and so social democracy must be unambiguous. It happened very quickly.

I consider this to be correct.

You recently made an official visit to Brazil.

What was the primary goal of the visit? What are the results of this mission?

Perhaps I can’t say in two lines. But at least I can say briefly. I led a delegation of the Senate Economic and Agriculture Committee. The aim was to get acquainted with the possibilities of economic cooperation in this fastest growing market in the world, within the BRIC countries.

During negotiations at the highest levels, we tried to support our businesses and farmers, as well as the cooperation of universities in education and science and research. This visit is going to be followed by presentations in the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and “Brazil Day” in our Zlín Region. I hope that we also manage to launch involvement in the project of the Government of Brazil – “Science Without Borders” which might be very useful for the development of science in our country.

“Women have better preconditions to be good politicians and managers.” completely resigned from its role and people are rightfully disappointed and angry.

In this context, can you evaluate the current direct presidential election? In your view, what should the president elected in the first ever direct elections be like?

People have decided at the moment and we must respect it. I just hope that the next president will be a better statesman with regard to international relations, and less confrontational and more respectful of the constitutionality at home.

Why do you think the candidates have advanced without a female representative?

The time for a woman to hold this position has not come yet in the Czech Republic. So far, we are unfortunately not entirely a standard democracy, as shown by many other indicators. Be it the

PaeDr. Alena Gajdůšková (1954) – graduated from the Pedagogical Faculty in Ostrava and from the University of Economics in Prague.

Among other things, she worked as a teacher, a Secretary of the ČSSD´s deputy group and as an advisor to the Prime Minister Vladimír Špidla.

She was elected to the Senate for the first time in 2002 and upheld her mandate in 2008. She has been the first Vice President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic since 2008. Alena Gajdůšková is married and has two daughters.

By Pavlína Holancová I

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

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networking/discussion event

From left: Michal Janeba, Deputy Minister for Regional Development and Tourism, Ministry of Regional Development, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Tomáš Cikán, Chairman of the Board, ESO Travel

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Round Table of Comenius with Michal Janeba and Jan Sixta, Deputy Ministers of Regional Development of the Czech Republic The first Round Table of Comenius in 2013 was held with Michal Janeba and Jan Sixta, Deputy Ministers of Regional Development who substituted for the Minister, Kamil Jankovský. The dinner opened with a dialogue between Mr. Janeba and Mr. Li Yisen, President of a partner company; Sino-Czech Economic Trade & Cultural Exchange Association. Both gentlemen agreed that the Czech Republic should reinforce better conditions for Chinese tourism, which would involve an improvement of visa requirements and availability, direct flights between Prague and important Chinese cities and also better regional promotion.

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From right: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Michal Janeba, Deputy Minister for Regional Development and Tourism, Ministry of Regional Development, Li Yi Sen, President, Sino-Czech Economic Trade & Cultural Exchange Association, Lenka Masojídková, Interpreteur, Jaroslav Hanák, Chairman, Confederation of Industry and Transport, and Tiantian Zhao, Sino-Czech Economic Trade & Cultural Exchange Association

29.1.2013 17:10:15

networking/discussion event

From left: Radek Dohnal, Více Chairman of the Board, Top Hotels Group, Vladimír Dohnal, Chairman of the Board, Top Hotels Group, and Jiř í Uklein Ph. D., Secretary General, Office of the Senate

H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia and Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman of Europe, Microsoft From left: Li Yi Sen, President, Sino-Czech Economic Trade & Cultural Exchange Association, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Tiantian Zhao, Sino-Czech Economic Trade & Cultural Exchange Association

From left: Peter Beck, Business Development Manager, Edymax Holding and Tomáš Čáp, Executive Vice President, Comenius

From left: Petr Soukup, Managing Partner,Stance Communications, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Zbyněk Pardubský, Ph.D., Deputy General Manager, PR, Huawei Technologies (Czech)

His Excellency Mr. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, expressed his agreement and suggested that Czech Republic and Slovakia should join efforts in fueling Chinese tourism flow to both countries. Later on both Deputy Ministers had to face critical remarks about the state law for public procurement, which was insightfully defended by Mr. Sixta. Despite the absence of Minister Jankovský the evening concluded in a fruitful and lively discussion.

71 MORE MO RE PHOT HOTO TOS A TOS AN ND EL ELEC E TR EC TRON ONIC IC VER ERSI SIION AVAAIILA AV AVAI L ABL B E ON O W WW WW.L .LLEA EADE D RS DE SMA M GAA ZI ZINE ZINE N .C .CZZ

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From left: Jiř í Uklein Ph. D., Secretary General, Office of the Senate, Libor Joukl, Deputy Governor, Region Vysočina, and Albín Sybera Sr., General Director, Sybera Enterprises

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networking/discussion event

Michal Štefl, General Director and Chairman of the Board, OHL ŽS with questions

Jaroslav Šafránek, Key Account Manager, S&T CZ

Wei Cai, Sino-Czech Economic Trade & Cultural Exchange Association

From left: Petr Soukup, Managing Partner, Stance Communications, Michal Janeba, Deputy Minister for Regional Development and Tourism, Ministry of Regional Development, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Jan Sixta, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Regional Development

From left: Libor Joukl, Deputy Governor, Region Vysočina and Rostislav Dvořák, Chairman, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Cooperatives From left: Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman, Czechoslovak Foreign Institute and Martin Žáček, General Director and Chairman of the Board, UNIQA ČR

From right: Jaromír Šlápota, Chairman, Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, Albín Sybera Jr., Secretary, State Environmental Fund, and Zbyněk Pardubský, Ph.D., Deputy General Manager, PR, Huawei Technologies (Czech)

From left: Tomáš Cikán, Chairman of the Board, ESO Travel, Ondřej Rušikvas, Sales & Marketing Director, Member of the Board of Directors, ERV Insurance Company, and Hynek Špinar, Director of Marketing, ESO Travel

72 Jan Sixta, Deputy Minister of Regional Development

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Stanislav Zíma, Marketing Director, Exim Tours

Tomáš Sýkora, Member of the Board, WBI Systems

29.1.2013 17:11:32

sustainable development

Climate Change ČR SUPPORTS GLOBAL ACTION Climate change is surely the mother of all sustainable development issues. At the heart of the problem is how to ensure continued economic development without damaging our fragile planet.

In spite of the doubts expressed by outgoing President Vaclav Klaus that human activity is not responsible for global warming, the Czech government has expressed clear support for the European Union’s position to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Czech Republic has chosen to undertake the low carbon development pathway. It is challenging and requires a careful consideration of all pros and cons.

Based on these analyses, which we have done, we came to the conclusion that the price we pay is acceptable”, stated Czech environment minister, Tomáš Chalupa at the United Nations climate conference in Qatar last December.

Newcomers to the seemingly tortuous processes of international negotiations should be more than forgiven for wondering why those responsible for steering our world, struggle to reach unanimity on what is arguably the most serious problem to have ever faced humanity.

But as final curtain fell on this crucial event held in the desert city of Doha, many of us veteran observers were similarly bewildered by the apparent lack of progress.

Mercifully, some of the major differences were finally ironed out, and agreement was at least reached to ensure that the Kyoto Protocol remains alive.

I have been attending these annual summits since the historical gathering in Kyoto, some 16 years ago, when world governments struck the first ever deal to introduce measures to mitigate the growing specter of global warming. In spite of the seemingly intractable divisions and ugly displays of self-interest evident at every meeting, all of the 194 nations that attended these complex Jonathan Wootlifff – a former Director of Greenpeace International, he lives in Prague and works throughout the world as a sustainability consultant to business. He has advised many large corporations including British Petroleum, McDonald’s, Colgate-Palmolive and Whirlpool. With particular expertise in climate change, energy policy, forestry, and supply chains, he helps companies to develop sustainability strategies that benefit the environment, society and business. Among his many activities, he advises companies on stakeholder relationships, resolves conflicts between companies and non-governmental organisations and develops sustainability reports. A qualified journalist with a subsequent background in public relations, Jonathan commonly assists companies with their sustainability communications. He can be contacted at jonathan@wootliff.com.

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talks acknowledge the need for action, some with increasing verve.

With most of the treaty’s original clauses due to expire at the start of this year, it was vital that a commitment was reached to extend the agreement, at the very least.

Thankfully, negotiators finally found a formula to buy more time, and a deadline has now been set whereby a new deal must be reached with by the end of 2015.

Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which only applies to developed countries, a new agreement must now be found which also involves the developing world.

Indeed, Minister Chalupa made it very clear that the Czech government believes that no measures to combat climate change can be effective without expanding the responsibilities beyond a currently limited number of richer countries. He believes that no solution can be found without the active participation of the emerging giants like China and India. Incredibly, in spite of generating more than a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gases, the United States has yet to sign up to any international commitment. No doubt Mr. Chalupa was also implying that it’s high time that America gets on board.

Although procedurally successfully, the collective outcome from the talks, named the ‘Doha Climate Gateway’, was pitifully weak and fell far short of the action that the climate science evidence says is needed.

There is now broad scientific consensus that the current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is very likely human-induced and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented.

According to NASA, certain facts about Earth’s climate are now indisputable and the evidence for rapid climate change is compelling. Here are just a few of a multitude of disturbing facts: G The global sea level rose about 17 centimeters in the last century; and yet the rate in the last decade is nearly double that.

G All three major global surface temperature reconstructions show that Earth has warmed since 1880. Most of this warming has occurred since the 1970s, with the 20 warmest years having occurred since 1981, with all 10 of the warmest years occurring in the past 12 years.

G The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have decreased in mass. Data from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment show Greenland lost 150 to 250 cubic kilometers of ice per year between 2002 and 2006, while Antarctica lost about 152 cubic kilometers of ice between 2002 and 2005.

G Both the extent and thickness of Arctic sea ice has declined rapidly over the last several decades and glaciers are retreating almost everywhere around the world, including in the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska and Africa.

G Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, the acidity of surface ocean waters has increased by about

Jonathan Wootliff at the United Nations climate change conference in Doha, Qatar Photo: Archive of Author

30 percent. This increase is the result of humans emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and hence more being absorbed into the oceans. The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the upper layer of the oceans is increasing by about 2 billion tons per year.

By now it must be apparent to everyone that extreme weather events are dramatically increasing.

Last year was the hottest and the most extreme year on record in many places. While parts of China are enduring the harshest winter in 30 years, the Antarctic is warming at an alarming rate. In Australia, out of control bushfires are partially the result of record-breaking weather.

In the United States, where Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of New Jersey and New York and where extreme drought still lingers in the Midwest, the average temperature in 2012 was more than a whole degree higher than average – shattering the record.

Europe experienced its second wettest year on record with continuous rain is some places causing devastating flooding.

Particularly disturbing are the significant adverse impacts that the weird weather is having on agriculture with staple food commodities rising at record rates.

It’s not just an environmental threat but a human one, with numerous relief agencies reporting on the urgent need to plan now to for the resettlement of millions of people expected to be displaced by climate change, with “climate migration” already estimated at some 10 million people a year.

It makes good sense for the Czech Republic to play an active role in climate change mitigation. According to a recent report about weather risks in central Europe by the insurance underwriters, Munich Re, the number of weather-related natural catastrophes in Europe has more than doubled since 1980. There is increasing evidence that this trend is already driven by climate change.

This year’s UN climate change conference is coming to Europe, and is scheduled to be held in the Warsaw in December. With mounting evidence of the social, environmental and financial cost of climate change, we must hope that there will be some kind of a real political breakthrough.

By Jonathan Wootliff I

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interview A talk with Ludmila Müllerová, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic

The Second Pillar IS A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY Ludmila Müllerová (1954) is married and has two daughters, Kateřina and Martina. She graduated from the University of Agriculture in Brno, from the Faculty of Corporate Economics. Between 1976–1991, Ludmila Müllerová held various administrative and financial positions with several state-owned companies and cooperatives (Horní Čermná Agricultural Cooperative, Lanškroun East Bohemian Paper Works, Bruntál State Farms). Between 1991 and 1994, she ran a financial and accounting business. In 1994, she joined the Bruntál Hospital where she served in financial positions until 1998. In 1998, Ludmila Müllerová was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, where she mainly focused on issues related to social policy. During 2002–2004, she served as the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs responsible for social policy, social services, and family affairs. Between 2004 and 2010, she was a senator representing Constituency No. 46, Ústí nad Orlicí. While serving in the Senate, she held the following positions: Deputy Chairwoman of the Standing Committee for Rural Development, Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee for Regional Development, Public Administration, and Environment, and Member of the Mandate and Immunity Committee. Ludmila Müllerová ended her membership in KDU-ČSL (Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People’s Party) on June 10, 2009. She has been a member of the TOP 09 Preparatory Committee since its establishment in June 2009. She served as a Deputy Chairwoman of TOP 09 until 2011. Ludmila Müllerová was appointed Minister of Labour and Social Affairs on November 16, 2012.

Photos: Martin Tiso

What is your main goal and what is your vision for the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs?

I’d like to open our ministry much more to clients. I’d like it to be a more responsive and communicative office. I definitely want to communicate with people to avoid misunderstandings and fear when people need to fully understand any forthcoming changes that directly affect them. My goal is that the ministry will be here for our clients, not for the officials. In addition to changes in the communications sector, I consider the sKarta project crucial, as well as pension reform. In the case of the sKarta project it is necessary that with it we create a modern and friendly service for people who need assistance from the state. I definitely want to convince people that the new way to provide for retirement – the so-called II. pillar – is a special opportunity for them.

You are one of the few women in the current Government. What differences bring women into politics? Should political parties impose quotas guaranteeing equal representation of both sexes in politics?

I think women bring a different approach to politics.

They generally do not have much need to compete, they tend to collaborate more, to communicate better, and create. They are empathetic and willing to listen to the views of the counter party, which is a great benefit for policy. In my opinion, women often have a better social conscience and are more concerned about the needs of others. On the other hand, I am not an advocate of the

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interview introduction of quotas. I believe that Czech society will come to the conclusion that a greater representation of women, not only in public functions such as politics, but in companies as well, will be needed in the course of time. Some companies have recognized this advantage and are definitely using it to get ahead of competitors.

How do you view the recent directive of the European Commission, proposing a 40 percent representation of women in the management of large companies?

The Directive applies to complex issues and individual EU states, which must deal with this in their own ways.

The Czech Republic is rather restrained to the European Commission’s proposal. A similar position is held in states such as Hungary, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Bulgaria. These countries sent letters to Commissioner Reding and to the European Commission President Barroso last September, in which they requested the non-submittal of the Directive. Germany was openly against the proposal. On the contrary, Great Britain took a “slightly positive” stance, i.e. it does not see this proposal as a binding requirement or quota to achieve the objective of having 40 percent of women on management boards of companies, but as a commitment to introduce procedural rules. If a similar law should be prepared in the Czech Republic, it should definitely be proposed and coordinated by the Ministry of Justice, which is in charge of anti-discrimination law and business law. My ministry would be in the role of co-coordinator, since it deals with the policy of equal opportunities for men and women.

Recently, a payment system of the sKarta project became controversial. How do you explain that?

The implementation of the sKarta project has been watched carefully from the beginning, mainly by the media which evaluated it negatively. Each new and modern thing represents too much change for many people, and therefore it is hard for it to find its proper place. In this case, the citizens chiefly didn’t like the fact that it would be compulsory to pay with the new card.

It is understandable that, particularly for older people and those with mobility problems, such news sparked fear and rejection. Many were concerned that they would have difficulty obtaining the benefits to which they are entitled. The Ministry failed to clearly explain the advantages of the sKarta project. And I have to say that media was not helpful either.

So, is the payment function of sKarta mandatory for all?

Before people take their sKarta, they may receive a transfer of state benefits to their bank account, or receive benefits directly in cash. However, we are going to introduce fundamental legislative changes resulting from the agreement with Česká spořitelna a.s. and Česká pošta. Thus, people who were not accustomed to using any bank card to obtain benefits could receive benefits simply by money order. Therefore the payment function of the new sKarta will be voluntary. Yet, the new sKarta will serve as an identification card as well.

What exactly relates to changes in the contract between the Czech Government and Česká spořitelna a.s. concerning the sKarta?

The change is mainly in the fact that in the future we do not count the payment of pensions via sKarta. This option has been included in the contract much like the commitment to carry through sKarta payment of at

least 98 percent of the volume of all benefits. It will also change.

In this respect, how can sKarta prevent the abuse of social benefits?

The payment system of social benefits via sKarta helps prevent abuse of social benefits. It is possible to limit the use of the card as a payment instrument only to selected categories of transactions (such as food and health care, or the payment of invoices for services).

In case the client is trying to pay with such a card in the casino or goldsmith’s shop, the card would be rejected.

How do you cope with the fact that when the Social Democratic Party (ČSSD) wins the next election, there is no secret of the fact that they would cancel the system of sKarta? What happens in this case?

The sKarta is a modern way of benefit payments, which has just been introduced in our country and is now starting to work. A similar payment system has been launched and implemented by a number of European countries, such as Great Britain, Italy, Finland and others outside of the European Union, e.g. the United States. The introduction of such innovations as the sKarta has been followed by the media and often evaluated negatively.

So, you don’t agree with the critics?

I see many of the previous objections of citizens as well-founded. That is why we have had discussions with our partners and we will modify the contract with Česká spořitelna a.s so that the sKarta will be an even more helpful service to citizens. I do not want to speculate about whether the opposition ČSSD would cancel this system. If something works, it is nonsense to interfere.

It would be a big step backward. Imagine that you can now call from your mobile phone, but continue to insist on a fixed line, although the mobile phone is much cheaper for you. We all eventually got accustomed to mobile phones much like our seniors have. Some people just need a little bit of help with technical innovations, and so we need to explain things and give them more time. On the other hand, they should definitely have an opportunity (albeit for a moderate i.e. a regulated fee) to continue to use what they have become used to. However, why should we hinder the progress of those who seek it?

The Constitutional Court struck down the public service, which has been introduced at Labor Offices across our country. Are you going to continue to keep it despite the Constitutional Court’s decision? And, are you going to make a new proposal after processing the complaints of the Constitutional Court?

What is the time framework?

We want to maintain the public service. Besides, it has not been canceled as an institute. We’ve been asked for its preservation, especially by particular municipalities. However, the public service is voluntary at the moment, and no one has been punished for its unjustified rejection or failure, so that we would exclude him from the register of job seekers. We’ve been preparing amendments to the current legislation in accordance with the Constitutional Court, and I believe that in the coming months we will also submit it to the government.

The reform of the pension system has not identified an interest of the large population so far. The proportion of economically active citizens who have decided to join the second pillar has been constantly

decreasing, and it is currently only about 2%. In this respect, are you aiming to introduce any special measures or an intensive campaign, respectively?

The second pillar contracts have been available only since the beginning of January 2013. I think it is premature to draw any conclusions about the alleged interest or disinterest which people might have in the pension reform. We assume that within the age group of 35 to 45 years, about 50 percent of economically active people would come to the second pillar. People in this age range will definitely have the biggest interest; they’ve already been affected by the pension issues, they care about them and know that they need to have extra savings. Even people over 45 years of age may

surprise us, as for them involvement in the second pillar would pay off in the case that their income is higher than 25 thousand CZK. However, we suggest much lower proportional involvement. We estimate that between the ages of 45–50 years it will be a maximum of one third, and after 50 years of age, the participation will decline rapidly. We’ve already prepared and launched an informational campaign on pension reform. Together with the Ministry of Finance and the Czech Tax Administration, we’ve been explaining all the important changes relating to pensions. We’ve organized events in the regions (from early January to late March approximately 15 round tables will be held), and additionally we’ve put together a manual on pension reform, as well as leaflets, a call center, web-help, and other special events.

The opposition Social Democrats said that in case of victory in the next general election, all previously approved reform bills would be cleared. Shouldn’t pension reform be negotiated across the political spectrum, in order to ensure its continuity?

We discussed the pension reform with all partners including the opposition. When we prepared the reform bills, we tried to take into account the views of the opposition, which resulted from our discussions. One example of such a “compromise solution” was the very much discussed voluntariness to join the second pillar (the original government proposal envisaged a mandatory input) or an agreement on the formation of a category of early retired pensioners.

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

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From left – Civic Association FNMWA: Ing. Pavla Kalousová, Bussines Manager, Theatre J.K. Tyl, Plzeň, Member of the Board, FNMWA, Ing. Petra Caine, Private Banker, J§T Bank, Member of the Board, FNMWA, JUDr. Kateřina Krylová, Advocate, Member of the Board, FNMWA, Ing. Helena K. Leisztner, Artist, PR Marketing, Member of the Board, FNMWA, Eliška Hašková Coolidge, Founder FNMWA, Martina Kociánová, Auccioner and Singer, Ing. Pavlína Jirmannová, Tax Manager, Deloitte, Viceperson FNMWA, and Ing. Lenka Dušková, Investment Advisor, Chairperson, FNMWA

benefit

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OF WORKS OF BLIND SCULPTORS Friends of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (FNMWA) and Endowment Fund Mathilda under the auspices of the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the Czech Republic, H.E. Dr. Mario Quagliotti invited distinguished guests to Benefit Auction of Works of Blind Sculptors, held November 27th, 2012. The proceeds from the auction were used to train guide dogs. The evening was accompanied by enchanting musical performance by students of Jan Deyl Conservatory.

Eliška Hašková Coolidge, Founder of FNMWA and Oldřich Th. Uttendorfsky, M.D., Ph.D. hon., Consul of Monaco

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From left: Chunqing Huang, Artist in Frankfurt am Main, Thomas Solbach, Author of the “Fischer des Lichts”, Ing. Helena K. Leisztner, Artist, PR Marketing, Member of the Board, FNMWA, and Robert Yuan Guei HO, Director of the Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague

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From left: Martina Kociánová, Auccioner, Šimon Kryl, student of UK, and Žofie Vokálková, Flautist

From left: JUDr. Petr Vyroubal, Advocate and Ludo van Den Bergh, Owner, ITIC Auberge de Provance

From left: H.E. Dr. Mario Quagliotti, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the Czech Republic, Jadran Šetlík, Photographer, and Countes Mathilda Nostitz, Patron of Blind People in the CR, Founder of EF Mathilda

29.1.2013 18:54:02

analyse

Channels of Communi c ati o n IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Martin Opatrný is a Public Relations and Communication expert in the private sector and civil service. Before his previous engagement as press representative and advisor for the Prague City Hall Opencard project, he had worked in Interel – the European strategic communications group that offers an integrated approach to top level public relations and affairs, as well as association management. He worked also as the press secretary and spokesperson for the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament. Martin Opatrný has obtained most of his professional experience and skills in the Public Relations Department of the Ministry for Regional Development, where he had worked as the acting departmental head and the Editor-in-Chief for their official website. He had also acquired his practical work skills as a journalist for Czech Television, a PR agent at another private PR agency and a professional freelance writer. He now teaches Media and Crisis Communication at Charles University in Prague, conducts lectures of communication and gives freelance advice over his field of expertise. Martin Opatrný graduated from the Philosophical Faculty of Charles University in Prague, where he obtained his PhD. degree in cultural studies, with a specialization in mass communication and psychology. He had also studied management and marketing.

“Nothing special,” is the typical Czech’s answer to the simple, all-time question, “How are you?” But why is this so?

Has everything in the Czech Republic gone horribly awry? For me, I say no. Only the Czech’s obstinacy focuses itself further on its own problems than on anything else, even though it’s not really “the end of the world.” Perhaps because of the influence from Jaroslav Hašek’s novel, “The Good Soldier Švejk,” Czechs tend to criticize, grumble and complain all the time without a single excuse. Obviously, this behavior is shifting from interpersonal communication to public communication.

Cynicism isn’t reflected only in the community, but in the media as well. Of course, this isn’t a new, or unique, trend in the Czech Republic but almost everywhere in the whole wide world of mass, corporate, media. Perhaps, thanks to the Internet, only the independent and the reputable agencies continue to keep themselves composed in reporting the facts.

Unfortunately, there aren’t as many reputable agencies in the Czech Republic. Almost everything mainstream is run-of-themill gossip. Tabloids may be more guileless, but it is what it is no matter where in the world you take it or leave it, a tabloid.

Yet, many so-called reputable agencies are printing more and more sensationalised news and still proclaim to be objective and sincere. To speak about this country’s journalistic integrity and honoration would be hypocritical. Why is it so?

Could one possible reason be that the media, itself, has the penchant to reflect whatever is affecting the public’s moods or awareness? Take the time to think about this, and your conclusion would have to be a yes.

However, a huge conundrum arises. Journalism’s focus is no longer to merely inform and enlighten the public but more on making money off of them. After all, it is essentially a commercial enterprise. It represents the power of persuasion ever since Johannes Gutenberg invented printing press. It has always managed itself to persevere, by any means necessary, and give the people what they want. Sensationalised News is the by-product of what draws in the biggest audience which follows the supply and demand theory.

Mainstream, contemporary media no longer follows prerequisite of reporting the truth but to entertain the masses. As a result, the more earnest journalist is under duress of no longer providing information, but “infotainment.” The audience’s attention spans have shrunk considerably where they only pay attention to the “juicy details” rather than the actual story. Desensitisation becomes a huge problem in shrinking the audience’s awareness, so then they take further notice in a more primordial form of entertainment.

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Of course, some audience members who genuinely want factual news, but even the most intelligent and open-minded individuals don’t stand much of a chance in obtaining the most unbiased facts. Public communication in the post-post modern or, dare to say it, the “post-informational” era has become more like a computer virus that immediately invades and replicates itself, damaging the “hard-drives” in everyone’s minds.

It chews up and spits out their independent thinking to where they’d swallow anything that was force-fed to them. How else is it possible for any daytime TV viewer to get the gist of their long-time-running soap opera without having to follow through the story, itself? Why is he or she nodding off on the couch during an important newsflash or Presidential debate? Sometimes, these politicians can’t communicate effectively; even amongst their constituencies. The public might as well classify them as some sort of a subspecies, “Homo Politici.”

Even Aristotle, whose work has shaped much of modern politics, might’ve pondered wonder how far have his so-called “political animals” wandered off the reservation. His idea of “social beings” has devolved back into the primordial soup where they only take interest of public interests when they fall towards his or her favour. But honestly, it would be foolish to think that all this is new. Like any other normal human being, politicians are intrinsically selfish, although it may or not have been as clear in the past as it is today.

Throughout the Czech’s turbulent history, most of the political figureheads were revered for their moralistic beliefs and attitudes. It’s not so surprising that there are very little straitlaced role models to look up to these days, mostly due to their blatant regard towards self-promotion. Every politician likes to comment on everything whether or not they actually know the issue. They love the sound of their own voice, no matter if their commentaries are rather relevant or pure tripe. They no longer discriminate whether there is no such thing as bad publicity; what they want overall is to get as much media coverage as possible. Indeed, their overexposure affects the public’s interaction, as well as contributing to its deflation.

The audience might even become fed up with empty, but often repeated, catchphrases, they often snub the speaker but isn’t everyone similar to each other a in certain way? Don’t most politicians mirror their constituency? Everyone wants more sophisticated and interactive channels, even though they continue to publicise hogwash. If things continue as its current velocity, everyone might eventually reach the point of no return where they would stop broadcasting through these channels.

Photo: Archive

Certain political parties massively publicises more propaganda than facts, which perhaps is swaying the Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social network addicts; amplifying their fever over virtual reality and making those more of their grip on the corporeal one. Thanks to social networks, music groups make money from sponsored ads, and average citizens plan and orchestrate massive rallies, such as the “Occupy Wall Street” movement, or other more philanthropic ventures.

Even the police have a useful tool to blow the whistle on organized crime. However, people’s lives are not as virtual as we’re led to believe, but everyone continues to be egocentric, claiming why should they care if they are directly involved. Most of them may never watch TV, log on to Facebook or show any interest or participation in politics, which is quite typical. It is more convenient for others to do nothing than to be active and do something. But can anyone do anything without any influence from the media or social network? Of course not.

People can regulate their mass media consumption, but to completely avoid it is “virtually” impossible. Even if they limit themselves from exposure to the ever-present media and circumvent this “disinformation mishmash,” they are all still susceptible towards the more aggressive advertising campaigns, as well as their concealed, subliminal messages. People may resolutely assert themselves that they are not at all conditioned by advertising as they simultaneously go shopping at the mall. Still, the subconscious mind works differently than the conscious one, and whether or not they’re aware of it, their minds keep on absorbing more of these hidden messages.

How can anyone be angry at the media monster we’ve created? Isn’t it what we’ve always wanted and more? If it hadn’t been for Gutenberg, or Alexander Graham Bell’s advent of the telephone, or Guglielmo Marconi and his long distance radio, or even Julian Assange’s WikiLeaks, the world wouldn’t be as interconnected as it is today. Nobody has to keep their distance anymore since we can keep in touch people living on the other side of the world as if they were living right next door to us. Mass communication, alone, it neither good nor bad but how we choose to utilise it in a civilized society that endorses free speech and press. Everyone, singlehandedly or collectively, can influence its development for better use, but until more people accept personal liability, mass media will instinctively continue to go on its rampage.

By Martin Opatrný ■ český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

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29.1.2013 16:37:10

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12/19/2012 4:23:39 PM

the coach’s corner

Rehabilitate Your New Year’s

RESOLUTIONS The week before the world was supposed to implode as predicted by some interpretations of the Mayan calendar, I shut myself in my office for a few hours and started to think about my 2013 resolutions, hoping to get a head start if the predictions turned out to be wrong.

For many years, I had selected some audacious goals at the start of each new year, but it seemed that the higher I was aiming, the shorter I was falling. Which led me to question our New Year’s resolutions – are they really a positive step toward self-betterment, or a dismal failure of willpower?

Anyone who has tried changing a long term habit, whether it is to exercise more regularly, to stop smoking, or to ignore email for more than ten minutes, knows how frustratingly hard it is. If I had the discipline to see my resolutions through, I wouldn’t need to make them in the first place. Moreover, making resolutions that are never realized or are broken shortly after they are set naturally leads to painful dissatisfactions.

According to psychologist Roy Baumeister, willpower is like a muscle: overuse can lead to burnout. But in Willpower, his book on the subject, Baumeister also demonstrated that self-control can be toned up with small and regular exercises. So this year, instead of selecting some preposterous goals like writing a weekly post in my blog for the next 52 weeks, I decided to rehab my relationship with New Year’s resolutions and try a different approach.

SET REALISTIC GOALS Like many independent coaches, I have learned the importance of marketing and self-promotion. Thanks to the internet and the explosion of social media, every year I explore some new method/way to communicate with my Karin Genton-L’Epée is a business coach with 31 years of extensive professional experience in the United States, France and the Czech Republic.

Based in Prague since 1995, for the past 15 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.

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audience. After setting up my web site fifteen years ago, registering on LinkedIn a few years later and creating a Coaching4Success page on Facebook three years ago, a blog seemed like the next logical step.

Since I have been writing a monthly newsletter for the past twelve years, and a bi-monthly article for Prague Leaders Magazine for almost as long, armed with the best of intentions, I thought a wordy blog post every week would be no problem. But unreasonable goals often result in unrealistic plans. To my dismay, I quickly discovered that this additional task required a lot more time and dedication than I could handle, and I quickly modified my original plan to a more manageable one. Instead of a weekly post, I chose a more realistic goal. And those of you who read me know that I decided on shorter monthly posts, often simple offshoots of what I write in my monthly newsletter.

If I had tried to stick to my original objective to write a weekly post for my blog, I would have been rapidly overwhelmed and discouraged, and I suspect I might have given up on writing my blog posts altogether.

It turns out that my suspicions had been proven by a set of experiments in 2009, the findings of which were published in Psychological Science. Participants with more modest resolutions and realistic assessments of their ability keep them performed the best, while people with high opinions of their willpower were most likely to give up on their resolutions, giving in to temptation shortly after they started. My realistic goal is to write interesting articles on a regular basis – not to impress people with the number of posts I write. Knowing now how often I can post in a comfortable and consistent manner, I adapted my writing schedule to meet that objective.

IDENTIFY YOUR MOTIVATION To increase our chances of sticking to a resolution, we need to find out why we are pursuing that objective in the first place. While the “should” might get us started – I should write a blog, I should stop smoking, I should get better at managing my time – the “should” will not help us sustain our effort. Unless what we are trying to achieve fulfills a core need, we have little chance of succeeding.

Changing can be hard and painful. When, for example, we are trying to give up smoking and are then faced with a pleasant and familiar activity like socializing with a glass of wine and a cigarette, the challenge of giving up smoking is that much harder. We need confirmation that giving up smoking is worth the effort. We must be convinced that the benefits of quitting will surpass the pleasures of smoking in a pleasant social setting. And our goal needs to be truly ours – not someone else’s goal.

Some people manage to give up smoking for health reason, some for family reasons. “How can I smoke and tell my kids not to smoke,” said a friend of mine when I asked him about his motivation to stop smoking. You probably know someone who is still addicted to their familiar habit and won’t give it up, despite the recent smoking ban in

public places. But they can work around the ban – until quitting smoking becomes a personal objective, they won’t feel truly motivated to give it up.

DEVELOP AN ACHIEVABLE ACTION PLAN After setting realistic goals and identifying your true motivation, the next step is to formulate an action plan with easy and achievable tasks, before gradually working up to more challenging ones.

For those of you who can hardly resist food, it has been proven that shopping on a full stomach and with a very specific list of items to buy helps tremendously with efforts to refrain from impulse buying. And being able to anticipate some of your weekly shopping allows you to plan more efficiently the amount and selection of food you wish to consume that week, reducing temptation. Another way to resist temptation is to never bring home any food you wish to eliminate from your diet. You can allow yourself to indulge once in a while outside the house, but not in your home.

If you wish to exercise more but hate to go to the gym, you can team up with a friend who has a dog and either volunteer to walk the dog a couple of times a week or accompany your friend on some of her daily walks. You can also try one of the newer types of gyms that feature group workouts and dedicated partners. Not wanting to let someone else down can be an excellent motivator.

Tailoring your resolutions to an already-established aspect of your life makes the effort seems a lot less difficult, too, rather than trying to fit a totally new routine into your daily schedule. If you are more awake in the morning, schedule the most challenging actions in the morning, and the easiest ones in the evening. And last but not least, don’t forget to implement your action plan. Starting toward a goal facilitates its completion. Studies have demonstrated that goal intentions that are readied with an implementation action plan are more easily reached than mere goal intentions. To be able to achieve our goals, and keep our resolutions, requires not only tenacity but also flexibility. Once you have made a resolution and set goals, identify your motivation, decide on the action plan you need to reach them, and then implement.

With small, regular and easy steps, I believe that rehabilitating my New Year’s resolutions will finally allow me to achieve my goals in 2013. How about you?

I

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29.1.2013 16:37:36

Vladim VVla i iirr Erm Er ako akov, vv,, Chairm CCha airm mann off the the Russi Russ Ru ssi s anann-Cze an-Cze C ch Cha h mb mber mbe ber of Comm om erc ercee aand n Gener nd Geene ner eral al Di Diririect cttor, Ve Vemex m me mex Pho Ph h to: to VVlladi to ddiimĂ­r mĂ­r We W iss iss s an andd Arch c ive iv

New Possibilities 80

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31.1.2013 9:14:51

interview An interview with Vladimir Ermakov, Chairman of the Russian-Czech Chamber of Commerce and General Director, Vemex At the end of 2012, representatives of Czech business circles learned of the establishment of a new organization – the Russian-Czech Mixed Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Vladimir Ermakov, already known to our readers as the general director of VEMEX, one of the major players in the Czech gas market, was elected Chairman of the Chamber. The editors asked Vladimir Ermakov for more details concerning the establishment of the new Chamber.

Mr. Ermakov, could you tell us in detail about the establishment of the RussianCzech Mixed Chamber of Commerce?

I’d like to thank the editors for the opportunity to respond in the first issue of your magazine in 2013 and wish your readers to have all their plans come true in the upcoming year.

As you know, on December 12, 2012, a special General Assembly of the Russian-Czech Mixed Chamber of Commerce took place. The main purpose was to create a collaborative space where Russian and Czech entrepreneurs and organizations might evaluate a whole spectrum of questions regarding working and other relations between our countries. Much earlier in the fall of 2011, I expressed that need in an informal meeting with the management staff of energy companies.

After an overall evaluation of the proposal, an initiative group was formed in the spring of 2012 and that began the preparations for establishing the Chamber. We are very pleased that the efforts relating to establishing the Chamber were, from the beginning, supported by the Russian Federation Embassy. These efforts were personally endorsed by the Ambassador, Mr. S. B. Kiselev and Mr. A. V. Turov, the Council for Commerce, as well as the Czech Chamber of Commerce, which became one of our founders. Mr. Petr Kužel, the President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, assisted the initiative group and was elected Vice-Chairman of the Czech-Russian Mixed Chamber of Commerce. The Trade and Industry Chamber of Russia also supported the creation of this new entity in the sphere of Russian-Czech trade and economic collaboration.

A number of large organizations contributing to the development of economic collaboration between our countries became founding members of the Chamber: VEMEX s.r.o., LUKOIL Czech Republic s.r.o., Volksbank CZ, a.s.

(a daughter company of the Russian bank “Sberbank”), ČERVA EXPORT IMPORT a.s., MND a.s., Czech Chamber of Commerce, law firm Havel, Holásek & Partners s.r.o., První českoruská banka s.r.o., Sevzapenergo a.s., and Specmaš and RusPromStroj. The agreement founding the Chamber was ceremonially signed on September 6, 2012. Then the work related to the stipulated manner of registering the Chamber began and was successfully completed on November 19, 2012.

What decisions were made at the December General Assembly of the Chamber?

The General Assembly approved the authorities of the executive bodies of the Chamber, who ensured the official consent of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, the approval of the Chamber By-Laws and its registration in the Commercial Registry. Ten new members were accepted to the Chamber; among them, Rusatom Overseas (a daughter company of the State Corporation for Atomic Energy “Rosatom”), Česká spořitelna a.s, UNIS a.s., ENA s.r.o., CAROLLINUM s.r.o., ČKD a.s., Daichi, the Pražský telegraf publishing house, RUDOLF JELÍNEK a.s. and Mezinárodní svaz mládeže o.s.

Along with these new members, an action plan was discussed and approved, as well as the budget for 2013. It was decided to establish an Innovation Council within the Chamber. We might say that the General Assembly completed its organizational period and established priority goals. I believe that the potential of our members will enable the Chamber to successfully carry out its work, a large portion of which will take place in professional sectors, associating leaders and specialists focusing on specific activities within industry and energy supply, business and finance, investment protection and legal issues. Currently, the work of forming these sectors continues. We expect

From left: Vladimir Ermakov, Chairman, Russian-Czech Chamber of Commerce, and Petr Kužel, Vice Chairman, RussianCzech Chamber of Commerce

their number to increase, but it would be premature to discuss this.

It is known that, in the field of the CzechRussian economic relations, there are both state structures and national chambers of commerce already active, along with other organizations. For example, the Chamber for Commercial Relations with the Confederation of Independent States, The Czech-Russian Business Council and a number of other associations, clubs and chambers. Isn’t this space a bit crowded?

That’s an interesting question, which was the subject of many discussions in various organizations and at various levels. There are a number of social organizations active in the Czech Republic, including economic and commerce chambers and one of their goals is to support the development of Russian-Czech trade and economic relations. However, their main task is the support of the export interests of Czech companies and the protection of Czech investor interests in Russia.

The Russian-Czech Mixed Chamber of Commerce is currently the only organization whose primary goal is to support Russian investment and Russian companies in the Czech Republic.

The establishment of our Chamber was primarily

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31.1.2013 12:15:02

interview triggered by the conscious need of leading Russian companies successfully active in the Czech market and interested in the widening of investments into the Czech economy, as well as Czech companies with Russian capital that have their own organization to represent their interests.

Other tasks include fostering dialog between Russian and Czech business circles, integrating Russian entrepreneurs into the Czech business community and the civilized protection of the interests of members, both in the Czech Republic and in Russia. These efforts include help in implementing specific projects executed by our members, including such extensive ones as the construction of the 3rd and 4th energy unit of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. We will actively collaborate with other participants of the RussianCzech cooperation, particularly the Chamber for Commercial Relations with the Confederation of Independent States. We believe that that the potential for developing relations between our countries is so huge, that there is plenty of work for everyone. The evident interest by Russian and Czech entrepreneurs becoming members of the Chamber shows the correctness and timeliness of establishing this new vehicle for collaboration between Russia and the Czech Republic.

How does the Chamber intend to begin its activities?

As I said, the action plan for 2013 was approved, outlining all main directions of Chamber activities. However, even prior to its approval,

we participated in some events of our members. For example, we assisted in preparations for the „Energopromservis 2012“14th annual international conference on energy, organized

by Sevzapenergo.

In the first quarter of 2013, we plan to organize a conference concerning the legal aspects of the Russian-Czech economic relations in collaboration with the law firm Havel, Holásek & Partners, including such complicated aspects as visa issues.

Together with the Russian Federation Trade Agency, we will participate in the presentation of a book focused on the 90th anniversary of Czech-Russian trade relations. The book is being published by Pražský Telegraf, a member of the Chamber. In April we expect to organize a round-table discussion on the subject of „Russian Investment in the Czech Economy“.

We also plan to set up meeting of Russian businessmen, with leading political representatives and leaders of business circles within the Czech Republic.

The Chamber will provide support for the Czech-Moravian Association of Female Entrepreneurs and Managers in organizing their mission and conference in Moscow and St. Petersburg in June, 2013.

But these are only individual events. We also plan to actively participate in events organized by the Czech Chamber of Commerce, the Russian Federation Trade Agency and the Chamber of Trade and Industry of the Russian Federation, in the area of Czech-Russian economic collaboration. The Chamber plans

From left: H.E. Sergey Kiselev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Ermakov, Chairman, Russian-Czech Chamber of Commerce, and Roman Popov, Vice Chairman, Russian-Czech Chamber of Commerce

to conclude cooperative agreements with a number of Czech ministries and departments and to participate in the work of the Intergovernmental Russian-Czech Committee.

We hope to soon complete the Chamber website, where you will be able to find news about our work.

Is promoting the business interests of entrepreneurs the only thing your Chamber of Commerce sees as its task?

Naturally, our activity will not only be limited to the business sphere. Both individually and in collaboration with our members, we plan to support the organization of cultural and sporting events. I believe this will help us understand each other, which will also reflect on the overall level of our collaboration.

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

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29.1.2013 16:39:39

IN COOPERATIO ON WITH LEADERS MAGAZIN NE

EUROPEAN LEADERSHIP & ACADEMIC INSTITUTE P R A G U E

European Leadership & Academic Institute (ELAI) organized another dinner discussion from its series on December 13th 2012. The discussion focused on dealing with the prospects of the Czech and world economies in the year 2013 and its main speakers were Michal Mejstřík, Member of the National Economic Council of the Government of the CR (NERV) and a patron of ELAI, David Marek, Chief Economist at Patricia Finance and ELAI lecturer, Pavel Kohout, Member of the NERV and Board Director at Partners, and Jiří Rusnok, Member of the NERV and Chief Economist at ING Bank.

From left: Lukáš Sedláček, Managing Director, ELAI, Denis Gibadulin, Policy Analyst, Google CR, Martin Vosecký, Owner, Catro spol., Petr Vlastník, Operations Director, Rosinter Czech Republic, and Petr Bareš, Managing Director, Iguassu Software Systems

Dinner Discussion WITH MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CR

MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

The guests participated in a lively fashion and added their own point of view and experience to the discussion, while the speakers focused mainly on the role of every single person and his or her relationship to the tax system of the Czech Republic.

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From left: Alois Míka, Managing Director, EPIC Holding, Václav Nekvapil, Managing Director, CEC ČR, David Marek, Chief Economist, Patricia Finance and ELAI lecturer, Robert Johnson, UNICA plasma, Jana Kalvodová, Manager Fiscal & Regulator, Philip Morris ČR, Daniel Lošťák, Corporate Affairs Executive, Philip Morris ČR, and Petr Šebek, Manager Fiscal & Regulatory, Philip Morris ČR

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Blanka Matragi, Fashion Designer with Lucie Smatanová, Model (left), Tereza Fajksová, Miss Earth 2012 (right) and attire created for the youngest clientele

IN COOPERATIO ON WITH LEAD DERS MAGAZINE

with Matragi The expected end of the world did nothing to stop the hurricane named Blanka Matragi. Along with her husband Makram, she organized an exclusive party for friends on December 21, 2012. This way the designer proved to them that no way would she be scared of such negative forecasts, but also celebrated her 33rd wedding anniversary. „Our marriage is now in Christ’s age and I don’t doubt it will survive the end of the world,“ she joked.

Within the unconventional environment of her successful Timeless exhibition in the Municipal House, Blanka entertained and connected her guests from the business world, artists, the top managers of international firms, politicians, media representatives, donors and art collectors. Arriving guests were welcomed by a 24carat gold champagne and French delicatessen, which were served throughout the evening – foie gras, giant shrimps, a selection of Lebanese mezze, coffee with cardamom, baklava, as well as French pastries and pralines. A tasting of select Lebanese wines and luxury cognacs was also featured.

The jewels among guests charming the gentlemen included Miss Earth, Tereza Fajksová and Vice Miss, Lucie Smatanová, both clad in Blanka Matragi’s splendid evening gowns. All attending ladies left the party with an exclusive gift – Blanka Matragi’s new Day and Night Serum, which had its world premiere at the party.

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From left: David Mamaladze, Enterpreneur, Blanka Bukovská, Chief Editor, Brands&Stories, Jan Mühlfeit, Chairman of Europe Microsoft with his wife and Miloš Janů, PROMEXIM

Selection of Lebanese mezze – hummus, featuring the designer’s initials, Rameh El Ayache, Owner of the El Emir Lebanese restaurant with Blanka Matragi, Fashion Designer

From left: Lucie Smatanová, Model, Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor, Prague 1, Blanka Matragi, Fashion Designer and Tereza Fajksová, Miss Earth 2012

From left: Mrs. Naděžda Krátká, an Executive and Donor, Mrs. Eliška Kaplicky and Blanka Matragi, Fashion Designer

Blanka Matragi, Fashion Designer and Mr. Rudolf Liška, Entrepreneur

From left: Mrs. Angelika Padilla, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Blanka Matragi, Fashion Designer

The Matragis with the Grunds (GRUND)

85 Luděk Sekyra, Chairman of the Board, Sekyra Group, with Lucia Smatanová, Model and Tereza Fajksová, Miss Earth 2012

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The Matragis with the Hnilicas (ČEROZ)

MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

29.1.2013 18:17:25

discussion event

Dean Brabec, Managing Partner CEE, Arthur D. Little and President, CFO Club

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

CHRISTMAS EVENT OF CFO CLUB Last of this year gatherings of CFO Club members took place in Grand Hotel Bohemia on December 12th under the auspices of traditional partner RWE Transgas. The speaker in the discussion moderated by Martin Chalupský, Head of PR & Press Services RWE Transgas, were film director Marie Poledňáková and Jan Bradáč, Chairman of the Board of film production and distribution company FALCON. At the beginning of social event that followed discussion, Dean Brabec, President of CFO Club and Managing Director CEE Arthur D. Little evaluated this year activities of the Club and presented program for next year.

From left: Petr Lávička, Managing Director, IFC FOOD, Petra Lávičková, Marketing Director, RENOMIA, Jitka Vaňková, IFC FOOD, and Martin Novák, CFO and Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, ČEZ and Member of the Board, CFO Club

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Marie Poledňáková, Film Director

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Vendula Krtilová, CFO World and Petr Vaculík, Head of Clinical Operations, PSI CRO Czech Republic

From left: Patrik Choleva, CFO and Vice Chairman of the Board, Skanska, and Member of the Board CFO Club and Martin Novák, CFO and Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, ČEZ and Member of the Board, CFO Club

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From left: Aleš Barabas, Member of the Board, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Vice President, CFO Club, Kamil Ziegler, Managing Director, SAZKA sázková kancelář and Vice President, CFO Club, and Mrs. Milena Zieglerová

From left: Kamil Blažek, Partner and Advocate, Kinstellar and Pavel Dědek, Director, Department of Financial Advisory, Deloitte Advisory Michal Mareš, CEO, NB Financial Advisors and Eva Jechová, Financial Director, TOP HOTELS GROUP

From left: Axel Gerhardy, Vice Chairman of the Board, CFO, RWE Transgas and Martin Herrmann, CEO, RWE Transgas and Member of the Board, CFO Club

From left: Martin Herrmann, CEO, RWE Transgas and Member of the Board, CFO Club, Martin Chalupský, Head of PR & Press Services, RWE Transgas, Marie Poledňáková, Film Director, Jan Bradáč, Chairman of the Board, FALCON, and Dean Brabec, Managing Partner CEE, Arthur D. Little and President, CFO Club

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From left: Eva Vašková Čejková, Partner, ConPro, Zuzana Solfronková, CEO and General Director, Eficia Praha, and Ivan Solfronk, MTX

87 MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

31.1.2013 9:44:46

interview An interview with Ambassador Jiří Parkmann, Head of Prague Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Keeping Peace through Dialogue After graduation from the University of Economics in Prague in 1973 Ambassador Jiří Parkmann worked as a translator. In 1980 he moved to Paris starting his own consulting agency there, cooperating with the Testimony published by Pavel Tigrid. Coming back to Prague in 1997, he was involved in foreign affairs. He became Assistant to Minister without Portfolio in charge of foreign relations in the Czech government, and between the years 1998–1999 Advisor to the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and Chairman of the Intergovernmental Commission for Public Awareness in relation with the accession of the Czech Republic to NATO. Then he held the post of Consul General of the Czech Republic in Montreal for four years, and during the years 2004–2008 of Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Paris. Since 2009 Ambassador Jiří Parkmann has been the Head of Prague Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Photo: Pho tto: o: Vlladi ddimír Weiss Weiss We ss

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interview After the fall of the Iron Curtain Prague played an important role in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), then Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE).

What were the beginnings of the Prague Office?

The beginnings of Prague as a part of OSCE date back to the 1990 summit in Paris, when it was decided on the institutionalization of CSCE. The decision on the establishment of CSCE Secretariat in Prague was accompanied by the approval of CSCE member states and invitation by the Czechoslovak President Václav Havel. From 1991 the Secretariat fulfilled several basic tasks – provided administrative support to the negotiations and meetings of the CSCE, archived all documents and publications that were issued in CSCE since 1975, and was responsible for dissemination of information about the CSCE. In 1994 the change of CSCE status into Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe was agreed. At the same time, the Secretariat together with Secretary General moved to Vienna.

How did this change influence the position of Prague within the OSCE institutional structure?

The Prague Office remained as a bearer of institutional memory with two basic tasks. Firstly, it has been responsible for documents management and maintaining an archive of OSCE historical decisions and documents. Secondly, it has guaranteed the dissemination of information about the OSCE. What tools do you use in increasing the public awareness of the OSCE? Currently, one of the main objectives of OSCE is to inform the public about what we have been doing. We focus not only on the general public, but also on the professional public into which we include diplomats, academics, all of those who concern themselves with security issues. This is also reflected in our two further activities – Researcher-in-Residence Programme and presentations of information about history, organizational structure and current OSCE activities through lectures to students or the public, even to foreign tourists if they express the interest in these issues.

Moreover, within the context of increasing awareness about our organization we are responsible for dissemination of official publications as well as OSCE Magazine which has been published four times a year. In co-operation with the Secretariat in Vienna, the Prague Office has been providing administrative and logistical support to annual meetings of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum in Prague for many years – this year we organized the 20th session.

Can you be more specific about the Researcherin-Residence Programme?

This Programme was launched in 1998 and has been intended to those interested in the OSCE functioning. Therefore, not only academics, but also students, representative of NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and journalists can apply. We offer them our premises including the computer with the access to the OSCE archives containing not only primary, but also secondary sources. Our requirement is that researchers have to inform us about their research results, which are then deposited in our archive. Before chosen researchers start working at the Prague Office, we sign the Conditions of Engagement specifying the conditions and duties of the researcher and the Prague Office.

Are people interested in the Programme?

Yes, they are. Since its initiation, over 200 researchers with various duration of stay have participated in the Programme.

Which countries do researchers come from?

Mostly from the OSCE participating states, including the Czech Republic. On the other hand, researchers from China, Japan, Israel, Morocco, Australia or South Africa took part in the programme.

What languages do researchers have to know if they want carry out research in the OSCE? English is necessary. Knowing Russian is also an advantage, because it makes the orientation in documents easier. Then it is of course any other of the OSCE official languages – French, Spanish, German, or Italian, whose knowledge facilitates researchers´ work.

Do you plan any projects in order to increase the awareness about the OSCE? We have been discussing that at present. I can mention a CSCE/OSCE Oral History Project initiated two years ago. Its aim is to capture the atmosphere and the CSCE development from the beginning of 1970s to the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. This has been done on the basis of interviews with prominent diplomats and public figures involved in the Helsinki process and subsequent meetings.

How would you assess the importance of the OSCE nowadays?

It is a very complex question. In my opinion, it is the historic success of 1975. Representatives of two hostile camps met at the roundtable. The success of the conference was enormous and has also had the impact in present days. Something like that would be important and welcome today, in particular for states in the Mediterranean region. What I personally consider the biggest contribution of the OSCE is the opportunity to discuss the current issues of OSCE participating states within various platforms of the Organization. Every decision is based on the consensus that makes the decisionmaking process more difficult. Missions represent the other important part of the OSCE functioning. Now we have about 16 field operationsoperating in states from Central Asia to the Balkans in two ways: from monitoring the situation in a given country and bringing the results of this monitoring into the headquarters in Vienna to providing expertise and assistance in achieving good governance. I also see the importance of the OSCE in its focus on conflict prevention and reconciliation in order to solve problems in a peacefull way. It is not easy, obviously. However, the OSCE mandate is strong. Despite of not being legally binding, all participating states commit themselves to respect it. The mandate is based on the respect of values such as media freedom, information dissemination, free market support and democracy.

These values are of all participating states concern.

How the OSCE reflects and adapts to new threats?

The OSCE tries to reflect new threats, which came with a new century, in its activities. It is aware that the co-operation among states has become increasingly important. And the OSCE represents a significant platform in this context. The establishment of the Transnational Threats Department can be taken as an evidence of the OSCE adaptation to new challenges. The OSCE addresses the issues such as cyber crime, trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings or organized crime.

How intensive is the co-operation between the OSCE and the EU, NATO and UN? The co-operation is very intensive and based on the values these organizations promote and which are in congruence with the principles of the OSCE member states. The co-operation with the EU and NATO stems also from the fact that all EU and NATO member states are members of the OSCE as well. The OSCE can apply the advantage of its mandate – the opportunity to put forth issues to all participating countries, which are states from Vancouver to Vladivostok. It is a unique mandate. The OSCE does not have an army, but its mandate enables it to discuss problems of countries or situations in much wider context than the EU or NATO can.

Is it possible to see the co-ordination of the EU states within the OSCE? The EU member states come out with a unified opinion of the European Union at each Permanent Council, so the co-operation really works. It of course depends on the topic discussed. Report is delivered, and then the floor is given to representatives of individual countries. The European Union is represented by the country, which holds the EU presidency at that time.

How has the economic crisis influenced the OSCE activities?

The OSCE functioning is financed by the participating states contributions and therefore is influenced by general economic situation. The question is, whether the OSCE will be enabled to develop further; whether it gets enough financial resources to extend its activities.

What was your notion about the OSCE functioning when you became the director of the OSCE Prague Office?

When I started to work for the OSCE, I was aware of the historical experience of the 1975 Helsinki conference, which I intensively lived out as a student. It was a point of reference for me. I have gradually discovered the contribution of the Organization to the security of the continent as such, in the broadest sense of the word; and in a detail work, which the OSCE does and which has been underestimated.

What languages do you speak?

I speak English, French, German, and Russian.

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

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JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and former Governor, LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic and Doc. MUDr. Eva Mandysová

networking/ charity

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Prague Bohemia Ambassador PRE CHRISTMAS CHARITY FUNDRAISING EVENING

From left: Ing. Jaromír Kaulfus, Enterpreneur, Ing. František Chaloupecký, former President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, and PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes

Jiří Vacek, Part Owner and Sales Director, Avanti and Miloslava Procházková, Part Owner, Avanti

Ing. Jana Nováková, Director, Trustav with her husband

90 From left: Ing. František Novotný, Director, TERRAMET and Ing. Jiří Málek, former President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

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From left: JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and former Governor, LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, RNDr. Jiří Švestka, CSc., Astrophysicist, and MUDr. Václav Poláček, CSc., Plastic Surgeon

29.1.2013 18:26:52

From left: Mgr. Jan Haur, IS Administrator and Ing. Ladislav Bouček, CSc., Enterpreneur, former Governor, LCI D 122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

From left: Oldřich Hořák, Owner, Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady, Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc., Authorized Expert for the Construction Field and Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director

From left: Ing. arch. Petr Bílek, Architect´s Studio Bílek Associates, JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, Charterpresident, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and former Governor, LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, and Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Commercial Director, Secretary LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

Miroslav Hříbal, Enterpreneur with his daughter Soňa Mrs. Rita Van Der Palm and Mr. Jan Borůvka

From left: Ing. arch. Marcela Bílková, Architect´s Studio Bílek Associates, Ing. arch. Petr Bílek, Architect´s Studio Bílek Associates, and Ing. Anton Gerák, CSc., President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Commercial Director, Secretary LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

From left: Ing. Ladislav Vaško, Commercial Director, Ing. Antonín Novotný, CEO, CSI, Ing. Petr Kučera, CSc., Authorized Expert for the Construction Field, and RNDr. Pavel Kalášek, Consultant, former General Director, Hewlett Packard

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PhDr. Martin Komárek, Chief Commentator, MF Dnes with his partner

91 MORE MO R PHOTO HOTO HO TOS S AN A D EELL EEC C TR RON ONIC C VEER RSI S ON ON AAVVAAIILLAABL ABL B E ON O W WW W.L .LEEAADERS DERS DE RSMA MAGA GA ZI GAZI ZINE NE.C E.C CZ

29.1.2013 18:28:09

interview

Nicol Nic icole Laamb mb Hal Hale, Ha e, e, U . Assi U.S Assi sss sta stant n Sec nt e ret et ary a of ar o Co Comme mmerce mme rce ce for Ma Manuf nufact nuf act c uri uring ngg and and Seervi rv ces cees Photos Pho tos:: Vlad to tos adimí dim imírr Weis imí isss

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interview A talk with Nicole Lamb Hale, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services Nicole Yvette Lamb-Hale is the current U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services. Prior to being confirmed as Assistant Secretary, she served as Deputy General Counsel of the United States Commerce Department. Lamb-Hale was born in Detroit, Michigan. She received her B.A. with high honors from the University of Michigan in 1988 and her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1991. She was a partner at the law firm of Foley & Lardner in Detroit. She is a life member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority; a member of The Links, Incorporated; and a member of Jack & Jill of America. In addition, Lamb-Hale served as a member of President Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee and was a Co-Chair and Deputy General Counsel of the Michigan Campaign for Change.

In November of last year, a very rare representative from Barack Obama’s Administration, Nicole Lamb Hale, paid a visit to the Czech Republic. As the Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services in the U.S. Department of Commerce she came to talk primarily about competitiveness. However, we asked her a lot more…

What is the main aim of your visit?

I came on the invitation of the Ambassador Norman L. Eisen. He asked me to come and support the efforts of the U.S. and the Czech Republic with respect to competitiveness. Moreover, I am here to support the Westinghouse nuclear bid as well.

Whom did you meet with and what topics did you touch upon?

I’ve met the Deputy Minister of Industry. We certainly talked a lot about the Westinghouse bid, on the Temelin tender, and the fact that it really provides the best value to the Czech Republic in terms of price, safety and innovation.

I believe it is really a great opportunity for the businesses in the Czech Republic to become part of a powerful worldwide supply chain. We also talked in general about innovation and competitiveness in the Czech Republic. That’s the focus of the Czech Government. We’ve touched upon ways we could be partners and maybe share the best practices, and to help further competitiveness in the country.

Is there any particular project already running?

My visit is largely a furtherance of the economic and commercial dialogue between the Czech and the U.S. Government, which has just begun. We are engaged in a number of partnerships around nuclear technologies. The project that we are talking about right now would be at the Czech Technical University with respect to civil and nuclear technology. Also, we are very active in helping to really unlock the innovation strategies that exist within the U.S., which can be shared with the Czech public, so that Czech businesses can benefit.

Do you prefer the bi-lateral talks, or is the U.S. focus rather on the multilateral agreements via WTO or the EU framework?

Our focus has been bi-lateral; certainly there has been a lot of discussion and excitement around the potential EUU.S. Free Trade Agreement. Yet, we’ve been really focused bi-laterally. The Czech Republic is a very important ally of the U.S. and we see a lot of opportunities on a lot of fronts including working together economically and commercially.

Have you visited any companies?

I really wanted to have an opportunity to see a very impressive and innovative Czech Republic company. I was invited to Aero Vodochody a.s. Their partnership with Sikorsky Aircraft is very significant and we were able to see some of the work they do. I believe that about 30 % of their supply chain includes U.S. companies.

A recently launched Export strategy of the Czech Government for the years 2012 to 2020 recommends

to focus on, among other things, twelve priority countries and twenty-five other countries. None of them are part of the eurozone market. These countries include “risky markets” to a great extent. What is your view on that? Are “risky markets” the right answer to the ongoing economic crisis?

To be honest, I don’t like the word “risky”. I don’t know how you define risky markets. Well, across the globe there are many opportunities in both underdeveloped and developed nations, so we really focus a lot where we are most competitive in terms of value, products and services that we provide, and what the best markets are for that. Under President Obama’s leadership we launched the National Export Initiative with the goal of doubling US exports by the end of 2014 to support job creation in our country, and we are very focused on sectors in which the U.S. is particularly competitive and markets where we have the best chance to be successful. It has been a mix of more mature markets and more developed markets like the Czech Republic, and that is the reason I am here.

So, which are the most successful sectors?

I would say there are many in which we are competitive.

We are fortunate, because the U.S. economy is very innovative, so we have sectors which include nuclear cells, renewables, and pharmaceuticals among others. I don’t want to exclude anyone, of course, these are just examples. Moreover, there is aerospace, the automotive industry, and we are very interested in promoting tourism in the U.S. (which is a significant export), architectural and engineering services, and there is so much going on in terms of infrastructure, and building around the world, and we think that U.S. companies are particularly competitive there. Yet, we are very blessed to have kind of a treasure trove of innovative industries that we want to promote. We try to match those sectors with markets where we think the barriers to entry are manageable.

I’ve read about you that you studied with Barack Obama at Harvard Law School. What kind of student was he?

He was great, he is a great president, he was a great student and many of us looked up to him. I was relatively young when I completed my undergraduate studies and went to the Law School. Barack Obama spent some time in the real world before he started his studies there, and he was very much focused afterwards. He really knew what he wanted to achieve and what he wanted to do with a law degree. His prime focus was public service. And I am just so proud to see what he was able to do and to be part of his administration.

You are also a member of several women clubs. In this respect, do you believe in the introduction of quotas for women to create equal opportunities in both political and business environments?

I surely believe that the playing field should be leveled and it should include leveling for women. I think that women

can contribute much to society. Obviously we do that every day, in our homes, businesses and communities. I am active in women’s organizations that promote public and community service. That was something that I was raised to do, to give back to the community. Therefore, I am very active in community focused organizations at present. In terms of quotas for women, I don’t know if quotas are the answer. I think there is a lot of progress that has been made. Look at me, I am in a senior position in the government, there are women who are in very significant positions in the U.S. and around the world in very significant leadership positions, including heads of states, heads of corporations, and we are very proud in the U.S. to have several women as CEOs in corporations and on corporate boards.

So I believe in equal opportunities not quotas.

Do you have any time to relax?

I have to admit, my job is my hobby. Also, politics is my long-time hobby (laugh). You know I really like spending time with my family, spending time with my children. I have a sixteen year old son and a twelve year old daughter, I have a wonderful husband, who is also in Barack Obama’s Administration at the Department of Energy. Yet, I have to admit, I definitely like traveling and shopping. I’ve heard there is great shopping in Prague, so I have to come back.

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Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Hotels in Prague and Terezie Kašparovská, Presenter

christmas concert

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

IN PRAGUE SUPPORTED TEREZA MAXOVÁ FOUNDATION On 17 December 2012, Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town organized Christmas Concert and Starlight Dinner in order to support Tereza Maxová Foundation. It was the 16th anniversary of the charity concert of Hilton Hotels in Prague, this time with a festive buffet and special programme under the stars in the hotel Lobby after the concert. Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town, together with Lenka Vitovská, Marketing and PR Manager, were delighted to hand over a cheque to the value of CZK 90,000 to the Tereza Maxová Foundation, which works to help children in need.

Guests had the opportunity to listen to well-known film, musical and classical melodies by the Philharmonic Orchestra of South Bohemia, conducted by Petr Chromčák. As every year, the International Female Choir Viva Voce, conducted by Soňa Frýdlová cheered up the audience by traditional Christmas carols. Michael Specking together with the presenter Terezie Kašparovská moderated the evening. This time, Hilton Hotels in Prague have prepared a special after-concert programme in the Hilton Prague’s Lobby. Guests enjoyed performances by Diana Kalashova and Dara Rolins and in the meantime, ladies could have admired evening gowns by the Boutique Soline.

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Audience

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29.1.2013 18:51:42

From left: Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Hotels in Prague, Lenka Benešová, Program Manager, Hilton Diamond Club, Bohuslav Matoušek, Violinist, Terezie Kašparovská, Presenter, Petr Chromčák, Conductor, Mrs. Claudia Specking, and Terezie Sverdlinová, Director, Tereza Maxová Foundation

Fashion show Boutique Soline

VivaVoce

From left: Lenka Vitovská, Marketing&PR Manager, Hilton Hotels in Prague, Terezie Sverdlinová, Director, Tereza Maxová Foundation and Terezie Kašparovská, Presenter

Diana Kalashova, Singer

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Petr Chromčák, Conductor

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Hilton Prague Lobby

29.1.2013 18:52:09

nordic chamber event This year’s traditional St Lucia party of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce took place on the magic date 12.12.12., hosting nearly 200 guests, half of which were children. The programme included Christmas carol singing by the children choir and Santa Claus with a little present for each child. The event was used as an opportunity to raise money for Zdravotní klaun charity, total of 5.400 CZK was collected through selling – and wearing – the red nose.

Besides the magnificent view over Prague Castle, the Zoom restaurant, part of Zatiší Group, offered excellent food, complemented by Nordic specialities provided by the respective Ambassadors. A great time for parents and kids alike.

St. Lucia Party

Stefan Lager, CEO, Sweden Telecom and President, Nordic Chamber of Commerce

IN N COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

WITH RED NOSE FOR CHARITY ZDRAVOTNÍ KLAUN

Marika Přinosilová, IC & Marketing Manager, Saab Czech and Pavel Klejna, Owner, Klejna obchod s vínem

96 Stefan Lager, CEO, Sweden Telecom and President, Nordic Chamber of Commerce with his wife Michaela Lager, HR Director, Schindler CZ

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H.E. Annika Jagander, Ambassador of Sweden and H.E. Christian Hoppe, Ambassador of Denmark

From left: John Ungermand, Senior Director, The LEGO Group, Lenka Helena Koenigsmark, Head of Editorial, Leaders Magazine, Lea Turcarová, Executive Director, Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Yvette Sander, Legal Trainee, Ambruz & Dark, Deloitte Legal

29.1.2013 18:15:25

From left: Hannu Kasi, CEO, ABB, Jiří Pech, Managing Director, SKF Ložiska, and Pavel Klejna, Owner, Klejna obchod s vínem

Lea Turcarová, Executive Director, Nordic Chamber of Commerce

H.E. Christian Hoppe, Ambassador of Denmark and Simona Kalvodová, Nordic Chamber of Commerce

H.E. Jens Eikaas, Ambassador of Norway and Honorary Chairman of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce

Tomáš Staněk, Managing Director, SCA Hygiene Products with his wife

St. Lucia train, children from International School of Prague

Santa Claus

97 From left: Milan Čadina, Country Manager, Fortum Holding and Ari Tasanen, Ministr Councellor, Embassy of Finland

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H.E. Christian Hoppe, Ambassador of Denmark

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ambassadors without diplomatic passport

Ladislav Špaček

DIPLOMACY AND PROTOCOL IN PRACTICE Mr. Ladislav Špaček is a former spokesman of Václav Havel and has worked as an editor, commentator, and parliament reporter between 1990 and 1992. He was originally a university lecturer; he had studied the Czech language and history first at the Faculty of Pedagogy then at the Faculty of Philosophy, which he later taught these subjects for Charles University. He was one of the longest employed presidential spokespeople. Approximately 11 of those years were spent with President Václav Havel’s administration, which he had travelled to more than 50 countries during his term. What’s remarkable is that Špaček’s carrier began by accident. He talks about his proposal to work for Václav Havel: “One autumn evening of 1992, Václav Havel came to the Czechoslovak television station where I used to work as the domestic reporting chief and he later asked me if I wanted to work for him as his press secretary. I didn’t even hesitate for ten seconds. The next day I was sitting in a small room behind Havel’s own kitchen with a telephone, a fax machine, and Macintosh computer. I abide by Tomas Alva Edison’s conviction, “Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.”

After Václav Havel’s official term, Ladislav Špaček started to work as an adviser, lecturer, and consultant in the FreeCom Group Company, to which he holds partial ownership. The majority of seminars he conducts are about communication, soft skills, and etiquette with the media, which are normally held at the Charles University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. He hopes to carry on the conventions of Jiří Gurth Jarkovský, the first master of ceremonies for Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and the founder of the modern Czech etiquette. He regularly makes commentaries over etiquette on Radio Impuls, and he is the author of more than ten publications and plays on etiquette for all ages. For him, teaching etiquette at an early age is necessary; he even became the patron of the children’s play, “Don’t pick your nose,” and he published a new amusing etiquette play, “Starling”. Ladislav Špaček is married and he has an adult daughter and an adult son.

Photos: Archive

How do you see today’s world?

It’s an amazing environment for one’s own development in prosperity and peace. It might seem exaggerated but try to think about these facts: there has never been any tension between great powers; Europe has never been without wars for more than 60 years; the GDP per capita has never been as high as today; 50 million people have never been set free of poverty within any other decade; the state’s foundation, also known as the middle class, has never been more powerful; and there has never been such cooperation with countries as there are today. The world is not threatened by wars or totalitarian regimes like in the last century, or even the last millennium.

We’re living in our happiest era since the dawning of civilization. We’d be asking too much in changing the whole world all at once. We need the fingers of one hand to count how many totalitarian states are still ruled by dictators; we then watch how these states that were known for their poverty have become economic tigers of their continents – Brazil, China, South Korea, or India to name a few. Democracy finally came in the unlikeliest of places where it had never been expected 30 years ago: Thailand, South America, or Iraq.

How does the rest of the world see the Czech Republic?

They see it as a developed state with a highly political culture, a rich social system, and a wide cultural center even though we are not always appreciated. We are a free country. We are among the most developed countries in the world, economically and socially, while we, ourselves, are

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ambassadors without diplomatic passport not really aware of this. If somebody is still complaining about “poverty in Central Europe,” then they should go to Sao Paulo or the Philippines or even India. The better we do, the more spoiled we’ve become, and we still want more. If this feeling motivates us to engage in further business activities or increases a higher work production then it is fine, but it often leads us to expect more from the “state” – but from where and for whom?

Which of course it’s up to us, the taxpayers, to financially provide for the state in order for them to provide for us.

In comparison to the 1990’s, the Czechs abroad are not so easily to spot from their purple jackets, white socks, and black moccasins. How does fashion draw our attention, and what should we now comprehend these modern trends?

Yes, fashion has improved significantly since the era of Czech purple jackets. Today’s company general director looks completely different from back then: perfect 3-piece suits, shirts, ties, good and polished shoes, ladies business suits, etc.

Even the communication, itself, has improved; networking, business lunches, seminars and business outings are our immediate opportunities to make use of our social lives. The weakest area in Czech etiquette is dining, itself. This alone requires other more traditional eating habits, including, although unfortunately since they are not so prim and proper, those that each of us had learned from our parents and grandparents. Many of them used to eat with only their spoons as children. Our dinning standards of dining cannot be compared with the rest of Europe’s, while we ardently follow with their clothing style and mannerisms.

Your favorite foreign place to travel was Thailand because everyone there is always nice and smiling. It has been said that having a short temper and ringing out a tantrum causes more bad publicity, to which Mr. Okamura advises us to say more often, “hello” and “thank you” and “good bye.” What are your suggestions in monitoring our behavior more?

First of all, each of us has to be an example to others. We can even let other people know about which mannerisms are more frowned upon, especially if they recognize it for themselves. Thoughtfulness including tact to interact with someone else should be a common practice. I look at our society as becoming more and more open to the rest of the world, which I regard this as the remedy to moderate our behavior more. People are traveling a lot now, and therefore can visualize how our society must look to everyone else. If you are in Florida and you go on your morning jog on the beach, people will smile at you and say, “Good morning!” which suddenly makes the world seem nicer. Meanwhile here, when somebody steps on your foot on the morning metro, won’t think to apologize. On contrary, they might even seem offended that you’d stuck out your foot to be

trampled upon. I think that travelling opens a lot of people’s eyes.

You, yourself, mentioned that kindness, openness and politeness characteristics you try to show in your own behavior. What should we do if these are taken more as signs of weakness rather than strength of character?

That doesn’t matter. We should always demonstrate these qualities, even though sometimes we with a loud and obnoxious lout. I remember one woman telling of my father for letting her sit down on the tram. Did that ever stop him from continuing to do so for other women? Schopenhauer once wrote, “Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax.” Being a shinning example in etiquette is a natural after-effect from our upbringing. Be polite and considerate no matter what happened before or what happens now or hereafter. Self-education and building our emotional IQ is a never-ending process.

You have a great understanding for mistakes and miscomprehensions. What mistakes can’t etiquette ever forgive?

Etiquette is not only a list of rules. They reflect contemporary society’s norms, which evolve as the society, itself, evolve with its relations, values, and hierarchy. In Guth-Jarkovský’s era, women and children’s social status were very different from today, as well as company and or school directors from back then. We must know what our society, and everyone else, believes to be proper or taboo. But what is more important than all these conventions? The etiquette ethos, the meaning and the pursuit, reminds us to behave thoughtfully, empathically and sensibly towards other people’s needs. Etiquette never forgives the lack of thoughtfulness. For those who never studied my books or attended my courses should always give a lady the tram seat.

Any final words for our readers?

Václav Havel was often ridiculed for his revolutionary conviction, “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred.” However, there were many other people before who had wished for the same thing, and still continue to everlastingly struggle for the greatest good. Mankind will probably never

achieve this lofty goal, but we must keep on striving while we are here and also for our progenies.

It is like Hegel’s idea about the absolute – we will always reach for it but never be able to truly attain it. It is an ongoing task to bequeath to the next generation. Let’s face it, each succeeding generation is a step closer towards this goal, but as of yet, our generation now is the closest mankind’s ever been. Social justice and equality, sanctity of human life and human rights, and even world peace, itself, is crucially beneficial for the development our children’s, children’s character. They just have to make further use of every given opportunity.

Written by Linda Štucbartová I Article kindly translated by Markéta Horázná, a journalism student at the Anglo-American University, proofread by Scott Jonathan Nixon český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Linda Štucbartová graduated from the Institute of International Territorial Studies. After a one year scholarship at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, she obtained a Diplome d´études supérieures from the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva. Between the years 2002 and 2006, she worked in senior positions at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2006 she has functioned in the private sphere, and lectures at the Anglo-American University, where she was named the Chair of the Department of Diplomacy.

In addition to training in negotiation and communication of clients from the private, public and non-profit sector, she regularly collaborates with NGOs in the projects of the International Global Young Leaders Conference and the Women and Leadership Programme. Linda Štucbartová is Photo: Archive a member of the Rotary Club Prague International. She currently works for ŠKODA AUTO a.s. as a Learning and Development Specialist. Articles are extracts from her book Velvyslanci i bez diplomatického pasu (Eng. “Ambassadors without a Diplomatic Passport”).

TO BE CONTINUED WITH OTHER AMBASSADORS WITHOUT DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT

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ambassadors without diplomatic passport

Petra Procházková Petra Procházková had been a journalism student at Charles University in Prague. She began work for the once more restored Lidové Noviny newspaper in 1989. In 1992, she became a foreign correspondent in Moscow and was the only foreign reporter to witness for herself the Russian White House in Moscow’s siege in 1993. A year later, she founded the independent company Epicentrum with Jaromír Štětina, and together they focused on crisis reporting. Throughout her carrier, she has been a war correspondent in Ossetia, Georgia, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Nagorno-Karabakh, Moldavia, Afghanistan, Kurdistan and Eastern Timor. Simultaneously she was active in humanitarian efforts. In 1995, she, as well as a few other foreign reporters, voluntarily offered to exchange themselves for hundreds of hospital patients that had been taken hostage in Budyonnovsk. In 1999, she began to look after orphans in Grozny. All this together with her war correspondences brought her to Russian government’s attention at that time, which brought about her immediate exile from Russia in 2001. With all of her belongings confiscated, Procházková found herself back in Chechnya with Jana Hradílková, and together they founded the Berkat association for the Chechen and Afghan women and children. While pursuing her journalistic career, Procházková wrote the following books, The Aluminium Queen and Frista, that depicts women’s lives in Chechnya and Afghanistan. She is director of many documentaries. In 2000, she was awarded the Medal of Merit by Václav Havel, and later in 2001, she received the Hanno R. Ellenbogen Citizenship Award from Madeleine Albright.

Procházková has her Afghan husband, Abraham Paikar, an interpreter and a photographer, and a six-year-old son.

Photos: Archive of Petra Procházková

A conventional question for the beginning – how do you see today’s world?

Today’s world is very quick. Every era is perceived to be revolutionary by those living in each period that’s more contemporary than the prior. Every generation probably feels this way. Nevertheless, the world is getting smaller thanks to the fast information flow. When you had left Europe and lived Afghanistan for a year, you wouldn’t have any idea what was going on in your own country a few years ago. Now that we have our satellite connections, I was able to report whatever was happening in Russia without revealing whether I was actually in Kabul or Moscow. The world is smaller and the people are learning more about each other, simultaneously furthering human compassion. This means that they empathise with each other’s more, while simultaneously loathe each other’s company. An after-effect of excessive closeness, you end up having no connection with anyone that is deeply isolated: mentally, socially or geologically. You have to first establish good relationships in order to keep “in touch” with others, but often this closeness that has been taken to the extreme can be cause of many national conflicts.

Today, over a third of foreign correspondents are women.

Field reporters in war zones are anything but exempt. Christianne Amanpour, your predecessor, reported more about the civilians affected by these conflicts and emphasised more about the children involved. Is there any difference in reporting between male and female correspondents?

Surely there is a difference. I believe that a man’s perceptions about the world and its conflicts are in more of a technocratic manner. They are excellent news reporters because they account the number of tanks, fires, dead bodies and mass graves, and identify the most crucial events to report. They are more impassive and are capable of getting closer to the most gut-wrenching situation. Women are more emotional than men and more into improvisation. They are less restraint to show their emotions, which is why I believe women are better reporters than men. They are motivated to provide more coverage over what is happening with the average people involved, especially the women, themselves. While the men take photos of mothers running for dear life with their children, women think about what can they do modify and remedy the situation. Even though most female war correspondents don’t have families of their own, they are nonetheless affected by the brutality

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ambassadors without diplomatic passport and strife. This is a huge difference to view any newsworthy situation. The male perception is more unbiased but utterly fatalistic to a certain extent. That is just the way it is with most men. Women tend to focus on anything they could to help than to merely report the facts as they transpired.

Does the fact that you’re from the Czech Republic affect your work somehow?

It does absolutely, even though it had also been comprehensively treated as a handicap. The English-speaking news correspondents’ career has been quickly cultivated and thus seemed to be promising, a written English article was easy to get publish by many other English speaking newspapers and magazines. My readers, on the other hand, are approximately less than 10 million people. Our small country is small compared to other, which has a very exclusive language. I had to find different approaches to attract more readers, which I’d learn to perform more on film and photography. There were huge gaps in my education, to which I blame socialist teachings for the fact that not even Russian language was properly taught! On the other hand, my experiences with the Russian occupation and the Czechoslovak communism were beneficial. Americans and Germans fail to understand how to work the regime. For example, they get into huge arguments about international treaties and Journalist’s rights when they both are denied permits, for whatever the reason maybe, within the Russian Federation. Czechs know better how to get permission, usually by talking to the issuing officer, bring him or her some gift or just fill out another application form. This makes things easier for us to access whoever has the highest authority.

How do you see journalism’s reputation as a profession? Most often, the politicians censure the journalists in the Czech Republic…

That is correct. Karel Čapek once said that journalists are the guard dogs of democracy. If you remove the words “guard” and “democracy,” all you have left are dogs that are to be kicked in this sense. It would be wrong if politicians were to get chummy with journalists. We are often chided for writing mostly terrible news. Sometimes, newspapers can print positive news, but as my grandmother used to say, “What is good will praise itself.” It is nice when we can write how well something occurred, but it is more important to safeguard journalism’s principle, which is to provide accurate and reliable information their citizens to function in a free society. Reporting on civil disorders and keeping watch over the fat cats and the crooked politicians keeps them from getting fatter and more crooked, as well as blowing the whistle on any potential indignity from the arms trade to the slave trade.

Without journalists, crooked politicians could get away with whatever they want. I think even the honest politicians should be grateful towards journalists because their contributions help keep these political figures honest and they’d be better off than they ever were without their commentaries It’s only natural that everyone else cusses out these journalists, it seems right to them.

Do you feel you’re more of a journalist than a humanitarian?

I am definitely a journalist; Berkat is my leisure pursuit.

Some people collect stamps or butterflies. Others go skiing to the mountains. I enjoy Berkat – I do not think of doing my humanitarian work as a waste of time, but I make my living as a journalist.

How would you describe the Berkat association?

What are its principles?

Berkat is more of a state of mind and it has been like that for a long time. We simply took a Chechen name that meant “mercy” or “happiness.” We registered that name, established a transparent accounts payable and started to gather more resources to share with those in need. This association’s activity follows three principles: 1. Help not only those who sympathise with us, or who we like and take pity upon, but everyone who is in need. There had been cases where even the scoundrels became law-biding citizens.

2. No one should expect gratitude or remuneration for his or her help.

3. Helping people from different cultures should not influence them to choose which is the better culture, theirs or ours.

Has your Czech upbringing affected your humanitarian efforts?

Yes. I come from a poor background in the former Czechoslovakia. I feel that I can identify more with people in need. The disparity is huge between the western civilised culture and the east, such as Chechnya. Bu that’s not the case for me. It was easy for me to sympathise with them, not only as a journalist but also as a humanitarian worker. Besides, our family too was affected the Soviet occupation after the Red Army’s invasion of Czechoslovakia. However, I feel almost ashamed when I compare our conditions to theirs: we never had any Czech refugees extradited back to the state they escaped from, let alone our lenient bureaucracy towards defection. The Chechens have had it much worse. With my help, some of them did defect, and now we are working on setting up asylum for them. There’s one Chechen family living in Austria that I’m trying to come up with references and testimonies for their stay.

Anything else you’d like to give to the readers?

It had been said that confidence was essential. Still, I think we’ve become a little overconfident nowadays, and we’ve all forgotten humility. Young people are especially so overconfident, they’ve become rather rude, perhaps even a little intimidating. Mean, brash people intimidate me as well. The American bravado that everyone seems to be following is not as beneficial as we were led to believe. But being diffident is not so good either, even though we need to learn when and how to be more assertive. People should put in the effort not to always pretend

to be omniscient. Most of their arrogance derives mostly from whatever they find on the Internet, not actually learning a thing. And what about having to debate with someone who really does not know what he or she is talking about? Education is indeed a necessity, and you should really learn more for yourself rather than spit out quotes on the Internet. The information age has increased the pace of life where we can barely catch our breath and truly think, which most of the info we look up is rather unsubstantiated and more based on hearsay.

I, myself, have to look up at least eight agency websites if I want to report for them. Truth is becoming less and less distinct to where very rarely would someone else distinguish what is true and false. Newspapers are the traditional form mass communication that is based on verified information. In some nationalities, “loose lips sink ships,” and gossip leads to heated conflicts. With freedom of speech, we should exercise more self-control.

Written by Linda Štucbartová I Article kindly translated by Markéta Horázná, a journalism student at the Anglo-American University, proofread by Scott Jonathan Nixon český překlad naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.leadersmagazine.cz

Linda Štucbartová graduated from the Institute of International Territorial Studies. After a one year scholarship at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, she obtained a Diplome d´études supérieures from the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva. Between the years 2002 and 2006, she worked in senior positions at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2006 she has functioned in the private sphere, and lectures at the Anglo-American University, where she was named the Chair of the Department of Diplomacy.

In addition to training in negotiation and communication of clients from the private, public and non-profit sector, she regularly collaborates with NGOs in the projects of the International Global Young Leaders Conference and the Women and Leadership Programme. Linda Štucbartová is Photo: Archive a member of the Rotary Club Prague International. She currently works for ŠKODA AUTO a.s. as a Learning and Development Specialist. Articles are extracts from her book Velvyslanci i bez diplomatického pasu (Eng. “Ambassadors without a Diplomatic Passport”).

TO BE CONTINUED WITH OTHER AMBASSADORS WITHOUT DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT

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personal enlightenment

Cosmic Consciousness – James A. Cusumano, PhD

A JOURNEY TO WELL-BEING, HAPPINESS, AND SUCCESS Part VII: My Gift To You A,B

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”

Ben Carson: Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, 2008 KEY CONCEPTS: Through visualization and meditation you can manifest anything into your life as long as it does no harm to you or anyone else and that you remain unattached to the outcome.

The key forces that you must develop to do this are Attention which energizes, Intention which transforms, and Unattachment, which allows the forces of the universe to work freely and in your best interest.

You can deprogram beliefs and philosophies that permeate your subconscious and do not serve you well.

See the 5-minute film by world-famous film director, David Lynch at http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/ for the power of this gift.

As I write these words on December 10, I am reminded that according to some interpretations of the Mayan Long Count Calendar, we are heading towards the end of the world eleven days from now. Personally, I believe that we are due for a New Beginning. As a species, we have evolved physically, emotionally and consciously to a point where, despite the immense challenges we face around the world, we can transgress the imminent “tipping point,” and come out the other side as a much more fulfilled humanity.

So, as we approach the magic of Christmas and personal renewal for the New Year, I would like to pass on to you a very special gift that was given to me by my good friend, Deepak Chopra.

As you likely know, Deepak is a world-famous best-selling author, but to me and many others, he is also a modern-day mystic whose message and techniques can help us through any emer-

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ging and challenging transformation. Now, here is my gift to you for an amazing and fulfilled 2013.

As I discussed in my book, Cosmic Consciousness1, having Abundance Consciousness allows us to view life as a magical adventure where our needs are met with grace and ease.

This includes the ability to see beauty wherever we go, have gratitude as our primary emotion, hold open our hearts to everyone we meet, and trust in the Cosmic Plan.

According to Deepak’s Fifth Spiritual Law, the Law of Intention and Desire2, we can recognize at the deepest level of reality that there is an infinite field of energy that gives rise to all of the forms of creation. And for better or worse, you participate in that creation as a co-creator 3.

Placing your attention on exactly what you want to create in your life – beauty, love, prosperity – will energize the object of your desire and draw it to you (Figure 1). Attention energizes. Intention transforms. Once you clarify your intentions, all you need to do is to surrender them into silence during meditation, and allow the universe to handle the details. The only constraint is that your intention brings no harm to anyone or anything, including you, and that you co-create it without any attachment to the outcome.

VISUALIZATION Allow me to guide you through what Deepak calls a visualization meditation (Figure 2) where you create your desired intentions and then release them into the universe for manifestation. So let’s begin.

Find a comfortable position, for example, sitting on a straight-back chair, feet flat on the floor, placing your hands in your lap with palms facing up. Please close your eyes. Now begin to observe the inflow and outflow of your breath. Don’t be concerned if your mind begins to wander to some external thought. That will happen when you first begin to meditate, and it is supposed to happen. Each time this occurs, simply bring your observation back to your breathing. Breathe normally and effortlessly.

After a few minutes of this stress-reducing and focusing exercise, mentally think to yourself with each inhalation, the mantra, So, and with each exhalation mentally think the

mantra, Hum. Continue this exercise for a few minutes as it brings you deeper into relaxation, and again do not be concerned if your mind wanders to a thought, simply bring your focus back to your breath and the mantras.

Now allow your mind to carry you to a beautiful beach where white sand flows between your toes and magnificent turquoise waves gently ebb and flow at your feet. The scent of the crisp salty air tantalizes your nose and you breathe deeply. In the distance you see a flock of seagulls gliding deftly above the water and a school of dolphins at play.

In your mind’s eye and close by, you see a bottle that contains a scroll and a pen. You pick it up. On the scroll you make a list of your three or four most heartfelt intentions. These are your deepest desires. As you mentally complete your list you place the scroll back into the bottle and toss it into the vast sea. Feel the abundance of the beautiful beach that surrounds you as a warm sea breeze caresses your body. Ask the universe to deliver the contents of your bottle as you cast those intentions into the vast infinite ocean of consciousness.

Now, take a slow deep breath and gently introduce the Sanskrit mantra for the Law of Intention and Desire, repeating it mentally, and allowing it to flow with effortless ease. Om Ritam Namah, which means My actions and desires are supported by Cosmic Intelligence. Whenever you find yourself distracted by thoughts, sensations in your body, or noises in the environment, simply return your attention to mentally repeating the mantra. Continue your meditation for several minutes or as long as you wish and are comfortable to do so.

A)

EDITOR’S COMMENT – This is the seventh article in a series based on the author’s book, “Cosmic Consciousness – A Journey To Well-being, Happiness and Success.” In this book, published in both the Czech and English languages within one volume, and with an introduction by internationally-acclaimed author, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Cusumano explains in simple terms, the connection between Eastern Philosophical Wisdom, consciousness and quantum physics. His new book, BALANCE: The Business – Life Connection is based on three decades of personal experience on how to achieve success and fulfillment in both your personal and professional lives, and will be published in April by SelectBooks in New York City.

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

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personal enlightenment Figure 1: Attention energizes and intention transforms.

Using these attributes in conjunction with unattachment is a powerful tool to manifest great benefits into your life.

When you wish to end the meditation, “release” the mantra and bring your focus back into your body. Now, take long, deep inhalations and corresponding exhalations for about a minute. When you are ready, open your eyes and begin your day. As you move forward with your life, occasionally place your attention on the three or four intentions you scribed within the bottle. Don’t rush or be attached to the outcome. The universe will take care of the details.

envision. Entering into the field of all possibilities during meditation allows you to activate your co-creative powers and change literally any situation in your life (Figure 3). For instance if you want to move from where you currently live in the city to a beautiful rural location, then you might envision a lovely three-bedroom home with a view of the forest or mountains, a vegetable garden and a lawn on which your dog can play. Being specific helps crystallize the vision and imprints it in your consciousness.

When you go into meditation look at this intention and then let it go. Surrender it to the universe and the field of all possibilities and allow the universe to work out all of the details.

And remember, you are a radiant, cherished and deeply-loved being, imbued with the seeds of creativity, and you posses the power to live a life filled with love, joy, health, compassion, friends, material possessions and whatever else you choose. Expect and accept this ultimate good and revel in the truth of your resplendent existence.

Figure 2: Visualization is a powerful tool for deprogramming subconscious beliefs which do not serve you well.

DEPROGRAMMING There is a saying that you are known by the company you keep. And through our environment we tend to inherit the beliefs of those with whom we spend the most time. Their philosophies then become part of our subconscious mind. Though research shows that we function largely with our subconscious mind, which has been programmed by others, a unique attribute of the human species is that we have the ability to change past conditioning. We can achieve this by releasing negativity, interacting with like-minded conscious people, enjoying inspirational sights and sounds, and engaging in uplifting activities.

In this way we can develop new positive ways of living and begin to clear the subconscious of all that does not serve us well. As discussed in our first mediation, true transformation is brought about by the two qualities inherent in our consciousness – intention or focus and attention, a clear vision of a desired outcome. What we place our attention on expands in our lives, and our intention for the object of our attention will orchestrate the forces of the universe to support our desired result. However, as stressed above, it is important that you remain unattached to the outcome, and that manifestation of your intention cause harm to no one.

By harnessing the power of visualization, attention and intention, all three activated by your deep sense of unattachment, you can change your life exactly to that which you

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Figure 3: Meditation is arguably the best means to use the tools attention, intention, unattachment and visualization. It places you in the “gap” between thoughts, where you are in direct contact with Cosmic Intelligence.

mantra, repeating it mentally and allowing it to flow with effortless ease – “Sat, Chit, Ananda,” meaning “Existence, Consciousness, Bliss”.

Whenever you find yourself distracted by thoughts, sensations in your body, or noises in the environment, simply return your attention to mentally repeating the mantra. Continue for five to ten minutes, or as long as you wish.

When you are ready to release the mantra, bring your awareness back into your body, take a moment to rest, inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply. When you are ready gently open your eyes.

As you continue with your day, carry the sense of unlimited potential with you and consider the following centering thought, “Today, I embrace my potential to be, do, and have whatever I can dream.”

Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. Namaste!

James A. Cusumano, PhD

Right now as you prepare for meditation, take a moment to contemplate the following centering thought for the day, “Today I embrace my potential to be, do, and have whatever I can dream.”

Now let’s begin. As with the first meditation, find a comfortable position, sitting on a straightback chair, feet flat on the floor, placing your hands on your lap with your palms facing up.

Close your eyes and begin to observe the inflow and outflow of your breath as we did in the first meditation, eventually mentally expressing the mantras, So and Hum with each inhalation and exhalation, respectively.

At this moment go within to that place of inner quiet where you can experience your connection to your higher self. Focus on your heart in the center of your chest. Let go of all thoughts, but have no concern when they reappear; simply return to the mantras and your steady rhythmic breathing. With each inhalation and exhalation allow yourself to become more relaxed, more comfortable, more at peace. Gently introduce the following Sanskrit

1 James A. Cusumano, Cosmic Consciousness: A Journey to Wellbeing, Happiness and Success, Fortuna Libra, 2011.

2 Deepak Chopra, The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success: A Practical Guide To The Fulfillment of Your Dreams, New World Library, Novato, California, 1994.

3 Co-creation refers to the concept that there is a Universal Consciousness and a Personal Consciousness and they are interconnected and co-creators of all things, physical and non-physical.

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 coauthor of Freedom from Mid-East Oil, released by World Business Academy Press (www.WorldBusiness.org) and the author of Cosmic Consciousness – A Journey to Wellbeing, Happiness and Success, published in English and Czech by Fortuna Libri, 2011. His new book, BALANCE: The Business – Life Connection will be published in April by SelectBooks in New York City.

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gala evening

Guests dancing

Over five hundred guests arrived to dance, drink great wine and taste gastronomic specialties at the 2013 Opera Ball. The star of the evening was the French actor, Anthony Delon, son of acting legend Alain Delon.

He flew to Brno with his girlfriend, Anna Sherbinina and danced at the ball for the first time. „This was the first ball in my life and it took place in the splendid space of the Mahen theater,“ Delon said, complimenting the atmosphere of the 2013 Brno Opera Ball.

The Brno Opera Ball AND ITS MAIN STAR, ANTHONY DELON

Zdena Studénková, Actress with her partner Braňo Kostka, Conductor

Jan Révai, Actor with his partner Zuzana Šulajová, Actress Jaro Slávik, Music Producer with his wife

104 Andrea Kerestešová, Actress with her boyfriend Mikoláš

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Roman Drkoš, General Director, Cartec and Yvetta Blanarovičová, Singer and Actress

Karel Janeček, Chairman of the Board, Endowment Anti-corruption Fund with his wife

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Anthony Delon, Actor with his girlfriend Anna Sherbinina, Model and Actress

Ondřej Havelka, Moderator

Miss Earth 2012 Tereza Fajksová

From left: Libor Šťástka, Mayor, Brno-Centre, Robert Kotzian, 1st Deputy Mayor, Brno, Pavel Bartošek, Managing Director, The Brno Opera Ball, Prof. Eva Blahová, Director, National Opera in Brno, and Ondřej Havelka, Moderator

Peter Nagy, renowned Singer

From left: Jadran Šetlík, Photographer, with his wife, Prof. Eva Blahová, Director, National Opera in Brno, and Igor Vadovič, VIP manager, The Brno Opera Ball Monika Žídková, Miss Europe 1995 with her husband Petr Brzeska

Overall, the money donated amounted to nearly a half million CZK. 400,000 CZK from the 2013 Brno Opera Ball was donated to the civic association Gabriela, which focuses on moral, material and other support caring for oncologic and dementia syndrome patients in the form of complex hospice care and other forms of follow-up care, primarily in the area of Brno.

MORE MO REE PHO OTO TOS S AN AND ND EL ELEC ECTR EC TR RON NIC IC VEER RSI SION AVAI AV AILA AI LABL LA BLLE ON W WW W.LLEA EADE DER RSMAAG RSMA GAA ZI ZINE NE.C NE.C CZ

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IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

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interview

The last regional election proved that a great number of voters wish to see the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM) in a governmental position again, at least at the regional level. We talked to Vojtěch Filip, the Chairman of KSČM about what his view is on reform bills adopted by the current coalition government, and what he thinks about the eventual coalition with the Social Democratic Party (ČSSD).

Voj VVo oojjttěc těěch Filip, p, Ch Cha Cha hairm irr an an of o the th he Coomm mm muun uni nnist st Pa Par aarr ty t y of Boh Bohhem Bo em a and emi n M Moor oraav oravi avi viia PPho hoto: t Vlad addim iimí m míír Weis Weis e s ei

OUR VICTORY is based on voters’ disagreement with coalition reforms

106 Leaders Magazine I/2013

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interview A talk with Vojtěch Filip, Chairman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia Mr. Chairman, KSČM can be very satisfied after the last regional election…

We were obviously very happy about the election results. However, celebrations aside, with success always comes new challenges and we need to implement our programme in particular regions.

Did you prepare a special campaign for the election?

We obviously prepared the election campaign.

However, I perceive our victory rather as voters’ disagreement with coalition reforms. Additionally, the coalition parties are a sign of corruption, which was actually admitted to a certain extent by the Prime Minister Peter Nečas at the ODS Congress. Last but not least, people showed a certain disappointment with the VV party expressing some hope for those 10% of voters in 2010. The disillusionment was huge.

Have you experienced a considerable rise in constituency since the last regional election?

We gained about 100,000 voters in comparison to 2008. It is a great success, indeed, yet as I’ve already said, it is a new commitment for us as well. Anyway, I suggest the results reflect the voters’ protest against approved reform acts.

For what do you most reproach the coalition government with regard to the reform legislation?

Apart from our difference in programme, I mostly blame the coalition for its inability to communicate across the political spectrum. There has not been a situation like that in our political scene yet. I remember much more difficult periods. I particularly mean the period of 2002 to 2004 when we had joined the EU, and talks concerning over 30 policies were supposed to be completed. The communication with opposition parties, including KSČM, was completely different. Thus, I find the present situation a complete inability of the chairmen of the political parties, and chairman of the political clubs, to negotiate on opposition principle points of particular reform bills, so that their continuity could be ensured. This law will naturally affect us for a long time.

Yet, when we talk with politicians of coalition parties they say that there have been several talks over the reform bills…

Well, that is not true. There has not been proper communication at all. There is simply no proposal from opposition parties that would be discussed. And it doesn’t matter who would be the initiator from the opposition spectrum. This is not a democracy anymore. This is an administrative attempt to restrict it.

However, the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of the Czech Republic permits it...

Yes, it is true, it is legal yet it is not legitimate. The political tradition in our country has been different in that respect.

Did KSČM submit any proposals of the pension reform?

We participated in the first working group of the Bezděk’s Commission. There, our experts tried to

prove that we need only a change of parameters, and that the pay-as-you-go system can work well even under the current level of unemployment and leveled wages, not only up to 2030 but beyond. Therefore, we believe there was not any need for new pension reform. Moreover, the II pillar, which is part of the reform, is not a reform, but a bank product of very poor quality. In this respect, the coalition parties were criticized for that, including the president and professional public.

So, you would not establish the three pillar structure at all? You would simply keep the pay-as you-go system?

Firstly, I suppose it is sufficient and globally verified, with 200 years of tradition, that the pay-as-yougo pension system is the best way of funding. It preferably expresses solidarity between generations. Thus, if someone aims for long-term savings, it is possible to do so via the III pillar which was created here long ago. In my view, at least two-thirds of citizens are involved in the system. In any case, it is a product which corresponds to the long-term savings and depositing. Hence, I can’t see any reason to create the so-called II pillar, which is a real hybrid.

If the eventual coalition of KSČM and the ČSSD is going to happen after the parliamentary election, are there any similarities within your programmes?

Concerning the social systems, I don’t see a great difference between our programmes. We are not “gamblers” and would not take part in anything that would mean a risk to the security of people who work hard all their lives. Concerning the system itself, we would change parameters of the pay-as-you-go system so that it becomes sustainable in the long-term.

It always depends on what parameters you set up, i.e. the unemployment rate, average wage or a minimum wage. Those people who are entitled to the minimum wage would hardly accomplish pension savings within the pension schemes.

So, what model do you propose?

We’ve mostly addressed the system of Nordic countries, whether it is Denmark, Sweden or Finland.

These countries show very well that we can establish a sustainable system within particular parameters like the average wage rate or the unemployment level, in the long run if the state responds to a certain extent to fluctuations and regulates properly. In this respect, we surely find consensus with ČSSD as well.

Where are your programmes significantly different?

Our programmes differ in a certain part of foreign policy; however, we have many different views on state intervention in the economy.

Can you be more specific?

In our view, ČSSD relies too much on the state.

Apart from the ideology, if KSČM learned from the past, it has only been in the area of a central control of the economy. Systems of cooperative property without the state’s involvement are much safer. The state

ownership enables quite sufficiently the replacement of government and the government’s ability to sell off the accumulated assets, as it did in the nineties. Thus the state must interfere in the common property as little as possible, and we need to ensure for greater involvement of the municipalities and regions.

Let´s get back to the divergences of your programmes in the area of foreign policy...

Yes, we believe that unlike the rest of the political spectrum, the security policy is based on systems that remain from the last century. Modern methods of safety, which started just because those systems were gradually overcome, have not been used at all.

Can you be more specific?

It was clear that when the Warsaw Pact disappeared and the bi-polar world ended, after a short period of a uni-polar world, the U.S. de facto made decisions without considering anyone else, without calling on the UN. This couldn’t last for a long time because that bias of the international political scene was huge. A multi-polar world has been slowly created and its characters are quite clear. Therefore, we think that insistence on the preservation of the NATO pact is a bit pointless. As far as I know, not even in the Federal Republic of Germany does anyone claim that NATO is to survive into the year 2020 or 2030.

Is KSČM against the integration and operation of the Czech Republic in the EU? Not at all. We are not against integration; we were against the terms of the integration which were, in our opinion, very poorly negotiated by the government of Prime Minister Vladimír Špidla.

What do you dislike?

There are many things we actually don’t like. Yet, I will mention especially the Transport Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU. We rejected it since the very beginning. On the other hand, we don’t oppose the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU, because we find it reasonable and the right way for replacing the bi-polar world systems.

Anyway, the EU is not realistically saying that its security and defense policy, including its military systems, could replace the NATO military capabilities..

I agree, and we would like to change it. We strongly support joint European armed forces and also have a plan to strengthen the OSCE. Moreover, we strongly support a further deepening of the European integration. Only the system can not be integrated on a bureaucratic basis. Integration is an objective process and we would be fools to reject it. However, it should be done at such a pace so that people could still see it as their own process, not as regulation from Brussels.

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

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Ondřej Štveráček – Tenor Saxophone Ondrej Krajňák – Piano Josef Fečo – Double Bass Martin Šulc – Drums Jan Fečo – Alt Saxophone Erika Fečová – Singer

prague castle event

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

with Štveráček Q + Fečo Family

From left: JUDr. Jiří Nováček, Executive Director, NoNap Servis with his wife, Ing. Petr Gregor, Tax Adviser with his wife, Mrs. Veronika Kutlová, Pavel Číčel, Presbyter, Mr. Josef Dráb, and Pavel Sedláček, Musician

From left: Ladislav Mravec, Director, Foreign Affairs Department, Office of the President, Mrs. Blanka Dybová, and Prof. Ing. Karel Dyba, CSc., Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the OECD From left: RNDr. Robert Šmied, Czech Association of Beekeepers and Ing. Karel Tomáš (More) Havlík

108 From left: Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Mons. Giuseppe Leanza, Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic

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From left: Mrs. Alena Veliká, Štěpán Markovič, Saxophonist, Karel Vágner, Musician, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, and Ing. Milan Škoda, Director, Hollandia Karlovy Vary, sponsors of the new CD from the collection Jazz at the Castle

31.1.2013 11:34:13

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Management of Philip Morris ČR, a.s., sponsor of the new CD from the collection Jazz at the Castle

From left: Miloš Janů, PROMEXIM, Ing. Viktoriya Kudrya, PR Director, Statuss Magazine, and René Sion, General Manager, Dallmayr Vending & Office, k.s.

Josef Fečo, Bassist

Martin Šulc, Drummer with his family

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Aneta Jarkovská, Jazz Agency

Štveráček Quartet and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

109 Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR and Management of Hollandia Karlovy Vary, a.s., sponsor of the new CD from the collection Jazz at the Castle

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MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

31.1.2013 11:38:12

From left: Štěpán Markovič, Saxophonist, Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR, Vladimír Lachout, Manager, Jazz Agency, and Aneta Jarkovská, Jazz Agency

From left: Andras Tovisi, Director General, Philip Morris CR and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: H.E. Alison Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland and Eva Lorencová, Editor

From left: Stanislava Janáčková, Advisor, Office of the President, Kamil Janáček, CEO and Member of CNB Bank Board and CEO, Jaroslav Jurečka, Consultant with his wife Marta, and Dušan Tříska, FSP

Martin Šulc, Drummer

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From left: Miloš Janů, PROMEXIM, Mrs. Andrea Brňová, wife of H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia, Ljudmila Novak, Vice Prime Minister of Slovenia, H.E. Smiljana Knez, Ambassador of Slovenia, and H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia

29.1.2013 18:10:42

prague castle event

Hiromi – Piano Anthony Jackson – Bass Guitar Steve Smith – Drums

IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

with Hiromi – The Trio Project

From left: Ing. Miloš Janů, Co-owner and Executive Director, CzechKuwait Trading Ltd., Mgr. Veronika Blažková, Spokeswoman and Chief of Press Department, Prague 1, Ing. Oldřich Lomecký, Mayor, Prague 1, Ing. Nina Dvořáková, Event Manager, Ing. Renáta Janů, Translator, and JUDr. Jaroslav Javornický, Executive Director, Spielberg CZ

From left: Magda Danel, Production, Hiromi, Pianist, and Tereza Rychnovská, Production, Prague Castle Administration

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From left: Jan Ficek, General Manager, Labartt Hospitality with his wife, Alena Chlumská, Executive Manager, Seven Reasons, and Mgr. Ivana Roštínská, MBA, HR Director, Sodexo Ltd.

From left: JUDr. Ivan Choholouš, Senior Partner, Amrop Dr. Kaufmann & Partner with his wife, Ing. Petr Gregor, Tax Adviser with his wife, Irena Semerádová, Eurodíly s.r.o., and Pavel Číčel, Presbyter, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the CR with his wife

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Steve Smith, Drummer

From left: Hiromi, Pianist and Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: Roman Knap, General Director, SAP Slovensko, Natali Ruden, Fashion Designer, and Nikoloz Bolkvadze, IT/Web Consultant, Leaders Magazine

From left: H.E. Peter Brňo, Ambassador of Slovakia with his wife and Jakub Vágner, famous Fisherman

112 MORE PHOTOS AND ELECTRONIC VERSION AVAILABLE ON WWW.LEADERSMAGAZINE.CZ

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From left: Pavel Ondráček, Dětenice Chateau Resort, Karel Vágner, Producer and Composer, MULTISONIC, Jakub Vágner, famous Fisherman, and Mgr. Petr Hannig, MAXIMUM

29.1.2013 18:57:02

From left: H.E. Pierre Lévy, Ambassador of France, Angela Boston, Business Communication Consultant, and H.E. DetlefLingemann, Ambassador of Germany

From left: MUDr. Michal Vít, Mgr. Jan Vít, Office of the Council for Radio and TV Broadcasting, and Pavel Číčel, Presbyter, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the CR with his wife

Prof. Václav Klaus, President of the CR

From left: JUDr. Dana Římanová, Director, Legislative and Legal Department, Office of the President of the CR with husband, and Col. Zdeněk Jakůbek, M.Sc., Military Office, Office of the President of the CR with his wife

© Roberto Masotti / ECM Records

Hiromi, Pianist and Steve Smith, Drummer

HLAVNÍ PARTNER:

PARTNER:

WWW.JAZZNAHRADE.CZ

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29.1.2013 18:57:55

“Famed art dealer Ambroise Vollard purchased the printing plates in 1913 and reinforced, printed and published editions of 250 unsigned, unnumbered impressions. The series was called Les Saltimbanques (The Acrobats). One edition is also in the collections of the National Gallery in Prague.”

From the catalogue of the exhibition Pablo Picasso – Graphic works

Picasso 2013 LM.indd 1

Petr Štěpán art historian

1/21/13 10:37 AM

We invite you to the exhibition

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) GRAPHIC WORK For a great success extended till 28th February 2013

Les Saltimbanques, 1904-1905 Series of 14 sheets, drypoint / etching, 2 different paper formats 65,8 x 50,5 cm and 50,5 x 33 cm Edition: first edition published by Ambroise Vollard in 1913, 250 copies on paper Velin Van Gelder, 27 or 29 copies on old Japanese paper. Series of 14 graphic works is for sale.

Series consists of: 1. Le Repas frugal, 2. Tête de femme: Madeleine, 3. Les Pauvres, 4. Buste d‘homme, 5. Les deux saltimbanques, 6. Tête de femme de profil, 7. Les Saltimbanques, 8. L‘Abreuvoir - Chevaux au bain, 9. Au Cirque, 10. Le Saltimbanques au repos, 11. Le Bain, 12. La Toilette de la mère, 13. Salomé, 14. La Danse barbare, devant Salmoné et Hérode

Picasso 2013 LM.indd 2

MIRO Gallery Church of St. Rochus Strahovské nádvoří 1/132 118 00 Prague 1 Czech Republic

Tel.: +420 233 354 066 Fax: +420 233 354 075 E-mail: info@galeriemiro.cz www.galeriemiro.cz www.trebbia.eu

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm

For members of the MIRO Gallery Club free entrance

1/23/13 12:50 PM

Petrov Cathedral Precinct Photo: Archive

has became more beautiful and spiritual

The stone spur called Petrov is one of almost forty hills and hillocks in the city of Brno attracting tourists and although with its elevation of 245 m a.s.l. it is not the highest point, it ranks amongst the most important sites. The historically and architectonically valuable cathedral built on its top is a national cultural monument and forms a significant landmark that has become an inseparable part of the city skyline. Another popular destination of romantic roaming are the Capuchin Gardens and Denis Gardens – and apparently, this place deserves special attention and care.

I am delighted to say that in March 2012, the city of Brno could commence rehabilitation work to embellish, revitalise and make this high-profile to Brno locality more attractive for Brno residents as well as for domestic and foreign tourists. The investment project worth 16.1 million crowns concerned the spaces adjacent to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and

lanes connecting Petrská St. and Denis Gardens. The road surfaces and pavements were reconstructed along with water-related facilities, the staircase and a gate in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral and baroque statues of Sts. Peter and Paul. The street furniture was renovated, too. The reconstructed space in front of the bishop’s residence was fitted with a stone drinking fountain. An automatic retention system was constructed in Petrov St. and archaeologists started working on rescue archaeological survey.

The spiritual atmosphere of the “lane” is induced by a statue of “Angel”, specifically, Conjunction of Angel with Moon, made by the sculptor Jiří Plieštik. The angel message is intensified by texts by notable Brno poets Jan Zahradníček, Ivan Blatný and Klement Bochořák on three stone plates installed on a brick abutment wall.

The contractor – Swietelsky – managed to renovate the space in Petrov in time, i.e. by the beginning of December 2012 and the Brno residents and tourists could therefore enjoy the festive Christmas atmosphere in the neat environment radiating spiritual energy.

The abutment wall and adjacent terrace walls of nearby Capuchin Terraces were completed and renovated along with three small staircases in Denis Gardens. In Studánka Park, handles were fitted to the existing staircase and street lighting was installed.

This investment totalled 3.2 million crowns. This finalised the reconstruction and revitalisation of one of the oldest districts in Brno.

BRNO TAKES CARE OF ITS PARKS It is not likely that new parks will be established in the densely built-up city and therefore we take care of those we have: for example, the park at Špilberk has been renovated, new footpaths have been added, the trees and bushes are well treated and a number of new trees and bushes have been planted. Likewise, Lužánky park – the oldest municipal park open to the public in the Czech lands – looks very nice after this year’s completed reconstruction, with a brook flowing through it, with a glittering lake and a labyrinth in the heart of the park. In recent years, Tyrš Gardens and Wilson Park have also been renovated.

The work now continues in Koliště Park at the Red Army Soldier Monument and at the Janáček Opera House. Brno has become younger again thanks to the renovation and revitalisation of green spaces and public spaces. I believe that those of us who visit these oases of peace and quiet in the middle of the busy city will also “get younger”.

By Roman Onderka I Mayor of the City of Brno

Petrov combines history with spiritual atmosphere

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IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Okolí petrovské katedrály zkrásnělo a zduchovnělo Representatives of the City Hall led by Mayor of Brno Roman Onderka, on the occasion of festive handover of renovated Lužánky park to the public on April 17th, 2012

Mezi téměř čtyřiceti turisticky zajímavými kopci a návršími ve městě Brně a okolí nepatří kamenný ostroh zvaný Petrov se svými 245 m nad mořem k těm nejvyšším, ale jistě patří k těm nejvýznamnějším. Zdejší historicky i architektonicky cenná katedrála je národní kulturní památkou a samozřejmě také výraznou dominantou, bez níž už si siluetu města nedovedeme představit. K tomu připočtěme Kapucínské zahrady a Denisovy sady jako oblíbený cíl romantických procházek – a je zřejmé, že toto místo si zaslouží, aby mu byla věnována mimořádná pozornost a péče.

Jsem velmi rád, že v květnu roku 2012 mohlo město Brno zahájit rekonstrukční práce, které tuto exponovanou brněnskou lokalitu zkrášlily, oživily a učinily atraktivnější jak pro Brňany, tak pro tuzemské i zahraniční turisty.

Předmětem investiční akce ve výši 16,1 milionu korun byly úpravy prostoru přiléhajícího k objektu katedrály

sv. Petra a Pavla a uličky, která tvoří spojnici mezi Petrskou ulicí a Denisovými sady. Rekonstrukcí prošly komunikace a chodníky, či vodohospodářské objekty, v bezprostřední blízkosti katedrály pak schodiště s bránou a barokními sochami sv. Petra a Pavla, doplněn byl také městský mobiliář. Upravený prostor před budovou biskupství dotvořilo kamenné pítko. V ulici Petrov byl vybudován automatický zádržný systém a do práce se pustili také archeologové, kteří provedli záchranný výzkum.

Do již zmíněné „uličky“ vnáší duchovní atmosféru socha „Anděl“ či přesněji Konjunkce anděla s lunou od akademického sochaře Jiřího Plieštika. Andělské poselství pak zintenzivňují texty významných brněnských básníků Jana Zahradníčka, Ivana Blatného a Klementa Bochořáka na třech kamenných deskách nainstalovaných na opěrné cihelné zdi.

Zhotoviteli – stavební firmě Swietelsky – se podařilo úpravy prostranství na Petrově zvládnout v termínu, tedy do začátku prosince 2012, a Brňané a turisté, kteří sem zavítají, si tudíž mohou plně vychutnat sváteční vánoční atmosféru v úhledném a duchovností nabitém prostředí.

Dokončeny a upraveny byly také opěrná stěna a přilehlé zídky na nedalekých Kapucínských terasách a tři drobná schodiště v Denisových sadech. V parku Studánka byla doplněna madla ke stávajícímu schodišti a doplněno

veřejné osvětlení. Tato investice stála 3,2 milionu korun.

Tím byly opravy a revitalizace v jedné z nejstarších částí Brna završeny.

BRNO O SVÉ PARKY PEČUJE Nové parky už asi v hustě zastavěném velkoměstě nevzniknou, proto se pečlivě staráme o ty, které tu máme: například park na Špilberku má teď za sebou celkovou obnovu, vznikly zde nové cesty, stromy a keře jsou dobře ošetřené a bylo vysázeno mnoho nových. Stejně tak park Lužánky – nejstarší pro veřejnost otevřený městský park v českých zemích – po letos dokončené rekonstrukci vypadá velmi dobře, protéká jím potok, třpytí se zde jezírko a jeho srdcem se dokonce stal labyrint. V posledních letech jsme obnovili také parky Tyršův sad či Wilsonův les. Nyní pokračujeme v úpravách parku Koliště u památníku rudoarmějce a u Janáčkova divadla. Díky těmto úpravám a revitalizacím zeleně a veřejných prostranství Brno zase omládlo. Věřím, že stejně „omládnou“ i ti, kteří do těchto oáz klidu a odpočinku uprostřed rušného velkoměsta zavítají. avítají.

Roman Onderka I primátor statutárního města Brna Baroque statues of Sts. Peter and Paul look brand new, the space in front of the bishop‘s residence has been made even more special by installing a stone drinking fountain Photos: Marie Schmerková

117 The reconstruction of Petrov was launched by Mayor of Brno Roman Onderka on May 3rd, 2012

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moravian-silesian region

EGTC TRITIA Getting Going The founding documents of the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation TRITIA (hereinafter as the EGTC TRITIA) were officially signed by representatives of the four crossborder regions on Monday December 3, 2012 at the Cieszyn Castle in Poland by Miroslav Novák, President of the Moravian-Silesian Region, Józef Sebesta, Marshall of the Opole Voivodeship, Adam Matusiewicz, Marshall of the Silesian Voivodeship and Juraj Blanár, President of the Žilina Self-Governing Region.

This newly established group does not intend to compete with individual nation states or other Euroregions. Rather, its mission is to promote a range of different cooperative efforts within and across the four partner regions.

As far back as 2009, the four regions had already indicated their interest in exploring joint opportunities to systematically and efficiently collaborate on the development of their joint cross-border territories. After intensive preparatory work and the completion of a lengthy approval process at a national level within the three countries, the regions have now accomplished their broad-based objective.

After the signing ceremony, the group’s founding documents were sent off to be

officially registered at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once this official registration has been completed, EGTC TRITIA will be officially launched and able to get to work on fulfilling its mission.

Through its activities, EGTC TRITIA’s goal is to promote and ensure cross-border understanding, dialogue and political debate. It will support projects that impact and can bring together and reflect the interests of all member regions in the area of strategic development and improvements in the everyday lives of residents in these Czech-Polish-Slovak territories. Collectively, the identification of individual areas of need will be based on a set of three bilateral strategic initiatives (i.e. the cooperation strategy of the Žilina SelfGoverning Region with the Moravian-Silesian Region, the cooperation strategy of the Moravian-Silesian Region with the Silesian and Opole Voivodeships and the cooperation strategy of the Silesian Voivodeship with the Žilina Self-Governing Region). These bilateral arrangements are currently unified into a single trilateral strategy.

This single unified strategy will primarily target and address four key areas of cooperation: common economic interests, energy and the environmental policies, transportation

infrastructure and tourism. Attention will also be paid to other areas of common interest such as crisis management, human resources management and development, education (including closer cooperation between universities) and cooperation across public institutions, cultural activities and sports.

The implementation and carrying out of specific strategy activities will be subject to approval by the management oversight body of EGTC TRITIA and it is anticipated that support will come from EU funding. The main statutory body of EGTC TRITIA will be its General Assembly and the main representatives of the partner regions to EGTC TRITIA will be members of this General Assembly. At the first session of the General Assembly, a Director will be elected, who will be the executive manager overseeing the administrative and other work of the Secretariat, which will be located at the Cieszyn Castle in Poland.

For 2013, the operating budget has been established with a contribution of EUR 22,000 from each represented region. Future budgets and contribution levels will be set by the General Assembly, always before the end of the previous operating year.

Moravian-Silesian Region I

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ESÚS TRITIA STARTUJE Zakládající dokumenty Evropského seskupení pro územní spolupráci TRITIA (dále jen ESÚS TRITIA) byly slavnostně podepsány představiteli čtyř přeshraničních regionů, Miroslavem Novákem, hejtmanem Moravskoslezského kraje, Józefem Sebestou, maršálkem Opolského vojvodství, Adamem Matusiewiczem, maršálkem Slezského vojvodství a Jurajem Blanárem, předsedou Žilinského samosprávného kraje v pondělí 3. prosince 2012 na Zámku Cieszyn v Polsku. Nově vzniklé seskupení nehodlá konkurovat jednotlivým národním státům a euroregionům, ale jeho posláním je efektivní spolupráce čtyř partnerských regionů.

Již v roce 2009 vyjádřily uvedené regiony vůli systematicky a efektivně spolupracovat na rozvoji společného přeshraničního území. Po náročné přípravě a absolvování zdlouhavého schvalovacího procesu na národní úrovni tří zemí došly regiony k cíli.

Podepsané zakládající dokumenty seskupení byly po slavnostním podpisu zaslány k oficiální registraci na Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí Polské republiky. Teprve po oficiální registraci budeme hovořit o vzniku seskupení a bude možné bezodkladně naplňovat jeho poslání.

ESÚS TRITIA bude svými aktivitami zajišťovat a podporovat shodu, dialog i politickou debatu.

Bude podporovat soudržnost na úrovni celého území, předkládat a realizovat projekty pro společný strategický rozvoj a v neposlední řadě také zjednodušovat každodenní život obyvatel tohoto česko-polsko-slovenského území. Identifikace potřeb vzniklého seskupení vychází ze tří bilaterální strategií (jedná se o Strategie spolupráce Žilinského samosprávného kraje a Moravskoslezského kraje, Strategie spolupráce Moravskoslezského kraje, Slezského a Opolského vojvodství a Strategie spolupráce Slezského vojvodství a Žilinského samosprávného kraje), které jsou aktuálně sjednocovány do jediné trilaterální strategie.

Strategie bude prioritně zacílena na čtyři hlavní oblasti spolupráce: hospodářskou spolupráci, energetiku a životní prostředí, dopravu a cestovní ruch. Pozornost bude věnována i dalším oblastem, a to krizovému řízení, lidským zdrojům, vzdělávání včetně užší spolupráce mezi vysokými školami, spolupráci veřejných institucí, kultury a sportu.

Realizace konkrétních aktivit a postupů při

naplňování strategie pak bude předmětem schvalování vedení ESÚS TRITIA, počítá se také s využitím finančních zdrojů EU. Hlavním statutárním orgánem seskupení bude valné shromáždění, jehož členy budou hlavní představitelé partnerských regionů. Na prvním zasedání valného shromáždění bude zvolen ředitel seskupení, který bude výkonným orgánem a bude zajišťovat kvalitní a efektivní

fungování sekretariátu, jež by měl sídlit na Zámku Cieszyn v Polsku.

Pro rok 2013 byl příspěvek určený na provoz seskupení stanoven ve výši 22 tisíc EUR připadající na každý region. Pro další léta bude příspěvek a rozpočet schvalován valným shromážděním vždy na konci předcházejícího roku.

Moravskoslezský kraj I

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ČSÚZ

Czech School i n Vienna CELEBRATES 130 BIRTHDAY TH

Children in Vienna have a chance to attend Czech school for 130 years already.

It is thanks to the Komenský School Association unifying the Czechs who came to Vienna within the 19th century. In 1869 there were about 150 thousands of them there and they wanted their children to get Czech education. That is why one of the first important steps of the Association was to build a school from their own means and in 1883 they opened a school attended by 174 children. On the occasion of the anniversary the Komenský Association gave a newly reconstructed grammar-school building in Schützengasse to the school.

The festive opening was attended by the mayor of Vienna Dr. Michael Häupl, Dr. Susanne Brandsteidl, the president of the City school council, Dr. Christa Axgleitner, the director of department of Federal Chancellery,

Dr. Věra Vojáčková, the director of Regional office of South Moravia and representatives from fifteen institutions which cooperate with the Association and school and contribute to improvement of learning. Among them there were also the director of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Jaromír Šlápota and its member Ing. Ondřej Kryšpín whose firm gave an interactive board to the school.

The chairman of the Association ing. Karel Hanzl was praised during the opening and that was the day of his 60th birthday. He was awarded a golden medal of Vienna city for special merits by the mayor for his share at preserving and improving Czech schools in Austria. When Karel Hanzl became a chairman of the Komenský Association in 1993 it was a complicated period for the school and only 120 children attended it. The new chairman succeeded in unifying fellow countrymen for the idea to renew its reputation. And the

success came. Today, Czech kindergarten is attended by 93 children, the first level of Czech elementary school by 165 children, the second level by 105 children and bilingual grammar school by 88 students. All together 451 children in buildings in Sebastianplatz and Schützengasse.

The school is private but ing. Karel Hanzl makes every effort to open quality education also for children from less wealthy families.

Therefore he seeks subventions and contributions from diverse institutions every year.

With respect to the fact that Vienna city shortened subvention this year, the school had to increase tuition fee from the 1st September but no matter that studying is still affordable for the majority of children and their interest in it did not drop down. It is so also thanks to the fact that children are learning in modernised buildings now where they can use modern technique the part of which, especially

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video-technique and notebooks, donated by the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute.

Sebastianplatz 3 is a good address again Cooperation with the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute is also profitable for Czech schools in Vienna, it started since its foundation in 1928 and with the exception of several-year break during the 2nd world war it continues till today. The Institute projects brought new values to Czech schools in Vienna. The Institute reconstructed and modernized meal-serving room in the kindergarten, it sent books to the elementary school and equipment for a computer room to the grammar school, it equipped gymnasium with a new floor and sport tools this January and February and gave video-technique to five classrooms in the elementary school. Other projects within the framework of cooperation between school association and school in Vienna and the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute will follow. To support Czech schools for fellow countrymen abroad is one of the main goals of the Institute.

Efforts of the Komenský Association resulted in last years in the fact that the school in Sebastianplatz 3 is again considered a good and prestigious school in Vienna.

The chairman ing. Hanzl remarks: “Since 2004 the maternity leave exams are given here again, we put together professional archive and enlarged a library. We have been publishing a journal Czech and Slovak Vienna today for fifteen years now and we present

ČSÚZ The Czech first lady Ing. Livia Klausová in the physics classroom of the Czech school in Vienna

ourselves in the yearly and on webpage… The position of the school has been newly defined as the seat of minority associations and the motor of new activities. We are headed for the future and we have secured our existence, yet bearing a big responsibility at the same time.”

The school reputation was also acknowledged last November by the wife of the Czech president Mrs. Livia Klausová who visited a building in Sebastianplatz on the recommendation of the Czech ambassador Dr. Jan Koukal and she gave Czech books to its library.

In mid December, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, prof. Dr. Petr Fiala and his deputy Dr. Jindřich Fryč visited the school building in Schützengasse. They discussed with the mayor Ing. Karel Hanzl how to finance schools of Komenský Assosiation with the participation of the Czech Republic. They highly appreciated results of the reconstruction.

HEBR I

Czech Minister of Education prof. Dr. Petr Fiala with pupils of the Czech school in Vienna

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Nigeria

The State of Nigeria DEMOCRACY: Violence and Democracy in Nigeria Politics

The resourceful sympathetic of Nigeria has been its disability date back to the history of the nation itself. Yet, its uniqueness rich culture, traditions, wealth and natural resources have been astonishingly neglected. Very wisely, at various times in a human portrayal of history, the crises and the relevance avenue to grasp the current shift in knowledge has been less appreciated.

Struck by this challenging truth lies the prestigious huge misinterpretations of the “Country Nigeria” contemporary Geo-strategically important role in the global arena. As Huntington claim in (1991) while

discussing on the ‘waves of democratization, He observed that we are currently in the midst of a 3rd recent wave, which began with transitions in southern Europe and Latin America in the 1970s. Even so, what species have been the changing device as key factors responsible for this new ‘third wave? The most architectural ideology behind such obvious waves as developments are the wide-scope of changes in communications and media which was advanced by technology have to clearly place important impact in different ways nation’s egalitarian relevancies are being acknowledged and questions. Conditionally, the point observed here is that which was poignantly made in the transitions of Eastern European countries into an established democratic independent culture. The front-line messages outside which the notion of state assessment has served as a momentum for the continue reforms in ‘sovereigns’ countries. Thus, what specifically are these messages as the new ‘waves’ of knowledge about Nigeria most decorated nations with assumptions we need to know?

NIGERIA AFTER DECOLONIZATION

Shaibu Dan Sunday As.M. (NIM)

Over a distant decade of Nigeria’s independence in the 1960s, there has been a crisis by the dominant theories of traditionalism, regionalism, lingualism and the emerging lack of mutual trust within the geopolitical brain box of the Nigeria. This situation was engineered by the Nigeria’s elites which by far a depth requirement necessary for adjustment as one skillful respond to the necessity of Nigeria continuing coexistence as one strong collective institution. Notwithstanding, the anarchical society ‘setup’ by the departing British imperialism was instead NOT questions for visible transformation which could also position Nigeria as a viable country with her economic potential for sustainability were absolutely neglected without questioning. Perhaps, the modern Nigeria politics were situated tightly around this valuable force as the main obstacle to the Nigeria stability. Comparatively, It may have also affected the nature of discriminatory ideology crafted by human nature in pursuance of their particular primary interest instead of the survival of the new states. This un-natural approach toward the Nigeria political landscape by the elites becomes the tangible

First established in 1995, Bonga in Nigeria lays in the ocean 1,000 plus meters deep across an area of 60 square km. It can produce more than 200,000 barrels of oil and 150 0 million standard cubic feet of gas a day. By the end of December 2011, Bonga had produced over 380 million barrels of oil.

framework fashioned toward a struggle for power and for personal security. As Morgenthau suggests on his characterization of the international political arena as that which is better situated at a ‘struggle for security’.

Indeed, the declaration of Nigeria subsequent uncertainty is tied to the imperialistic assumption on the country and this perfect reality has to package the failing status of the sovereign Nigeria progressive shift toward development. For instance, Nigeria has today approximately claimed 13 years after the democratic transition was installed in the country.

Invisibly, Nigeria and its massive population remain under the hit-top fabrication of 1914 incarnations as a country in 1999. Mathematically, the historical interpretation of imperialist may not be far from the truth but the most contemporary dichotomy in Nigeria which has been all links to this scenario, as “imperialistically

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Nigeria constructed” that has recently become a time-bomb place technically in the country as an ideology of the past imperialism is absolutely questioned. This mismatched contemplation about Nigeria’s independence from the bygone decades is one of those theoretical mechanisms which were constructed on ethical values instead of the state’s political culture that could permit the nation self-reliance after independence. Regrettably, as Paul Viotti (2004} has argued ‘the focusing on survivalist notions of states produces a Westphalia blind alley, and neglects overlap political authorities within a given territory’.

This article has argued in line with political idealism in Nigeria’s government collective outlook with regard to joint conversion of the uncertainty in the Nigeria democratic structuralism. While it provides insight into the increasing viability of Nigeria as country striving for one common value as the only potent that keep Nigeria’s existence. The Nigeria’s role as an economically powerful nation in Africa was explored with regard to Nigeria Geo-strategic regional importance in the continents of Africa sub-regions.

The country Nigeria with her long history of ‘artificially’ institution has for the past decade been struggling with both crises of faith and political idealism to rise as one prominent country in the continents from both solidarity toward integration as well as to salvage the every black nation in Africa with sustainable democratic declarations without any visible ways out. Even so, as Waltz observed in his classic idealism in the world politics, “the internal composition of the states does not matter. The essential factors involved are the constraints placed on the states by the system, not the interactions between the states themselves”. It’s not obviously enough as time passed from the world to see the increasing changing proportions of the Nigeria efforts to erase the complete misinterpretations of the country unique reality.

Ideally, I will assume here that, ‘To compare the past historical questions about Nigeria as a country without a future is a huge misinterpretation of globalizations of developmental movements which started from the 90s. Put differently, could mean misjudging the country’s abundant resources and her strategic positions in the area of her shortcoming. Perhaps, when people hear the word ‘Nigeria’ notwithstanding without knowing or even making an effort to filter the significant truths on the country, quickly close all reliable potentials of the countries on assumptions about her ‘fragile state’ which were based technically on her historical past. What difference does the contemporary democratic world ever cultivate in an era of globalization?

I’m pretty sure; the distance differences within regions and continents are varied and smartly incomparable to the country’s historical antecedents.

THE NIGERIA CHALLENGES IN THE WORLD AFFAIRS Strategically, concluding about Nigeria’s pace in the world around us with mere measurements of Nigeria past is absolutely misleading extrapolations. While other’s over compensate Nigeria as a corrupt nation, the probes of these symptoms are almost visible in every democratic society today which I believed no country has an ‘entire’ free collection of this cons-

As stated recently in discussing Nigeria foreign policy toward Africa, “African’s may have stood on the wrong stages of history.

Yet, her determination to elevate her grandeur of human misery through poverty & slavery had never changed nor have been eliminated” .

By Shaibu Dan Sunday, As.M (NIM) tructed imbalance as a syndrome in their political spheres.

Indeed, No doubt, Nigeria has passed through unquestioned crises over her artificially creation as a nation. The militarization’s of the political fabric in the Nigeria constitution and the failing importance of a leadership role as recessions over the past century has proven beyond apprehension. Yet, the country could boast of viable economic potentials which made the differences and had set the country above average in Africa. Logically, the striking reality is those facts which strictly set Nigeria among Geo-strategic countries of abundant economic prosperity over the last 1970s. For instance, Nigeria has about 38 billion barrels of crude-oil reserves.

The tenth largest proven oil reserves in the world.

Nigeria also, accounts for about a third Africa’s oil resources. Despite this fact, Nigeria is believed to have a huge gas reserve than oil. The current proven gas reserves are about 187 trillion cubic feet, which make Nigeria the world 7th largest gas holder in the world.

(US-GS). Estimate gas reserved in Nigeria as if realized, it will install Nigeria as 4th largest gas holder in the world. Technically, what does this potential means in measurements of poor nations in the world politics?

This economic potential obviously has dismissed every-shocking revelation by those who often recognizing Nigeria as one poorest country in Africa. Collectively, Nigeria no doubt is one among many African countries strictly position by the departing imperialism to collapse at the close of decolonization but over this past acrimonious gangsterism, political system set in Nigeria, the government of Nigeria throughout her historic revolution as the sovereign country continues to linger in both peace and conflict to sustain her coexistence as one country, the spiritual legacies of both past and the contemporary re-define imperialism never wants to set Nigeria free in unity. This is not to say all the malfunctions of Nigeria blemish status are purely on impact of imperialism. However, the contemporary question in Nigeria is such a trigger of

both internal and external horizontal dichotomy in the country.

Yet, the self-interest sustained by the individuality politics of enrichment which has put Nigeria under political assumption has least in reality as to accurately subject the country into a third class poor country in the world. The Nigeria democratic viability may be quite failing as a nation but the prime suspect of Nigeria shocking failure emanates from various interception of global interest. Those fashions and package by man-making interest toward Nigeria wealth’s over the years of its democratic existence as a sovereign state. The lack of reliable partner toward development of Nigeria’s economy by those mega interests has to pioneers and further single out Nigeria lacking in the face of her economic viabilities. Perhaps,

NIGERIA STANDPOINT IN THE GLOBAL POLITICS Nigeria illustrates clearly as a country which requires a positive blend of individualistic ideology thoseshaped into an honest thought, which could provide a best vision for the nation toward realizing her national dreams. Which simply means, stirring competent vision toward Nigeria as a country with potentials that worth partnering for a better and equal share of values and prosperity instead of those fashioned particularly toward individualistic by some mega nations toward their sustainability alone in the absence of following the realistic truth toward developing the Nigeria economic resources. Indeed, the artificiality of Nigeria as a country is being one obvious limitation placed on the country strictly under-develop theory. Yet, the consequences of those powerful undemocratic and sticky politics of resources interest through diplomacy, if carefully looked from various proportions of the Nigerian economy since her decolonization in the 1960s were painfully amazing.

The first cornerstone of this article is to reveal about the contemporary values that Nigeria has spread into the global economy over the years. Despite this fact, Nigeria remains as one un-favoured partner to develop her potential resources by the western world. This paired fundamental rocket ideas has to picture the contemporary Nigeria deficiency status on the screen of the entire world. Despite the Nigeria lackadaisical development, her skillful diplomacy and relevance role in international energy security affairs as well as her attempts to organize the continents of Africa to avoid “economic Yalta” in Africa since decolonization is superlatively above average.

Written by Shaibu Dan Sunday ■ Ilustrative photo

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www.boknas.cz Výrobce: Boknäs Furniture Ltd. Martinkyläntie 45, 01720 VANTAA, Finland www.boknas.com

Výhradní dovozce do ČR: EXPATRIA spol. s r. o.

110 00 Praha 1, Dlouhá 36 tel: +420 222 321 631 e-mail: boknas@boknas.cz

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marketing analysis

Brendan Donnellan is the Managing Director and Head of the PR Division of Passion Communications, a full service communications agency which specializes in bridging traditional media with the digital world. Please visit our website at www.passioncomm.com or follow us on Twitter @passioncomm or @passionnine.

A REPUTATION UNDER FIRE

Intangible but pivotal, reputation is a prized commercial asset.

Glass, china and reputation have one thing in common. They are all easily cracked.

The following article discusses the importance of monitoring, nurturing and managing your personal reputation and, as importantly, what to do when ‘the cracks’ start to show. As a leader, the perception of what you say or do has a direct effect on your company’s bottom line. So when your reputation comes under fire, it is your responsibility to respond with swift and appropriate action to mitigate the damage to your organisation.

Companies are always looking for ways to extract value and give themselves a competitive advantage. Given that customers (and media) often seek stories about people, rather than organisations, many companies have sought to boost the personal profile of the business leader as a means of promoting the company as a whole. This is a valid strategy, though a risky one. People are prone to err, and a leader’s mistakes are generally made right out in the open.

In today’s commercial world, where physical assets form only a small part of corporate valuations, non-tangibles such as brands, alliances and relationships make up the difference – and these are often underpinned exclusively by reputation. It has been called, ‘the Cinderella asset’ – you never quite know what you’ve got until it’s gone, then the damage is un-missable.

The Czech Republic is a compact market where ‘everyone knows everyone’, and safe-guarding your reputation in an environment like this can take a lot of work. The market is full of small-minded detractors who would like nothing more than to drag your good name through the mud.

Imagine you are at a networking event and you learn from a business partner that an ex-colleague of yours has been calling you untrustworthy. What should you do in this situation?

There are two trains of thought. Firstly there are those who say you should do nothing, take the moral high-ground and wait for the rumour to die out. After all, innocent until proven guilty, right?

Alternatively, you can take affirmative action to address the rumour and ensure that your side of the story is heard by the people who matter.

The important thing to note here is that business folk are naturally cynical creatures who often thrive on the misfortunes and discomfort of others. They would rather believe the worst, and in doing so gain some competitive advantage and leverage. This is why it is always safer to assume that you are ‘guilty until proven innocent’ in these circumstances, and take appropriate action to manage the fallout.

When a rumour surfaces about your honesty, lead a committee on transparency. When a competitor belittles your business, announce expansion plans. When a former colleague whispers maliciously behind your back, defend your worth publicly. After all, you can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do, only on the actions you take.

True leaders understand that perception is malleable and dependent on a number of factors, not least who is talking and who listening. Former American President Abraham Lincoln once said that a person’s character is like a tree, and his reputation like a shadow. The character is what a person really is, and the reputation simply how he seems to be. A leader needs to think about his reputation, but only in the sense that it is a reflection of his character. While we like to think of character as what is inside – the individual’s moral compass – for a leader, character is the outward projection of those beliefs. In other words, it is one thing to stand on integrity; it is another to act upon it.

Fortunately, there are a number of golden rules for protecting your reputation in business, as follows: 1. Set your own reputation – don’t let someone else create your reputation. Work out what you stand for and how you want to be perceived as a leader.

Create it yourself and devise an appropriate strategy to sell this reputation to the world.

You can follow Emil Jimenez on twitter @passioncomm or on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/emiljimenez1

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2. Stay on top of things – monitor your reputation frequently. Google your name and take note of where you appear online. Forge alliances with people who can help you achieve your reputational goals – these might be important business partners or even casual (though well-connected) acquaintances. Maintain full control of anything with your name on it.

3. Ensure there is more good than bad – take the time to tell your side of the story. Write expert articles and opinion pieces that bolster your reputation in the desired communities. Use speaking opportunities to vigorously drive home your point of view.

4. Secure everything – keep track of important communications and documents that might be used as evidence in a slander case. Find out everything you can about your detractor and, if possible, win allies who can keep you informed about his/her intentions.

5. Educate your employees and partners – ensure that your employees, partners (and even family) understand your reputational goals. Make sure that they are all ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’ and know what to say when asked.

In summary, never underestimate the importance of your personal reputation to your business.

Think strategically about how you want to be perceived and devise a strategy to help you get there.

At all times, remember the immortal words of American author Robert Greene, “Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Through reputation alone you can intimidate and win; once you slip, however, you are vulnerable, and will be attacked on all sides. Make your reputation unassailable. Always be alert to potential attacks and thwart them before they happen. Meanwhile, learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations. Then stand aside and let public opinion hang them.”

By Brendan Donnellan, Managing Director of Passion Communications, co-author Emil Jimenez CEO/ CCO I Leaders Magazine I/2013 125

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IN PARTNERSHIP NERSHIP W WITH LEADERS RS MAGAZINE MAG

An interview with Vice President of the European Commission Antonio Tajani

Dear Mr. Commissioner, ner, your portfolio covers cove activities viti es of en ente terp rpri rise sess fr from om dififfe fere re sectors rent ecto ec tors rs aand nd of di diffferent size. When preparing a legislation egisla what criteria do you use to avoid that the intended nte initiative does not have negative impacts on some companies? How do you weight what is important for small and for big entrepreneurs?

The “Think Small First” principle is a way of thinking in policy-making which reflects the reality of the European enterprise population – 99% of the European busines-

ses are SMEs. Rules and policies have to be created taking into account the interests of the overwhelming majority of European enterprises. In concrete terms, the Commission applies the so-called ‘SME Test’ in its impact assessment procedure to ensure that impacts on SMEs are thoroughly analysed and taken into account in all relevant legislative and policy proposals. The differences between micro- small and medium-sized companies are taken into account when applying the SME Test and, where appropriate, specific measures such as re-

duced fees or simplified reporting obligations are envisaged. Last but not least, since May 2012 the Commission applies the principle of the reversed burden of proof in its impact assessments. This means that micro enterprises should be excluded from the scope of the proposed legislation unless the proportionality of their being covered can be demonstrated. The objective of this new measure is to focus the preparation of EU law on the specific situation of micro enterprises without undermining the objectives of public policies.

The En Entr trep tr eppre rene neur ne ursh ur ship sh ip in th thee EU is no nott an att ttra raactiv cttiv ivee p offeesssiion pr on.. Thhe En Entr t ep tr epre rene re neur ne ursh ur ship sh ipp 20220 Ac Acti tion tion o pla la n lan preparedd by yoourr off ffic icee me ic m nt ntions thee nee eedd fo for a revo v luti lu tion on of thhe enntrrep e re rene neur ne ursh ur shhipp cul ultu tuure in Europe.

What shoould ld be cha hangedd to ma make ke it an attractive profession?

According to last year’s edition of the Flash Eurobarometer on the Attitudes of European Citizens towards Entrepreneurship, more than 53% of Europeans have a positive view of entrepreneurs in general, 87% per-

Photo: Antonio Tajani archive

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ceive entrepreneurs as job creators and 79% agree that entrepreneurs create products and services that benefit us all. Thus, entrepreneurs have a positive image in Europe. However, what Europeans seem to lack is a willingness to venture out on their own and create their own business, since only 37% of them prefer self-employment to being employed. The European citizens’ perception of what it means to be an entrepreneur is often distorted in the sense that the risks of an entrepreneurial career are emphasized, while the attractive features of being an entrepreneur – like self-fulfilment, independence, flexibility and opportunities for growth – are underestimated. To change this perception and the underlying culture, entrepreneurship education at all levels from primary school to university plays a major role: it can help our young people build the necessary entrepreneurial skills, have entrepreneurial experiences on a small scale and gain the confidence and sense of achievement necessary to tackle bigger challenges later on in life. Investing in entrepreneurship education is one of the highest return investments Europe can make. Surveys suggest that between 15% and 20% of students who participate in a mini-company programme in secondary school will later start their own companies, a figure that is about three to five times that of the general population.

Furthermore, entrepreneurship education has to be complemented by a change in public policy and in the attitude towards entrepreneurs by policy and opinion makers: we need practical and positive communication about the achievements of entrepreneurs and their value to society. Their visibility as role models must be stepped up through clear and engaging information on the challenges and rewards of an entrepreneurial career. A corresponding broader discussion in public, especially in the media, is therefore an essential element of an entrepreneurial revolution. Administrations in all Member States should recognise entrepreneurs as creators of jobs and prosperity and be more forthcoming towards them in their policies and daily actions, instead of treating them as “guilty unless proven otherwise”.

The Plan mentions between en others access acce to finance, transfer of business, entrepreneurship entrepreneursh culture and administrative burden. Itt remember reme ers me a lot the so called Small Business Act I and II (S (SBA). Should we consider the Action plan as a SBA III? The Small Business Act for Europe is the EU’s strategic document that defines its SME policy in the medium term and encompasses all necessary elements of a modern, coherent and comprehensive SME policy.

Entrepreneurship is one of the key elements of the SBA. Thus, under the umbrella of the SBA, the purpose of the Entrepreneurship2020 Action Plan is to present impactful actions that will bring entrepreneurship in Europe to a significantly higher level and make Europe internationally competitive as a place to found, run and grow an enterprise. The two main areas of intervention of the Entrepreneurship Action Plan are to: a) Create an environment where entrepreneurs can flourish and grow by strengthening the framework conditions for entrepreneurs with a view to remove existing structural barriers and to support entrepreneurs during their entire lifecycle and beyond. b) Revolutionise the culture of entrepreneurship in Europe: educating and nurturing the new generation of entrepreneurs and reaching out to as many potential entrepreneurs as possible.

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Last year (2012) you started opening upp third t marma r kets for EU companies via so called Missionss for Growth. For us, business organisations it is quitee ddififi ficult to attract the attention of our companies to EU trade missions. ssions. What ar are the benefits Czech companies cann get out of these the trips?

SMEs account for 99.9% of enterprises in the Czech Republic, the majority of which are micro enterprises.

In turn, SMEs account for 69.9% of employment and 55.9% of value added in the Czech Republic. The Czech SME sector still contains more manufacturing than that of other EU Member States. In recent years there has been a concerted effort by Czech trade to focus on trade with non-EU countries and in fact, non EU countries are becoming a growing market for Czech exports. In light of this, the Missions for Growth initiative would be a useful initiative for Czech companies to join in an effort to continue to tap into growing emerging international markets. Since 2011, I have invited the leading EU business organizations (BusinessEurope, EUROCHAMBRES and UEAPME) to accompany me during the Missions for Growth and to propose entrepreneurs, members of their organizations, as potential candidates for the missions. These missions would allow Czech companies: (1) to explore business opportunities in the visited countries; (2) to establish useful contacts with business organizations and governments through the organization matchmaking events with the local entrepreneurs as well as with other European entrepreneurs who take part in the business delegation.

Economic crisis and globalisation had a negative impact on EU traditional sectors such as textile and automotive industry. The European Commission’s Industrial policy Communication updated last October seems to be rather focused on so-called ‘green’ industries than on a successful transformation of industrial sectors. What kind of help the companies can expect from you regarding the transformation?

On the contrary, our industrial policy focuses on providing right framework conditions and business environment for existing and new companies. So called ‘green economy’ is an example of a market with huge growth potential in the future, and given the importance of environmental challenges, we need to make sure that the industry could benefit from the on-going transformation. The focus of our support to companies is to stimulate innovation, assure availability of funding and qualified staff as well as to remove obstacles from the markets with the highest growth potential, such as the one for green products and services.

Do you think that in the time of budget udg consolidation and restrictive measures taken in companies, it is the right decision to require new investments in green economy?

It is particularly in time of budget consolidation that we must allocate available funds in the areas that will contribute to recovery and growth. There will be no return to growth in industry if the companies do not invest again. That is why the Commission sees the need to encourage investments in areas of high growth potential.

These were presented in the six priority action lines in our latest communication on industrial policy. The green economy is just one segment of the market that Commission supports where investment should stimulate sustainable and robust growth.

Shouldn´t these priorities come Sh ome from f the bottom?

Don´t ´ we risk losing our competitiveness? titi We risk losing competitiveness by doing nothing. Our main competitors run active industrial policies and it is only by creating alliance between the industry and policy makers that we can be successful in transforming the economy. That does not mean the Commission is picking winners and setting the direction. Our six priority lines have been selected by a broad consensus following an extensive public consultation. In the end, it is for companies and industry to make their business decisions, while our role as policy makers is to create the stimulating and supportive business environment, for example by supporting research and innovation, addressing skills shortages and difficulties in access to finance, and assuring level-playing field on European and global markets.

Many Czech companies complain about the goods of low quality or dangerous to human health which are flowing in to the EU. How can we better protect the Internal Market?

The Commission is currently finalising the ‘Product Safety and Market Surveillance Package’ which must bring real, visible and tangible improvements to the enforceability and the enforcement of Union product legislation. It cannot be mere window dressing – it will really make a difference. The general purpose of the package is to ensure effective enforcement, so that all the public interests which our rules are meant to safeguard are in fact properly protected and, as a result, honest, compliant businesses can trade in fair and competitive conditions throughout the Union.

The package will consist of a legislative proposal on General Product Safety (revising the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC), a new product market surveillance regulation and a multi-annual action plan for market surveillance for products. The contents of the Package are part of both Single Market Acts and our Industrial Policy. The Package is eagerly awaited by the European Parliament, Member States and stakeholders.

It should be adopted early next year. In essence, the package aims for products on the market that don’t threaten the public interest and trading environment that is tough on cheats and rogues.

Based on the planned nee reform of procurement markets, how much importance will be dedicated to SMEs access to public procurements?

Facilitating access to SMEs to public procurement is a priority for the European Commission. Most of the EU’s enterprises are SMEs. Boosting the economy has to start with improving SMEs’ economic conditions.

The European Commission’s proposal to revise EU public procurement rules will help to ensure that SMEs have better access to public procurement markets.

The most important element is the simplification of documentation, based on three essential measures: decreasing the number of documents enterprises must submit, use of declarations of honour and the introduction of the European passport for public markets, and a standardised document to allow enterprises to prove they meet the admission conditions.

I am sure the implementation of these and other measures will mean real progress for the SME participation in public procurement.

Czech Business Representation to the EU

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Lukáš Folbrecht, Department of External Affairs, ŠKODA AUTO

EU matters debates By 2015, it is expected that 90% of future economic growth will be generated outside the European market. Asia can be for the European Union a place of business opportunities and a potential for foreign investments, economic growth and job creation. Therefore the EU FTAs negotiations with Asian countries seem to be a good step forward.

In order to free the trade with goods, services, investment and intellectual property, as well as to harmonize the regulatory requirements in public procurements and customs, the European Union concluded the FTA with South Korea in 2011. One year after the implementation of this agreement, trade between the Czech Republic and South Korea increased by 89%, exports from the Czech Republic increased by 76%, while imports by 91%. In December 2012, Member States agreed to give the mandate to the Commission to start with negotiations with Japan, despite a strong opposition by the automotive industry. The opportunities and threats of FTAs with both Asian countries were discussed by representatives of the European Commission, Czech Government, business sector and non-governmental organization on 30th Oct. 2012 in European House in Prague. The debate was organised by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU, Confederation of Employers´ and Entrepreneurs´ Associations of the CR, EC Representation in the Czech Republic and European Parliaments´ Information Office in the Czech Republic.

DEBATE ON FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS:

EU-South Korea and EU-Japan

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Ladislav Novák, Director, Association of Chemical Industry and Blanka Jakubcová, Deputy Director for Export Promotion and Trade Policy, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

Antonio Parenti, Deputy Head of Unit – Trade Relations with the Far East, Directorate General for Trade, European Commission and Anna Teličková, Director, Multilateral and Common Trade Policy, Ministry of Industry and Trade CR

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Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) is an instrument that can bring innovative solutions to the market and secure its deployment while saving a significant amount of public money. Introduced by the EU as a pilot initiative under the 7th Framework Programme, Pre-Commercial Procurement will cover all the areas of research and innovation under the Horizon 2020 programme. End of November, CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU together with CZELO – Czech Liaison Office for Research and Development and Czech Permanent Representation to the EU organized a debate on PCP issue.

From left: Alena Vlačihová, Director, CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU, Šárka Brábníková, Head od Sectorial Policies B Unit, Czech Permanent Representation to the EU, Lieve Bos, Policy Officer for PreCommercial Procurement, DG CONNECT, European Commission, and Martin Kobert, Lawyer, Department of Economics and Administration, Technology Agency of the Czech Republic

Pre-Commercial Procurement:

Cost-effective Innovations

The participants of the debate

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IN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

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EU matters business

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

BUSINESS NEWS DID YOU KNOW THAT… …the Commission proposed action plan CARS 2020?

The automotive industry is vital for economic growth and employment in the EU. Therefore, the European Commission has proposed an action plan CARS 2020 aimed at strengthening competitiveness while producing state-of-theart cars. The Commission also wants to increase efficiency of research and innovation within the “European Green Vehicles Initiative”, that should provide necessary funding to support innovation and access to credit for SME. The action plan should help to improve market conditions and support industry in entering new markets. ...the European Parliament adopted the EU unitary patent?

The unitary patent should significantly reduce costs of patent registrations in the EU from January 2014 and help European enterprises better protect their intellectual property rights.

The unitary patent, which will be valid in all EU member states except Spain and Italy should reduce costs of registration from approximately 36 000EUR to less than 5 000 EUR. ...the reform of cross-border legal disputes was adopted?

European justice ministers adopted beginning December new rules for cross-border legal disputes. The reformed rules determine which national court has jurisdiction in cross-border cases and how court judgments issued in one EU country are recognised and enforced in another.

The Regulation will enter into application 2 years after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal. …European Commission programme for Earth observation got a new name?

GMES or Global Monitoring for Environment and Security got a new name Copernicus. The programme is designed to monitor the state of the environment on land, at sea and in the atmosphere and increase security of citizens.

The programme also has a potential to create up to 85 000 new jobs between 2015–2030.

By changing the name, the Commission wants to pay homage to European scientist and observer Nicolas Copernicus.

LET´S TALK NUMBERS… 82% of proposals of the European Ombudsman are heard 98 out of 120 recommendations, comments and suggestions issued by the European

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Ombudsman in 2011 were heard or received a positive response from the competent authority. The Ombudsman´s decisions are not legally binding and therefore it depends on the willingness of institutions to work together to solve problems and learn from it for the future.

5.5 million young people can´t find a job The European Commission presented a proposal to address high youth unemployment.

High youth unemployment has dramatic consequences for the economy. For this reason the proposed measures should help young people with successful transition from schools into work. The Youth Employment Package includes recommendations for implementation of safeguards for young people up to the age of 25 to ensure quality employment, further training or internships. The Commission will support Member States, among others, through funds or exchange of best practices and etc.

25% of R&D investment done by automotive industry According to a survey of the European Commission, investment in R&D in top EU firms increased in the EU in 2011. Data were provided by 1 500 of the world´s biggest R&D investors, among the top 50 are 15 companies from Europe, 18 from USA and 12 from Japan.

Despite the economic crisis, European companies are investing in research and development in order to increase competitiveness. 25% of investment in the EU goes to the automotive industry.

The new programme YES Europe The popular Erasmus programme will be reformed after 25 years. Its successor called YES Europe will merge all existing European and international programmes for education, training, youth and sport. The programme will replace seven existing education programmes.

As a result of the transformation, the budget for period 2014–2020 will increase by nearly 75% to almost 19 billion EUR and should support up to 5 million students.

IN THE WORLD EU-Singapore agreement concluded Beginning December 2012, the EU completed final negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore. The agreement is one of the most comprehensive the EU has ever negotiated and will create new opportunities for companies from Europe and Singapore to

do business together. The growing Singaporean market offers export potential for EU, industrial, agricultural and services businesses.

An EU-Singapore FTA will be the EU’s second ambitious agreement with a key Asian trading partner, after the EU-Korea FTA, which is in operation since July 2011.

EU support for Lebanon EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, supports Lebanese government in implementing reforms in the areas of education, social justice and economic sustainability that should significantly improve the living conditions for the population of Lebanon.

According to the Annual Action Programme 2012, 32 million EUR will be provided to Lebanon.

Increased humanitarian assistance for Sudan and South Sudan The European Commission has decided to increase its humanitarian aid to Sudan and South Sudan to 30 million EUR. The main problem is the growing number of refugees and displaced people. Almost half of South Sudanese population suffers from food insecurity. Commission funding will support rescue activities, provision of shelter, food, health protection etc.

EU trade agreements with Colombia/Peru and Central America The European Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Columbia and Peru and the Association Agreement with Central America. The agreement will increase economic growth, job creation and strengthen economic relations between the EU, Columbia, Peru and Central America.

Loan of 100 million for Serbia The European Investment bank has signed two loans amounting to 100 million for Serbia to support projects focused on small and medium-sized enterprises and infrastructure.

The funding will provide the necessary access to finance and will help Serbian companies in their growth Overall, the investment should help Serbia in its rapid accession to the EU. I

Brought by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU (kindly supported by CzechTrade), www.cebre.cz

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