Czech & Slovak Leaders 02/2019

THE PLACE WHERE LEADERS ARE SEEN MÍSTO KDE JSOU LÍDŘI VIDĚT

Czech & Slovak Leaders I/2019

FEBRUARY/APRIL 2019

Future for the upcoming generation MUDr. Zdeněk Hřib, Mayor of Prague

www.czechleaders.com

INTERVIEWS | EVENTS | PR | EU MATTERS

available worldwide online

P hoto : A rchive

www.czechleaders.com incl. electronic version Praha I Bratislava I Brno I Ostrava I Plzeň I Liberec I Olomouc I Hradec Králové I České Budějovice I Pardubice I Zlín I Jihlava I Karlovy Vary I Mladá Boleslav

P ublisher ’ s

note

&

contents

DEAR READERS, I hope by the time you read this publisher’s note, that you will be able to smell, see and feel the start of the spring. With spring comes new hope, optimism and energy and a renewed vitality to face upcoming obstacles and difficulties. Take a moment to watch Mother Nature in springtime bloom, the variety of her colours and diversity of fragrances. Nature is full of life and is a great source to renew our inner strength. She helps us to feel stronger and bigger than ourselves and in overcoming our everyday small annoyances. She gives us the spirit to overcome pettiness, narrow mindedness, envy and other vices that we are all, unfortunately, subject to from time to time.

events 8 10 12 13 14 18 22 29

President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman representing the Czech Republic Jaroslav Kubera, new President of the Senate meets ambassadors Senate President meets Madeleine Albright President of the Senate’s first international trip Czech 100 Best – Awards Ceremony Czech 100 Best – Key Factors of Success Round Table of Comenius PULSE lecture Failings of democracy and its economic consequences  page 8

In this issue we are very happy to have MUDr Zdeněk Hřib, Mayor of Prague, coming with an interesting interview. In this issue we also have other great interviews with H.E. Barbara C. Richardson, Ambassador of Canada; Mrs. Edita Randová, world-renowned Mezzo-Soprano; the legendary art collector and Grand Dame Mrs. Meda Mládková of Gallery Kampa; Mr. Petr Očko, Deputy Minister for Digitation and Innovation; Mr. Oliver Steindler, China specialist for Škoda Auto; MUDr Monika Koubová, Life-Style Medicine Physician; Mrs. Kateřina Šrámková, owner and founder of the Loučen Chateau; and Mrs. Petra Plemlová, owner and founder of UNUODESIGN S.R.O. to name a few. A wide variety of topics have also been compiled by our contributors, reflecting and sharing their experience in life.

Among the many events we are featuring in this issue some of the highlights are: the new President of the Senate Mr Jaroslav Kubera met all foreign Ambassadors at the Senate, later he met Madeleine Albright and went on his first international trip; the Czech 100 Best at the Castle by Comenius and Round Table with Mr. Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health of the Czech Republic; Design Day and Diplomatic Day at the Italian Embassy; Greek National Day; UNYP TEDx; Unicef Partners Reception; ELAI event; Czech Image Exhibition; Miro Gallery Vernissage; PragArtworks; CSUZ; Skal Club.

Presidential ball - H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic with his wife Ivana

30 ELAI celebration event 32 UNICEF Partners Meeting in Hilton Prague Old Town 48 Shimon Peres Innovation Centre 50 TEDxUNYP 2019 70 BIOFACH and VIVANESS 2019 86 ČSÚZ – The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute entered into the 10th decade of its activities 90 Skål Club Prague monthly Luncheon  page 70

That’s it, Ladies and Gentlemen , I wish you a very pleasant Spring and Summer. Wherever you are and whatever you do, be kind to each other and save some energy for the future of the world and inspire, help and care for others whenever you can.

Finally, as always, a big thanks and hugs to my fantastic team – Lenka, Linda, Šárka, Martina, Petra, Radka, Tanya. You are all irreplaceable.

Benke Aikell benke.aikell@czechleaders.com www.czechleaders.com BIOFACH and VIVANESS 2019

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C ontents

interviews

culture events  page 5

26 Annual Christmas Charity Concert of Hilton Hotels in Prague 80 Czech Image exhibition 82 MIRO Gallery Prague – Jakob Mattner – ECHO exhibition 84 PragArtworks  page 26

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Interview with Zdeněk Hřib Future for the upcoming generation Interview with H.E. Barbara Richardson On dreaming and planning Interview with Petr Očko In the near future, the Czech Republic may become one of the leaders in innovation Interview with Edita Randová It all begins in your mind Interview with Monika Koubová Take control of your own health Interview with Oliver Steindler We should not fear China Interview with Petra Plemlová We have all been fighting for a spot at the top since we started Interview with Kateřina Šrámková The 13th season of the Loučeň Chateau and news of the Light Art Outdoor Installation Interview with Meda Mládková Congratulations and Thank You, Ma’am!

Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra

diplomatic events 38 Diplomatic Cup Launching Event 39 The Italian Design Day 2019 at the Embassy of Italy in Prague 42 Greek National Day 79 Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador  page 39

 page 76

Ferrari Portofino Meda Mládková

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contents

contributors 21

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Tereza Urbánková Making your New Year’s resolutions stick Cristina Muntean Holding the mirror and holding the back Linda Štucbartová Preview from the book “Grandmothers” Jonathan Wootliff Could Brexit compromise EU environmental policies?

UK catastrophe must not be allowed to become contagious.

Eva Gáboríková Are businessmen from Central Europe afraid to cooperate with their Chinese business colleagues?

James A. Cusumano Life is beautiful! Part XII: Live the Life You Want – Part II Jan Mühlfeit and Kateřina Novotná Feedback as a Breakfast of Champions Iva and Joseph Drebitko Wine from Tahiti or One Dream Fulfilled Alena Huberová Things we do that undermine our self-confidence

Iva and Joseph Drebitko

Publisher: Benke Aikell Head of Editorial: Lenka Helena Koenigsmark Office Assistant: Tatiana Fominykh Webmaster: Petra Kubernátová DTP: Šárka Krausová EU Matters: CEBRE Czech Business Representation, CESES, Europlatform

 page 72

Contributors: James A. Cusumano, Martina Hošková, Lenka Helena Koenigsmark, Jan Mühlfeit, Kateřina Novotná, Linda Štucbartová, Tereza Urbánková, Alena Huberová, Cristina Muntean, Jonathan Wootliff, Eva Gáboríková, Iva and Joseph Drebitko Photographers: Vladimír Weiss, Hana Brožková, Martin Janas, Katarina Gritt, Stanislav Milata, Jaromír Zubák, Eva Davidová, Tereza Šlápotová, Stanislava Kyselová, Amelie Gluntz Subscription: Czech & Slovak Leaders, Rumunská 1, 120 00 Praha 2 We appreciate your opinions of Czech & Slovak Leaders.

Rangiroa, coral island in French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean

EU matters 92 EU matters interview Interview with Alena Mastantuono, Director of CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU 94 EU debate Debate on reduction of emissions CEBRE founders meet MEPs 96 EU matters business

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Future for the upcoming generation Interview with MUDr. Zdeněk Hřib, Mayor of Prague P hoto : A rchive

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

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I nterview

with

MUD r . Z deněk H řib , M ayor

of

P rague

Although he studied at Charles University’s Third Faculty of Medicine, he has never worked as a doctor. With tongue in cheek, he says of himself that he is not a doctor of people, but of systems. As director of the charitable organisation Institut pro aplikovaný výzkum, edukaci a řízení ve zdravotnictví (the Institute for Applied Research, Education and Management in Healthcare), he was involved in many working groups at the national, EU and worldwide level, and has published many studies on IT, quality and services efficiency. He was the Pirate Party’s leader for Prague in the 2018 municipal election. Not only was he elected to Prague City Council, he subsequently became the first city mayor in the world nominated by the Pirate Party. As mayor, he is responsible for IT, security, European funds and foreign relations, amongst other areas. He is also the Czech Pirate Party’s member of the VZP health insurance company’s management board. Zdeněk Hřib is married and has three children.

Along with its new mayor, energy and hope came to Prague, as well as a major change in communication. On the day of the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic joining NATO, Prague citizens had the opportunity to hear the mayor greeting them in Czech and English in the metro to tell them of the anniversary. The current mayor provides information on his events on social networks, holds open meetings with city residents and is much more accommodating with journalists. Our meeting was held at the council building. Upon entering the New City Hall building, the porter proudly declared that the mayor was already at work. While waiting for the interview, I had the opportunity to watch some of his closest team members doing their everyday business, and as a Prague-born native I found it a pleasing experience. Two colleagues were setting off to check the condition of Prague’s bridges, while another two were looking at the IT systems and how to make communication even more accessible to citizens.

Did you know, for example, that all Pirate councillors have a shared calendar, so you can check what activities they are involved in? My wish for all Prague citizens is that the ideas and innovations coming from the “New City Hall” can be successfully propagated.

Mr Mayor, has your perception of Prague changed since taking up your post? Are you able to just walk around Prague, or do you immediately notice shortcomings in terms of mess, shabby buildings or poor-quality paths?

I don’t have a lot of time to walk through Prague; I spend all my time at work. My perception of Prague has changed in terms

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of scale. While I used to see problems within my neighbourhood, such as on my journey to nursery school with my kids, now I see problems throughout the whole of Prague.

Your original profession is as a doctor.

Comparing Prague to a patient, what ailments does it suffer from?

Well, in fact, I proposed that we should

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

diagnose Prague using medical terminology during the election campaign. From my perspective, Prague suffers chronic problems in its backbone infrastructure (meaning the lack of a city bypass) along with acute accommodation insufficiencies (lack of accessible housing), its information services are displaying signs of senility (they are outdated), and there is clearly also

I nterview a photosynthetic carrier deficiency (lack of greenery in streets). In the end, we decided to take a different tack in the whole campaign, but I wouldn’t change anything in my initial diagnosis.

Your programme offers a vision for the 21st century based on an information society, compared to the traditional industrial society of the last century and the one before that. How are you succeeding in pursuing this vision within the city?

It is often said of municipal politics that results are visible earlier. For a city the size of Prague, which is also a region, this is not true. The large investment projects we have launched, such as the metro D-line and the extension of a number of tram lines, won’t be completed during this council term. The advantage is that I can concentrate “only” on the problems of Prague itself. Restricting problems to one specific and also compact region makes the problems a little simpler. I must also note, however, that we took over Prague in quite a poor state, with bridges collapsing on the one hand, and road works due to various repairs on the other, meaning that it was hard to traverse the city.

You made thorough preparations for the post of future mayor through studying new trends and visiting cities that can serve as a model. What are you going to do to make sure Prague isn’t just a beautiful city, but also a smart one?

In terms of smart cities, Barcelona has long been considered a leader within Europe, with a congress on the issue taking place there every year. Barcelona became a pioneer in the field so it had to seek out many innovative solutions, and not only did it break new ground for other cities to follow, but it has also set itself a positive and sustainable course.

In Barcelona, three quarters of the budget is invested in so-called open-source projects. In every contract the city signs with its suppliers, it includes a clause on data sovereignty, meaning that data produced in operating the city is its own property and the city can do with it as it needs. Open data is one of the principles of smart cities. Data that allows not just for increased citizen comfort, but also improved city management. We are launching mobile reception in the metro, the option of paying for regular fees by credit or debit card (such as for a dog licence), the option of applying electronically for use of a street for entrepreneurs (e.g. to run a beer garden), and online information on current tram delays and available P+R parking capacity. It is these measures that relate to the running of a smart city, which under the previous leadership had been reduced to buying “smart benches and smart lamp-posts”.

with

MUD r . Z deněk H řib , M ayor

I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned Vienna, which has taken the top spot in a list of cities in terms of quality of living, and which is often given as a model…

We could learn how to avoid a housing crisis from Vienna, but only if we had decades available to us. And we don’t. We can find inspiration from Vienna in terms of culture, for example. It is true, though, that Vienna is close to us both culturally and historically.

What about Amsterdam?

In general, there are a lot of examples in many areas in Holland for the Pirates. Amsterdam can provide inspiration in matters of transport solutions, or support for alternative means of transport. On the other hand, we know we’re not all going to start cycling everywhere overnight.

The May elections to the European Parliament are ahead of us. How can you convey the connections between the local-national and EU levels to citizens?

The key problem with the European Parliament elections is the traditionally low voter turnout these elections have. Turnout the last time was around 19 %. When that happens, it’s really easy for populists and other special interest groups to dominate the election. So it’s important to explain the importance of these elections to people.

A broad range of legislation comes to the Czech Republic from the EU. For the Pirate Party, there are fundamental issues in these elections such as freedom of information, copyright, matters regarding the free movement of people, and more. In terms of the connections between these three levels, the ideal solution would be to elect Pirate candidates (laughs), which will ensure one hundred percent interconnectedness. For the Pirates, a well-informed citizen making free choices is important, representing the connection between these three different levels.

I’ve been instructed to give you the following two questions by my fifteenyear-old daughter Lada. How do you perceive the role of the young generation?

I perceive the young generation to be very important. A lot of decisions we are making won’t affect our generation, or the generation of our parents, but rather the upcoming generation. Issues regarding the environment and ecology and related strategic energy plans show that any fundamental decisions made or turning around of the ship won’t bear fruit for decades. Decisions made within these issues won’t just determine the cleanliness of the environment we’re going to be living in, but will also fundamentally affect our geopolitical orientation. At the city level, we take the support of the upcoming

of

P rague

generation seriously; we recently approved a change to the rules of procedure, removing the age limit for speaking at council meetings.

Citizens can now submit a question, or speak in debates on specific points (you can also register electronically) with no restriction on age. As mayor, I provide patronage for a broad range of events that promote learning about democracy amongst the young generation, such as the Model UN and the Student Parliament. We also endeavour to accommodate student events such as, for example, by providing a venue.

How are you changing the current education system?

I think the fundamental problem is in teachers’ workload, which does not allow them sufficient time for further training. In contrast to previous school investments, which have gone toward so-called hardware in the form of school buildings, or equipment such as interactive boards, we want to invest in what we term software, meaning teacher training. We want to invest in exchange programmes for teachers, whether these are Erasmus Plus or Eurocities; we’ve just joined the Xarxa organisation, which is focused on secondary school vocational training. Through our endeavours at reducing administration, we hope that teachers will have more time and space for the mutual sharing of experience and mentoring. In this area, we are highly dependent on what is happening at the national level. On the other hand, at the city level we can impact the level of teachers’ pay and provide city apartments.

Furthermore, apartment provision doesn’t just go to teachers, but also to other important professions. Over the next year, we are going to try to change the conditions set up nationwide so they are not based solely on the weakest regions, something Prague cannot compete within.

Do you have a final word for Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine readers?

Vote in the European Parliament elections. I’ve already said how important these elections are, but I want to again stress their importance not just for the Czech Republic, but for the European Union as a whole. Few people realise that it is the European Parliament that is going to vote again on the controversial bill on copyright rules for the internet. This is about whether the internet is going to keep its current form, or whether new regulations will be applied to it on a common digital market, resulting in strict censorship. I’m glad the Pirate Party has Marcel Kolaja as its leader, an expert in IT and copyright.

Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

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P residential

P hoto : A rchive KPR, H ana B rožková

PRESIDENT MILOŠ ZEMAN

Speech of H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic at the gala evening of the Czech National Bank

Gala evening of the Czech National Bank Presidential ball - H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic at his speech

Presidential ball - H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic with his wife Ivana

H.E. Miloš Zeman on the right receiving US ambassador, H.E. Stephen King

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

P residential

Zlatý Amos - winners of the competition for the teachers

State visit - H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic with his wife Ivana

State visit of Israel - from left: H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel and H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic

State visit of Israel - from left: H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic with his wife Ivana and H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel with his wife Sara

Meeting former president Václav Klaus

Winners of the competition Village of the Year 2018

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S enate

Jaroslav Kubera, new President of the Senate meets ambassadors Jaroslav Kubera, newly elected President of the Senate began his new tenure by meeting foreign ambassadors.

Besides long-term important partners such as Slovakia, Germany, Poland, France and Italy, some of the others he received included the plenipotentiaries for Russia, China, Chile, India and Peru.

In mid-January, a traditional New Year meeting with diplomats took place under the auspices of the Senate President

Newly elected Senate President Jaroslav Kubera during the traditional meeting (in the middle)

Jaroslav Kubera, the new Senate President, has also met Ukrainian Ambassador, H. E. Jevhen Petrovych Perebyinis

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

Shortly after taking up his post, the new Senate President met Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Peter Weiss

The new Senate President also met Chinese Ambassador, H. E. Zhang Jianmin

P hoto : S enate C hancellery

S enate

H.E. Charles Sheehan, Ambassador of Ireland in the Czech Republic greeted by the President of the Senate

Meeting of the Senate President Jaroslav Kubera and Ambassador of the Republic of India, H. E. Narinder Chauhan

The Senate President also received the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy, H. E. Francesco Saverio Nisio

Senate President Jaroslav Kubera (left), and Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic, H. E. Alexander Vladimirovich Zmeyevskiy (right)

P hoto : S enate C hancellery

Also received was the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, H. E. Barbara Ćwioro

Senate President Jaroslav Kubera officially receives the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to the Czech Republic, H.E. Karima Bardauoi

Senate President greeting the guests of the traditional New Year meeting with diplomats

The Senate President has received, amongst others, the Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to the Czech Republic, H. E. Patricio Alberto Pradel Elguet

Senate President Jaroslav Kubera greets the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru, H. E. Liliana de Olarte de Torres Muga

Meeting of Senate President Jaroslav Kubera with French Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H. E. Roland Galharague

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S enate

Senate President meets

Madeleine Albright

The meeting was held within the State Apartment at Prague Castle

Senate President Jaroslav Kubera was the only Czech constitutional official to meet former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The bilateral meeting was held at Prague Castle as part of celebrations of 20 years since the Czech Republic joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Kubera and Albright mainly discussed ways to reduce the division within society which is prevalent not just in the Czech public space, but also that within Europe and America in recent years, and which certain politicians entrench through their statements and actions.

Madeleine Albright with Jaroslav Kubera

Jaroslav Kubera presented Madeleine Albright with flowers and a brooch in the shape of a lime tree leaf

Madeleine Albright with Jaroslav Kubera. Also taking part in the meeting was Michael Žantovský

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

Madeleine Albright with Jaroslav Kubera

S enate

President of the Senate’s first international trip Jaroslav Kubera kept true to years of tradition, heading to Slovakia for his first trip abroad. He held meetings with Slovakia’s President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Council and Foreign Minister. He also briefly met Czech compatriots. An agreement was made with his opposite number, Andrej Danko, that the heads of the Visegrád Group parliaments (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary) would come together on 17 November at Národní třída in Prague to commemorate the 30 th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution.

The Senate President also met Slovak Prime Minister, Peter Pelligrini. On the right of Mr. Kubera are Czech Ambassador in Slovakia Tomáš Tuhý and senators Jiří Dienstbier and Alena Šromová, on his left is senator Petr Holeček

At the start of his visit to the Slovak Republic, the Senate President met Slovak President Andrej Kiska

The Senate President travelled to Slovakia at the invitation of the Speaker of the National Council, Andrej Danko

Mr. Kubera mainly discussed the situation within the EU and the Visegrád Group with Slovak Foreign Minister, Miroslav Lajčák

At the end of his one-day trip to Bratislava, Jaroslav Kubera laid flowers at the statue of Tomáš G. Masaryk in Bratislava, where he also met a number of Czech compatriots who now live in Slovakia

Press briefing by Jaroslav Kubera and Andrej Danko at Bratislava Castle

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comenius czech

100 best/awards ceremony

In

cooperation with

C zech & S lovak L eaders

Comenius the pan-European society for culture, education and scientific-technical cooperation has staged the “23 annual competition Czech 100 Best”. The objective of this competition is to discover, select, visualize and reward Czech companies, enterprises and societies from the entire spectrum of economic activities, who achieve remarkable, extraordinary or positively noteworthy results. rd

On the Friday of 30th November 2018, the finale of the “100 Czech Best” survey based competition occurred at the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle in the presence of more than 700 VIP guests, including the President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Mr. Jaroslav Kubera, the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Mr. Radek Vondráček, Senators, MPs, Ministers Mrs. Nováková, Mr. Toman,

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Mrs. Jitka Vitoulová and Ladislav Vitoul, Owner, Vápenka Vitoul, and Mrs. Zita Muzikářová

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

From left: Magdalena Souček, Managing Partner, E&Y, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Jiřina Nepalová, Owner, Renomia

comenius czech

100 best/awards ceremony

Rector of the Charles University, Deputy Ministers, 1st Deputy Police President, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Czech Army, Ambassadors and others.

During the Gala the awarded were establishments and institutions of 8 industry categories with immediate impact on the welfare of Czech citizens. I.e.: Tourism & Hotel Services, Dynamic Growth & Stability, Information & Communication Technologies, Inventions - Deployment - Export - Profit, Construction & Transportation, Employment & Cooperatives, Agriculture & Food, Health - Education - Humanity.

One of the peaks of the event was the recognition of nine extraordinary women and ten men with the popular title “Lady Pro” and “Gentleman Pro” respectively.

The ceremonial peak of the event was the declaration of top ten “best of the best” of the Czech Republic.

An integral part of this last day of November at the Prague Castle was the morning conference on the traditional theme "Key Factors of Success", where a diverse list of personalities on the subject had the right to speak about their success.

From left: Jolana Voldánová, Moderator, Daniel Takáč, Moderator and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius at the welcome speech

Spanish Hall of the Prague Castle and almost 700 guests

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Czech Army, Gen. Miroslav Hlaváč, and winners of the ”Dynamic Growth and Stability” category

1st Deputy President of the Police, Gen. Martin Vondrášek, and winners of the category ”Building Industry and Transportation”

Lenka Ambrožová Houslenka, Violin Player

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comenius czech

100 best/awards ceremony

Alex Xiao, Vice President, Huawei Technologies Czech with his company

In

cooperation with

From left: Dalibor Matějík and Jiří Kollert, Co-owners of Pekařství and cukrářství Sázava a.s.

C zech & S lovak L eaders

From left: Jiří Čunek, Governor of Zlín region with his friend, Martina Vítková, CFO, NWT, Libuše Šmuclerová, CEO, Czech News Center, Vlastimil Bříza, Owner, Koh-i-noor, and David Vítek, General Director, NWT

Lady Pro 2018 and Jaroslav Kubera, President of the Senate, Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies and Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius

Representatives of company Plaček

Josef Bárta, Chairman of the Board, CZ Loko with his partner

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Jiří Zelenka, Managing Director, TOSEDA with his friend

Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Eva Anderová, Vice President for PR, UNYP and Director in Franz Kafka Society and Centre

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

From left: Pavel Malínek, Vice President and BU Leader, CGI IT and Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies

From left: H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianmin, Ambasador of China, H.E. Mr. Roland Galharague, Ambassador of France and Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies

comenius czech

Miroslav Toman, Minister of Agriculture and winners of the category ”Agriculture and Food Industry”

Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies and winners of the ”IT” category

100 best/awards ceremony

Marta Nováková, Minister of Industry and Trade, and winners of category ”Inventions - Deployment - Export – Profit”

Gentlemen Pro 2018 and Jaroslav Kubera, President of the Senate, Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies and Karel Muzikář, President of Comenius

Lady Pro 2018 with Jaroslav Kubera, President of the Senate of the Parliament

Fashion show by Tatiana

Front row of the Spanish Hall

Top ten of the Czech 100 Best with Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

Fashion show by Tatiana

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comenius czech

100 best/awards ceremony

In

cooperation with

C zech & S lovak L eaders

From left: Gen. Martin Vondrášek, First Deputy of the Police President, Police Presidium of the Czech Republic, Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

From left: Brigadier General Pavel Kříž, Chief of Military Police and Gen. Martin Vondrášek, First Deputy of the Police President, Police Presidium of the Czech Republic

From left: Petr Dvořák, General Director, Czech TV, Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

Gen. Martin Vondrášek, First Deputy of the Police President, Police Presidium of the Czech Republic

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

Cyril Svozil, Owner, Fenix Holding

From left: Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

Petr Dvořák, General Director, Czech TV

comenius czech

100 best/awards ceremony

First panel of the conference

H.E. Mr. Roland Galharague, Ambassador of France

H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianmin, Ambassador of China

Tomáš Březina, Owner, Best

Alessandro Pasquale, Owner, Karlovarské minerální vody

Second panel of the conference

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WELLBEING or renewed their loyalty to the sitting ruler. In addition, they also pledged to pay debts and return borrowed goods to keep in good standing with their gods whom they expected would reward them with a good harvest in return.

A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, a scientific journal which investigated New Year’s resolutions, found that 55% of them were health related, such as exercising or eating healthier. About 20% were to do with getting out of debt. The study also showed that enjoyment and importance are significant factors in whether people stick to their resolutions. In other words, if the participants were getting immediate rewards from their new habits, they would be more likely to stick to them.

Making your New Year’s resolutions stick There are many ambitious and smart people in the world achieving amazing things all year round. However, the US News & World Report revealed that 80% of New Year’s resolutions typically fail by the second week of February. I can clearly see this trend in my gym – come January, it is absolutely packed after the indulging finale of the year but towards the end of the month, the numbers reduce and in February, most of the ‘new guys’ are gone while those who use the gym regularly remain. In principle, resolutions lead to some kind of self-improvement - we want to turn the leaf over and be better, look better, achieve better. In some instances, our pledges for self-improvement may also concern the impact we make, on our family, our community, even our country. These are all cool goals.

When setting up your own personal goals, do you ever approach them as business goals, applying the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) principle? This could be a more effective way as the failure to achieve the New Year’s resolutions may not be only in the people who set them up but in the goals themselves and set expectations.

Using the SMART principle, here is how you could potentially approach the setting the resolutions:

Specific Vague goals don’t work. They have to be clear to you so that you don’t bring yourself into the situation when you feel indifferent and confused about your aspirations. Have you got an absolute clarity why your goal is important and what will it involve to achieve it?

Measurable and achievable

So what goes wrong in the process? And why is it that with such great intentions, getting fit, losing weight and generally improving our lives seems so elusive?

I believe that it’s important to start small and see the difference. Many goals are simply unachievable and unrealistic - sometimes because they represent a massive change and we are simply not ready for that. Yet. Small steps, small changes in your routine, can inspire you to keep going, can demonstrate progress which brings enjoyment I’ve mentioned before and is also worth celebrating. Some changes need to be made gradually; a sharp turn may be again too much - for you, and your closest ones. In addition, if you have a recurring goal every year and never achieve it, perhaps it’s time to reflect on reasons why it happened and adjust the final outcome.

First, let’s take a look at a bit of history. According to the New York Times, historians believe that the ancient Babylonians were the first people to make New Year’s resolutions 4,000 years ago.

Beginning with a 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, the Babylonians crowned a new king

Thrive Global, advocating the ‘small steps theory’, published an article earlier this year celebrating January as the Microstep Month. Instead of setting overly ambitious New Year’s resolutions that make you feel bad when you can’t accomplish them, they want to help you revolutionise your

approach to making resolutions with Microsteps, Thrive’s science-backed, too-small-to-fail mini habits that you can easily integrate into your life right away.

Relevant Are the resolutions really yours? Or, have you created them based on current trends, have you been influenced by the people around you telling you what you definitely should do?

Such approach leads to lack of connection, motivation and dedication. Your goals don’t represent your dreams and are likely to fail as they may not be the things that matter to you most. Perhaps you should ask yourself the following questions: Does your goal align with other things you are pursuing? Does it match your needs? Will you be able to put the desired effort into this goal?

Is there anything in your life that may hinder the completion of this goal?

Time-bound To determine a timeframe can help drive your determination to progress on a regular basis.

For example, “I will lose weight by summer” is not specific enough. It might be better to say: “I will lose 2 kg per month starting January and maintain the rhythm until May to achieve the weight I want”. Another important aspect is to give a thought to ‘what next’ after you achieve the goal.

Research also shows that how you phrase your goals is important, for this apparently has a psychological effect. If they are phrased negatively, for example, “I’m not going to eat any sugary snacks”, you are only thinking about what you should not do, and it may be harder to achieve. Try “I’m going to eat only fruit as a snack”, which clearly states what you are going to do.

Resolutions need to be attainable, but also challenging. While this is true, there's a lot more to it. We tend to rely mostly on our willpower and grit, and although those are important traits, they may not be sufficient.

For example, there will be moments of selfdoubt and tiredness, so we need to be prepared for that.

We are all drawn by the promise of a fresh start the New Year seems to offer. I am no different. Although I try to define my goals quite pragmatically and pursue them, I also wait with anticipation and ready to see what other unexpected twists and turns a New Year brings to my life. One never knows…

By Tereza Urbánková

Tereza Urbánková is a PR, communications and marketing professional with 20 years’ experience and proven success in delivering award-winning communications programmes for multinational companies operating in industries such as hospitality, retail, IT, defence, broadcast, logistics, pharma and engineering. After having lived and worked in the UK for 11 years, she now works in Germany for Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company, as Head of Global External Communication, Animal Health. Tereza is a member of the Executive Committee of the Czech British Chamber of Commerce in London. She speaks Czech, English, Spanish and Russian and can be reached through her LinkedIn profile.

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D iscussion

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Round Table of Comenius Discussion Dinner with Mr. Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health Care March 7th, 2019, TOP HOTEL Praha

From left: David Bříza, Chairman of the Board, Gama Group, Sotirios Zavalianis, Owner, Akeso holding, Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Ota Schütz, Owner, Žilní klinika, and Zdeněk Kabátek, Director, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna

March 7th, 2019 more than 100 high level business women and men met to participate in the Round Table of Comenius – discussion dinner with the Minister of Health Care of the Czech Republic. As a tradition, dynamic debate covered a range of topics from the minister’s agenda. The discussion was launched by Ministers´ 10 minutes welcome address and concluded by the President of Comenius Karel Muzikář, who expressed his gratitude to all guests for a fulfilling debate and the Minister for his time and willingness to attend the discussion.

From left: Prof. Vladimír Palička, Director, FN Hradec Králové, Ivana Holcátová, Director, Ústav veřejného zdravotnictví a hygieny 2.LF UK, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Martin Holcát, Deputy Director, FN Motol, and Jan Wiesner, President, KZPS ČR

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From left: Karel Muzikář Jr., Managing Partner, Skills and Zbyněk Frolík, Owner, Linet

D iscussion

From left: Jiří Nekovář, President, EURO-Trend and Jiří Maceška, Vice President, Czech-Israeli Mutual Chamber of Commerce

event

From left: Ota Schütz, Owner, Žilní klinika, Petra Schützová, Lawyer, Iva Holubářová, Žilní klinika, and Jolana Jůzková, Žilní klinika

Overall view of the Round Table of Comenius

From left: Michal Krejsta, Chairman of the Board, Lexum and Tomáš Březina, Country Director, Amgen

From left: Sotirios Zavalianis, Owner, Akeso holding, Milan Kubek, President, Czech Medical Chamber, and František Vlček, Director of Dept., Akeso holding

From left: Václav Volejník, Director, Hamzova odborná léčebna, Josef Diessl, General Director, Vojenská zdravotní pojišťovna, Zdenka Kučerová Salcman, Director of Department, Zdravotní pojišťovna Ministerstva vnitra, and Daniel Vavřina, President, Healthcare Institute

From left: Tomáš Fiala, Director, Strakonice Hospital, Zdeněk Kabátek, Director, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna, and David Bříza, Chairman of the Board, Gama Group

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D iscussion

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Alessandro Pasquale, Director, Karlovarské minerální vody

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From left: Pavel Švagr, Chairman, Administration of State Material Reserves, Josef Bečvář, President, Glomex, and Tomáš Novák, Export Sales Manager, AMIT

From left: Martin Lukš, General Director, mytalkey, Karolína Ciml Preislerová, Head of Department, Municipality Prague 5, and Daniel Barč, Director, ette capital

From left: Tom Čáp, Executive Vice President, Comenius and Jan Zahálka, Partner, re-medical

Jiří Šťastný, Account Manager, Renomia and Jiřina Nepalová, Owner, Renomia

Milan Kubek, President, Czech Medical Chamber

Prof. Vladimír Palička, Director, FN Hradec Králové

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

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Prof. Josef Veselka, Head of Department of Cardiology, FN Motol

From left: Tomáš Březina, Country Director, Amgen and prof. Jindřich Špinar, Chairman, Czech Heart Failure Association

From left: Ladislav Vitoul, Owner, Vitoul Vápenka, Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health, Mirka Dobešová, Journalist, Lui, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

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gala event

Annual Christmas Charity Concert of Hilton Hotels in Prague From left: Debashish Chaudhuri, Conductor; H.E. Leon Marc, Ambassador of Slovenia; Anton Korenčík, Director, Gesto Computers; Claudia Specking; Gabriela Lašková, Presenter; Roman Uhlíř, F&B Quality Manager, Hilton Prague; Terezie Sverdlinová, Director, Tereza Maxová Foundation; and Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague

Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town organized the 22nd annual traditional Christmas Charity Concert featuring the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra and soloist Ester Pavlů, conducted by Debashish Chaudhuri. For the first time in its history, the concert was organized in the magnificent Atrium lobby. The evening was presented by Michael Specking, General Manager of Hilton Prague together with Gabriela Lašková, TV news presenter. The Christmas spirit was brought by International Ladies’ choir Viva Voce. Hilton Prague Executive Chef Franco Luise surprised the audience not only with a delicious Christmas dinner after the concert, but also with a special cheque in form of a cake brought on stage by a sleigh with Santa Claus. Michael Specking generously wrote the amount of 60.000 CZK on the cake cheque and presented it to Ms. Terezie Sverdlinová in support of the Tereza Maxova Foundation. Thanks to the main partners who helped make this meaningful event happen again – AV Media, Gesto Computers and Leel Coils.

International Ladies' Choir Viva Voce

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From left: Franco Luise, Executive Chef, Hilton Prague; Gabriela Lašková, Presenter; Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague; Terezie Sverdlinová, Director, Tereza Maxová Foundation; and Roman Uhlíř, F&B Quality Manager, Hilton Prague

H.E. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India and Debashish Chaudhuri, Conductor

Charity cake

Debashish Chaudhuri, Conductor and Esther Pavlů, Soloist

Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague and Gabriela Lašková, Presenter

Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra

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gala event

From left: Michal Pávek, Volunteer, Tereza Maxová Foundation; Terezie Sverdlinová, Director, Tereza Maxová Foundation; Gabriela Lašková, Presenter; Petra Zapletalová, Marketing & Operations Coordinator, Tereza Maxová Foundation; Markéta Šebková, Marketing & PR Manager, Hilton Prague & Hilton Prague Old Town; and Roman Uhlíř, F&B Quality Manager, Hilton Prague

Videomapping show at Hilton Prague atrium lobby

From left: H.E. Charles Sheehan, Ambassador of Ireland to the Czech Republic with his daughter; Debashish Chaudhuri, Conductor; Esther Pavlů, Soloist; Filip Eisenreich, CEO, Leel Coils with his wife Gabriela; Claudia Specking, and Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague

From left: Michael Specking, General Manager, Hilton Prague with his son Alexander and his wife Claudia; Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management, VW Group with his wife Kerstin; H.E. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India; Debashish Chaudhuri, Conductor; and Filip Eisenreich, CEO, Leel Coils with his wife Gabriela

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

PULSE lecture

Failings of democracy and its economic consequences On March 27th, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Ing. Mirek Topolánek addressing the issues of democracy and its economic consequences, spoke to a full auditorium of honored guests and students at the University of New York in Prague. The university was grateful and proud to have had the former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic as part of their ongoing Pulse lecture series.

From left to right: Sotiris Foutsis, General Manager of the University of New York in Prague; Eva Anderová, UNYP Vice President for Public Affairs; Ing. Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic; and Andreas Antonopoulos, UNYP Rector Vivid discussion

Ing. Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

Ing. Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and Sotiris Foutsis, General Manager of the University of New York in Prague in a discussion with audience

From left: H.E. Arbër Vllahiu, Ambassador of Kosovo and Ing. Mirek Topolánek, former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic

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European Leadership & Academic Institute (ELAI), which provides open, practically focused workshops with leading personalities of Czech business, organizer of two major events Innovation Week and Entrepreneurship Week, hosted a celebration event at the end of January, 2019. Lecturers, clients and friends of ELAI were invited to enjoy lovely evening at the King´s Place Prague in the Old Town.

Team ELAI

From left: Petr Šimůnek, Editor-in-chief, Forbes, Dana Bérová, former Minister of Informatics, Entrepreneur and Investor, and Lukáš Sedláček, Founder and Executive Director, ELAI

Lukáš Sedláček, Founder and Executive Director, ELAI

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Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Eva Anderová, Director, Frank Kafka Society and Centre, Honorary Consul to Zambia and Vice President for PR, UNYP

Karel Janeček, Co-owner and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, RSJ, on the right with his partner Lilia

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From left: Daniel Franc, Co-founder, Google Developer Groups, Dana Bérová, Entrepreneur and Investor, Petr Šimůnek, Editor-in-chief, Forbes, Ctirad Hemelík, Executive Director, Evolution Festival, Martina VA Leová, Head of Learning and Development, ELAI, and Jan Svěrák, Movie Director

ELAI

From left: Ctirad Hemelík, Executive Director, Evolution Festival and Jan Svěrák, Movie Director

Lucie Brešová, former Managing Director, Kiwi.com

From left: Martin Pejša, Director, CreativeDock, Jan Řežáb, Founder and Chairman, Socialbakers, Alžběta Houzarová, Communications and Public Affairs Manager CZ & SK, Google, and Petr Kuneš, Head of Digital Banking and Innovation, Banka CREDITAS

From left: Petr Šimůnek, Editor-in-chief, Forbes, Martina VA Leová, Head of Learning and Development, ELAI, and Šimon Pánek, Director, Člověk v tísni

From left: Karel Kovář – Kovy, Youtuber, Iva Špačková, Learning & Development Manager, ELAI, Jitka Řeháková, Proposition Manager, Česká spořitelna, and Jaroslav Průcha, Editor in Chief, Roklen 24

Alžběta Houzarová, Communications and Public Affairs Manager CZ & SK, Google

From left: Karel Kovář – Kovy, Youtuber and Peter Gryc, Managing Director at ComAp, DMCC

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U nicef

UNICEF Partners Meeting in Hilton Prague Old Town

UNICEF Czech Republic Executive Director Pavla Gomba thanked all partners for their support over the past year

UNICEF Czech Republic Executive Director, Pavla Gomba, thanked all partners who had provided financial, material or media support in 2018 to UNICEF at the UNICEF Partners Meeting, which was held on 5 March in the Hilton Prague Old Town. Certificates of thanks were given to partners by actor Jitka Čvančarová, writer Barbara Nesvadbová and ice-hockey player Patrik Eliáš. Also taking part in the event were founder and president of Zátiší Group, Sanjiv Suri, and gastronomy expert, Pavel Maurer.

The UNICEF Partners Meeting was held on 3 March in the Hilton Prague Old Town

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

Partners present at the meeting had provided UNICEF financial, material or media support during 2018.

U nicef

At the Partners Meeting, UNICEF Czech Republic Executive Director Pavla Gomba presented the outcomes of UNICEF’s work in 2018.

Actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jitka Čvančarová shared her personal experience of UNICEF programmes on the ground

Actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jitka Čvančarová thanked partners for their support..

From left: Jitka Čvančarová, Sanjiv Suri, Barbara Nesvadbová, Pavel Maurer

Writer Barbara Nesvadbová spoke at the Partners Meeting about why it is important to help others

From left: Pavla Gomba, Patrik Eliáš, Jitka Čvančarová, Sanjiv Suri, Barbara Nesvadbová, Pavel Maurer

Ice-hockey player and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Patrik Eliáš thanked partners for their support

Gastronomy expert Pavel Maurer, founder and publisher of an independent guide to restaurants in the Czech Republic, also supports UNICEF

Founder and President of Zátiší Group Sanjiv Suri spoke about why he is a long-term UNICEF supporter

From left: Pavla Gomba, Patrik Eliáš, Jitka Čvančarová, Sanjiv Suri, Barbara Nesvadbová, Pavel Maurer

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U nicef

From left: Jitka Čvančarová, Actress, Pavel Maurer, Founder and Publisher of an independent guide to restaurants in the Czech Republic, Barbara Nesvadbová, Writer, and Patrik Eliáš, famous Ice Hockey Player

Markéta Kačerová and Lucie Dolanská Bányaiová from Bányaiová Vožehová Law Office receiving certificates of thanks from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

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From left: Jitka Čvančarová, Actress, Barbara Nesvadbová, Writer, Jan Doucha, Owner of MERCURY STAR Company, and Patrik Eliáš, famous Ice Hockey Player

Emanuele Gadaleta, Director of Czech Museum of Music receiving certificate of thanks from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

Veronika Zídková, Director of Children’s Ballet Prague receiving certificate of thanks from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

Zdeněk Chmelík, MS Pharm Company, receiving certificate of thanks from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

Pavel Kukleta, Director of Panda Production receiving certificate of thanks from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

Michaela Náplavová, TextilEco Company, receiving certificate of thanks from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

Petr Moravec, Tuzi Company, receiving certificate of thanks from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

I,

the

B rand

Since 2010, when I started my communications business in the Czech Republic, I became aware of how vital it is that our names are connected with sound, positive values. In my case it was integrity, freedom and partnership that were leading the way, taking me away from a media landscape troubled by crisis into a growing people development practice.

Little by little I realized that my clients, heads of small and large companies alike, were facing a similar challenge. Regardless of their intention - if they wanted to achieve something within the company, drive an acquisition, change careers or launch their own business – even the greatest leaders were all of a sudden at a loss. When asked why they personally wanted to communicate in a certain way, what was driving them, they often had no answer. It was much easier to hang on to the company direction, vision and values than to turn the mirror inside and allow their inner voice to take the lead in communications.

Allowing the Soul to Speak If we were to look at the Eisenhower principle of prioritization, with tasks split along two axes – their urgency on the horizontal and their importance on the vertical – we would realize that personal branding sits in the upper left box – important, but not urgent. It’s like that medical check that you’ve been postponing for ages for fear of what you might find or have to change once you go through it. The appeal of important and urgent tasks is so much bigger – at best we can point at the urgency of the matter to find an excuse about why we spent all our time and energy on immediate assignments. Yet that is a brilliant example of short-term thinking. If you really want to think long term – and building a career and personal brand is quite a long term endeavor – you need to be able to step away from the lure of the immediate and into the realm of the important, the essential, the vital, which might be a bit bitter and messy at the beginning, but much healthier long term.

This is why, starting with our second session of personal branding I start stretching people’s focus with long term questions. “What’s really important to you? What do you want to leave behind? If you were to be hit by a car tomorrow, who would miss

you? To what extent do you feel you fulfilled your mission on this Earth?” And so on.

You can imagine that this is the point when clients start to “fall in love” with me. Had they not already paid for their full personal branding package in advance, they would be running through the door and never come back. That’s why I call this moment the breaking point. In personal branding my mission is holding the mirror and holding the back.

This is literally what I do: I hold people’s backs long enough for them to start looking into a personal mirror that is not fogged by outside factors like family, company or society expectations. Slowly, the dreams of youth – and the pain attached to losing contact with them – come forward. Slowly, allowed and held, the soul breaks through immediate impulses, emotions and ideas and starts to speak.

This is the greatest moment and the biggest reward of my profession: that moment when the reconnection to self occurs and my clients come up with realizations beyond their wildest dreams.

This is the reward for coping with the process and with the messy feelings around it: finding one’s voice and allowing it to speak freely while taking responsibility for cherishing and nurturing it for the rest of one’s life.

The Facets of the Personal Diamond Imagine your personal brand as a multifaceted diamond shining in all its beauty on a precious purple bed. This diamond has several facets that are not all visible at the same time - it is not even necessary to show all of them to everyone at any given moment. What is vital however is to know what your personal diamond’s facets are and to become aware of how well polished they are in case you might need to show them to someone and allow them to power your communication.

So, what are the facets of your personal diamond?

They are everything that is basically You: • your past, including your origin and family history, your roots, your place of birth, your ethnicity and nationality; • your core values, usually developed during the first years of life; • your innate talents and gifts; • your education, including the schools you attended, the things you learnt there and the skills that you developed;

• your professional experience, including your past career successes large and small;

• your hobbies and volunteer activities, which usually speak strongly of your values;

• your personality and level of emotional maturity;

• other particular aspects that make you

who you are, such as your nickname or your “freak factor” meaning specific issues or experiences, positive or negative, that had a major impact on your life etc.

All these gifts are already in your coffer, building together the unique DNA thread of who your are.

These are the edges and facets of your personal diamond that might be calling for your attention.

Again, they don’t have to or shouldn’t even have to be all visible at the same time. But a good starting place is to realize that you have them and that they are your real assets when building your career and personal communications strategy.

If you find yourself at a crossroad, take a break.

Give yourself a couple of days off for self-reflection and go back to those nasty questions I mentioned above. What do you really want to leave behind?

What is there that is really important to you? Who would miss you if you were gone? What is your mission and your message for this world? And, mainly, to what extent do you live your mission in your everyday life and speak of it in your everyday communications?

This can be a tough place and you don’t have to dive into these muddy waters of the soul alone. Yet it is only alone that you can dive deep enough to recover your diamond from the depths, bring it up and start polishing it, one facet at a time. From what I’ve experienced so far, one day you will be amazed by the light that starts to emerge from the inside out and to guide you mercilessly on your journey. And that’s the true reward: for you, for coping with the process of bringing yourself forward in all your glory, and for me for holding the mirror and holding the back.

By Cristina Muntean české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

Cristina Muntean is a consultant, trainer, mentor and coach who specializes in personal branding, strategic communications, emotional and systemic intelligence for leadership. A former journalist with more than 12 years of experience in the Czech, Romanian and international media, she founded Media Education CEE, a PR advisory and training agency in Prague in May 2010. Her clients are executive level managers and entrepreneurs with Top100 companies in the Czech Republic and Central and Eastern Europe. Cristina is also an internationally certified trainer and coach with the Enneagram, a complex system of personal development, and a facilitator of systemic dynamics in business organizations. She provides her services in English, Czech, French and Romanian, her mother tongue. Cristina can be reached at +420 776 574 925 or at cm@cristinamuntean.com.

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I nterview

with

H.E. B arbara R ichardson , A mbassador

of

C anada

P hoto :

archive

Barbara Richardson has served in the Czech Republic for three years. She chose Prague to be her final posting and shares how special she finds her first posting in Europe. Prior to serving in the Czech Republic, she had a remarkable thirty year diplomatic career in Asia and Africa. Besides advancing Czech-Canadian bilateral relations, Ms. Richardson often speaks on the theme of diversity and gender equality. Her remarkable career makes her a true and aspiring role-model for working mothers in high positions. Find out more about what Canadians and Czechs have in common or what is her career advice to girls and women, but also to men.

Your Excellency, you have had a remarkable career journey, serving as a Canadian diplomat and three times ambassador on several different continents. What are your career highlights?

I have been so fortunate to have had this career and all these experiences. Not only have I had a wonderful life but I was able to share all my profound experiences with my son. I feel strongly that young people need to be informed about world politics. They cannot think about their own respective countries only, they need to understand that we are all part of something bigger in order to be able to make the changes the world and the globe are going to require. The Canadian point of view is that we cannot do it alone. Therefore, we need to understand different cultures and parts of the world and see them for what they are.

I have been in different parts of the world and also some difficult parts of the world, my son grew up realizing that on the outside a country might look differently than when you live in it, interact with people, understand the history, peoples’ needs, and finally realize that we all share the same needs.

As a young girl, I always felt I wanted to make a difference in the world. But then I had no vision how I could do that. My career enabled it and I feel very lucky that I found a job I could identify with, I loved and enjoyed. I have always told my son that when he is asked in future about what he does, he should be proud and happy about what he is able to reply.

You started your career abroad in Asia when your son was only five months old. Then you moved to Africa. All this was happening more

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than three decades ago in a male dominated profession. In fact, high ranking professional diplomats being mothers at the same time are still more an exception than a rule. Who encouraged you?

I had the great benefit of a female head of human resources at the time that I had planned to take the posting. When I found out that I was pregnant, I approached her saying that this was probably the end for a posting. She said: “Absolutely not, this is the time when you need to go to a posting, because you can go to parts of the world where it is easier to get help with childcare and running the household!� I went to the Philippines, where I had all the assistance I needed and raising a child there while working was actually easier than in Canada back then. The culture in the Philippines is a very child-centric one, so my son was very happy and pampered there. While I was in the Philippines, there was a temporary opportunity to go and serve in Singapore. Again, I felt that with a son only two years old, I might be excluded from the opportunity.

At that time, I approached my manager and asked her that if I made all the necessary arrangements, in terms of taking my son with me - staying at the hotel room and arranging a babysitter to stay at no extra expense for the government, if she would consider me as an applicant. It worked out and I was given the opportunity. I was lucky to live in a time when companies realized that they need to become more flexible workplaces. The more models of different ways of working we have and the more demonstrations of the competencies that diversity, including gender, brings to the workplace, the easier it is for managers to make decisions with flexibility and different working schemes.

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

You seem to have been navigating your career with regards to opportunities while not being afraid of challenges. From Asia, you went back to Canada, only to continue your career in Africa.

Much of the younger generation talks about career planning and they have these five-year and tenyear plans. I admire people who are capable of that.

I was never one of them. I have always chosen my job based on what sounded interesting and what I considered a useful thing to do. I chose my posting in Kenya as it represented a great challenge. From Kenya, we covered six countries: Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Eritrea, Somalia and Southern Sudan, not being independent then. I considered it the best political job within the department because of the scope. The peace-talks going on in two of the countries or the breakthrough elections enabled me to live throughout some extraordinary moments of history in that time and that part of the world. I am glad I made the choice, since Africa is going to be an increasingly significant continent for the future of the globe. From the perspective of a mother, I think my son developed compassion there. He was nine years old then, in many ways a baby for me. The Kenyans view a nine-year old boy as a young man. In some parts of Kenya, a boy of that age is given a spear and asked to go out to kill a lion. My son very much enjoyed being treated as a young man by Kenyans. As all parents eventually learn, children rise to our expectations.

Later, I returned to Africa and served in Zimbabwe.

Looking back at time spent in Africa, I suggest to everyone to go and visit this beautiful part of the world. Sometimes, I felt like I was living in a National Geographic Magazine.

I nterview After all your experiences, does not the good old continent of Europe sound boring?

I chose Prague as my last assignment. I chose the Czech Republic for many reasons. I have known a couple of refugees from Czechoslovakia and Prague sounded a bit exotic. Little did I realize that I came in an extraordinary and politically intriguing time. I arrived here after the election of President Trump, after the move to the right and far right in some other European countries, after the Brexit vote and all of that has made my assignment much more turbulent and complex than I anticipated. Let alone living in Prague which many people consider the most beautiful city in the world, in the centre of Europe.

Thank you for speaking so positively about my birth-town. I am sure you have noticed that Canada is like a dream country for many Czechs. Czechs like Canada and Australia, even though they have never been there.

It seems we tend to love far away countries, but not superpowers. Were you surprised by the intensity and warmth of Czech-Canadian relations?

In some ways yes, in other ways no. Everywhere I lived, people mentioned Canada as a country where they would like to move. Particularly people from difficult parts of the world see Canada as a country that accepts immigrants. In the Czech Republic, people not only say they love Canada, but they immediately mention why. They always talk about the outdoors, the beauty, Rocky Mountains, the oceans and the Arctic. I have noticed passions Czechs have for the outdoors and all the outdoor activities, actually on much higher scale than most Canadians do.

What about Canadians and their relations to Czechs?

There is not a lot of knowledge about the Czech Republic in Canada. Canadians of a certain generation know about the Velvet Revolution or the split of Czechoslovakia that happened without a war which is very fascinating, but the younger generation is not as aware. The Czech Republic is known as a travel destination and its reputation for its beauty. There is a lot of scope for commonality between Czechs and Canadians. Neither of us is a superpower country. Czechs and Canadians share a view of the world and values.

It is time to discuss not only immigration but also diversity. "Diversity is Canada’s strength”.

The motto of your Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on the notepad I have received as a gift. However, many Czechs still seem to fail to appreciate the full potential of diversity.

What is that the Czechs are missing?

I have met many Czechs who do value and support the idea of diversity. Many point out the Vietnamese community as a recognition what another culture can bring. They recognize the value Vietnamese businesses brought, they see them integrating and providing value for the Czech society. Diversity is a long process to reach the point when it is widely accepted and valued

with

H.E. B arbara R ichardson , A mbassador

as being an important fabric in a society. However, we have such different history and geography, that I understand certain Czech people being skeptical and hesitant about someone coming from the outside. For centuries, the Czech society has been very homogenous. In Canada, except for indigenous people, we are all immigrants and we all share the common recognition that we and our families come from somewhere else. We also recognize what diversity has brought to our country in terms of languages, culture, innovation and skill sets. When we talk about an economic migration, we pick and choose those who can add value to our economy.

You mentioned Canada’s population reaching currently at 35 million people. I remember that 30 years ago, I learned the figure 27 million at school.

Without immigration, our economy could not grow. Already 70 years ago, we recognized that and started doing economic modelling related to the economy, which is determining how many new people we need in Canada to drive the economy.

Based on that modelling, we have developed a very specific immigration program and model.

Every year, across the whole Canada, a broad survey is done on what kind of experiences and positions are needed. We bring about 1% of population per year. For some, it might be frightening, for us it is seen as useful and essential. There is a recognition that immigration drives our prosperity, our future success and future vision. We target the best in the world. Equal to our perspective on immigration and providing the safe haven to those who need it, the inclusion comes next. Thanks to our work and program for inclusion Canada has not made some mistakes as other countries with regards to the true integration of newcomers to what has become the multiculturalism society. It is Canada who should be thankful to immigrants for choosing our country helping to build it. Like many Czechs did.

You are known to be an advocate and supporter of gender equality and you actively promote women empowerment. What would be your mentoring advice to Czech women?

What would be your advice to Czech men?

Canada does not support the attitude of us preaching to the rest of the world, because we have many problems on our own. Canada may have a more progressive approach to gender equality but many issues feel similar to the ones our society has faced with regards to gender equality. When I talk to young women today, I always encourage them that their potential is limitless. When I talk to young women, I mention how often many women say “I was lucky” with regards to their distinguished career. Men usually do not say it. They think “I deserve it”. My advice is: “Plan to be lucky and do the hard work to be lucky”. Women work hard.

There is a Canadian politician who said: "Women have to work twice as hard, be twice as smart, to do twice as much to be seen as half as good to men.” However, she finished the quote by saying: “Fortunately, that was not that difficult”. But that was way back in 1960s. I also suggest: “Dreaming

of

C anada

is planning”. When I was a little girl back in Alberta, I dreamed big about all sorts of opportunities. Yes, there are going to be obstacles along the way.

With regards to men, I encourage them to mentor young women. We tend to hire, mentor and give opportunities to people who are like us. Naturally, men are more likely to support other men.

Therefore, I think it is important for men to mentor young women and to learn from that experience which can benefit them as well, as they can learn more about women’s perspective on both life and work. Like with immigration, there is an economic and business case. Gender equality is not about being nice to women, it makes economic sense for companies as it allows to attract the best talent and to be smarter, innovative and excelling. Is there any company that would not be interested in reaping the benefits?

What will the year 2019 bring to CzechCanadian relations?

This will be a politically big year not only for Europe, but also for Canada, as we also will have our own elections. Canada has a set of priorities for the upcoming year. Security and defense will come first, as we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic joining the NATO. The Czechs and Canadians both support democracy and rule-based order, and there will be an opportunity to commemorate values and principles while celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Trade is also information. After the ratification of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the statistics show that mutual trade is growing and that such agreements are important. As far as culture is concerned, we will be involved at One World Festival, a jazz pianist David Braid is coming back to Prague. On July 1, the Canada Day, we will open the Czech-Canada production of Charlotte at National Theatre. The story of a Jewish woman from Germany who was killed in Holocaust shows what happens in a society that rejects values of diversity and inclusion. I must not forget hockey-diplomacy. There will be National Hockey League Games in 2019 and next year, the Junior Hockey Championship will be held in the Czech Republic. We also have been working on expanding the number of students who study in the Czech Republic and also how many people travel as tourists to the Czech Republic. It comes back to the question that the Czech Republic should have been known more in Canada. The Czech Republic has an impressive number of postsecondary educational institutions. The quality of your research facilities across the country, built with the help of the EU funds, working on knowledgebased approach to the future, should be more known in Canada, as this is another approach we share in common. I will be sad to leave the Czech Republic later this year, as it has been wonderful, enriching and such a different experience to all my postings. I am enormously grateful for the opportunity to come here.

By Linda Štucbartová

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Diplomatic Cup Launching Event From left: Richard Schinko, Executive Director of Light for the World, Chairman of the Board of the Czech Development Cooperation Forum, Carlo Capalbo, President of RunCzech Organising Committee, IAAF Road Running Commission Chairman, H.E. Francesco Saverio Nisio, Ambassador of Italy, and Aleš Chmelař, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Issues

From left: Miroslav Krupička, ex-Director of Český rozhlas and Giovanni Sciola, Director of the Italian Culture Institute

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From left: H. E. Mr. Saïd Hindam, Ambassador of Egypt, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and H. E. Mr. Zhangh Jianmin, Ambassador of China

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From left: Ivana Dvořáková, Kaufland, Eva Anderová, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Zambia to the Czech Republic; Vice President for Public Affairs, University of New York in Prague, President, Franz Kafka Centre, and Ing. Fay Frydrýnová, Kaufland

diplomatic event

The Italian Design Day 2019 at the Embassy of Italy in Prague On March 20th, 2019 the Italian Embassy in Prague hosted the key event of Italian Design Day 2019 in the Czech Republic. The initiative, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, endeavored to combine artistic spirit, creativity and entrepreneurship. Along with a photographic exhibition by the photographer Miro Zagnoli, some of the symbolic products of Made in Italy were exhibited: a Ferrari Portofino, a Ducati Panigale V4, a Vespa, a Rocchetto bathtub, Flos lamps, an Edra chair and a selection of products by Kartell, Alessi and Bialetti.

The Ambassador of Italy, Mr. Francesco Saverio Nisio, underlined the importance of design as a key factor in Italy's exports potential, as the combination of aesthetic excellence harmonized with practical and functional elements makes Italian products particularly sought after and appreciated by the international market.

Ducati

Ferrari Portofino

Vespa, representative saloon of the Embassy of Italy

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diplomatic event Representative saloon of the Embassy of Italy - Italian Design Day Exhibition

From left: Giovanni Sciola, Director of the Italian Culture Institute, H. E. Zhang Jianmin, Ambassador of China, and H. E. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico

H.E. Francesco Saverio Nisio, Ambassador of Italy with his spouse Elisabetta Nisio

Ms. Iva Petříčková, spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

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diplomatic event

From left: H. E. Saïd Hindam, Ambassador of Egypt, H. E. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico

From left: H.E. Anna Viktoria Li, Ambassador of Sweden, H. E. Saïd Hindam, Ambassador of Egypt, H. E. Zhang Jianmin, Ambassador of China, and H.E. Ilirian Kuka, Ambassador of Albania

From left: Mrs. Elisabetta Nisio, spouse of the Ambassador of Italy, Gianfranco Pinciroli, President of the Italian-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kateřina Stolínová, Italian-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Guido Filippi, UniCredit Bank Czech Republic & Slovakia a.s.

From left: Flavio Serughetti, Masterconsult, Giorgio Bonelli, Owner of the Hotel Alchymist, Giovanni Sciola, Director of the Italian Culture Institute, Mrs. Marta Ricci, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

From left: Elisabetta Nisio, spouse of the Ambassador of Italy, H. E. Mariam Rakviashvili, Ambassador of Georgia, and H. E. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico

From left: Federico Bernardi, Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy, H. E. Barbara Cwioro, Ambassador of Poland, and H.E. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina

From left: Petr Perunčík, KPR, H. E. Barbara Cwioro, Ambassador of Poland, and H.E. Francesco Saverio Nisio, Ambassador of Italy

Representative saloon of the Embassy of Italy - Italian Design Day Exhibition

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P artner

of the event

The Embassy of Greece held the National Day reception on 25 March at the Cupola of the premises of the DTIHK . The speeches of the Ambassador of Greece, Efthymios Efthymiades, and the Czech Minister of Culture, Antonín Staněk , were followed by the screening of the movie "Greek Skies" that depicts the magic of the night skies of Greece against the background of the beautiful Czech skies as seen through the windows of the extraordinary Cupola with Václavské náměstí and the newly renovated National Museum as a backdrop.

From left: Eva Anderová, President, Franz Kafka Centre, Vice President for PR, UNYP, Honorary Consul to Zambia , H.E. Mr. Vitalie Rusu, Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Rosaura Leonora Rueda Gutierrez, Ambassador of Mexico, and Mr. Meshulam Zisso, TV producer and photographer

Eva Anderová, President, Franz Kafka Centre, Vice President for PR, UNYP, Honorary Consul to Zambia and Jan Kohout, Adviser to the President, Czech Republic Office of the President

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From left: Louise Beer, Art Consulting, PragArtWorks, Štefan Lohojda, Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, and Joosje Brouwer, Embassy of the Netherlands, DSA President

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

From left: Andreas Antonopoulos, Ph.D., MBA, Rector, University of New York in Prague ; Rodokalis Rodokalakis, Glebus Alloys

diplomatic event

From left: H.E. Dr. Christoph Israng, Ambassador of Germany and H.E. Robert Kvile, Ambassador of Norway

From left: H.E. Stephen B. King, Ambassador of USA and Petr Pirunčík, Foreign Affairs Department, Czech Republic Office of the President

From left: doc. Mgr. Antonín Staněk, Ph.D., Minister of Culture and H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece in the Czech Republic

From left: doc. Mgr. Antonín Staněk, Ph.D., Minister of Culture and H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece in the Czech Republic

From left: doc. Mgr. Antonín Staněk, Ph.D., Minister of Culture, Eva Anderová, President, Franz Kafka Centre, Vice President for PR, UNYP, Honorary Consul to Zambia, and Jakub Kulhánek, M.A., Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic

From left: doc. Mgr. Antonín Staněk, Ph.D., Minister of Culture and H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece in the Czech Republic

From left: doc. Mgr. Antonín Staněk, Ph.D., Minister of Culture, H.E. Rosaura Leonora Rueda Gutierrez, Ambassador of Mexico, and H.E. Roberto Alejandro Salafia, Ambassador of Argentina

From left: H.E. Seoung-Hyun Moon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and Jan Kohout, Adviser to the President, Czech Republic Office of the President

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diplomatic event Guests watching the movie "Greek Skies"

From left: Mr. Thorsten Heinz Kalinowski and Ulrich Boetel, International Consulting

H.E. Kaoru Shimazaki, Ambassador of Japan with his wife

Sotiris Zavalianis, Owner, AKESO

From left: Michael Stimson, Member of the Board, Prague Society, Marc S. Ellenbogen, Prague Society and H.E. Seoung-Hyun Moon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

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Petr Pirunčík, Foreign Affairs Department, Czech Republic Office of the President and H.E. Rosaura Leonora Rueda Gutierrez, Ambassador of Mexico

Elissavet Karali, Consul, Embassy of Greece, with the trainees of the Embassy of Greece

From left: H.E. Francesco Saverio Nisio, Ambassador of Italy, Archbishop Charles D. Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

From left: Colonel Panagiotis Kyriakidis, Styliani Arda, Head of Movement and Transportation Department, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

H. E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece in the Czech Republic and Kyriaki Tsiligeridou, Conference Production Manager, SmithNovak

H.E. Vera Mavrić, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia and H.E. Charles Sheehan, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland

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Preview from the Book “Grandmothers”

By Linda Štucbartová

P hoto :

archive

Our readers know me as the Chief Interviewer. The aim of our magazine, which comes out quarterly as the last print in English on the market due to the digitalization trend and new media, is to present current leaders to the wider public, both in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Currently I am co-writing a book about Grandmothers with Judi Challiner.

You could read an interview with her in our last issue. Today, I present my part.

I realized that, like my grandmother Rose, when writing, I also include personal reflections and memories. I have widened my scope a bit. I include not only artists, but also doctors, entrepreneurs, scientists and to acknowledge our history, I launched a new series of interviews with members of the nobility. The nobility’s fates were also profoundly affected by the communist regime and in many cases even distorted.

I was proud to interview Mr. Tomáš Halík, the recipient of the Templeton Prize, Mr. Zdeněk Lukeš, the Director of the National Museum, Mrs. Eva Zažímalová, the President of the Czech Academy of Science, Rudolf Jindrák, who happens to be a former colleague diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and currently the Head of the Foreign Office of the President, as well as the younger generation represented by Kateřina Falk, a leading Czech physicist, Hana Němcová or Ondřej Mynář, representing the new generations of Czech world-wide entrepreneurs.

Love of Arts and Grandmother’s Rose Memory Book “We live in the age of rush, noise and hurry and often it is difficult to steal even the little while for nice memories”.

PhMr. Růžena Štucbartová When was the last time you browsed through a physical photo album? When was the last time you received a hand-written post-card? What kind of tangible souvenirs will we leave for our grandchildren?

In October 2018, I visited the Friends of Zion museum in Jerusalem which is known as a top museum using ground-breaking technology to experience the past. As much as I was touched by the stories, I was surprised by the lack of the material exhibits or objects from the past.

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From this point of view, my grandmother’s memory book seems, not only to me but also to most people who have seen it, unique.

This is the piece I cherish the most from the inheritance, next to her ring (which she actually never wore as she was allergic to gold) and several paintings. I know that she also wrote several books of memoirs, unfortunately I did not manage to get them.

My grandmother started her memory book in 1945, the last dedication dates 1986. With the memory book, I found many newspaper clippings about the personalities. Some of them were customers at the pharmacy, some of them knew my grandmother personally, most of them were just impressed by the company of others and therefore wrote an admiration passage reflecting on the other public figures.

The memory book serves not only as a sort of “who’s who” publication in the world of arts, for over 40 decades but also as a reminder of how much time and effort my grandmother devoted to this passion of hers. I am still amazed by how she managed her regular visits to theatre and opera together with her long working and commuting hours. Perhaps this was the reason she did not experience a burn out effect, while I regularly feel “depleted” throughout most of December and January, and for the second time in a row I spent the end of the year on antibiotics. Among the personalities, one can find Jan Masaryk, Czechoslovak Minister of Foreign Affairs, a son of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.

The premature death of Jan Masaryk, believed to be a murder, rather than a suicide, shortly after the communist coup d’état in March 1948, was not fully explained until now. He was a frequent visitor to the pharmacy and using a quite familiar greeting, he wished great luck to the whole Štucbart family (Štucbartovcům).

I have already mentioned Alice Masaryková, a daughter of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and I will dedicate a special chapter to her.

The next “VIP” (to use the current language) is Hana Benešová, the wife of Eduard Beneš, who was the second Czechoslovak President, a successor of the much loved and admired Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Eduard Beneš is judged by historians as an unfortunate statesman, who witnessed his country and his reign challenged by both Nazis and then Communist regimes.

Further famous notables include: archbishop of Prague Josef Beran and Abbot Bohuslav Jarolímek, the last abbot serving at Strahov Monastery; Prof. Heyrovský, a Nobel Prize winner for the discovery of contact lenses; Jaroslav Seifert, a Nobel Prize winner for literature. Painters are represented by Jiří Trnka, the author of “Broučci”, Max Švabinský, Václav Špála or Zdeněk Burian. The next category can be entitled the National Theatre artists, such as Eduard Haken, Růžena Nasková, Marie Podvalová.

The normalization period (after the Soviet occupation in 1968 until the Velvet Revolution

in 1989) is represented by luminaries not associated with the communist regime, such as Miloš Kirchner, the “father of famous Spejbl and Hurvínek”, actors such as Miloš Kopecký, painter Cyril Bouda, composer Petr Eben, who included a piece of music, or a writer Ladislav Fuks, violinist Josef Suk and many others.

The memory book contains not only dedications with autographs, but most personalities took the time to draw, write a poem or a truly personal dedication. It was interesting for me to read the dedication: “To dear PhMr. Růžena Štucbartová, the wife of the pharmacist”. Being particularly engaged in women empowerment myself, I wonder why she acquiesced to such a title.

Like she was not a pharmacist herself! It was her who was advising and serving the customers, while my grandfather was working on research or was busy running the business from behind the scenes. I admire how strong her sense of identity must have been inside that she did not need any further recognition from the outside.

When I work with leaders, I call this sense of identity an “inner anchor”, knowing who you are and what you want to achieve, based not on positions, functions or external recognition but based on your mission and purpose. Her purpose was clear: to be a pharmacist and to serve the people the best she could.

Looking at that dedication from the 21st century perspective, it might seem weird. However, there is one more aspect to it. My grandmother’s motto was: Love will always prevail. I know how much she loved my grandfather, I am sure she did not mind.

Luckily, I live in an era, where people whom I interview do not disappear abroad or die due to political persecution, as was the case of Abbot Bohuslav Jarolímek, the last Abbot of the Strahov Monastery.

Grandma Rose wrote only a few personal accounts of her memories of some personalities.

The story of Mr. Bohuslav Stanislav Jarolímek is the most tragic one. Mr. Jarolímek was a very influential figure, he was amongst the top three candidates to become an archbishop in Prague.

Strahov Monastery was one of the pharmacy clients. My grandmother and grandfather went to meet the Abbot to introduce themselves as the new pharmacists. Given the fact that it was the year 1946, my grandmother was obviously fascinated by the splendor of the monastery surroundings, as she carefully detailed how “we were led through the beautiful rooms all the way to his private office. The abbot sat in a magenta chair, dressed in the luxurious white gown of the Premonstrate Order and he had a gold chain around the neck.” After the initial introduction, my grandmother was asked to write a dedication and she wrote: Thanks to God for love and grace and thanks to Abbot Jarolímek for a warm welcome.” A few weeks later, she came back with her memory book and she got “God bless the Štucbart’s family.” The last meeting with Mr. Jarolímek was after the “change of the circumstances” –

a euphemism for the 1948 communist coup d’état, in 1949. Mr. Jarolímek protested against the misuse of his name and when he did not reach any remedy in the press, during a Sunday service he proclaimed: “On this holy place, I declare I did not sign anything. Mentioning my name in the press as a supporter of the Minister of Health Mr. Plojhar is a deliberate act of confusing believers. I am a faithful son of the Catholic church which I love and I am ready to sacrifice my life for.” The mass then continued as normal. My grandmother wrote about his arrest, imprisonment and death. She made comments that she does not understand politics, she does not desire to incorporate it into her personal memories and she does not feel competent either to judge or sentence one’s guilt or innocence.

According to official records, Mr. Jarolímek was quite aware of the danger of the communists to the Church, he read Lenin’s and Stalin’s works in Russian and therefore he tried to warn his brothers against any naïve illusions. After the coup d’état, he encouraged believers to fidelity and courage. The communists meanwhile used propaganda and mentioned Abbot Jarolímek as one of the supporters of the so-called Catholic action, publishing his signature in newspapers.

In 1950, Mr. Jarolímek was diagnosed with ulcers, due to psychological distress. He was sent to a hospital, then to a sanatorium and later that year, he was arrested as the last victim of the big process with bishops. He was accused of treason, collaboration by being in touch with representatives of the Protectorate government, getting effective new school law (!), and critical attitude against the communist regime and its church policy. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He died in January 1951. The fact is that before the arrest his weight was 75 kilos, after he died he weighed only 50 kgs. He lived according to his motto: Fortiter et suaviter (Bravely and Nobly).

My grandmother’s memory ends with the note that the original Monastery Strahov had been turned into the beautiful Museum of the Czech Literature. It is true, its main library hall has become one of the most frequently pictured and photographed libraries in the world, thanks to its baroque beauty. I wish visitors would remind themselves also about the fate of the Abbot Jarolímek.

I recently visited Strahov Monastery. There is no mention of Mr. Jarolímek and his fate. I hope this article is a slight remembrance this noble man deserves. Particularly in the light of the latest debate on putting taxes on the churches’ restitutions, I believe that we should remind ourselves of the darkest times of the recent history.

As famous qoute says, „those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.“

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In front of the entrance to the architecturally distinctive building, the white lettering “Dream Big” draws the visitor’s attention and, contrasting with the surface of the sea, is a reminder of the often-stated Peres quote, “We should use our imagination more than our memory.” The fact that the exhibition is dedicated to Israeli startups and their role in the Israeli innovation system is noted in the welcome panel, which provides the encouragement: “Let’s begin together, entrepreneurs, your journey starts here .”

The inspirational entrance hall showcases the main fields of research in which Israel has achieved results of global significance. These are medical technology, IT technology and cyber-security, agricultural technology and technology related to mobility.

The Shimon Peres Innovation Center in Tel Aviv was opened in February 2019 in a pilot phase for visitors. The new spacious building built on the seashore at Jaffa is unique in that all the main Israeli inventions are concentrated in one place, regardless of their origins. The Center recalls Peres’s legacy, his visionary focus on science and technology, and his support for innovation to secure not just Israel’s economic prosperity, but also peace and stability in neighbouring states.

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The guided tour begins on the first floor, which is focused on the recent past. In the “Secrets of Innovation” section, visitors can learn about individual key participants in the innovative ecosystem and their extraordinary stories.

These include Nobel Prize winners, scientists and entrepreneurs of various generations and origins, to whom you can pose four questions.

Using interactive panels, the person you choose will tell you about their childhood, describe their best idea, share a challenge they overcame, or give you advice.

Another room entitled Innovative Nation provides the answer to the question of how Israel built itself up to become a global innovation

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

power. On a large interactive timeline located on the wall, you can see major Israeli innovations, along with their development and connections in the fields of high tech, medicine, agriculture and social sciences. What is fascinating about visiting the Peres Center is that it offers a combination of interactive and experiential learning. Group work is done on smaller interactive panels in which participants have the opportunity to more thoroughly investigate one specific discovery, while answers to specific questions can be found on the surrounding walls and display cases. After group work, it’s time to relax and reflect, so you can take a visit to Shimon Peres’s study. The film screened here introduces us to the life of a man who had a fundamental impact on the development of the State of Israel from the time of its founding to the present day, but whose visions have also directed the state’s future.

On the next storey, visitors are welcomed by a robot. We find ourselves in the future. We enter a time capsule, and using VR headsets we begin to perceive what challenges the human race is going to have to deal with, and how technology can help us overcome these problems. Which technologies in digital medicine, nanorobotics, smart travel and space travel will be fundamental to solving the key problems of the future?

From the future, we return to the present. The basement provides a showcase of 45 of the best

Shimon Innovation Peres Center

in Tel Aviv, or Where the Present and Future Intersect

contemporary Israeli start-ups with global impact. The presented companies arose from a public tender run by the Ministry of Trade to which over 1000 entities applied. These include world-renowned leaders on the startup scene such as Mobileye, Orcam and the Beresheet space probe, currently heading for the moon. The Center’s generous sponsors don’t miss out either, with their activities also

presented on interactive panels, so in addition to the standard thank-you message they also get befitting PR. The start-ups showcased, like the sponsorship companies, will be regularly rotated every six months so that the exhibition always remains up-to-date and inspirational.

I recommend anyone travelling to Tel Aviv to include the Innovation Center on their list of

places to visit. For families with kids, I should add that a visit is recommended for children from ten years of age upwards. Tickets need to be booked in advance on their website.

By Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

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TED x UNYP 2019

TEDxUNYP 2019

Group photo TEDx speakers with Mark Anderson, Marketing Director, UNYP and organiser of the event on the left

Nine new speakers delivered ideas and innovation at TEDxUNYP 2019

TEDxUNYP is one of the only TEDx events in the Czech Republic that delivers its program exclusively in English. In addition to students of the University of New York in Prague, the event was also attended by students from other universities, TEDx fans, and the local community. This year’s TEDxUNYP introduced a new format with a single ticket covering the entire event and an intermission reception hosted by Opus Café.

For this year’s event, we were lucky enough to welcome professional speakers and personalities such as the award-winning chemist and well-known Czech personality Michael Londesborough; Rafael Badziag, a best-selling and award-winning author and an experienced TEDx speaker; Linda Štucbartová, a journalist and women’s empowerment leader; and Jakub Lepš, Deputy Mayor of Prague 11 and Party Leader for TOP 09.

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Jason Nam, CEO of Design Disco, design educator

Lena Fix, Creative Media Production student, a cancer survivor at the age of 13

Jakub Lepš, Second Deputy Mayor for Prague 11, UNYP professor

Andy Sharafeldin, Poet, UNYP psychology student

Olga Pexídrová, UNYP Business Administration student, President of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) in the Czech Republic

Rafael Badziag, Global Entrepreneur, top TEDx speaker, best-selling author, angel investor

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TED x UNYP 2019

Linda Štucbartová, Founder of Diversio, organizer of the first Women's Entrepreneurial Mission from the Czech Republic to Israel and Chief Interviewer for Czech Slovak Leaders

Dr. Michael Londesborough, Independent Scientific Researcher at Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, award-winning scientist

Jason Nam, CEO of Design Disco, design educator

Linda Štucbartová, Founder of Diversio, organizer of the first Women's Entrepreneurial Mission from the Czech Republic to Israel and Chief Interviewer for Czech Slovak Leaders

Dr.Uwe Brandenburg, Managing Director of the Global Impact Institute in Prague and Associate Professor for Regional Cooperation and Impact of Higher Education at the University Rovira I Virgili in Tarragona, Spain

Endulged Audience

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P etr O čko , M inistry of I ndustry D eputy M inister for D igitisation

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P hoto : A rchive

In the near future, the Czech Republic may become one of the leaders in innovation Petr Očko doesn’t just believe that the Czech Republic could become an innovation leader, but he has been actively striving to achieve this. Over his career, he has managed to build up a successful technology start-up, has worked for a number of ministries and also has experience within large corporations. As for state institutions, he has led the CzechInvest agency, was Chairman of the Technology Agency, and since July 2018 has been Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade responsible for the new Digitisation and Innovation Department. Few understand the issue of applied research or cooperation between business and science as well as he does. We are glad he has granted Czech and Slovak Leaders readers an exclusive interview on the entirely new Czech Republic Innovation Strategy 2019-2030.

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

P etr O čko , M inistry

of I ndustry and

In early February, the government launched the Czech Republic Innovation Strategy 2019-2030. The Czech Republic, previously promoted as the Land of Stories, is to become the “Land for the Future”. You yourself were involved in the creation of this strategy. What fundamental changes does this strategy bring along?

I’m very pleased this strategy has been developed, because I am absolutely convinced that we are a country of great potential, and it is primarily up to us whether we exploit this fact or not. We are building on a long tradition of research, education and industry.

And currently we also have large investments here in research centres, a lot of excellent research results, companies that are growing strongly and asserting themselves in foreign markets; we have much to offer the world. Yet few in the world link the Czech Republic and innovation together. Finland, today considered an innovation leader, was not in an easy situation 30 years ago, and had much less of a tradition of advanced industry and research.

A large proportion of Finland’s success is due to its commitment to change and a shared vision of the future. We lack both of these, and that’s why this strategy is important, because it emphasises the vision of the Czech Republic as an innovation leader.

Of course, I’m not saying everything is perfect here – our business sector is highly dependent on foreign owners, many of whom undertake their science and research activities outside Czech territory. The sector comprising innovative small and medium-sized Czech companies is growing, but only some of these companies have penetrated the higher levels of global value chains. And co-operation between the academic and business spheres, or knowledge and technology transfer, has improved significantly, but is still below the optimum level.

This strategy addresses this area, and measures are proposed to deal with it, many of which are already being undertaken – such as making tax deductions for science and research more effective, and a key amendment to the act on investment subsidies, which will now be focused on investments with added value, and on bringing research organisations and companies together.

You held the position of Chairman of the Technology Agency (TACR) for over two years. During your chairmanship, TACR significantly expanded the number of declared tenders and launched new programmes supporting applied research.

Do you regret that some people still describe the Czech Republic as an assembly plant?

The projects supported by the Technology Agency have helped me to get a much better picture of what applied research is being done in the Czech Republic, and that it is often truly world-class. There are quite a number of less-

T rade D eputy M inister

well-known companies in the Czech Republic that are leaders in certain global markets – such as in medical devices, electron microscopy and in the increasingly important field of cybersecurity, as well as in other areas.

Through the INKA project – mapping innovation capacities – implemented by TACR, we have thoroughly mapped the Czech innovations environment. Thus we know that there are a large number of companies in the Czech Republic of various sizes that have great innovation potential. On the other hand, there are a large number of companies here that are dependent on foreign owners and buyers whose innovative activities are limited to partial technological improvements. But according to the INKA investigation, even the subsidiaries of foreign companies are steadily improving their position within the range of the parent company’s activities. Many of these have significant science and research capacities.

Some have become the leading science and research centre for their entire group in their product or technology field. It is thus our objective to support companies that have the potential of developing their innovation activities here in the Czech Republic, and support them to move higher up the global value chains. The INKA project investigation also showed that the management of many Czech companies have limited or conservative aspirations in terms of growth in company size within a 5- to 10-year horizon. In co-operating with TACR and “our” agencies, CzechInvest and CzechTrade, we are also helping companies to develop their innovative activities and succeed on the global markets.

You’ve gained professional experience both in your start-up and in the civil service, and you’ve worked for large corporations and in cutting-edge science.

In the Czech Republic, these sectors are less connected than elsewhere, with almost insurmountable chasms in between. What can be done so that people in the different sectors understand each other more and begin to co-operate?

There are many positive exceptions, but it is true that I’m sometimes surprised by how much energy is sometimes spent deepening those chasms between different sectors. Personally, over practically the whole of my professional career, I have tried to expend my energy on building bridges rather than deepening chasms. I considered this one of my primary missions at the Technology Agency, and also here at the Ministry of Industry and Trade. I see the TACR’s role in helping to bring together the civil service, the academic sphere and the business sector in the field of research. I think one of our successes was when we managed to link applied research support to support from CzechInvest, which is now focusing on providing support for developing investments with added value, concentrating more than before on small and medium-sized companies and start-ups.

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And also the support of CzechTrade, who have helped ensure that the resulting products with added value can succeed in foreign markets.

We have also created the platform called Tým Česko in co-operation with the state financial institutions EGAP, ČEB and ČMZRB, which companies can now use to acquire more effective and connected support for their activities, from research, innovations and investment development to success in global markets. Every CzechInvest branch, for example, will help with all this.

What prejudices or misunderstandings have you most commonly encountered that you can now disprove? Conversely, what do people in different sectors not know about each other that they should?

Personally, I believe that the situation is getting a lot better, and communication and cooperation between academia and companies is now much better than it was a few years ago.

However, there is sometimes still diffidence in co-operation for various reasons. It is true that both sides need to understand each other’s peculiarities. Research organisations usually have a number of research strategies, and one cannot expect them to investigate a specific application for a particular firm within a month or two, as sometimes is expected of them. On the other hand, it sometimes happens that even a quality project of a research organisation, with an exciting outcome, ends up gathering dust only because they were unable to establish co-operation with relevant companies. Cooperation is most beneficial when both parties have been working together for many years.

They trust each other and know what the other party’s expectations and needs are. Technology transfer centres at universities or regional innovation centres can assist in establishing new co-operation links.

Personally, I draw great inspiration from the Israeli model, which goes even further in this regard, with the vast majority of universities having their own commercialisation institutions there.

These de facto subsidiary companies take care of intellectual property management, finding investors and commercialisation support, and are also engaged in setting up innovative spinoff companies in which, for example, they may hold shares. These usually operate more flexibly than the universities themselves, leading to more flexible work with investors. And this isn’t found only within technical universities, but also in social science fields. And basic research as well – an example here is the highly respected Weizmann Institute of Science and its subsidiary commercialisation institution, Yeda R&D, Co. Ltd. There are also scientific institutes in the Czech Republic that are taking the same path. One example is the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS and its company IOCBTech, and now also the i&i biotechnology hub. And last year, Charles University was the first university to choose to set up a wholly owned subsidiary

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entitled Charles University Innovations Prague (CUIP), whose mission is to be a bridge between scientific teams and commercial entities. I think this is the right way to go, and a direction we will be happy to support further.

Your portfolio also includes Industry 4.0, something we can find inspiration for in Germany. How are things progressing in fields like vocational education, digitisation (not just of the civil service) and focusing on creating posts with higher added value? Israel is currently looking at this area. Have we already got any examples of best practice?

We are the most industrial country in the EU, which is why it is good that we have managed to adopt the trend of digital transformation of industry in time, and our national Industry 4.0 initiative has been operating for a number of years now. This isn’t just on paper either – some specific activities that have been implemented include, for example, support for applied research in the Industry 4.0 field at TACR, and the Technology 4.0 programme focused on small and medium-sized businesses at the MIT. The MIT has now set up a new programme supporting applied research called TRENDS, in which Industry 4.0 is one of its main priorities, but it will also be focused on other new key trends, including for example artificial intelligence.

And a new feature will be a greater focus on small companies that want to co-operate with research organisations for the first time.

We have certainly implemented good practice in beginning to deal not just with the impacts of the digital transformation on industry, but also more generally on the economy, labour market, education system, legislation, etc., fairly early. First of all, the Society 4.0 initiative was set up, and last year we produced the truly comprehensive document, “Digital Czechia”,

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with the government delegate for digitisation.

This includes 800 projects (many of which are already up and running) in the fields of civil service digitisation, economics, society, research support, cyber-security and many others. Areas relating to digitisation of the economy and society are co-ordinated by the MIT, naturally with broad co-operation from many partners in the business, academic and government sectors. Our new national strategy for artificial intelligence will soon be building on this concept, and this will include a comprehensive set of measures directing support so that the Czech Republic can play an important role in the new phase of the digital transformation of the economy and society, which will be heavily influenced by the arrival of artificial intelligence in many different fields.

In regard to innovation, there are essentially three proven models: the American, Scandinavian and Israeli models. Close relations with Israel and the appointment of the leading Israeli scientist Orna Berry to the government’s Council for Science, Research and Innovation advisory body, make it clear which country the Czech Republic is primarily seeking inspiration from. Following the successful mission last year by President Zeman and many other cabinet members including Minister Nováková to Israel, what is being planned within the framework of closer Czech-Israeli co-operation?

Although not everything is automatically transferable, Israel is certainly an inspiration for us in many regards. Israel’s innovation ecosystem is truly unique. The start-up economic miracle which began in the 1990s and continues to this day is still of great note. This is why a number of measures in the CR 2030 Innovation Strategy within the start-up support field in particular

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

are inspired by Israel. This includes a system of support for business incubators connected to a unique state-supported investment model, which is a great inspiration to us. In discussions with colleagues from Israel, we almost always agree that the greatest difference between the Czech and Israeli environment is in our mindsets. While for Israelis going into new ventures, dynamism, self-presentation, vigour and a willingness to continue even after failure is common, in the Czech Republic we tend to prefer more settled occupations, with setting up one’s own company not a common career strategy. We only undertake moderate risks, and initial failure is often considered a stigma by others. Examples of good practice from other countries can certainly help to change this situation, and that’s why we want, for example, to continue co-operating on technology missions to Israel and organising Czech-Israeli innovation events here in the Czech Republic, as well as many more activities.

Talking of innovations and change, how are you personally getting on in a world where change is the only constant?

The dynamic of change really is high, but I must say that for me personally, it is quite an exciting time. I’ve always been a fan and advocate of new technologies, so I’m glad to be so close to these developments now. On the other hand, I feel great responsibility for ensuring we are well-prepared for the changes that are coming and that will undoubtedly have an impact not just on our economy, but also on the whole of society. My motto is: Those with small goals remain small. Let’s be self-reflective, but let’s also be ambitious and not give up after our first failure!

Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

S ustainable D evelopment A former director of Greenpeace International, Jonathan Wootliff lives in Prague and works throughout the world as a sustainability consultant to business. He is Chair of the Board of Experts of the Czech Business Council for Sustainable Development. He has consulted many large corporations including BP, Colgate-Palmolive, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble and Whirlpool, and provided counsel to companies on the development of sustainability strategies that benefit the environment, society and business. Among his many activities, he helps companies to resolve disputes, forge productive relationships with non-governmental organizations, and build long-term sustainability strategies.

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.

COULD BREXIT COMPROMISE EU ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES? UK CATASTROPHE MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO BECOME CONTAGIOUS Over the past half century, European Union environmental policy has made huge strides, ensuring the establishment and implementation of beneficial strategies throughout the bloc.

Today, the EU’s comprehensive Sustainable Development Strategy provides an overarching long-term framework, aiming at synergies between economic, social and environmental goals. With its expansion, the Union has undoubtedly become a global environmental leader resulting in its member states becoming healthier places to live.

European environmental protection legislation works when it is fully implemented and enforced, thanks to legislation developed by the EU. Without such polices, our environment would look and feel quite different. Lead would still be being pumped into the air from much of our cars; chlorofluorocarbons would have further depleted the ozone layer; and nitrogen oxide emissions from road transport would be 10 times higher.

The absence of these progressive EU measures would mean that life in our rivers, lakes and estuaries would still be choked by effluent, not to mention the unsavoury prospect of bathing in coastal waters polluted by sewage; and increasing swathes of land would be eaten up by expanding landfills for waste, with incinerators emitting toxic fumes.

While we celebrate the arrival of spring, the British seem to have no respite from the long Brexit winter which their leaders past and present have subjected them. What appears like a never-ending story is beginning to corrosive consequences on so many aspects of British life.

We must all hope and pray that Britain’s divorce from Europe doesn’t have too many adverse impacts for the rest of us, especially on our environment.

With the forces of nature blind to national borders, there are growing concerns that the UK’s departure from the EU could compromise its environmental standards which could in turn have consequences for us all.

As a Briton who has lived in Prague for over 12 years, I worry deeply about what will happen after Brexit.

I am concerned about the possible contagious effects that my country’s ill advised decision might have, not least of which on our delicate environment.

And, as a hitherto key driver of many positive environmental measures within the EU, could Britain’s departure compromise environmental policies among the remaining 27 countries within the bloc?

Could the likes of the Babiš government find a way to use absence of the UK’s voice in Brussels as an excuse for weakening its sustainability commitments?

The dissatisfied Brits have delivered a body blow to the West, and to the ideals of international cooperation, liberal order and open societies to which the country has in the past contributed so much. We cannot and must not allow this dreadful act to harm the rest of Europe.

Despite it being over three years since the country decided to leave the bloc, British politicians appear to be running around in ever-decreasing circles, still desperately trying to work out a viable exit strategy.

Even the most dedicated of political observers are growing tired of these shenanigans.

But while the debate rages on, there appears to be a distinct lack of discussion about the many negative impacts that the demise of one of its biggest members will have on the other members of the European ‘club’.

Following the surprise outcome of the British referendum, France’s infamous far rightist, Marine Le Pen said that UK’s vote to leave the EU, was the equivalent of the Berlin Wall falling in 1989. She was right.

Brexit is a momentous event in the history of Europe and from now on I fear that the narrative will be one of disintegration not integration.

Thankfully the 27 remaining countries have succeeded in remaining united. As Britain sails off on its journey towards some kind of glorious isolation, member states must surely work together to make sure the ominous aspirations of Marine Le Pen, Viktor Orbán and other populists fail.

After decades in which sustainability issues have moved from the fringes of political life into the mainstream, recent events suggest that the environment has slipped down the political agenda, particularly as a consequence of so-called ‘populism’.

In the United Kingdom, the Climate Change Act, for example, passed in 2008, created an impressive, legally enforceable target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 – the most ambitious target in the world.

Throughout three years during which Britain has been consumed with the Brexit debate, there has been barely a mention of any such issues and the consequences that Britain’s departure from the European Union might have on the environment.

Worryingly, many leading "Brexiteers" have expressed scepticism about some of environmentalism’s "sacred cows" many of which have been pioneered by the European Union, while US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate change agreement represents a devastating blow for the future of our planet.

Brexit is certainly ringing alarm bells among the environmental community. For nearly half a century, much of UK environment regulation has been decided at EU level. Britain may be leaving the EU, but it’s impact won’t be confined within its coastline.

There is now a target across the EU to recycle 50 per cent of household waste, which has driven evergreater efforts to improve recycling rates across the country. The EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directive sets a series of targets to limit dangerous pollutants like nitrogen dioxide. The EU Renewable Energy Directive requires the UK to produce 15 per cent of its energy from renewable sources – not just electricity, but all energy, including that used in heating and transport – by 2020.

As a consequence, coal use is at its lowest level since the Industrial Revolution. Britain’s beaches have been cleared up considerably since the Bathing Water Directive came into force in 1976, and EU legislation has driven major improvements in sewage and drinking water treatment.

The fear is that outside of the EU, Britain’s environmental standards might slip, thereby potentially having an adverse effect on the continent of Europe and beyond.

Some politicians have criticised EU regulations and directives as unnecessarily burdensome, suggesting that there is a desire to get rid of them or water them down. Critics have noted that even with EU rules in place, UK politicians have failed on targets for air quality, for example, and worry that without EU pressure, there would be even less incentive to raise standards.

Brexit has raised countless questions, principally about such issues as trade and migration. But what about the environment and the consequences of its neighbours?

Can UK politicians be trusted to protect the environment after Brexit? Do critics of EU regulation have a point when they argue that such rules are often excessive? Would environmental laws have greater legitimacy and support if passed by elected politicians rather than by EU institutions?

None of these questions are satisfactorily addressed in the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

Britain may well be on a terminal decline because of Brexit. But Brussels must now use all its strength to ensure that what marks a terrible tragedy for my country of birth does not hurt the remaining members of the EU. For more than 1,500 years, the nations of Europe had regularly made war on one another – the French vs. the British, the Germans vs. the French, the Austrians vs. the French, the Russians vs. the Germans, and so on. 1,500 years of hatred and endless fighting.

But in the ruins of 1945, the nations of Europe, with great courage, said “never again” and meant it. From this, by an act of willpower, they forged an alliance which ultimately was joined by almost every European nation to become the EU. Now, some 70 years later, most with memories of those horrors is dead, and shock and disgust that propelled them to find a new way to live is but a fading memory. The EU is far from perfect, but it was infinitely preferable to its war-torn history that had preceded it. But now, Britain, in a singular moment of fear, driven by lies inspired by such scenes of Syrian refugees escaping the ravages of their civil war, has opted to walk away from that unique monument to a new world. That in itself is a tragedy.

Despite of Britain’s selfish abandonment of the EU, the Czech Republic and its fellow member states must resolve to continue its work to protect and promote a sustainable environment for the future wellbeing of our wonderful continent.

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By Jonathan Wootliff

CROSSCULTURAL MANAGEMENT

P hoto :

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As a cross-cultural consultant and trainer Eva supports international companies in Europe, Asia and USA to establish an effective intercultural communication and cooperation at all management levels, on production sites and in multicultural teams.

Eva encourages leaders to introduce their global visions and strategies, team leaders to implement cross-cultural projects and build new corporate culture.

Based on her experience, she shares case studies and recommendations to inspire managers in their cross-cultural development. Only those who understand how culture shapes our business perceptions and behaviours can be successful on global markets!

Are businessmen from Central Europe afraid to cooperate with their Chinese business colleagues?

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CROSSCULTURAL MANAGEMENT “They say “yes” but don’t keep the agreement.” or “When we meet, we do not discuss business.”These and many other sentences I can hear very often when my clients talk about their Chinese business colleagues. They realize that Chinese companies and their representatives are important business partners. Only some, however, invest their time into cross-cultural training.

Let’s have a look at the key areas which have a decisive impact on cross-cultural cooperation with Chinese business colleagues and partners.

To build or not to build relationships? The countries of Central Europe belong among the cultures which need relationships to cooperate with their colleagues, friends and business partners. They start with small talk to build a bridge and open a gate to business negotiations and cooperation.

However, they do not expect a long discussion or require several meetings. After a few sentences they get down to business and relationships are being developed as business is conducted or a task is going to be accomplished.

When we compare Central European countries with China, we could see that dimension of relationships building has a distinctly different meaning.

An essential important factor in making a good impression with Chinese nationals is to build relationships and cultivate networks carefully (in Chinese: “guanxi”). Building a friendship has to come before business is done - trust and mutual respect are essential - and this complex and intricate networking system governs all business deals. Some may complain that this takes too much time, but we must understand that it contributes directly to business success. We can equate it to collecting poker chips… the more we collect by accepting hospitality, attending banquets and drinking sessions, offering and receiving small gifts, exchanging favours… the more we have in our hand to “play” with when the need arises.

Honour is probably the most important part of the Chinese psyche, roughly translated in Chinese as “mianzi”. Saving, giving and receiving face is critical to the Chinese culture, the importance of which tends to be lost on typical Western cultures (though you will find something similar in Arabic cultures).

It’s the social perception of a person’s prestige and honour – and the critical importance of nurturing that for business success. Causing someone to lose face will result in a loss of trust in the relationship.

Having face means maintaining high status in the eyes of one’s peers and is a mark of personal dignity. Face must be gained and maintained in all aspects of both social and business life and it can be given, lost, taken away or earned. Causing someone to lose face by insulting them, belittling them, or even simply directly pointing out an error is considered to be a very serious gaffe.

The cultures of Central Europe are also described as indirect and non-confrontational when they deliver feedback or feel that there is some conflict in a team. They do not openly approach a problem but their behaviour, seeming indifference and

avoidance signal that something is wrong. They do not have any special word to describe it but they expect direct cultures “not to be rude” and to avoid open criticism. However, when they are on the stage with their Chinese colleagues, they are lost.

Their own filters do not work and are not sure how to conduct a professional discussion, agree on the terms of delivery or provide feedback. It seems to them that their Chinese colleagues don’t listen or react to their words.

In China, one must respect social, professional, and political hierarchy at all times. This is a Confucius concept dating back thousands of years, so it’s certainly not up to other cultures to try and change it, whether we agree with it or not. In Chinese companies, decisions are made from the top and you may find information-sharing is frustratingly limited based on rank and status. Respect for hierarchy takes precedence over the business interests, because once you lose the trust your professional relationship may never recover.

Where could be traced the origin of hierarchy in Central European cultures? People are sometimes surprised to learn that their current private and business behaviour also goes back several hundreds of years. The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary were a part of Austrian Hungarian monarchy where noble titles and status determined behaviour and rights of people.

Therefore, they respect the status of their boss, use university degrees on their business cards and do not overcome the frontiers of their competencies.

However, when they face Chinese hierarchy, they comment it as “too much”.

As a rule, Chinese nationals prefer not to communicate directly, but rather tend to politely infer and allow others to make the same inferences, which eventually brings everyone to a common understanding. Aside from being quite modest the Chinese tend to avoid conflict and confrontation, since harmony in their culture is precious and essential. Praise is always more constructive than criticism, so we must be tactful with words we chose, especially when delivering what we perceive to be “constructive criticism”.

“This report is crap” can often be perceived as “you are crap” – clearly not the way to go to make friends and influence people. You will find that a typical Chinese national may hedge the answers to questions if they know the listener won’t like the answer. Frankness is generally not appreciated by the Chinese and direct questioning is seen as rude.

Politeness is more important than frankness, so they typically won’t say “no” directly – even when they, in fact, clearly mean “no”. Negative answers are to be avoided, as they can cause loss of face – the importance of which we’ve explored above.

Germans and Dutch businessmen as representatives of direct cultures often struggle with an indirect communication style of their colleagues from Central Europe. The Czechs, Slovaks and Hungarians are quite direct when they discuss business procedures and projects.

However, when there is time for feedback or an open clarification of disagreement, they switch

their communication style to an indirect one and prefer to use statements “ I’m not sure.” or “Maybe.”

When roles change and they should negotiate or cooperate with their Chinese partners, they are suddenly “those” who are rude and impolite. Their feedback is direct, they deliver an open criticism and are impatient discussing alternatives.

While Western thought tends to be dominated by linear logic (for example, A+B=C), Chinese thinking allows for much more flexibility. The Chinese may start with A, jump to F, spend some time with B, have cocktails with K, and then eventually bring it on home to C. Chinese thinking is influenced by early philosophers, who saw a paradoxical balance of opposites in all things. While Westerners tend to look for clear, black and white alternatives (Option 1 instead of option 2), the Chinese may examine ways to combine both options in the interest of maintaining harmony and nurturing trust and good will. This is evidenced in so many examples in both professional and personal life. Signing a contract with a Chinese partner doesn’t necessarily mean negotiations are over; with changing circumstances, your partner may wish to alter the signed agreement, and this is seen as a perfectly acceptable and wise state of evolving affairs.

Flexibility is valued in Central Europe. However, it should be connected with the agenda, deadlines and contracts. Being in touch with Austrians and Germans for several centuries, Czechs, Slovaks and Hungarians belong among linear and monochronic cultures. Once they agree on some deadline or contract conditions, they expect everybody to follow it strictly. They spend a lot of time on precise wordings and usually check the exact meaning of words used in agreements and contracts.

Every game has rules which we should know to be able to play it. The same is true for cultures. To understand and cooperate with our colleagues we should know their values and norms of behaviour.

Once we know them, we can start to play. We should, however, be open-minded and rethink our strategy after each step. The purpose of a cultural game is not to win but to have fun, be happy, creative and move forward common projects and tasks.

Helen Bannigan owns a global communications company that specializes in providing marketing and PR services for sustainable businesses around the world. She guides executives on establishing credibility and visibility in multi-cultural environments, including the US, Europe and Asia, giving workshops and talks in English, Italian and French. You can reach her at helen@bannigan.com or www.bannigan.com.

Eva Gaborikova is an intercultural consultant and certified ICF leadership coach supporting leaders and multicultural teams all over the world. She supports international companies in Central Europe and their HR managers to build talent development trainings. You can reach her at: egaborikova@gmail.com or www. evagaborikova.eu.

By Dr. Eva Gaborikova, M.A., PhD. and Helen Bannigan

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I nterview

with

E dita R andová ,

world - renowned mezzo - soprano

Edita Randová is a Czech mezzosoprano. She has held concerts on every continent, taken part in major music festivals and performed at the famous Carnegie Hall. She has represented the Czech Republic and its music through tours in Australia, China and Brazil, always under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has a passion for foreign policy, and last year she completed her Master’s degree in International Relations. Her mission is to introduce classical music to young people. To this end, she founded the international music festival Tóny nad městy, for which she is Artistic Director. Some of her most significant recordings include a CD with Antonín Dvořák songs. In spring, she is releasing a new CD focused on Dvořák’s early songs, which are not well known amongst the general public. She currently performs concerts most often in Italy. Edita Randová speaks English, French and Italian. She is planning to undertake doctoral studies in Art Management at the University of Economics, Prague. She has succeeded in her career and in motherhood and is the proud parent of a 26-year-old son.

Although she is a star, she does not conform to a corresponding attitude.

We agreed on our interview directly.

She visited me at home and, despite people saying milk in coffee gives you phlegm, she took a small espresso with a drop of milk. She indulges the occasional vice, but is also often hungry. After meeting Edita, I realised how much art involves living under orders. Everything that a career can mean and also that being the best in a tough business environment often isn´t enough.

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P hoto : A rchive

I nterview We’re holding this interview in a private room in my home. I know you’ve got a concert in Italy, so I didn’t want to meet in a café when there is a flu epidemic going on. Do you worry about your health and your vocal cords?

I won’t let things affect me; I believe it all begins with the right mindset. I try to eat healthily, with coffee my only vice. I think that focusing on whether I have a head- or neck-ache, or keeping up to date on flu outbreaks is more likely to cause what I’m worrying about to occur.

I do note such reports, but I tell myself they’re not going to affect me. I’m very focused on spiritual development, and thus it is my belief it all begins in your mind.

I entirely agree. In my profession as a coach, I perceive an open and positive mindset as fundamental for successful functioning and further growth. After a break of over twenty years since you last studied, you completed a Master’s degree in International Relations last year.

I had the opportunity to try out coaching at one specialist conference where, from being a visitor, I filled in for one of the experts who had suddenly fallen ill. Since that time, conference organisers have contacted me a number of times. I’m used to an audience, I don’t mind impromptu speaking and I think I can share my experiences in life. Many of my peers were surprised that I was returning to studying, stating that they no longer had the “head or age” for it. Many of my peers complain they can’t learn a foreign language. When one explicitly repeats this claim, then one creates one’s own block. I’ve noticed that people use excuses such as age and fitness in order to cover up their own laziness and idleness.

Why did you choose international relations alongside your music?

I enjoy travel, and do it a lot. With tongue in cheek, I say that as some people take the train or bus in the morning, so I take the plane.

I enjoy representing the Czech Republic in faraway destinations such as China, Brazil and Australia. It was in China, during a performance at Beijing University celebrating the Czech Republic’s national day that I was asked to say a few words about the culture of the Czech Republic. I began talking not just about music, but also about important historical buildings and the overall importance of culture. The ambassador appreciated my performance and observed that I would work well in diplomacy.

I realised that I really enjoyed diplomacy. So I studied for my master’s. But this isn’t the end of my studies. From September I’m going to study for a Doctoral degree in Art Management at the University of Economics, Prague. Thus, two decades later, I am fulfilling the wishes of my parents, who wanted me to study at the University of Economics. My parents were not convinced that I could make a living exclusively from singing, which I had been drawn to since pre-school age. So I studied post and telecommunications economics at economic secondary school with

with

E dita R andová ,

the idea of working as a post office manager.

I never made it to the post office, becoming an air traffic officer, and then I worked in music.

I think that events happen to us in certain cycles.

My return to study at the University of Economics was thus the natural completion of my original focus. I am leaving diplomacy as a possible career for the time when my voice is no longer suitable for top concert performances.

Pace and rhythm are very important in music. It seems that the right things come to you at the right moment.

My motto is not to push your luck. It has been meeting particular people which has directed my focus. On the other hand, I have always been open to new opportunities. I studied hard; I haven’t cut myself any slack. Now I’m studying for entrance exams. Besides sheet music, I always carry specialist economics textbooks with me. I don’t take any account of my age, and it’s doing me well. I trust that new opportunities will come again. Besides experience of foreign policy, I also have experience of domestic politics; I was on the list of parliamentary candidates for the KDU-ČSL party. And because I believe that dreams shouldn’t just be wished for, but also expressed, I would one day like to represent the Czech Republic as Ambassador in a country I know well, whose language, music and culture I have studied; that is to say, in Italy.

In a way, you already are an ambassador.

You set up the Tóny nad městy festival, whose mission is to introduce classical music to young people.

Often young people come up to me after a concert having been moved by the incredible experience. They tell me that this is the first concert they have been to. After the experience, they want to go again to a concert. Many young people initially choose an overly complex composer, and this discourages them from music. Leoš Janáček simply isn’t for novices. But everyone will enjoy Bedřich Smetana’s Evening Songs, or the songs of Antonín Dvořák. In terms of operas, I recommend experiencing Bedřich Smetana’s The Bartered Bride. We can all grasp a happy story, in some ways a love story in a Czech village context. At my concerts, you’ll hear both lighter and more demanding repertoire for a young audience. For schoolage children, various types of concerts are organised, but there are no such opportunities for adolescents or young adults. I’d like young people to go for dates to the National Theatre and State Opera as well. There are still a lot of preconceptions about classical music and concerts. Many people still don’t know how to dress for classical music concerts. I am surprised by how many people from Prague have not been to a concert at the Rudolfinum. They would rather form their own assumptions than come and try it out. We’re back at mindset.

You’re used to pushing yourself hard. What is really behind your success?

I’m sorry that lots of people are envious of me.

Looking at my career, they see only travelling,

world - renowned mezzo - soprano

my outfits, hair styling and stage performances.

I continue to study Italian, opera singing and English. For a long time, I learnt to play the piano.

I sing every day, but I am not an instrument player who can practice for hours on end. It is important to overcome laziness. I don’t go to the gym, but I regularly use an exercise bike. I always have to keep myself in check, and I restrict my diet. I avoid alcohol, something which isn’t easy to do within Czech culture. Everyone asks me whether there’s something wrong with me.

They can´t imagine deciding to make a radical change overnight.

You’ve said that Czech music isn’t particularly well known abroad. Why is that?

If you sing in Czech, the audience doesn’t understand. I often perform in Italy and I sing in Italian because the audience like it when they understand. At chamber recitals where I include Czech songs, I’ve learnt always to explain to the audience what I’m going to be singing about.

This increases understanding, the songs are perceived differently and they gradually grow in popularity. Dvořák is well known in the USA, but in Italy it was very difficult to get him into my repertoire. Because I studied in Italy, there is no language barrier. Italians often think of me as Italian due to my appearance. I like going there often, but the economic situation there at the moment is unfortunate. Young people leave to go abroad because they can’t find work.

Corruption is pervasive in Italy. I regret how little we Czechs appreciate how beautiful, clean and safe Prague is. I live near Charles Square, and I feel safe. I walk through the park alone in the evening. I’m proud to be Czech. We have low unemployment and stability. So why are we always complaining?

Have you got any more unfulfilled dreams?

I’ve already said I would like to be the Ambassador to Italy. I believe that what I send out into the ether will return to me. In terms of singing ambitions, I’m too experienced to believe it’s only about aptitude and talent.

Working for the best opera houses is also a matter of tough business and political contacts.

Take a look at the over-representation of Russian singers, such as in La Scala. Not even classical music has managed to avoid the influence of lobbyists, connections and sponsors. Few people realise that opera and classical music are businesses. Issuing a CD isn’t just about whether you’re the best in your category; it’s important to choose a repertoire which attracts attention.

Then it’s important to find a sponsor or patron to issue your CD. The costs for arranging a director, studio, cutting, mixing, etc. can’t be funded from sales. That’s why I’m really pleased to have succeeded, and in spring I’m going to be launching my new CD of early Dvořák songs.

I’ll be happy if Czech and Slovak Leaders readers can be there for it.

Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznetev elektronické verzi magazínuna www.czechleaders.com

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I nterview

with

D r . M onika K oubová , L ifestyle M edicine P hysician

MUDr. Monika Koubová

has spent over twenty years working in internal medicine in a hospital, as emergency physician in the pre-hospital acute care and in the emergency ward, saving patients. After many years managing life threatening health conditions she has come to learn that it is important not just to treat disease, but especially to prevent it. As such, she was the first board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician in the Czech Republic. Did you know that up to 70% of chronic diseases that heavily impact health care budgets can be stopped, reversed or even cured? Although we met up during the week, our interview took place over a home-cooked lunch.

We discussed epigenetics findings, superfoods, silent killers and, in particular, how small changes in our habits can bring large results. There were also lighter-hearted moments during our serious discussions.

MUDr. Monika Koubová can explain even complex scientific principles in an understandable and humorous manner.

TAKE of your CONTROL own health Monika, you tell your patients that you can’t guarantee beauty or slimness. The traditional viewpoint of “lifestyle medicine” is that it deals with lifestyle diseases and their prevention.

The medical approach in lifestyle medicine is not about slimming, as one might assume here in the Czech Republic according to the various advisory studies that have been proliferating. In Australia, America and Great Britain, this term signifies a modern medical science based on long term research, which has led to an approach to chronic diseases of the modern era being stopped or cured.

The huge range of what at first sight seem to be unrelated diseases has one common denominator: the modern era and our habits, or rather bad habits, which result in pathophysiological changes within our organism. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, heart attacks, autoimmune diseases and renal failure, which, for

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example, affect 10% of the population, without half of those affected being aware of it. 920 000 citizens of the Czech Republic suffer from diabetes, and it is estimated that by 2030 the number of type 2 diabetics will grow to 1 200 000. And those suffering congenital type 1 diabetes comprise just about 3 % of patients with diabetes.

You say that we rely too much on our own family histories. When I was in hospital in January, it seemed almost absurd to me, at 42 years old, that they were asking me about illnesses suffered by my parents and grandparents. I realised that it was I who was responsible for my condition. I would add self-critically that I had not been particularly responsible.

The belief that we inherit diseases from our parents remains prevalent. We do not inherit most of the diseases; we create them. If your grandmother

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

P hoto : A rchive

died of a stroke, then that may have been the consequence of poorly treated high blood pressure, or many other related causes. Until the age of 40, our body is able to seemingly forgive a lot, but after that all our sins are summed up.

With added interest. Preventive medicine has been a subject of study in the West for over 30 years as a result of the rapid increase in lifestyle diseases in developed countries. The modern era changes our biorhythms, lifestyle regime and thus the functioning of our whole body. Thanks to modern medicine, we are able to extend life expectancy. We have great cardiac and cardiosurgical clinics, specialized stroke units, diabetes and oncology centres, transplant medicine and the development of new medicines is significant.

Behind an extended life expectancy, however, there is a rapid fall in vitality, and patients thus spend the last 10 to 20 years of their life dependent and reliant on the care of others. Even cancer

I nterview research has shown that only 5-10% of tumours are inherited. You can even investigate the specific genes responsible for a tumour. Other types of cancer arise through pathological mutations during cellular division.

So we come to epigenetics as a field of medicine with great potential.

Epigenetics demonstrates that we can affect the behaviour of up to 70% of our genes regardless of our particular genome. We ourselves can influence whether most of our genes work for us or against us.

I wouldn’t recommend going blind into genome screening without subsequent consultation with an expert who can recommend suitable adjustments to your lifestyle and diet. I compare epigenetics to a lock – it’s up to us whether we give a free pass to diseases and let them develop, or whether we stand up to the challenge of even poor genetic makeup and adjust our overall lifestyle. I don’t want to talk purely about alimentation. It can happen that we need to add some elements through vitamins, minerals, or even medicine in general. This incredibly complex field has had to set out its own path for itself outside the so-called mainstream of medicine, in which many studies are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Epigenetics studies on patients with prostate cancer have shown that a treatment programme incorporating just a minimum of the drugs necessary, but also stressing changes in diet, sleep and exercise, can suppress the activity of adverse genes while, in contrast, supporting the activity of beneficial genes. The outcome is a reduction in tumour growth. The same principles for influencing how our genes behave undoubtedly also apply in the effect on some other tumours.

Can this type of approach be used to improve overall fitness?

I tell patients who have had a heart attack that if they follow all the recommendations and take the necessary drugs, then no more arteries need become clogged up. One can also speak of diabetes without insulin. Patients with type 2 diabetes needn’t develop their disease into daily insulin administration. But if insulin is already vital, they can work towards achieving a half-dose.

Insulin, which is vital for some, unfortunately causes obesity and is also carcinogenic. Although the lifestyle regime measures I propose are more intensive, they bring results. Clinical studies have shown that through the right micronutrients one can reduce telomere shortening, leading to the slowing of the ageing process. All the procedures I use are the result of science-based clinical studies verified on specific patients. Although we have known some of the results for 30 years, the increase in lifestyle diseases demonstrates that we still haven’t learnt. A wider adoption of this medical approach will require not just much greater doctor training, but also a change in their rewarding. The current system is set up such that we are treating patients, not healthy people. I don’t want to always be treating my patients; I would rather restore them to health.

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D r . M onika K oubová , L ifestyle M edicine P hysician

Diet is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle. But dietary recommendations change so frequently that it is easy for the lay person to become confused.

There was a massive growth in the food industry during the 1970s, and food began to be produced industrially. Remember the film The Wing or the Thigh in which Louis de Funès fought against Tricatel? Industrially produced food, however, contain not enough of important micronutrients such as enzymes, vitamins and minerals which provide important nutrition to our bodies.

Food can contain up to 100 thousand various micronutrients. There are also a lot of trends that promote erroneous and unhealthy dietary recommendations. I’ve got a patient who followed a ketogenic diet for 13 years, meaning she ate lots of fats and proteins, and no carbohydrates. At 52 years of age, she is experiencing severe osteoporosis, and has suffered necrosis of the hip joint. Paradoxically, osteoporosis is most prevalent in countries that consume a lot of meat and dairy products. The motto of milk for healthy bones is obsolete. Dairy products are tasty, but they provide excessive fat and salt. We absorb twice as much calcium from dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and Savoy cabbage, while also getting twice as much of calcium and a lot of protein from them. Another widespread myth is the advice to consume a lot of protein. We do need protein, but a specific quantity should be recommended on the basis of age and physical activity. Growing children, people over 65 and active athletes need larger amounts of protein than the rest of the population. In contrast to fats and sugars, the body is unable to store protein except of in our muscles. However to achieve that, our muscles must exercise. As such, it is better to consume protein in smaller amounts over the course of the day rather than all at once. And almost all of us suffer from a lack of fibre in our diet.

Fibre is not just important for gut function, but it is also a food for the so-called microbiome. Up to two kilograms of our body weight comprises bacteria, bacterial films and the bacterial community in our gut. This collection is sometimes called our second brain, and only in recent years have researchers focused on its functions and importance. Again, if we take lactobacilli without the necessary fibre, then the lactobacilli won’t stay in our gut anyway, something the television commercials don’t stress.

Instead of lactobacilli tablets, you can also eat sauerkraut or kimchi.

You’ve invited me to a home-made lunch.

Your favourite motto is: Have all the colours of the rainbow on your plate and you don’t need to count the calories.

I’ve cooked home-made pheasant from South Bohemia. My 81-year-old father, a walking advertisement for lifestyle medicine, hunted and gutted it. He is still active, runs a medical practice once a week, teaches at university and is also an active hunter. The portion of meat is a lot smaller than that served in restaurants; about 0.8 grams of proteins per kilo weight per day is enough. And protein isn’t just in meat. We’ve got a beetroot, celery, rocket and chard salad as a side. I’ve gone

for groats instead of rice, which contains protein, and surprisingly also fat, as well as slow-release carbohydrates. I follow the recommendations I give my patients. I hate diets and I’m not going to be counting calories. I give my clients a graph in which I draw a thick line. If you eat the recommended foods, you’re not going to feel hungry, you’re going to have enough nutrients, and it won’t be so hard to maintain the regime. Other foods won’t spoil the diet, but I only recommend a very small amount.

And don’t ignore the folk wisdom that hunger is hidden thirst. I recommend drinking at least a quarter litre of water a quarter of an hour before a meal. During the day and overnight, we perspire about ¾ litre of water, so it is important to drink properly in the morning. You can also begin every meal with a salad like Italian, Swiss and other of the healthiest nations do.

What happens in the initial examination and subsequent treatment?

I begin with a comprehensive initial examination, and on the basis of the problem or risks I determine what laboratory tests need to be done. I focus on examinations, which provide information of early signs of diseases. One of the tests is patented by Harvard Medical School for example.

As it is comprehensive, this initial examination doesn’t take 10 minutes, but rather an hour. It is important to eliminate medical conditions which are not related to wide range of lifestyle diseases (e.g. thyroid disease). On the basis of the results, I propose suitable measures, whether they be medicines, or dietary or other changes. The number one killer now is no longer cigarettes, but rather a lack of exercise. Another silent killer is a lack of sleep. The first results following a change in overall regime come in 14 days, which is motivating for the patient. This is followed by further gradual changes. You can’t make too many dramatic changes at once, as they won’t be sustainable in the long run. Patients who come to me take control over their own health. I provide this programme to both individuals and companies. It has been shown in the USA, Canada and Australia that companies which invest in health improvement programmes (not to be confused with preventive examinations) don’t just have healthier employees, but also more motivated, more loyal and more satisfied employees. Corporate programmes, and also team workshops, take place on the basis of group consultations. The programme can reveal individuals’ premature diseases, while also fostering a positive relationship to health and fitness in the company in general. Employees learn which habits they need to change for better long lasting health, their diet and spend quality time together and learn about new findings in the nutrition and food supplements field. And, of course, I work on the basis of evidence-based procedures, with the programme beginning and ending with laboratory tests.

By Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

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I nterview

with

O liver S teindler , C hina S pecialist

at

Ĺ KODA AUTO

P hoto : A rchive

We Should Not Fear China

Oliver Steindler spent last nine years studying, living and working in Asia. He returned to the Czech Republic in September 2017 to start working as China Region Marketing and Product Launch Specialist for Ĺ KODA AUTO. His Asian journey originally started by two-year high school stay in Thailand. Oliver further pursued his studies in China, where he obtained a BA in International Business Studies from Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing and MA in International Relations from Peking University, ranked as the second best university in China and top 30 in the world.

Oliver also spent six months at the prestigious Waseda University in Tokyo, accompanied by internship at the Czech Center in Tokyo. After his studies, he worked for China Television Service as Head of Distribution, providing content to Television networks reaching over 60 million viewers not only across Asia, but also in the rest of the world.

When Oliver is not busy reading and writing about Asia, he loves to spend time traveling, lecturing about Asia and practicing Mandarin Chinese.

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

I nterview You have returned to the Czech Republic after nine years spent in Asia. I know that many expats and diplomats are prepared prior to their posting but no one prepares them for their re-integration when coming back, which might be challenging as well.

I must admit that I had a fear coming back.

During last nine years, I have established many friendships, business relationships and also lifestyle in Asia region. I got used to seeing my friends and family only during vacations. The major culture shock for me came in the form of Czechs’ people mindset with regards to China.

They all fear China, being scared that Chinese dragon will eventually swallow Europe. China is perceived as an evil, communist country and such notion is passed from one generation to another. However, time has changed and so the nature of the regime. The regime is officially called “Socialism with Chinese characteristics” which in reality reminds of “tough capitalism”.

Big multinational corporations, such as Alibaba, Tencent or Baidu are not only considered industry leaders, but they also provide jobs to tens of thousands of people. China also has the largest network of fast railways. Imagine, just in only five hours, you can get from Beijing to Shanghai, the total distance of 1 300 kilometers, travelling more than 300 kilometers per hour.

China is becoming a global technology leader in many areas. When someone mentions that we should learn from China in the Czech Republic, no one takes it seriously, there is a lot of prejudice and even panic. Well, looking at the Czech transport infrastructure, particularly highway D1 or Pendolino, China could be a great inspiration. Digitalization within banking systems represent another area that can serve as a model. In big cities, hardly anyone uses banknotes. All payments are done via app and QR codes. Not only at big stores, but also at small laundry services or vegetable stalls on the streets. I travel to China every three months and each time I am amazed at the progress made as these technologies make life simpler. I am aware of the personal data protection and GDPR rules within the EU, as the debate whether to stress more security vs. allow more comfort for the exchange of data, will continue. I also find fascinating that both Chinese and foreigners are willing to discuss the development and share the information. The environment is truly inspiring, the labor market pressure is enormous, which drives people being more active, continue to improve and innovate. Compared to Asia, I perceive Europe as the “ageing” continent. Not only demographically, but also mentally wise.

Why not to bring and apply the models proven elsewhere? We tend to be more satisfied with status quo or we tend to judge and concentrate on negatives, instead of trying things differently.

I miss the open mindset which for me represents the key to innovation.

You suggest that people go and visit China and the region to see for themselves. You claim that China is the world that we can’t perceive through the glasses we put on

with

O liver S teindler , C hina S pecialist

and interpret it through the experiences we get. China needs time to be understood.

I also remember having fear leaving the Czech Republic, prior to arriving in Thailand. After six months, I developed love and hate relationship, as I met some people who were friendly as well as those who were not. The same relationship can apply to China. To me, China offered home for seven years, it offered education and friends. At the same time, I am aware of the negative aspects, particularly pollution and fast development. Big nations and states tend to be polarizing in general. Big and heavily populated countries can naturally cause a fear in small countries. I actually learned more about myself than about Chinese themselves.

As I learned the language, my information came first hand from Chinese people. While I was studying my BA in business, I started to study Chinese medicine and acupuncture. These studies exposed me further to 3000 years of Chinese culture through many concepts, such as yin and yang, which can be interpreted as change of day and night but also change of seasons or economic cycles. Yin and yang together with five elements theory also relates to the way we see the food, thus dietology. I started applying these concepts to my own life, particular to work-life balance. Thanks to acupuncture, I was able to get rid of my chronical sinusitis, which I have been suffering for more than a decade. I spent 10 days in Nepal, doing meditation in total silence called Vipassana. Living in China is a constant journey where naturally by experiencing the culture, you get hints and clues not to look outside but also inwards. Yoga, meditation, thinking about what you eat, all these activities enable you to change and adapt your mindset.

How did you manage to keep work-life balance, as Asians are generally known for working long-hours?

This is another frequent stereotype which is not precise. First, you cannot stereotype a country of 1.3 billion of people. Chinese cities are divided based on income. Tier one cities represent Beijing with 21 million people, Shanghai with 24 million people or Guangzhou 13 million people. People working there follow what can be described as the Western corporate life-style.

As we move to provinces, the income drops and the life-style relaxes. Not everyone works hard all the time. The difference grows much more significantly if you compare China to Japan. Chinese work style can be described as a bit flexible and unorganized, everything gets accomplished at the very last minute. Japanese people are more hierarchical, process is more predictable and rules are strictly followed. My first experience with yin and yang occurred during my high-school studies in Thailand.

Apart from sciences, we had to do arts, sports and social works. They took us to orphanage and as I was the vice-president of Rotaract, I soon became involved in fundraising. In the West, we often think that poor people are not happy. I could see people less fortunate

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ŠKODA AUTO

than we are, but they still managed to keep a positive attitude. They cherished more relations and were less craving for possession.

You studied in Thailand, in China and in Japan. What were the differences?

High school studies in China are very tough and competitive because of the final national exam which determines the acceptance to the university. Once students are accepted to a university, they become more relaxed.

Atmosphere during BA studies in China reminded me more of high-school scenario in Europe. I also was travelling a lot. I could see how China has influenced surrounding countries.

In Korea, you get to see many temples with Chinese inscriptions, as China was exporting its culture and heritage in history. With exception, China, as a landlock country, has never pursued an expansionary foreign policy in the long term. The Chinese concept of expansion is of a different nature. Tianxia (Chinese: 天下) that can be translated as “All under the heaven” recognized the Emperor as the center of the universe and once China united, there was no need to expand further. Look at the natural boundaries surrounding China: Siberia in the North, sea to the East, Gobi desert to the West and Himalayas to the south. The expansion therefore took the form of diplomatic and economic influence. Chinese are more traders than warriors. New silk road connecting Asia and Europe follows upon the old tradition.

You have often mentioned food, but not only because of its flavor but also a key to the culture.

In Europe, each of us has own plate with own food and the tables are usually square or rectangle shaped. Such behavior reflects our atomistic approach in terms of dissecting things, analyzing things, understanding a paradigm for one specific item only, not taking other things into consideration. In China, you have a big roundtable. You share all the dishes with others. The culture is more holistic. In Europe, we focus on contracts and we do not cultivate relationships. In China, you have to go for a lunch, for a dinner, you have to drink.

The point of getting a foreigner drunk is to get to know him better. Trust is the baseline. How can you do a business with someone you do not know? This is why much business is done with friends, relatives or based on peer to peer recommendation. Definitely, knowing the language helps you a great deal to get to know, develop trust and better understand your counterparts. This being said brings me to the beginning. People who are interested in the region should travel there and try to be exposed to the culture as much as possible, since “ We don’t see things as they are, but as we are”.

Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

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T he P ower

of

G ratitude

Life

James A. Cusumano, PhD Chairman Chateau Mcely s.r.o.

Prague, Czech Republic

Is Beautiful

Part XII: Live the Life You Want – Part II 1,2 - Will Power - Memory - Logic - Critique

- Beliefs - Emotions - Values - Intuition

“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” Robert Byrne

In the last article in this series3, I presented proven guidelines on how to “Live The Life You Want”. In this one, I share with you a means to accomplish this while simultaneously helping to make this troubled world a better place. What follows is based on what I have learned over the years from ancient wisdom thinkers of the East and from a number of modernday philosophers.

The Source

Some years ago, I attended a lecture on consciousness by Deepak Chopra. It was inspiring and filled with valuable thoughts on how to make a positive difference in this world and at the same time live a life of fulfillment.

He pointed out there are two attributes over which we have absolute control, and which not only can create a more fulfilled life, but also help heal the world. Those attributes are living a life of love and gratitude practiced through the power of meditation.

Here I share the essence of his lecture and some additional thoughts to complement Deepak’s insights.

The Process

There’s a saying, “We are known by the company we keep”, and we tend to inherit the beliefs of

- Habits - Reactions - Imagination - Memory

Figure 1: Most of your mind (88 %) functions in the subconscious. Only 12 % serves you in the conscious state.

those with whom we spend the most time.

Their philosophies then become ingrained in our subconscious mind.

In fact, research clearly shows we function primarily with our subconscious mind (88 percent) which has been programmed by others conditioning [See Figure 1]. However, as human beings we have the unique ability to change this.

We can reprogram our subconscious by releasing negativity, interacting with likeminded conscious people, enjoying inspirational sights and sounds, engaging in uplifting activities and anchoring our intended desires and values within our subconscious through frequent practice of meditation. In this way we can develop new positive ways of living and begin to clear our subconscious of ideas, concepts and values that do not serve us well.

As discussed in the past, true transformation is brought about by two qualities inherent in human consciousness – Attention or focus and Intention, a clear vision of your desired outcome. Attention energizes this process and intention can make the desired transformation a reality. What we place our attention on expands in our lives and our intention for the object of our attention orchestrates the intelligent forces of the universe to support our desired result [See Figure 2].

Harnessing this power of attention and intention

can change your life to reflect exactly what you envision. During meditation, entering into what is known in quantum physics as “the energy field of all possibilities” allows you to access and use your innate creative powers and change situations in your life to those that are more desirable.4 For instance, let’s say you live an hour’s drive from the sea and want to move closer to the shore.

Then you might envision a three-bedroom home one block from the water’s edge with a vegetable garden and a lawn for your dog. Being specific helps crystallize the vision and imprints it not only in your mind, but also within the forces of the universe. When you go into meditation, look at your intention, enjoy its presence in your mind for a few minutes and then let it go. Surrender it to the “energy field of all possibilities” and allow the universe to work out the details.

A personal example – a few years ago, my wife, Inez and I decided that although we liked living in the Old Town of Prague, our daughter, Julia was becoming more and more involved with afterschool activities at the International School she attends. We made the decision that we would find and move to a home within easy walking distance to her school.

We began by deciding what a perfect home would look like for us – a “fixer-upper” that Inez could renovate into something customized for our

References: 1. EDITOR’S COMMENT – This is the twelfth article in a series based on the author’s book, “Life Is Beautiful: 12 Universal Rules,” Waterfront Press, Cardiff California, 2015. 2. The author may be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.com. 3. See CZECH & SLOVAK LEADERS Magazine, Volume IV, pp. 76 - 77, 2018. 4.There is a direct and strong connection between consciousness and the laws of quantum physics. Over the years, most physicists steered clear of this connection, believing it shrouded in the realms of metaphysics and the paranormal. More recently, it’s become clear that new advances in this field such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography will require taking this connection into account. See reference 6 for further details. 5. James A. Cusumano, Life Is Beautiful: 12 Universal Rules, Waterfront Press, Cardiff, California, 2015. 6. For the details of how all of this works, see James A. Cusumano, Cosmic Consciousness: Are we Truly Connected?, Fortuna Libri, Prague, 2011 (First Edition); Second updated edition presently in the publication process by Waterfront Press, Cardiff, California, 2019. 7. Ibid. 8. https://vimeo.com/44131171

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T he P ower

Figure 2: Attention and Intention in the state of Meditation are the most effective means to capture the power and intelligence of the universe and create the life you want – and simultaneously help heal the world.

needs; a large garden with a swimming pool for Julia and her friends to play in and close proximity to the forest so that we could frequently and easily go for hikes in nature. Many people told us our expectations were unrealistic for the specific area we had chosen. We didn’t let this deter us from our goal. We began a frequent process of meditating on our dream home. A number of months later, we found it – exactly as we had envisioned it.

Whether you believe it or not, you possess the power to live a life filled with love, joy, health, compassion, friends, material possessions and whatever else you choose. As discussed elsewhere,5 there are only two rules for success – your intentions should cause no harm to anyone, and second, in even the smallest way, it should make a positive contribution to this world. I encourage you to expect and accept this ultimate good and revel in the actuality of whatever you successfully manifest into your life.

Each morning you get out of bed, start the day with this thought – “Today, I embrace my potential to be, do and have whatever I can dream” – and whatever you do – please believe it!

The Power

The reality and source of all abundance is unlimited within the Intelligence of the universe. When properly accessed, mind, matter and consciousness work seamlessly hand-in-hand to manifest the abundance you seek into your life. In the “field of all possibilities”, I suggest you dwell on the seeds of success and live from within. Here your desires are fulfilled and often with minimal effort.6 Consider what some might consider a miracle, a coincidence or just plain good luck. Ask yourself, “How long does it take for a dream to come true – if at all?”In the minds of some, very specific conditions must be met, plans and strategies must be in place, a certain amount of time must pass and lots of effort usually is required.

However these requirements all spring from our three-dimensional five-sense world. In deeper levels of consciousness, what we call a dream, a miracle or a lucky coincidence can happen in a short period of time. Is a lucky coincidence something that happens to some, but not to others, or could it be that what we call “luck” is the result of focused attention and intention at a deeper level of consciousness?

Having your dreams fulfilled is not the result of luck. In fact, luck is a concept conjured up by those who have not yet discovered the incredible power of living in alignment with their Personal Consciousness and the infinite intelligence of the universe, namely Cosmic Consciousness.7 Some might call the latter, God. While it is certainly spiritual in the sense that it is not a physical part of our threedimensional world, it is not God as envisioned by any organized religion.

It’s becoming increasingly clear from advances in quantum physics that there is a cosmic framework and intelligence that permeates the universe – and that intelligence is within you. It can serve you through attention and intention when you quiet the “noise” of the world through the practice of meditation.

Once you realign with your Personal Consciousness, you will find that you can spontaneously fulfill your desires and enjoy what some call a miracle. There will never be a need to worry about when, or if your dreams will come true if you trust that they will through the practice of attention – intention – meditation.

Take a moment to envision an everyday “miracle” you would like to happen in your life. Consider your circumstances as they are now and how you’d like them to be. For instance, perhaps you work as an engineer, but have always wanted to express your artistic side. Paying attention to your body, notice how you feel when you think about your current circumstances and when you focus on your dream.

Notice any feelings of comfort or discomfort, sadness or joy – they are telling you something.

Your body is a wonderful tool to help align you with the power of your Personal Consciousness.

Watching how it feels can help you to make creative choices that will bring you closer to what you desire.

Living Love

An Indian sage once said, “Life is love and love is life.”

What keeps the body together but love? What is desire, but love of the self? And what is knowledge, but love of truth? The means and forms may be right or may be wrong, but the motive behind them is always love – love of the “me” and the “my,” or love of the “you” and the “yours”.

Love is the most powerful force in the universe.

It can heal and inspire and bring us closer to the higher-self, i.e., Personal Consciousness. Love is an eternal never-ending gift to us and others. And when we truly experience it, we find our true selves – not our physical body, but that infinite, eternal

Figure 3: It is not happy people, who are grateful, but grateful people, who are happy. Gratefulness always leads to longterm fulfillment and happiness.

of

G ratitude

piece of you called Personal Consciousness – your soul – if you want to call it that.

Like a tiny spark that ignites a blaze that consumes a vast forest, a spark of love is all it takes to experience its full force in all its splendor.

The practice of living love exemplifies the unlimited abundance of the universe. In ancient India the ecstasy of love was called Ananda, or bliss consciousness. The ancient wisdom seekers maintained that humans are meant to partake of this Ananda. Living our life with love for the benefit of ourselves, for others and for the world, helps us realize our true nature – Sat, Chit, Ananda – existence, consciousness, bliss.

Living from love helps heal the world and simultaneously attracts more goodness to you.

Therefore, to experience true abundance in your life, live the love that you were created to be, the love that you are and watch your life flourish as you help the world in whatever way you choose.

Practice living love by simply offering a kind word or thought to everyone you meet, recognizing it’s the greatest gift you can give to anyone.

Living Gratefully

Experiencing gratitude is one of the most effective ways of getting in touch with your Personal Consciousness. When you feel gratitude, your ego steps out of the way, enabling you to experience and enjoy compassion and understanding.

Genuine gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to invite more happiness and fulfillment into your life. It is as if you are saying to Cosmic Consciousness, “Please give me more of this!”

When you connect with gratitude you feel bliss for no reason. Simply being alive to gaze at the stars and appreciating the miracle of life itself brings you happiness.

To feel gratitude, sit in a quiet place, take 10 slow deep inhales and exhales and then consider all of the gifts you have in your life – nurturing, loving relationships, connections to very special beings, the miracle of your body, your fertile mind and material comforts. Appreciating your life in this manner sweeps away any thought of limitation and reminds you of the positive things that surround you. You realize that all of these things are gifts. If you want a little help with this, listen to the 6-minute video in the reference below.8 As you move into that place of gratitude, notice the warmth, love, compassion and sense of connection that enters your heart. This is called gratefulness which is synonymous with happiness [See Figure 3]. Find peace in knowing there is a plan moving you forward on both your physical and consciousness evolutionary journey. Find the seeds of goodness in every situation and embrace each moment of your life as an opportunity to evolve into a more loving and thankful being.

By giving thanks for all you have and committing to live a life of love and gratitude, abundance is certain to flow to you. That is the attractive power of love and gratitude.

Sat, Chit, Ananda!

Enjoy your journey, make a difference!

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Petra Plemlová

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The story of a young, successful businesswoman in the field of e-commerce with children’s clothing. Petra is a four-time mother whose story is full of many genres. Even though many people would like to see a fairy tale with a happy ending, some moments were more like a dark Scandinavian thriller. Despite a not-toohappy childhood and constant underestimation on the part of her two older and more successful siblings, Petra graduated as a kindergarten teacher. Working with children fulfilled her purpose, and it was here that she became aware of how much time and energy she spent on dressing and undressing children, as she continuously encountered uncomfortable and impractical children’s clothing. From a young age, she spent a lot of time with her neighbor, a well-trained dressmaker from the period of the First Republic.

It was only a matter of time before this hobby became Petra’s main occupation.

She gradually began to make her first products, initially only for friends and for her own children. Clothing easy enough that children can dress themselves. When the front and back of the clothes are the same, it doesn't matter if they mix up the sides.

Clothing without zippers and buttons. Clothing that grows with the children, so there is no need to order a new size every three months. She had to begin running her business full time after her husband nearly destroyed their entire apartment when he fell ill with a mental disorder. Her stock of already prepared sewing materials was also destroyed.

Petra remained alone with her four small children and was under constant scrutiny from the unhelpful social workers, who were more anti-social than social. Over a three-year period, she built a company that now attains a turnover of 50 million Czech crowns, employs more than 50 people and, within the scope of the Unuo endowment fund, provides help to women who have found themselves in a situation similar to her own.

However, this conversation is not about the past, but rather the future. How does a successful businesswoman perceive the region of South Bohemia in which she conducts her business? What does the future hold for her industry, with regard to materials and e-commerce? And is this extremely active woman even able to relax?

Petra, the Australian Open has just recently ended. While many people were happy to see clothing made from recycled materials and produced by Adidas, you instead lamented on social media that unuodesign has already been using recycled “soft shell” material for a long time. It is more expensive, but for a good reason. Furthermore, your “growing” clothing has a usable lifespan of more than three months. How do you cope with the fact that large companies receive much more attention than smaller companies, despite the smaller companies being much more progressive?

I think that every company gets as much attention as it deserves. We have all been fighting for a spot at the top since we started. Especially if we started in a large industry, such as the one represented by the textile industry. We can deserve the attention if we get through great work performance, by making something original or by doing things differently.

At unuo, we decided to use all three of these approaches that I just mentioned. I am glad that we are doing very well in the field of PR connected with organic or recycled materials.

You started doing business in Tábor and you're doing well. In today’s economic environment, where the labor supply is limited, you are succeeding in taking on new workers, especially female workers. What's your opinion on the specifics of doing business in the region of South Bohemia?

I can’t speak about the entire region, but personally I am excited about the city as well as the people who live in Tábor. Everything is different in Prague.

The employees in this small city are not used to changing their profession or the company they work for, especially several times a year. Luckily, we avoid this fluctuation and any frequent position changes.

I feel that the inhabitants of smaller cities care more about their good name. They are aware that if they end up getting a bad name at a few companies, the word will very soon spread. The people here are more “loyal” to their field. You could say that their lives are more motivated by relationships than by money.

We personally met at a panel discussion organized by the Elegantní Česko company, because both of us are proud of the traditions of the First Czechoslovak Republic. Custom sewing is one of those traditions on which one can establish oneself. You yourself were, however, sceptical about the future of the textile industry in Europe.

Our statistics confirm the reality that our customers feel positively toward production in the Czech Republic. It is even part of the positive decisionmaking criteria when choosing to buy Czech or foreign. Unfortunately, it is ranked third, right after the criteria of price and quality. From my experience, I'm speaking especially about the textile industry of manufactured clothing. If Czech customers buy clothing for their children at stores with prices lower than five euros, it is only a matter of time before the textile industry in the Czech Republic disappears altogether. It is interesting to note that many goods from third-world countries are subject to special duties so that imports of these products into the Czech Republic do not endanger certain industries. And then there is, for instance, agriculture which is subsidized by the state. No one is offering a helping hand to the textile industry, and that raises

the question of how long the textile industry will last. Not just with regard to clothing production, but also textile production, the schools that supplied new dressmakers or weavers to companies have disappeared in the Czech Republic. Schools intentionally do not open these fields, because there is no interest on the part of the students. Students are not interested because the bright future of a seamstress who works a three-shift schedule and barely makes the minimum wage is not something anyone would want to have. And now we arrive back to the customer. The employer cannot pay his employees more if mothers buy clothes in stores at prices that are less than what we as suppliers have to pay for the material.

E-commerce business deals with new technologies. Other than clothing and materials, you offer a digital solution for the automation of warehouse processes that help other e-shops. This approach has won twice in the Czech Entrepreneurship Awards contest.

Which direction would you like to go in the future? What is your dream?

Although my previous forecast may have been pessimistic, I hope that even ten years from now, unuo.cz and unuodesign.cz will be able to produce beautiful fabrics and children's clothing. As for our application, PICKI, I hope that it will become a great helper, not only for our company, but for others as well. But naturally, I still see this application as an infant that will need a lot of care before it is selfsufficient and financially independent.

I won’t ask how you handle and multitask all your different roles. I know that this question, which is often asked of working mothers, will not seem quite fair to you. Instead, I will ask you about your great dedication to your work.

Do you even know how to relax? How do you recharge your battery?

I am lucky because my job is my dream come true.

Thanks to this, I no longer feel the need to relax that much. What you love has the tendency to recharge you a lot more than it exhausts you. I often relax at my sewing machine, which is actually my “job”. I love technology and read a lot about it, so I'm actually discovering what the new developer will introduce to us and when. Actually, that is also my “job”. I play a lot with the kids and go outside with them, which is a small part of my “job” as well. Only by observing my own children and other children can I see what our little clients and their mothers need.

We are doing this interview in January 2019.

Did you make any New Year's resolutions? And what would you like to wish the readers of Czech and Slovak Leaders?

I have one big goal in 2019, and that is to spend more time with my children. Not to be at home more, I'm there very often, but to be present with my children, enjoy their beautiful smiles and their love, which is so pure that it cannot be compared with anything else.

My online children were born so I can support my real children. Now, when they´re successfully carrying out their mission, beautifully and on their own, I can focus my attention on the place where it is most needed.

I extend this wish to the readers as well, and not only for 2019!

By Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

We have all been fighting for a spot at the top since we started Interview with Petra Plemlovรก, Owner and founder of unuodesign s.r.o.

P hoto : A rchive

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Feedback

as a Breakfast of Champions

Kateřina Novotná & Jan Mühlfeit

Nowadays, we live in a society that denies mistakes: mistakes are often seen as unacceptable.

Children are often raised from a very early age with the belief that making a mistake is abnormal or even immoral. The past, and therefore the mistakes we make, cannot be changed. The only thing we can do about the past, whether it is good or bad, is to learn from it and bring our attention back to the present. Changing the future is not a matter of the future but of the present moment.

Mistake as a guide If we think of the mistakes that have happened and we constantly remind children about them, it is very difficult for children to concentrate on the present. Petr Čech, one of the best football goalkeepers in the world, says, "Whatever the score, it's still zero in my head". This means that regardless of the result of the activity, you must learn from it and immediately return to the status of "here and now ".

A mistake is a guide to how to do something differently and better next time. The greatest thinkers and inventors of human history have made errors many times, Thomas Alva Edison's lightbulb was not invented in the first attempt. By

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concentrating on mistakes, we are too focused on our weaknesses. The traditional model says: "Remove the weaknesses and preserve what you are good at," which unfortunately is not possible.

If one works only on their weaknesses, they will start to forget what they are good at. Synapses of the brain (the connection between the neurons), which represent talents, will eventually begin to fade and these neural connections will begin to gradually disintegrate. If Jaromir Jagr learned hockey up to a certain level and then did not play for two years, it would immediately be obvious from his performance. And that's the way it works with any activity.

So, we can make up for our weaknesses by learning about them to a certain level, or we can let other people, for whom they are strengths, to handle them. It is important to deal disproportionately with what we are good at. To do what we are good at means that we will, of course, make much less mistakes.

From childhood, the world teaches us that mistakes are unacceptable. When a child comes to school, his rating drops. Grading is a 17thcentury retreat from when the school system began to develop, and people thought that it was necessary to divide children into certain

compartments. However, a mark does not tell the child anything, from the point of view of feedback, a verbal evaluation is much better.

Through that the child learns what has been done well and, if not, what to do differently, so that the child can be encouraged. Although this type of feedback is allowed in the Czech Republic, only a few schools use it.

Types of parents and their feedback That's why we try to actively discuss our acquired knowledge about feedback with the parents in our courses and workshops. Based on parents' approaches to children as part of the evaluation, we have created a classification.

The first of these types is the parent "dictator", a parent who constantly determines a child's rules and boundaries - how to behave, what he or she did wrong, and so on. However, the restrictions the “dictator” creates are unilateral.

The parent does not listen to the child, he or she is not interested in knowing how the child responds to the restrictions. Rules and boundaries are, of course, necessary both in

Read more about all our projects at janmuhlfeit.com.

education and communication with the child.

But it is good for the parent to know how the child deals with them.

The second type of parent is the so-called "passive parent". This is a parent who, alternatively, does not give the child any rules or limits, and does not listen to him. He is also far from the ideal parent.

The third type represents the "a shoulder to cry on" parent. His approach also lacks the limits and rules, but unlike the previous two types, he tries to listen and take an interest in the child.

Although this is one of the better approaches, however the absence of rules takes away from its success because every child needs some boundaries.

An ideal parental approach is a combination of both, the so-called "buddy" parent. Not only does he clearly define the boundaries and rules of the game, but he also monitors how the child reacts to them. The buddy can listen to the child and try to co-create the rules with him so that they are both satisfied. For this to work, it is necessary to have some trust and patience, then it can work together.

No need to worry if you sometimes see yourself as a parent "dictator", "passive parent" or "a shoulder to cry on". Being a "buddy" parent under all circumstances is not possible. It depends on the situation, the child's age, but also on their developmental stage. For example, when it comes to puberty, then most of the rules do not work at all. Of course, it is possible to move in the individual quadrants of the approaches, but when reflecting on them, it is necessary to keep in mind the goal to get closest to the "buddy" parent approach.

It often happens that the parents are not in the same quadrant. One can be more "dictator" and the other one more "a shoulder to cry on". However, this is just another form of functionality because they complement each other. The combination and interconnection of different approaches moves parents closer to the ideal.

One of a parent’s frequent mistakes is constant praise of the child. If parent consistently commend a child, the child begins to rely on it and at some point, he or she expects it for any activity. If the child does not get their praise, they may think they did it badly, which is not necessary.

Praising a child for a banal activity is not optimal.

But if we want to support them in some way,

we can also do this with an indirect question, for example: "Are you satisfied with your performance?". So, we teach the child not only self-reflection, but also not to expect automatic praise.

The Sandwich Feedback When giving feedback, most parents, coaches or teachers will typically first point out what the child did wrong. At that moment, their brain stops listening, and the amygdala (the emotional part of the brain) screams in the head, "I'm useless, I'll never do anything right".

Even if a child is subsequently praised, his brain does not hear it anymore. There is another way to give feedback. The golden mean is sandwich feedback, which divides it into three phases.

At the beginning of the assessment, the child should be praised, no matter how they did. That will lead to serotonin exclusion, a chemical of happiness, which is formed for example, when someone praises us, and the child is much better prepared for the corrective feedback that comes in the second phase.

In the corrective feedback, however, one rule must be respected – to separate child from the activity. "You'll never learn," or "you're not capable" will cause the child to take it personally, amygdala will take over and convince the child that they are incapable and cannot do anything well. If we change the assessment and say that the numerical example must be counted in another way, the emotional part of the brain does not take it personally and the person is open to feedback.

The essence of the third phase is the expression of support and trust for the child in the future.

At that point, oxytocin, a hormone of trust or love, is formed, and if we touch or hug the child, it will support the process.

So, what does the result look like? Whatever the result of the activity is, the child knows what was done well and what to do differently. They create an emotional bond to the activity, and they are inspired for further work. Fear also goes away because the child realizes that even if he or she does it wrong the next time; the child will get support from his parents.

Sandwich feedback works just as well with adults.

If we begin with a negative assessment, we are

awakening the amygdala that creates negative beliefs which lead to emotional abduction. That is the situation when we are doing something right, but someone will negatively comment it – suddenly everything goes downhill.

The last mistake to be made is to pity the child's misconduct. The amygdala will appear again, and the child will believe that he or she is stupid and will get stuck. Guilt and self-pity are very insidious feelings; on the contrary, sympathy or expressing understanding for the child can support them in their determination.

What does it all mean? A mistake is a result like any other. Feedback is the breakfast of champions - no matter what the results are, we need to learn how to get feedback very quickly, so we know how we are doing. It is not good to just praise or punish in the long run, but to provide interlaced feedback that reflects the result in a proper way. Finally, instead of pity, it is good for to express not only understanding for the child but also trust in their future.

Every child is a genius, discover their hidden talents Do you want help your children to discover their talents and prepare them for future life?

As part of the Unlock Children’s/Student’s potential, with the latest knowledge of positive psychology parents learn how to effectively lead children so that they can not only be successful but also happy in their lives. The new Unlock Children's Potential (Albatros 2018) book from Jan Mühlfeit and Kateřina Novotná, which became a bestseller after a few months, is also based on successful courses for children, students and parents.

Due to the high interest in these workshops, an online course for parents, teachers or trainers who are actively working with children (odemykanidetskehopotencialu.cz) is now available.

By Jan Mühlfeit, Global Strategist, Coach and Mentor, former Microsoft Chairman for Europe české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

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BIOFACH and VIVANESS

In Nuremberg, the BIOFACH organic food trade fair and the VIVANESS Natural Cosmetics Fair were held from 13 to 16 February. The largest European organic food fair celebrated its 30th anniversary with a record number of exhibitors: 2989 at Biofach and 284 at Vivaness, a total of 3273 exhibitors from 98 countries. Botswana and the Comoros made their debut at BIOFACH, while the Philippines and Serbia represented for the first time at VIVANESS. Trends at BIOFACH: vegetarian / vegan diet, protein products, convenience (semifinished products) and zero-waste products.

Vegetarian and vegan products continue to be a significant trend, that is also reflected at the BIOFACH Novelty Stand. In addition to classical vegan ingredients such as soy, customers are also thrilled with cashew nuts, almonds or peas. Protein-containing foodstuffs, whether in the form of oils, rods, spreads or cocktails, are also popular. Another sustained trend is for uncomplicated meals that are quickly prepared. Convenience products are now an integral part of the range offered by the organic segment. However, more and more consumers also focusing on „external values", i.e. packaging.

Innovative packaging, just like the “unpackaged” concepts under the category „zero-waste”, is a significant issue in the sector. Trending are turmeric and other exotic flavours as well as kimchi, the lactic fermented vegetable typical of Korean cuisine. Vegetarian offer was presented by 1245 exhibitors and 1345 by the vegan. Also, worth mentioning are gluten-free and lactose-free segments (1,200 and 890 exhibitors), as well as raw food (a food not modified at more than 45 ° C) presented by 561 exhibitors.

Trends at VIVANESS include probiotic cosmetics, Nordic beauty and also zero-waste products.

Bio from all over the world BIOFACH presents organic food from all over the world in all its variety. The VEGAN, WINE and OLIVE OIL products have their own dedicated worlds. In addition to presentations, tastings and a specialized accompanying program took place. In the experiential worlds of OLIVE OIL and WINE, the best products were awarded the Olive Oil International Award for Oils and MUNDUS VINI BIOFACH for Organic Wine.

New Trends Biofach: A total of 541 new products were introduced, the trade visitors voted for their favourites to win the Best New Product Award in seven categories. Five German products won and one from Austria and Poland: Käserebellen GmbH Pumpkin cheese (fresh products), Schrozberger Milchbauern Ice cream (frozen products).

In the category of Dried Cooking and Baking Products, Georg Thalhammer received awards for Pesto seaweedwild garlic. HANS Coffee & Berry from HANS Brainfood won the award in the other dried products category. In the non-food products Primoza, impressed the trade visitors with The Growing Calendar. After the leaves have been squeezed at the end of the month, the seeds can be planted. Austria has won Landgarten Almond with Rose Blossom in chocolate, forest fruits and cherries in chocolate in the category of dried products and sweets. In the category of drinks, the Polish company Nutracevit was awarded for BIOHASKAP, pure haskap superberry juice.

Vivaness showed 155 new products in 6 categories won

by German companies: Black soap with activated carbon from SPEICK Naturkosmetik in face care, in the category

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

of body care was awarded Weleda for Skin Food Serie (butter on body and lips), Benecos dominated decorative makeup cosmetics, special cosmetics reigned Speick Naturkosmetik sunbathing, Denttabbs with dental tablets scored in drugstore, Wellness was the best Coscoon Cosmetics with body butter. Danish company Unterkram won hair shampoo with Green Matcha shampoo.

BIOFACH and VIVANESS Congress is the biggest international congress for the organic food and organic cosmetics sectors. There were over 9500 participants in 139 meetings in six forums. Congress focused on the relationship between agriculture, processing, nutrition and health. The main congress topic was: “The organic system –healthy in a holistic approach.” The congress will cover topics like biodiversity, soil health, clean water, wild plants, animal welfare and nutritional choices.

Visitors and exhibitors The fair was visited by 51500 professional visitors from 143 countries, half of the visitors were German.

There were 797 visitors from the Czech Republic.

The largest number of exhibitors was Germany 1020, followed by Italy 423, Spain 220, and France 213. In 2020 the fair will expand in the two most modern exhibition halls, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Czech Republic at the fair At the end of 2018, more than 4600 farms ecologically managed in the Czech Republic with over 520 thousand ha, represented 15% of farmed land. The average size of the Czech ecofarm was 119 hectares. In the EU we have the third largest ecofarm on average.

Production of Organic Farming in the Czech Republic The total production of organic farms in 2017 is estimated at CZK 6768 million, representing a 5.1% of the total agricultural production. Unfortunately, about half of the ecofarm production (grain, milk, meat) is exported abroad. The rest remains in the Czech Republic and is used for food production, but only a part of it is used in the bio-quality market. Due to the low demand of Czechs for organic food, a number of bio-materials end up in common foods. On the Czech market, processed foods such as baby food, coffee and tea, as well as milk, dairy products, fruits are the most sold.

Market and consumption of organic food The total organic food turnover of Czech subjects reached CZK 4.19 billion in 2016. Of this, consumers in the Czech Republic spent 2.55 billion CZK on organic food. Organic food producers are already 750. Almost 40% of the total turnover of organic food was exported (goods for CZK 1.64 billion), compared to imports of organic food from abroad.

The average annual per capita consumption increased to CZK 241 (in the EU it was 54 euros) and the share of organic food in the total consumption of food and drinks reached 0.9% (in the EU already 7%). Andrea Hrabalová from the Czech Technology Platform for Organic Farming explains: "Average Czechs spend six times less on organic food than the average European, and after 30 years of organic farming in the Czech Republic they still do not know why to buy domestic organic food. It is clear from experience from other countries that the main driver of EZ development is not subsidies but long-term and conscious consumer demand." Our organic farming is doing well and is not lost in the world. Europe has 350,000 biofarms and 2.4 million worldwide. Domestic bioproduction would potentially make four times more biofoods than it is today.

Jaromír Hampl

BIOFACH

and

VIVANESS 2019

Photos: Nürnberg Messe

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71

TAHITI

part

I

Wine from Tahiti or One Dream Fulfilled

Rangiroa coral island

Viticulture today utilises knowledge collected over almost three thousand years.

It was likely Phoenicians who first began growing grapes, then the Romans, followed by many generations of monks until the first generation of today’s winegrowers. Growers were continually seeking out, testing, varying and improving methods of cultivation and wine production. Today, winemaking culture is supported through highly efficient research laboratories using cutting-edge equipment, but nature still has the first word. Hundreds and thousands of experts the world over are continuously exchanging experience, and communicating their successes and failures.

Nothing of this sort occurred in Polynesia. Just one man alone made the decision to grow grapes here. He was unable to rely on any local experience of viticulture. All the questions had to be posed. What vine to use, what variety to plant?There are almost 4000 grape varieties. Where should the vines be planted?

Nobody had any experience of growing vines on a coral bedrock in a tropical region. Furthermore, grape vines have annual cycles, and are used to alternating winter and summer periods. How can the particular and shorter incidence of sunlight at this latitude below the Tropic of Capricorn be utilised when grapes

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Grape harvest in Tahiti

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need long periods of sunlight in order to produce enough sugar, and colder nights to strengthen the vine, etc.?

It was clear that growing vines in Tahiti would require starting from scratch. Dominique Auroy surprised everyone. Sceptics, wine-lovers, experts, specialists and scientists.

“He experienced every moment of his life with great intensity.”This could be his epitaph;someonewhohasconstantlyneedednewchallengestolive.Dominique was very young when he came to realise that we are only the masters of our own fate when we see our dreams fulfilled. “For me, life without risk, without excitement and without pleasure is not a life at all. When I first arrived in Polynesia 40 years ago, I did not realise that I would spend most of my life here and that I would experience such a fascinating period of innovations and fundamental changes.” The 1980s in his life were marked by a large project that he believed in despite the scepticism of many. He won them all over when he created an incredible and massive construction: a hydroelectric power plant in the middle of the forests, which twenty years later secures 50% of the hydropower for the whole of Tahiti.

Wine museum in Tahiti

Rangiroa coral atoll

Rangiroa, coral island in French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean

is enchanted by the nature-enveloped dazzling light of the tropic sun. The boat cuts through the calm turquoise lagoon, and suddenly in front of us a small coral atoll emerges, with a forest of coconut palms. We embark onto the shore and onto a wonderful sparkling white beach, but our surprise will come elsewhere, and what we see will arouse incredible emotions in us. At the end of the coral path lined with coconut palms, rows of grapevines suddenly appear, and the air is full of the aroma of ripe grapes. The courage and adventure of one man suddenly becomes clear. We find ourselves in the Dominique Auroy vineyards, in “Domaine de Rangiroa”. Local Polynesians are working hard under the hot sun. The harvest is over. The grapes (Italia and Carignan varieties) are put into small containers and transported by sea to the main island for processing. Thanks to the tropical climate, grapes are harvested twice a year.

40 000 litres of wine are produced annually, and this covers not just local consumption; the wine is also exported to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

It took almost ten years for the group of determined people around Dominique to manage to tame the local natural environment, and for the world to be able to enjoy the first glass of this now renowned crisp wine.

“I made the decision to take the path of adventure as my life’s journey,” smiles Dominique without pathos.

His new challenge of growing grapes came later at the end of the 1990s. A few years before, he had become a shareholder in BraPac, a company that imported wine to Polynesia. He didn’t find the wine trade of great interest. Due to the high cost of importing wine to a country where a population of 250 000 people consumed 4 million bottles of wine a year, his plan to start growing vines locally began taking shape. But before getting down to growing grapevines, as a true visionary Dominique began working on the now renowned mineral water, Eau Royale. His next challenge was growing sugarcane and producing rum. In Tahiti, sugarcane is a native plant that has been exported and used in the Caribbean to produce rum. The Mana’o rum which Dominique Auroy produces is of the highest quality, and is highly rated amongst many experts around the world.

This was followed by a long and difficult journey from the first grapevine shoot appearing to the first glass of wine being drunk. In the meantime, he founded a unique wine museum in Tahiti, and a branch of the fraternity of Burgundy wine enthusiasts, Chevaliers du Tastevin, which this year celebrated 25 years of operation here in style. “Only in wine have I found the harmony and balance so important for life,” concluded Dominique’s speech at the celebration, and he modestly watched as the whole hall rose to its feet in long applause.

First the horizon appears in front of us; where the green-blue clear sea ends and the brilliant blue of the sky rises upwards. Here, in the South Pacific amongst the coral islands of Tuamotu on the atoll of Rangiroa, every visitor

The results of many experiments often arouse admiration and respect in regard to the process used or developed rather than the results of the actual product. And so experts’ enthusiasm and qualitative reviews of these white wines grown on the coral atoll, “Tahiti blanc de corail” and “Tahiti blanc sec”, was all the more impressive. The wine here cannot be compared to any well-known white wines from the traditional wine-growing latitudes and climates. The first wine has a surprisingly rich composition of aromas.

Its fresh fruity flavour of pineapple, ripe peach and dried apricots develops fully in the mouth. The second wine is full and golden, and very fresh, elegant and balanced in the mouth. It finishes with the flavour of tropical fruit blended with a subtle minerality.

“You’ve got to be patient and persistent in life. It’s unfortunate that some have not realised this and have tried to slow down this development from the beginning, but the pleasure is in overcoming obstacles.” Dominique Auroy has won his incredible wager twice over. Not only is it possible to grow grapevines on a coral island in Tahiti, but he has also demonstrated that the resulting wine is of high quality, today having won many awards.

Here, Dominique has clearly extended the limits of human possibility and tamed a number of laws of nature.

“My greatest satisfaction is that the citizens of Rangiroa atoll have appropriated the vineyard, and they are proud of it. It is a wonderful reward. Wine production is about passion above all, and passion gives my life meaning and value. I trust that wine stands for all I have sought in life.”

Authors : Iva and Joseph Drebitko Photos : authors’ archives

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The 13th season

of the LOUČEŇ CHATEAU and news of the Light Art Outdoor Installation A n interview with K ateřina Š rámková , owner of the Loučeň Chateau

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P hoto : A rchive

Kateřina Šrámková, owner of the Loučeň Chateau, the original residence of the Thurn-Taxis family, is a holder of the Exceptional Businesswoman award, although her own story and manner, of course, do not come off as exceptional. Her original profession was a tax advisor. She is also a mother to four children, as well as the person who not only restored the run-down chateau, but also created a unique system of 12 labyrinths and mazes in the chateau gardens. In keeping with her innovative approach towards running a historical building, Kateřina introduced the concept of the year-round season in the Czech Republic, along with experience tours of the chateau’s premises. A sharp contrast to any monotone interpretations of tangled data, names and events, like the organized tours we have become accustomed to in the past. Some routine elements of the tours left such an impression on visitors that many of them have requested these elements themselves. You are required to put on slippers in place of your shoes to walk inside the Loučeň Chateau, since visitors have taken a liking to this custom. Part of the Loučeň Chateau is the Maxmilián Hotel, which provides additional services. Loučeň is ranked just behind Karlštejn Castle within the Central Bohemian region and holds seventh place in the country-wide rankings. Seven is a lucky number for Mrs. Kateřina, and Loučeň actually commenced operations on 7. 7. 2007.

You can experience a tour at Loučeň with Mrs. Kateřina playing the role of the White Lady.The White Lady actually existed as Terezie Berková of Dubé, who was the daughter of the burgrave of czar Rudolf II and wife to Václav Berka of Dubé. The White Lady of Loučeň was a kind ghost who always gave out sweet pudding to children. Maybe thanks to her there is still a spirit of friendliness and well-being in the chateau.

Mrs. Kateřina, the turning point of the century was truly a turning point for you. In the year 2000 the LOUČEŇ company acquired the property of the chateau and park and the company left its established career. But you did not burn out or try to get away from the city, a pattern that is quite common today.

Nothing was impossible in the nineties. I was fulfilled in my original profession as an advocate, but after I bought the Loučeň Chateau, it became necessary for me to start concentrating on one thing. I ended my career of wearing pumps and working in a large office on Wenceslas Square, and I threw myself into everything that I didn't know how to do and everything I wasn’t familiar with.

My intuitive decision probably wouldn’t seem correct according to many managerial guidebooks. Having two careers at once simply wasn’t possible any more.

You can clone yourself at 150%, but not at 300%.

What do you consider to be exceptional?

After I received this award, my daughter gave me a flower dedicated to “the most exceptional businesswoman”. This was morethan the award I received at the beautiful Czech National Bank, because it was from someone very close to me.

I don´t associate with the word "exceptional" too much. For an industrious, tireless businesswoman yes, but exceptional?

What would you reward yourself with then?

Do we, as women, even know how to award ourselves?

That is a good question. I think that I was able to find a good mix between what is important and has to be done, and that which can wait or doesn’t have to be done. My work consists of the entire Loučeň complex, which has 23 hectares, combined with caring for a six-member family and commuting more than 100 kilometers daily, all of which must fit into one day that only has 24 hours. When others often ask me how I handle it all, I answer that I don’t know. I get up in the morning and start the day, and I finish in the evening and then I go to sleep. I think that the key is perfect organisation. And I am definitely not perfect.

It's like with the number of children. When a person has only one, they still feel like they can’t keep up.

The more a person does, the more that person can handle. Gradually, the awards come from the outside.

I am proudest, however, of the attendance at Loučeň, which varies between 160,000–180,000 visitors a year, depending on the weather, activities and other factors. I would like to point out that “the more visitors

the better” does not always apply to attendance.

Seventh place in attendance is better for me than first place, since that position belongs to the Prague Castle.

You are awaiting your 13th season this year.

What's something new you're planning?

You are the first one to tell me that it’s the 13th season.

I am excited about this season, because it will be different than the others. We are moving away from the format of short-term events, since this format has been exhausted in the Czech Republic. As our clients and their habits change, we are starting to focus more on activities that take place within a range of two weeks up to one month. We are planning a Czech fairy-tale summer for the month of August.

Czech castles and chateaus are unique, not only from the perspective of preserved and original historical facilities, but also from the perspective of public accessibility.Appreciative commentary often resounds from foreign visitors. Are we succeeding, as Czechs, in recognizing and appreciating the value of our cultural heritage?

I think that we appreciate its beauty as soon as we leave the country to travel abroad.Although I don’t have the statistics, I would presume that we must be in first place in Europe, not just for the number of accessible sights, but also for the number of guides, tour circuits and expositions. Such beautiful, historical interiors accessible to the public in such a plentiful amount is something I have not experienced in any other country.

You follow foreign trends very carefully and then try to bring them to Loučeň. You were inspired by labyrinths in France. What other new things are you planning?

I am planning something new, but this time it's not the result of direct inspiration. I came up with a new concept myself after having tried to find a specific resource to implement. I discovered that they are already implementing a similar concept abroad, even at historical sites. On one hand, this made me happy, but on the other, I was disappointed. No similar place existed that we could draw inspiration from when we opened Loučeň. There was no example of good practice. We went with the trial and error method, and I am happy that there were more successful trials than there were errors. It happened many times that our ideas were actually brought to us by someone else.

Personally, this made me very happy, because one does not copy the same bad idea twice.I was the one who first came up with the concept of the year-round

operating season for castles and chateaus. Although we fought long and hard with the weaker winter season, the concept proved to be correct over time. It makes me happy to see how in November, everyone is issuing information regarding their Advent activities and winter tours. Not too many people will remember that before, sites like these were strictly open only from 1 April to 31 October.But back to my original thought.

In English, the title is “Light Art Outdoor Installation”, but as for the title in Czech, we are still looking for one that sounds nice. This installation is about the use of modern technology that is capable of programming light, color, and intensity, and my vision is to make the park beautiful in the dark. Imagine the park in the dark, and in the dark there are illuminated objects – various trees, water areas, bushes and stumps, which are, in a sense, artistic creations in themselves, and now they will be illuminated and connected to a moving light show. I am consumed with this idea; I actually just returned from a trade fair in Frankfurt. Thanks to this installation, we can even extend the attractiveness period of the chateau to after sunset. The well-known Castle-Chateau Night is held on the last weekend in August, so we are aiming to introduce ourselves to the visitors. The climax will then be afterwards, during Advent and Christmas time.

I know that you don’t keep usual casual habits.

You do not live at the Loučeň Chateau, because you think that the chateau does not belong to you. You are managing it for the next generation.

If you were to create a coat of arms, what would you put on it?

A deer. The most elegant animal found in Czech forests in my opinion. When it snows, they kick up frost with their hooves. And another parallel? I love tall high heels.

Other than an invitation to Loučeň, what closing message do you have for the readers of the Czech and Slovak Leaders magazine?

In terms of business, I can’t advise the readers at all.

Someone who has more experience than I can give advice on that. Instead, I will answer from the context of everyday life. You should never be afraid to take up arms for the right ending. Not in any situation or at any age. If we will not physically work with our hands, then there will be nothing left behind uswhen we’re gone.

By Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznetev elektronické verzi magazínuna www.czechleaders.com

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What do the public not know about Meda?

Few realise the current breadth of museums Meda has built and supported. From Museum Kampa, which focuses on modern art, to the Werich Villa, which doesn’t just recall the legacy of Prague’s Liberated Theatre, but whose space also builds on its tradition, encouraging further cultural encounters, discussions or dance, and musical evenings. We warmly invite all readers to visit the Museum of Glass in the Baroque Portheimka Palace in Smíchov, which joined the institutions administered by the Mládek Foundation last year. Besides collecting pictures, Meda has also focused on artists who have worked with glass. She held a unique exhibition promoting Czech glass in Washington in the 1980s.

This year, Dr. Meda Marie Mládková is celebrating her 100th birthday. This petite lady had until recently held a large number of roles with energy and grace, and these have gradually been taken over by one medium-large team.

Meda Mládková’s second career began after the Velvet Revolution when she returned to Czechoslovakia from exile in the USA. Meda was 72 years old when she returned alone to her home country. Her husband, the economist Jan Mládek, did not live to see the change of regime, having died in September 1989. At an age when others are well into enjoying their retirement, Meda embarked with energy and vigour on a project of renovating Museum Kampa; at 89 years of age she started a project renovating the renowned Werich Villa, and at 98 years old she decided to support the inception of a unique exhibition of Czech glass as part of a new Museum of Glass in the renovated Portheimka Palace. Over her life, Meda Mládková has combined various roles as philanthropist, collector and patron of the arts, expert in modern art and tireless ambassador for Czech art and culture in general.

I remember the day I first met Meda. It was the day of my 40th birthday party, and Meda wished me not just happiness and energy, but also that I feel fulfilled and proud of the work I undertake. In Museum Kampa’s courtyard, she proudly showed me the museum’s motto: “If the culture survives, then so too does the nation.” Even during the depths of communist totalitarianism, Meda never gave up her Czech passport.

February’s flu epidemic thwarted a reunion with Meda.

The interview was thus held with the core Museum Kampa – Jan and Meda Mládek Foundation team: I asked its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jiří Pospíšil, Director Jan Smetana and member of the Board of Directors Jana Hrstková not just to tell the story of Meda as few know it, but also to reveal the secret of how Meda Mládková’s 100 birthday celebrations will pan out.

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M useum K ampa

When she lived in the USA, Meda was not just a true ambassador for Czech culture, but she also supported young artists, and in today’s terminology was also a unique “networker”.

Again, few people realise that the Mládeks’ famous house in Georgetown was visited by renowned politicians, writers and artists. She displayed artists’ pictures in her home, held exhibitions and invited wellknown guests there to whom she presented Czech artists. Many Czech artists who got the opportunity to travel to the USA found not just support from the Mládeks, but also a place to stay, including being introduced and presented to American society. It is no exaggeration to say that Czechoslovakia’s true embassy at that time was to be found at the Mládeks’ home.

Mrs. Mládek’s efforts at bringing cultures together are also evidenced by letters from Václav Havel when she tried to get a Ford Foundation grant for him.

It was Meda who supported the young talented artist Emilie Beneš Brzezinski, President Beneš’s niece, who married the influential political scientist and American foreign policy power-broker, Zbigniew Brzezinski.

Meda’s passion and willingness to support Czech art knew no bounds. She once even sold her house in order to buy a Kupka painting, which she later donated to the National Gallery in Washington, where it remains displayed as part of its permanent exhibition.

During the communist totalitarianism, she supported Czech artists by purchasing pictures and organising exhibitions, not just in America, but also in Europe.

Her vision in this regard was truly unsurpassable, and without all she did then there would be nothing to build on today.

What happened to her legacy in America after she returned home?

Meda’s legacy in the USA was not diminished even after she left, and her name is often mentioned in cultural and societal circles. For example, a Jiří Kolář exhibition was implemented at the start of this year through her American-based Central and Eastern European Art Foundation. This unique Jiří Kolář exhibition, Forms of Visual Poetry, containing works from the Museum Kampa collection, is being held at the American University Museum, Katzen Arts Center, Washington DC until 17 March 2019. Many renowned figures have visited this exhibition, and so another opportunity has arisen to remind the world of the importance of Czech art in a global context, and build further co-operation with other cultural institutions in the USA.

Congratulations and Thank You, Ma’am!

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M useum K ampa

What’s it like to work with Meda?

Meda is determined and adamant. She is incredibly tenacious, a great debater. She never gives in to her age. At a time when many people complain they don´t have the energy for certain things, she got started on building Museum Kampa and renovating Sova’s Mills. Her motto is: If you want to, you can. She’s had to fight hard for all her museums, whether with bureaucracy, conservationists or the proverbial Czech small-mindedness in general.

I put my final question to Jiří Pospíšil, who as Chairman is, with the Board of Directors, in closest contact with Meda. Can you reveal how Meda’s birthday celebrations will pan out?

We’ve conceived this year as Meda’s year. We’re planning a lot of exhibitions, meetings and other events at Museum Kampa. We warmly invite all readers to view the play Meda. Tatiana Vilhelmová will be playing the title role. The play is a representation of Meda’s life from the age of 14 to today. The play will be performed on the summer stage from June to September. It will be performed under open skies in Museum Kampa’s courtyard. The final performance will be held on 8 September 2019, on the day of Meda Mládková’s 100th birthday.

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Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

networking / charity

In cooperation with Czech & Slovak Leaders

Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Charity event From left: Ing. Anton Gerák CSc., Commercial Director, Secretary, LCI 122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, MUDr. Libuše Novotná, Dentist, and Ing. František Novotný, President of Association, SDSS and Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Doc. MUDr. Petr Čáp PhD., Head of the Centre of Allergology with his wife and Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, DrSc., Dean, 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University, President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Doc. RNDr. Markéta Martínková, Ph. D. Science Faculty, Charles University, JUDr. Svatava Němcová, Lawyer, and MUDr. Libuše Novotná, Dentist

From left: MUDr. Libuše Novotná, Dentist, Ing. Antonín Míka, Director of Foreign Trade, Lammex Ltd. and Ing. František Novotný, President of Association, SDSS and Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, DrSc., Dean, 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University, President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left: Miloslav Pichrt, Bussiness Consultant with his wife and Ing. Lukáš Pichrt, Financial Specialist with his wife

From left: Prof. MUDr. Václav Mandys, CSc., Institute of Pathology, Doc. MUDr. Eva Mandysová, Cardiologist, and JUDr. Svatava Němcová, Lawyer

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culture event

Czech Image exhibition

From left: Barbora Lesáková, Czech Centres Network Coordinator, Ondřej Černý, Czech Centres Director General, Monika Koblerová, Director of Cultural Diplomacy and Czech Centres Network, and Kristina Fišerová, Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, University of West Bohemia

CzechImage exhibition opening took place at Czech Centres Gallery in Rytířská 31, on 10th of December, 2018.

The topic of CzechImage was first introduced in January when students of Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Art and Design have been asked to reflect on their homeland. The exhibition features students' works from ten countries - Spain, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Japan. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to reminiscence of the Ladislav Sutner Faculty of Art and Design.

Posters made by students from the Czech Republic (Martin Kadlec and Martina Scholleová), Poland (Hana Pitala), and Romania (Lorena Cocioni)

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Short film made by Japanese students Setsuko Kawahara and Yasuko Kobayashi

culture event

Monika Koblerová, Director of Cultural Diplomacy and Czech Centres Network and Benke Aikell, Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine Owner and Publisher

From left: Monika Koblerová, Director of Cultural Diplomacy and Czech Centres Network, together with Zdeněk Pšenica, Chairman of the Folklore Association of the Czech Republic, and Jarmila Mrnuštíková, Secretary-General, National Section of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV) in the Czech Republic

Marrieta Bartha, Germany

Setsuko Kawahara, Japan

Bernhard Cociancig, Austria

From right: Zdeněk Pšenica, Chairman of the Folklore Association of the Czech Republic, Jarmila Mrnuštíková, Secretary-General, National Section of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV) in the Czech Republic

Florian Schmeling, Germany

From left: Ondřej Černý, Czech Centres Director General and Tomáš Engel, Member of the Board of Directors, Dejvické divadlo o.p.s.

Praha

From left: Sandra Miholová, Deputy Director and Head of Unit - Public Diplomacy Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Petra Jungwirthová, Czech Centres Press Spokesperson, and Martin Pohl, Diplomatic Service Director

Sophia Franke, Germany From left: Petr Hnízdo, Director, International Relations Department, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, and Miloš Jaro, External Advisor to the Director General Czech Centres

From left: Monika Koblerová, Director of Cultural Diplomacy and Czech Centres Network , Ondřej Černý, Czech Centres Director General and Gertrud Kelemen, Director of the Hungarian Institute in Prague

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M iro Opening Ceremony at the MIRO Gallery Prague & after-party at the Lindner Hotel 21. 3. 2019

José Manuel Labrada Terna, Member of the Symphony Orchestra in Santiago de Cuba (bassoon)

Jakob Mattner – ECHO exhibition in cooperation with the Galerie Michael Haas Berlin Partner of the MIRO Gallery:

Media partner of the MIRO Gallery: Partner of the exhibition:

From left: Petr Štěpán, Art Historian; Jakob Mattner, Artist; Miro Smolák, Director, MIRO Gallery Prague

From left: Sophia Wang, Asia Partnerships Manager; Qidong Heng, Director, Governance Institute; Benke Aikell, Your Publisher

From left: JUDr. Jan Černý, ČERNÝ-RAUPACHOVÁ Law Office; Jaromír Schling, former Minister of Transport; Karel Kovařík, Artist and Art Collector

Jiří Vaníček, Manager, Agency NKL, s.r.o.

From left: Jan Bulka, Marketing Specialist, Playpress, s.r.o.; Dominika Kašparová, LL.M., World of Games

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M iro

From left: Miro Smolák, Director, MIRO Gallery Prague; Jindřich Martinák, CEO, Knap Holding SE

From left: Jakob Mattner, Artist; Michael Haas, Owner of the Galerie Michael Haas Berlin-Zürich

MUDr. Soňa Krauskopfová, Doctor; Jaromír Schling, former Minister of Transport

From left: Hans Weber, Chief Executive Director, Prague Forum & Group4Solutions; Miroslav Krupička, PR Manager; Pavel Čihař, Entrepreneur

From left: MUDr. Martin Papáč, Doctor; MUDr. Michal Sičák, Doctor

JUDr. Jozef Bandžák, Czech Consul in Lvov, Ukraine

Jana Blount, Owner of the 5th Avenue Boutique Prague; Martin Šarmír, IT Manager, RR Donnelley Prague

From left: Vlado Milunić, Architect, Co-author of the Dancing House Prague; Pavol Altrichter, Artist; Norbert Tappert, Art Photographer

From left: Tatiana Pohojda, Anna Kužmová, Birgit Labrada Terna, MIRO Gallery’s staff

From left: Benjamín Szakál, Member of the Chamber of Deputies; Marián Hodoš, Art Collector

From left: Gagik Manoukian, Artist; Marian de Riz, Artist with his wife Maruška

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culture event

From left: Pavel Roučka, Artist, Natálie Roučková, Artist, Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Artworks, and Vladimír Bachorík, Glass Artist

Art´s in the House, Move on UP!

is a remarkable collaboration with IMMOFINANZ and myhive Pankrác House. Louise Beer, founder and director of PragArtworks, has brought together a diverse group of contemporary Czech artists to create an exclusive exhibition in the heart of Prague. The exhibition showcases artworks in the urban office spaces of Pankrac House. This industrial environment is unconventional yet presents the perfect setting to showcase the wide range of contemporary works on display. The pop-up gallery not only offers a space for the artists to display their works, but also fosters a sense of kinship and community.

Connecting the artists to their audience and creating an inviting atmosphere is what PragArtworks has set out to achieve since it was established in 2017.

Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Artworks with representatives of Immofinanz

From left: Benke Aell, your Publisher and H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece

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From left: Adelina Stallebrass, Art Collector, Magdalena Touma, Art Collector, Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Artworks, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Eva Anderová, Vice President for PR, UNYP and President, Kafka Centre, and Eva Eleanor Hammond, Director of CERGE EI

Thomas Hendrych, Galerie Kuzebauch

Art piece by Pedia Djakovič

culture event

Susanne Havelka, Architect, Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Artworks, and Mr. Walter Dackiw

Milan Hofman, Partner, Galerie Pštrosova and Jana Žantovská, Art Dealer

From left: Alena Oniscenko, Director of Sales, Prag Artworks, Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Artworks, and Jan Jungwirth, CFO, Immofinanz

René Beauchamp, Consultant Hôtelier and Kateřina Štenclová, Artist

From left: Claire Frijs Madsen, wife of the Danish Ambassador, Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Artworks, and Meriem Bouattoura, wife of the Algerian Ambassador

Art piece by Natálie Roučková

From left: Mrs.Elizabeth Neale, Mrs.Dana Duffill, and Grace Wilkinson, Art Collectors

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ČSÚZ In cooperation with Czech & Slovak Leaders

From left: A member of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Bc. Libor Lukáš, chairman Jaromír Šlápota, Jitka Valentová, vice-chairwoman, senator Ivo Valenta, and a member of the Managing Board JUDr. Ing. Světlana Semrádová Zvolánková

PhDr. Libuše Benešová, vice-chairwoman of the Institute, thanked to all who had contributed to the implementation of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute projects for compatriots

The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute entered into the 10th decade of its activities

The emeritus abbot of Strahov Monastery Michael Joseph Pojezdný, O. Praem wished to the present guests personal peace, happiness, and health

The chairman of the Komenský School association in Vienna and a member of the Managing Board Ing. Karel Hanzl handed over to the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute an honorary plaque for many years of meritorious work in education of youth and for its dedicated action in favour of the development of the expatriate movement in Vienna

The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, established 90 years ago, celebrated its jubilee at the Strahov Monastery in Prague, with the participation of three hundred members, personalities from the social and political life and foreign diplomats. A turnout of guests represents a clear evidence of the Institute being perceived as an important and respectable institution.

The chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Jaromír Šlápota welcomed the guests and thanked them for taking their time to celebrate the anniversary of the institution, which at the time when we hear from media more information about the split and messed up society, brings people together and unites them. The abbot Daniel Peter Janáček then appreciated the fact that over the last ninety years of its existence the Institute managed to retain its relevance and keep itself up to date. Prof. PhDr. Ivo Barteček, CSc. mentioned the three generations of personalities of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute: the first generation of the founders, who in the years 1929–1939 sought to create the new institution to support the national economy and social order and at the same time to help the Czechs and Slovaks living and working abroad, the second generation associated with the restoration activities of the Institute after 1945 and the following four decades full of turbulence, and the third generation, which after 1990 managed to return the Institute its originally intended mission and is inherently associated with the name of the current chairman Jaromír Šlápota, who has been leading the Institute since the middle of 1992.

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ČSÚZ On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute eight personalities and one institution have been honoured for contributing to the improvement of teaching Czech compatriots abroad. A thank-you certificate and commemorative Silver Lion were awarded to: JUDr. Eva Dobrohrušková, Ing. Vladimír Bezděk, M.A., Vladimír Bílek from Croatia, Ing. Karl Hanzl from Austria, JUDr. Jaroslav Hot, Michael Joseph Pojezdný, Ing. Petar Petkovov Stanchev, Evermod Gejza Šidlovský and the company MADFINGER Games, a.s. Brno. The award was accepted by co-founder of the company Tomáš Šlápota. Then, the recepients had the pleasant opportunity to enjoy the art of Felix Slováček, musician and member of the Institute.

"Is 90 years in the life of a community a lot or a little? It is enough. Since this community has been alive all the time, it means it is a good community,” Michael Joseph Pojezdný, the former long-time abbot of the Strahov Monastery and a member of the Institute, said in his speech on the address of the Institute. Vladimír Bílek, a member of the Croatian synod for the Czech and Slovak minority, greeted those present on behalf of eleven thousand compatriots in Croatia, who profess to be of the Czech nationality, and thanked to the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute for the excellent cooperation and care of the equipment of Czech schools in Croatia, which are teaching Czech to 1,500 children. "For expatriates in Austria, living there already for four generations, the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute is an important link with their old homeland. At the present time when there are no easy conditions for the maintenance of the Czech language in the world, the cooperation with the Institute is even more important for them", Ing. Karel Hanzl, the chairman of the Komenský School association in Vienna mentioned and he handed over to the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute an honorary plaque, as an award for a long meritorious work for education of youth and for its dedicated action in favour of the development of the expatriate movement in Vienna. Then PhDr. Libuše Benešová and Senator Ivo Valenta, vice-chairmen of the Institute, thanked to all the members who had contributed to the implementation of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute projects for compatriots.

The final word belonged once again to the chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute. He stressed the principle of tolerance, which the Institute has in its statutes, and which allows a useful collaboration of people of various political views, he remembered the names of the members, who had left their marks in the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, and mentioned the fact that the Institute never changed the attribute Czechoslovak in its name and still remains a patriotic institution. At the conclusion, similarly as ten years ago at the St. Agnes convent, when the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute celebrated its 80th birthday, he wished participants good health so that they could get together in next ten years at the party to celebrate hundred years of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute activity.

Ing. Miroslav Toman, CSc., a member of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute with company, enjoyed a good time with the chairman Jaromír Šlápota

As a host, the abbot of the Strahov Monastery Daniel Peter Janáček, O. Praem, addressed the participants

A deputy for the Czech and Slovak minority in the Croatian synod and member of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Vladimír Bílek was sincerely surprised by the award of the thank-you certificate and commemorative Silver Lion

A member of the Managing Board of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Petar Petkov Stanchev, Ph.D. was also awarded

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P hoto : A rchive

Things we do that undermine our selfconfidence

You’re not good enough… You’re not good enough… The inner voice goes on and on and it’s overwhelming. Why is it we sometimes feel inadequate despite all our successes, achievements and recognition by others? We have all the reasons to feel confident so why don’t we? Healthy self-confidence is something we all want as leaders.

Yet there are certain things that we do, often unconsciously, that undermine our self-confidence, making us doubt ourselves and limit our potential. Today I want to talk to you about one of these things that I consider crucial, however it hasn’t made it to the front pages of the popular leadership manuals yet...

ABOUT ALENA HUBEROVA Alena assists business leaders all over Europe in developing a powerful personal presence on and off-stage, and delivering presentations that get people’s buy-in and inspire action. She acts as a mentor for startups helping them design and deliver winning business pitches. More recently she’s been focusing on helping female leaders to embrace their authentic & feminine self and let it shine at work and beyond!

She has a professional background in sales, marketing and communication in a variety of sectors including IT, travel and tourism, wellness and beauty. She lived and worked in 5 different countries in Europe and Asia.

In collaboration with Presenation.com, she coached the X.GLU Czech Team to win the world title at the Microsoft Imagine Cup in 2017. Alena’s other achievements include being a speaker at the TEDx UNYP 2017 conference and winning the second place in the 2018 Czech National Championship of Public Speaking.

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WE ALL WANT IT… We all want to feel self-confident. To have that feeling of strength coming from within, that no matter what comes your way, you can trust in yourself and your abilities; you accept yourself exactly as you are. You are comfortable in your own skin and recognize your strengths and your weaknesses; you know what you know and what you don't know.

True self-confidence is crucial for everyone and more so for you - a leader. The spotlight is on you, every day you need to confront challenging situations and withstand the pressures that come with them, to stand up for yourself and your people. Self-confidence is the foundation of your success as a leader.

CULTIVATING SELF-CONFIDENCE Let me first clarify one thing. Although it would be wonderful to always feel strong and 100% self-confident, let’s face it, that’s impossible.

Our level of self-confidence fluctuates, there are days we feel more confident than others, there are situations and people we feel more confident around than with others. This is reality. The important thing is to have a good ‘baseline’ level of self-confidence independent of any external circumstances or conditions. If your confidence is overly dependent on your boss patting you on the back every time you do a good job or your partner telling you how hot you look, you run the risk of feeling quite inadequate most of the time.

To have a good baseline level of self-confidence takes conscious effort.

It’s the same as with staying fit and healthy. If you want to keep your six-pack, a lean toned body that is a pleasure to look at, you have to put in the hours of physical exercise and avoid the junk food you so crave for.

To maintain healthy self-esteem and confidence, there are things you want to do and also things you ought to avoid.

In this article I don’t intend to provide you any life-changing advice or a general list of things to do every day to boost up your self-confidence.

No, I want to focus on one specific thing we do that diminishes our self-confidence: Not telling the truth (or the whole truth).

THE THINGS WE DO… Yes, you heard me right: not telling the truth. “Alena, are you calling me a liar?” I can hear your objections already. No, I am not calling you a liar. I certainly hope that you’re not going around telling outright lies to anyone. And if you do, then you ought to have a serious chat with yourself and better still, with your psychotherapist. I am talking about things that are much more subtle. Little things we tell each other in conversations that sound polite and charming, but don’t really mean a thing. We should have a coffee sometime! OR I‘ll call you! OR How very interesting, I’ll be in touch… etc.

These are phrases that when you hear them, you already know that the call will never come, that the coffee encounter will never take place… It’s just a polite, empty phrase that sounds pleasing to the ear but is void of any meaning.

I had to laugh when I watched the popular fairy tale “Into The Woods” and Prince Charming say, “I was raised to be charming, not sincere!” How many of us charmers are out there? Saying things we don’t really mean but they sound like just the right thing to say to make others feel good.

And here’s another example. Remember a time someone asked for a favor or made a proposal to you and you said YES whilst your entire body was screaming NO? You said YES because saying NO would put you in an uncomfortable spot, or could hurt someone’s feelings, or god forbid, would put you in danger of becoming unpopular?!

THE CONSEQUENCES CAN BE HARSH… I know, it sounds trivial. It is not. Every time you say something you do not really mean you’re undermining your self-confidence. You are losing a piece of yourself. You hear words coming out of your own mouth, knowing they carry no weight - they are meaningless and cannot be trusted. This has a tremendous impact on your self-esteem and confidence. Similarly, every time you say YES to something or someone when you really want to say NO, you’re undermining your self-confidence. By saying YES to others you’re saying NO to yourself, you’re disrespecting your own wishes and opinions, that’s a major blow to your confidence.

YOUR 24-HOUR CHALLENGE If anything I just said resonates with you, I’ll share with you a little challenge I gave myself years ago. During the next 24 hours monitor all your interactions with others, at work, at home, or anywhere you move throughout the day. Pay a close attention to all that you say.

Do you really mean it? Will you do as you say or is it just a polite, empty phrase? And if it is, why are you saying it? What is the benefit you’re getting by saying it? Consider whether the benefit is worth the damage you’re causing to your self-confidence… Try it and if you dare, share with me your insights. You may find, just like I did years ago, that you’re the perfect Prince/Princess Charming. It’s very disconcerting but at least now you know and now you have the possibility to do something about it.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT… Speaking the truth! I believe it is hugely underrated yet crucial for our true self-confidence. Could you just imagine if we all started to pay more attention to the words we speak? If we embraced honesty instead of charm and false politeness? For me, honesty is not only a sign of self-love and respect and the foundation of our inner strength but honesty opens up a new level of communication and connection between people, much deeper and more meaningful. Remember, even bad news or rejection can be communicated with empathy, love and respect; even uncomfortable information or conversation can serve its purpose - sometimes it is just the thing the other needs to hear because it can inspire action or a change in behavior.

And so, next time you have the urge to say yes when you really want to say no, or when you turn on your charms, please think twice. We don’t need any more Prince(s) Charmings in this world. There are enough of them already! We need the strong, confident you to set an example for others and lead in your authentic way in this world!

By Alena Huberová Presentation Coach and Speaker, Feminine Leadership Trainer www.alenahuberova.com, alena@alenahuberova.com české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

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T he SKÅL From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Birthe Maceska, SKÅL Club Prague member, and Ulf Landeberg, General Manager, Lindner Hotel Prague Castle

SKÅL CLUB PRAGUE MONTHLY LUNCHEON The SKÅL Club International Prague monthly meeting was held March 28th at the NH Hotel Prague. The luncheon took place within the Sky Lounge with beautiful panoramic view of the city. The guest speaker of this month was Mr. Udo Chistée, executive director of Amedia Hotels and a lifetime hotel developer, who presented his success story and ideas within the hospitality area.

Franz Prassl, Deník Group and Marie Ranišová, Owner, Austrian Chauffeur Limousines

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From left: Heinz Reigl, President, SKÅL Club Prague and Udo Chistée, Managing Director, Amedia Hotels and guest speaker

T he SKÅL

From left: Jan Houška, Young SKÅL member, Zdeněk Kovařík, General Manager, Holiday Inn Hotel, Jiří Matoušek, Owner, Matcom events, Marie Ranišová, Owner, Austrian Chauffeur Limousines, Heinz Reigl, President, SKÅL Club Prague, and Karel Zelený, Market Manager CEE, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism From left: Karel Zelený, Market Manager CEE, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Johannes Schuschu, General Manager, Pentahotel Prague

Heiz Reigl, President, SKÅL Club Prague

Karen Hartley, CEO, Taiko

Udo Chistée, Managing Director, Amedia Hotels and guest speaker

From left: Miroslav Forejtek, General Manager, ParkInn Hotel and Zdeněk Kovařík, General Manager, Holiday Inn Hotel

Werner Koppel, Owner, Koppel s.r.o.and Birthe Maceska, SKÅL Club Prague member

From left: Roman R. Straub, General Manager, Prague Congress Center, Miroslav Bukva, General Manager, Mamaison Hotel Riverside, and Miroslav Forejtek, General Manager, ParkInn Hotel

From left: Zdeněk Kovařík, General Manager, Holiday Inn Hotel, Jan Lajka, SKÅL Club Prague Member, and Viktor Dvořák, Owner and CEO of Bohemia Travel Service and Greyline

From left: Zdeněk Kovařík, General Manager, Holiday Inn Hotel, Petr Beránek, General Manager, Grandhotel Bohemia, and Miroslav Bukva, General Manager, Mamaison Hotel Riverside

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A lena M astantuono , D irector

of

CEBRE - C zech B usiness R epresentation

to the

EU

Alena Mastantuono

Alena Mastantuono graduated at the Palacky University in Olomouc and at the Masaryk University in Brno with major in Economics and Public Administration.

She has been dealing with EU affairs since 2005. She worked at the Czech Ministry of Finance on preparations of ministers´ mandates for meetings of Economic and Financial Council.

In 2007, she joined CEBRE as a Deputy Director and in 2011 she became a Director. In 2015, CEBRE office got a new competence to offer Czech Trade export services on Belgian market. Alena Mastantuono is a permanent delegate of the Czech Chamber of Commerce in EUROCHAMBRES and alternate in European Economic and Social Committee.

She publishes and lectures about specific EU issues.

P hoto : A melie G luntz

“We would be happy if our MEPs listened to us and protected national interests rather than keeping the voting line of their European political groups” Server info.cz chose you as the one of the 50 most influential Czechs in Brussels. What kind of change can we expect with the May European elections?

In general, an increase in seats for populists and nationalists is expected, pulling down the number of seats of the two biggest political groups in the Parliament. Approximately half of the serving MEPs are expected to change as a result of the election. According to predictions, the European People´s Party will remain the strongest party in the European Parliament followed by the Socialists and Democrats and then the Liberals in third place. Everything depends on a possible reshuffle among the groups, some national parties might join other groups and also new groups may be formed after the elections. What is certain is that we will have newly elected MEPs, whose parties are not present in the European Parliament in the

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current mandate, for example, new parties that have emerged at the national level in recent years. One of them is Macron's "La République en Marche”. Given its political nature, its MEPs should head to ALDE but Macron´s ambition is to create a centrist coalition. A new parliamentary group can be formed by 25 MEPs coming from at least a quarter of EU Member states, which is not an easy task. Concerning newly elected Czech MEPs, we do not know where the Pirate Party is heading.

Last but not least, Brexit – if happening before European elections, will also have an impact as 72 British MEPs are due to leave and the number of the European Parliament seats will drop to 705 from today's 751.

When will the new Commission be confirmed?

The EU institutions predict that the new Commission will be elected at the second

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Parliament´s plenary in October. This means that the inaugural plenary session of the newlyelected Parliament should take place in July and, at its second July plenary, the Parliament will have the first opportunity to elect the Commission´s president. During September and October, the first hearings of Commissionerdesignates should take place. This is, however an ideal and very ambitious plan. It might happen that the institutions will not agree on the leader of the Commission or that some Commissionerdesignates might not pass the hearings in the Parliament, meaning that the whole process will be delayed.

But we have the Spitzenkandidaten. Why should they not agree on the leader?

First and foremost, because the Spitzenkandidat process is not written in the EU treaties, it is rather a gentlemen’s agreement. EU treaties require the

A lena M astantuono , D irector

of

CEBRE - C zech B usiness R epresentation

Council, acting by qualified majority, to nominate a Commission president for Parliament’s approval, taking into account the results of the European Parliament election. However, European leaders made it clear that they won't be bound by the Spitzenkandidat process. What we cannot deny is that it is a great marketing tool. A continentwide campaign gives more visibility to EU issues and offers the chance to discuss them with a wider public.

disregarded. And what is even worse is that the watchdog of EU legislation is inactive because it is highly political. Some eurocrats became sceptical as they see themselves becoming helpless. Tools such as infringements, which are legal actions against an EU country that fails to implement EU law, have lost their importance.

We witness infringement procedures against France or Germany lasting for years or being stopped without justification.

Does it mean there are other potential candidates?

Different scenarios are possible and only the election results will show which one of them was the right one. Imagine that a party without a Spitzenkandidat wins. The Liberals preferred a „team of liberal leaders“ instead of nominating one lead candidate. I presume that the winner would be the leader of the party, Guy Verhofstadt, who was already a lead candidate in 2014. Another possibility is that there could be a new political group formed in the European Parliament that did not have a chance to present its political leader in the race. Another scenario is that, hypothetically, the Spitzenkandidat has not been elected in his or her country and I can´t imagine that he or she could be proposed as the President of the Commission. That would contradict the democratic principle so eagerly emphasised by the groups. And finally, the Council could propose its own candidate. In the corridors of Brussels there are rumours that Michel Barnier could be a suitable candidate for this position. Barnier is a former EU Commissioner and the current EU chief negotiator with the UK. He has already shown interest in this job when he challenged Jean-Claude Juncker in 2014.

He is very committed to the single market and would easily get support from both the left and the right. The single market agenda has been very weak in the Juncker´s Commission. Barnier could give a positive impetus to draw the single market back into the political debate. That is very important for us.

Do you have concrete examples in mind?

A specific example is the field of posting of road transport workers. The Commission initiated the infringement with Germany in May 2015 and no decision has yet been taken. The solution is to set clear deadlines within these procedures, which the Commission should respect, thus avoiding, among other things, purely political pressures.

The Czech Republic is a strong supporter of the single market in Brussels. Let us hope that after Brexit we will find strong allies who will blunt the force of this Franco-German axis with us.

Why should the single market be so important when there are other key issues such as migration or security?

The single market is the centre of EU integration and that’s why migration and security are linked to it. If we do not have a fully functional single market, then we cannot properly deal with other challenges. What is causing a headache for Czech businesses is the lack of ownership of the single market and growing national protectionism from bigger countries such as France and Germany. This started due to the pressure from their trade unions and businesses to better protect their markets against competition from the new Member States. These are not Brussels bureaucrats who are often wrongly blamed for additional bureaucracy, it is clearly a national protectionism hidden under the guise of social or environmental aspects to which some countries refer. We have reached a momentum where the four freedoms of the single market are being

On what priorities in the framework of the single market should the Commission focus in the next period?

Businesses would appreciate a stocktaking of EU legislation and a reduction of undue restrictiveness. The less legislation we have, the better. There is still a lot to be done in the services sector. If the next Commission can do something, then it should examine how this area can be improved. Member States differ in many ways regarding how intrusively they regulate services.

The current Commission put forward a couple of positive proposals that were unfortunately watered down in the Council or the Parliament.

The reason in many cases was again national protectionism. Besides the services sector, the biggest potential lies in the exchange of goods.

Although this area is highly regulated, we need to improve it. At the moment, the EU institutions are discussing the so called goods package that is about mutual recognition, compliance and enforcement. Nothing can be better than good enforcement and implementation. A major problem is that EU institutions claim repeatedly to be in favour of pursuing the benefits of a genuine single market, but in actual practice this credo is not followed at home in many Member States.

Does Czech business have its priorities for the future institutional mandate?

Yes, we have common business priorities of our founders for the period 2019-2024.

We have already presented them to Czech candidates running for the European Parliament elections and we will send them to the newly elected Members as soon as they secure their parliamentary seats. Current MEPs know our opinions. We regularly inform them during the mandate and try to explain our concerns to them. We would be happy if our MEPs listened to us and protected national interests rather than keeping the voting line of their European political

to the

EU

groups thus supporting the creation of growth and jobs in other Members States by favouring national protectionism.

What will the EU look like in the future?

We will certainly be more diverse, culturally diluted and identities will be even more fluid than today, due to further EU enlargement and migration. The total fertility rate in the EU is decreasing and our population is getting older.

As a consequence, the dependency ratio is increasing. A relatively easy solution is to increase retirement ages as well as the number of active workers. If we cannot find them in our market, we have to go beyond its borders. That is exactly what the Czech Republic is doing today with Ukraine or Mongolia. Businesses will also change their behaviour and business models thanks to digitization which can also be an opportunity in case of ageing population and the lack of active workers. Businesses will also adapt to regulatory shifts regarding climate change issues and circular economy. The security aspect will also play its role, be it online or offline. All these challenges will have to be put into an economic context. Worsening economic conditions could be a major factor in how the trade agenda plays out. Trade wars and protectionism could still be on the table. The EU will have to adapt to these challenges and it is up to the Member States and their citizens to decide what role the EU should play. In the last 15 months, the vision for the future of Europe was the subject of speeches of some EU leaders in the European Parliament. It gives a good insight to what some Member States want from the EU. I hope the trend of discussions will continue throughout the new institutional mandate and that we will have the chance to hear the vision of the Czech Republic. We need a clear vision with a coherent strategy on what expectations we have from the EU and what role we want to play in the European project.

By Linda Štucbartová české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

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EU

Czech Business Representation to the EU

debate

Debate on reduction of emissions

From left: Tom van Ierland, Head of Strategy and Economic Assessment Unit, DG Clima, European Commission and David Klimeš, Chief Analyst, Ekonom Weekly

On the 28th of November 2018 the European Commission adopted the Strategy “A clean planet for all”. For businesses it is a good starting point for the debate on future action in this field. However, the target of the EU being climate neutral by 2050 is rather idealistic. The EU has the most ambitious targets worldwide and we need to reach a well-balanced scenario which will support investment in low-carbon emissions technologies and products and at the same time not hamper the EU’s competitiveness. In order to reach a well-balanced solution we have to push for coordinated action across the whole planet. Therefore, it will be crucial to engage in a dialogue with other major economies of the world. As for the Czech Republic, the main challenge will be to change its heating plants sector which will require huge financial resources and investment in R&D&I. Those are the main outcomes of a debate on the EU long-term strategy to reduce the emissions organized by the Representation of the European Commission in Prague, Liaison Office of the European Parliament in Prague, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic and CEBRE-Czech Business Representation to the EU on the 7th of December 2018 in Prague.

Participants of the debate

Zdeněk Čech, Economic Counsellor and Deputy Head, European Commission's Representation in the Czech Republic

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From left: Pavel Řežábek, Chief Economist, ČEZ, a.s. and Miroslav Havránek, Director, CENIA, Czech Environmental Information Agency

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS I/2019

EU

Czech Business Representation to the EU

debate

CEBRE founders meet MEPs From left: Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech Production Co-operatives, Bořivoj Minář, Vice-president, Czech Chamber of Commerce, and Dagmar Kuchtová, Director General, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

The mandate of the current EU institutions is slowly, but steadily coming to an end. However, several important legislative proposals with a significant impact on businesses are still being finalized.

The impact of several proposals, notably from the area of clean mobility and mobility of employees, were discussed by CEBRE founders together with Czech MEPs on 16th November in the premises of the Confederation of Employers’ and Entrepreneurs’ Associations of the Czech Republic in Prague.

Martina Dlabajová, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control, European Parliament and Petr Ježek, Chairman of the Special committee on financial crime, tax evasion and tax avoidance, European Parliament

From left: Jan Medveď, Deputy Director General, ČESMAD BOHEMIA, the Association of Road and Transport Operators and Jiří Pohl, Member of Transport Group, Czech Chamber of Commerce

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EU

matters business

Did you know what?

Safer cars thanks to new compulsory safety features The European Parliament's Internal Market (IMCO) Committee endorsed a proposal to introduce additional safety features for different categories of new vehicles within the EU. These include, for example, an intelligent speed assistant, driver drowsiness warnings, or standardized preparation for installing an alcohol test that prevents starting the engine of the car. The emergency braking system and lanedeparture warning system should also be mandatory for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

Manufacturers will have to ensure that these new security features are embedded in such a way that users will be willing to accept them and provide clear information on how they work and how to use them.

New European Labour Authority A preliminary agreement has been reached on the Commission's proposal to create the European Labour Authority (ELA). The objective of ELA will be to support the mobility of workers within the EU and to strengthen the cooperation of national authorities, for example in the fight against social fraud. The agreement must be finally confirmed now by the Member States in the Council and the European Parliament at its plenary session.

EU will have its first ever programme to invest in digital EU institutions agreed to set up a first European Digitization Support Programme called Digital Europe. The aim of the programme is to support the development in five major areas, including highperformance computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cyber security and trust, digital skills and a broad use of digital technologies. The proposed program budget is over 9 billion for the period 2021-2027, but the outcome will depend on the final agreement on the budget for this multiannual financial framework.

New rules for online platforms Representatives of EU institutions reached a preliminary agreement on new rules for online platforms. The proposal forbids some unfair practices where sellers are having suddenly and without any reasons their account blocked. The terms of use of the platform will have to be easily available and any changes will have to be reported for at least 15 days in advance, with longer periods being required for more significant changes. Market places and search engines will have to publish the main parameters for the sorting of goods and services, enabling retailers to better promote the goods they offer. Platforms will also need to implement an internal complaint handling system, with exceptions for only the smallest platforms.

More transparent working conditions Representatives of the Romanian Presidency and the European Parliament reached an agreement on new rules increasing the transparency and predictability of working conditions in the EU. The directive will require employers to inform employees of the basic aspects of the employment relationship, such as the identity of the participants in the relationship and the place and nature of the work, the initial remuneration and the amount of paid leave, or the duration of the normal working day or week.

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Let´s talk numbers!

Renewable energy use on the rise According to Eurostat's data, the share of renewable energy in total EU energy consumption rose to 17.5% in 2017, an increase of 0.5% compared to the previous year. Sweden (54.5%), Finland (41.0%) and Latvia (39.0%) are the countries that use the largest share of renewable energy, while Luxembourg (6.4%), the Netherlands (6.6%) and Malta (7.2%) use the smallest share. 11 Member States, including the Czech Republic, have already achieved their 2020 targets regarding renewable energy.

Total energy consumption is increasing In 2017, the EU moved itself a little bit further from its 2020 targets regarding its primary energy consumption that reached 1561 million tonnes of oil equivalent, while the final energy consumption amounted to 1222 million tonnes of oil equivalent.

This is roughly 1% more than in the previous year and it means an increase in energy consumption in the third consecutive year. According to the objectives of the Energy Efficiency Directive, the primary energy consumption should reach a maximum of 1483 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2020 and the final consumption should amount for 1086 million tonnes of oil equivalent.

EU foresees GDP growth both in 2019 and 2020 According to European Commission winter economic forecast for 2019, the EU GDP should grow in the seventh consecutive year. For the euro area, the Commission estimates a growth of 1.3% in 2019 and 1.6% in 2020, and 1.5% and 1.7% respectively for the EU as a whole. As far as inflation is concerned, it should be at 1.4% in 2019 and 1.5% in 2020. The major risk, as defined by the forecast are the tense situation in international trade and brexit.

Industrial producer prices dropped by 0.8% in euro area and EU28 Estimates of the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) show that industrial producer prices declined by 0.8% in December 2018 compared with the previous month, both in the euro area and the whole EU. The largest decline was recorded in Denmark (-3.0%), Greece (-2.3%) and Belgium (-2.1%), while the prices rose in Latvia (+0.7%), Ireland (3%) and Estonia (+0.2%).

Compared to December 2017, there has been a 3.0% rise in prices in the euro area and 3.1% in the whole EU. Higher targets needed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 The European Parliament's Environmental (ENVI) and Industry and Energy (ITRE) Committees adopted a resolution calling for an increase in greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2030 if the EU wants to be climate neutral by 2050. According to the ENVI Committee, the greenhouse gas reduction target should be between 40% and 55% by 2030 compared to the levels of 1990. According to the ITRE Committee, it is necessary to increase the share of renewable energy and energy efficiency to achieve climate neutrality.

Investments in the circular economy and research and development focused on climate change are also key, according to MEPs, and they should target 35% of the Horizon Europe budget.

In the world!

EU-Singapore trade and investment agreements approved The European Parliament endorsed the EU-Singapore trade and investment agreement as well as the

agreement and partnership and cooperation. Under the trade agreement, all tariffs on imports of European goods will be removed, and the agreement will also provide European companies with access to sectors such as telecommunications, engineering, computer technology or maritime transport. Singapore is also committed to removing non-tariff barriers to trade, for example, recognizing safety tests for European vehicles and electric appliances. The trade agreement may enter into force as soon as the ratification process is completed by the Singaporean side and the other parties complete the necessary formalities. The investment agreement must still be ratified by the EU Member States.

Cambodia may lose preferential access to EU market The European Commission launched a process that could lead to the suspension of Cambodia's preferential access to the European market. The reason for this is that Cambodia is violating fundamental human and labour rights. Preferential access will not be suspended immediately. Over the next six months, EU representatives will be in intensive contact with the Cambodian authorities and will explore the situation in the country. Afterwards, the Commission will have 3 months to prepare a study and then another 3 months to decide whether to suspend the preferential treatment.

EU protects local steel producers with import quotas The European Commission issued a regulation introducing definitive safeguard measures for the import of steel products into the EU. The Commission's investigation has shown that, following the introduction of US tariffs, imports into the EU have increased and jeopardized European producers.

Protective measures will take the form of quotas. All imports beyond these quotas will be subject to an additional duty of 25%. The measures start to apply immediately.

EU-Japan agreement is being applied As of 1st February 2019, the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement begins to be applied. The EPA cancels the vast majority of customs duties. After the agreement is fully implemented, Japan will remove duties on 97% of EU-imported goods. The agreement also removes a number of non-tariff barriers, for example by accepting international standards for cars. The agreement will further remove barriers for key EU exporters of food and beverages to the Japanese market and opens up services markets, notably the areas of financial services, e-commerce, telecommunications and transport.

Overview of EU-US trade talks The European Commission released a report on the implementation of the Joint Statement by EU and US representatives of 25th July 2018. The aim of the statement was to prevent tensions in trade relations and to focus on cooperation opportunities. The report states that in the first phase, negotiations focused on addressing regulatory issues, and then discussed the import of soybeans into the EU. In the future, negotiations will focus on industrial goods and the conformity assessment process. The EU states that cooperation in these areas is conditional on the US not introducing any new customs duties on European goods and removing the steel and aluminium duties applied since June 2018.

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