Czech & Slovak Leaders 02/2018

Czech & Slovak Leaders II/2018

APRIL– JUNE 2018

Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

Respect and debate are the foundations available worldwide online P hoto : A rchive

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Dear friends of culture and the arts, we are pleased to inform you that the Trebbia Foundation is currently organizing

the 17th annual International Trebbia Awards Ceremony

Prague, December 28, 2017

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Dear friends of culture and the arts, we are pleased to inform you that the Trebbia Foundation in cooperation with Czech & Slovak Leaders are currently organizing

THE PLACE WHERE LEADERS ARE SEEN MÍSTO KDE JSOU LÍDŘI VIDĚT

the 17th annual International Trebbia Awards Ceremony, this time affined to the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia, the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at 8:00 p.m., broadcast live on Czech Television and Slovak Television www.trebbia.eu The programme will include a performance by Czech soprano Alena Miro and Slovak tenor Pavol Breslik, who will be accompanied by the FOK Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rastislav Štúr. The world premiere of Symphonic Picture Trebbia 2018 composed by Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer will also be performed.

The 17 annual International th

Seven laureates from the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland will be presented with diplomas and bronze Trebbia statues created by sculptor Stefan Milkov. Furthermore, the gala evening will include a traditional benefit auction of paintings by famous personalities, who are not the professional artists and lithography by Miroslav Pošvic “Balance”, which was exhibited at the North Pole. The proceeds of the auction will Thebe programme include a between performance two

by Czech soprano foundations.

Alena Miro and Slovak tenor Pavol Breslik, who will be accompadividedwillequally selected nied by the FOK Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rastislav Štúr. The world premiere of Symphonic Picture Trebbia 2018

by Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer will alsobuffet be performed.

The programme will becomposed followed by a social gathering and in the Spanish Hall.

Seven laureates from the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland will be presented with diplomas and Dear friends of culture and the arts, we will be very grateful, if you kindly decide to support bronze Trebbia statues created by sculptor Stefan Milkov. Furthermore, the gala evening will include a traditional benefit auction evening by purchasing tickets: of paintings by famous personalities, who are not the professional artists and lithography by Miroslav Pošvic “Balance”, which was Tablesof the 1auction to 6 willCZK 10,000 / EUR per person, all inclusive exhibited at the North Pole. The proceeds be divided equally between400 two selected foundations.

this charity gala

Tables 7 to 12 CZK 9,500 / EUR 380 per person, all inclusive The programme will Tables be followed13 by ato social and buffet in the Spanish Hall.

17 gathering CZK 9,000 / EUR 360 per person, all inclusive Tables 18 to 22 CZK 8,500 / EUR 340 per person, all inclusive Tables 23 to 27 CZK 8,000 / EUR 320 per person, all inclusive Tables 28 to 31 CZK 7,500 / EUR 300 per person, all inclusive Tables 32 to 36 CZK 7,000 / EUR 280 per person, all inclusive Tables 37 to 41 CZK 6,500 / EUR 260 per person, all inclusive

www.czechleaders.com

INTERVIEWS Method of payment:

• Based on an invoice for advertising + VAT (your name or your company’s logo will be placed on a shared advertising banner in front of the entrance to the Spanish Hall)

• Based on a gift/donation agreement (sent to you upon request)

• In cash at the offices of the Trebbia Foundation, Church of St. Rochus, Strahov Monastery – Strahovské nádvoří 132/1, Prague 1 Due to the capacity of the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, we recommend that you order your tickets immediately.

Coverage

by Czech & Slovak Magazine Please send your order to the following emailPhoto address: info@galeriemiro.cz.

Booking tickets is not possible. Thank you for your understanding.

| EVENTS | PR | EU MATTERS

this time affined to the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia, the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle on Sunday, June 17th, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., broadcast live on Czech Television and Slovak Television.

www.trebbia.eu

Trebbia Awards Ceremony Dear friends of culture and the arts, we will be very grateful, if you kindly decide to support this charity gala evening by purchasing tickets: Tables 1 to 6 CZK 10,000 / EUR 400 per person, all inclusive Tables 7 to 12 CZK 9,500 / EUR 380 per person, all inclusive Tables 13 to 17 CZK 9,000 / EUR 360 per person, all inclusive Tables 18 to 22 CZK 8,500 / EUR 340 per person, all inclusive Tables 23 to 27 CZK 8,000 / EUR 320 per person, all inclusive Tables 28 to 31 CZK 7,500 / EUR 300 per person, all inclusive Tables 32 to 36 CZK 7,000 / EUR 280 per person, all inclusive Tables 37 to 41 CZK 6,500 / EUR 260 per person, all inclusive Method of payment: • Based on an invoice for advertising + VAT (your name or your company’s logo will be placed on a shared advertising banner in front of the entrance to the Spanish Hall) • Based on a gift/donation agreement (sent to you upon request) • In cash at the offices of the Trebbia Foundation, Church of St. Rochus, Strahov Monastery – Strahovské nádvoří 132/1, Prague 1 Due to the capacity of the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, we recommend that you order your tickets immediately.

Please send your order to the following email address: info@galeriemiro.cz. Booking tickets is not possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

DRESS CODE: ladies – evening gown; gentlemen – smoking jacket, dark suit.

Thank you in advance for your support. We are looking forward to a remarkable evening with you.

Sincerely yours, PhDr. MgA. Miro Smolák On behalf of the Trebbia International Nomination Committee

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P ublisher ’ s

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DEAR READERS, Summer is quickly approaching and we already have had a taste of it for a week with gorgeous weather – right now it is about 23 °C. You should know, Dear Readers, that the temptation to get away from the office and practise some golf is very strong. However, some back problems and the deadline to finish this article and the new issue are stopping me from doing so.

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State Visit President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman representing the Czech Republic Senate New American Ambassador visited Senate Senate Meeting of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate Senate Traditional New Year´s meeting of Senators and Diplomatic Corps Senate President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Milan Štěch, in Stockholm

 page 10

It is a great pleasure to have Mr. Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the parliament on our front page along with a very interesting interview. It is quite a remarkable achievement of this young man holding the state’s third highest ranking constitutional position.

Other prominent interviews are with Dr. Vivienne Ming, named one of the 10 Women to Watch in Tech 2013 by Inc. Magazine.

She is also an author of the upcoming “How to Robot-Proof Your Kids” and “The Tax on Being Different", Filip Horký, Journalist, Mrs. Šárka Kulkusová, Commercial Director of Rudolf and Stefanie Hospital, Benešov, Miss Andrea Tittelová, Founder and CEO of the Youth Politics Education, Mr. Ira Rubinstein – a modern polymath, Mr. Tomáš Huner, Minister of Industry and Trade, H.E. Mrs. Viktoria Li, Swedish Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Mr. Ludger Ramme, President CEC, European Managers Association, Dr Ursula Czerninova – to mention a few.

In this April issue of the Magazine you will also see many highly important photo coverages of some exceptional events such as Presidential Visits, Senate Meeting with Diplomatic Corps and visit by Paul Ryan from USA, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and visit by Senate to Sweden, several Round Tables by Comenius, CACIO Int. Conference of Technology, or Greece National Day. Dear Readers, also don’t forget our highly professional contributors and their extremely interesting articles in this issue.

Dear Readers, I wish you all a great spring season and let the energy and hopes which come from this wonderful time inspire you to help and care for others.

Benke Aikell benke.aikell@czechleaders.com www.czechleaders.com

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New Ambassador of the USA to the Czech Republic, H.E. Stephen King

20 Round Table of Comenius Discussion Dinner with Mrs. Alena Schillerová, Minister of Finance 22 Round Table of Comenius Discussion Dinner with Mr. Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health 26 Cacio Conference International Conference Economy and Technology 4.0 30 Round Table of Comenius Discussion with Ms. Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor of Prague 36 Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador 44 CEC European Managers Building bridges for a united future. Press conference with Ludger Ramme, President of CEC European Managers 52 Managers of the Quarter-Century 57 QuBit Conference Fresh Information. Secure World. Community Spirit.

62 Senate Paul Ryan in the Czech Senate

C ontents

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Prague ART Opening reception at Prague art for Pragartworks Unicef Major Donors Meeting Audience Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux 2015 Prague Castle  page 66

Radek Vondráček

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Interview with Radek Vondráček Respect and debate are the foundations Interview with Tomáš Huner Industry 4.0 Interview with H.E. Viktoria Li Swedish Ambassador to the Czech Republic Interview with Andrea Tittelová Values and Meanings in Politics Interview with Ursula Czernin The Czech countryside has charmed me Interview with Šárka Kulkusová An opportunity to deal with matters conceptually Interview with Vivienne Ming How to Robot-Proof (Not Only Kids but also Ourselves) Interview with Ira Rubenstein A modern polymath solving problems, making a difference Interview with Filip Horký We seek truthful information Interview with Miriam Margala Global and local; economy, society, feminism and writing Interview with Jonathan Wootliff Regeneration – Building Progressive Jewish Life in the Czech Republic 90 Interview with Mamun Hassan From Dhaka to Palmovka in Prague

diplomatic events 32 Greek National Day  page 32

 page 76

H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece to the Czech Republic at his speech Filip Horký

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Elisabet Rodriguez Dennehy Quiet Confidence…A competency you can’t afford to ignore Emanuel Šíp Prospects of the Czech economy in 2018 Cristina Muntean Personal Branding: When Reason Must Win Over Ego James A. Cusumano Life is Beautiful! Part IX.: The Power of Gratitude Jan Mühlfeit and Kateřina Novotná The Best Preparation for Life Alena Huberová Once upon a time...

Tereza Urbánková Omne trium perfectum Eva Gáboríková How does „small talk“ influence the course and success of negotiations?

James A. Cusumano Life is Beautiful! Part IX.: The Power of Gratitude

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 39

Contributors: James A. Cusumano, Martina Hošková, Lenka Helena Koenigsmark, Jan Mühlfeit, Eva Gáboríková, Alena Huberová, Linda Štucbartová, Tereza Urbánková, Jonathan Wootliff, Alena Huberová, Elisabet Dennehy, Jan Muhlfeit, Cristina Muntean, Emanuel Šíp Photographers: Vladimír Weiss, Hana Brožková, Vladimír Kviz, Něso Matič, Eva Davidová, Vratislav Noha, Tomáš Svoboda, Tereza Šlápotová

Figure 2: You always attract what your fear, and that which you fear the most, comes swiftly to your doorstep.

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EU matters interview Interview with Martina Dlabajová My goal has always been to make the EU more accessible, pragmatic and bring it closer to citizens EU debate Sector Seminar on Sustainable Energy in EU External Cooperation Instruments Dual Quality of Products Data Protection in small businesses (Prague) EU matters business

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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The advertiser is responsible for the advertising contents.

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

All editorial material and photos in Czech & Slovak Leaders Magazine is digitally stored and may be republished

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I nterview

with

R adek V ondrĂĄÄ?ek , P resident

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C hamber

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D eputies

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P arliament

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C zech R epublic P hoto : A rchive

Respect and debate are the foundations

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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I nterview

with

R adek V ondráček , P resident

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C hamber

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D eputies

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P arliament

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C zech R epublic

P hoto : A rchive

Arranging an interview with the man holding the state’s third highest ranking constitutional position attested to one of those coaching rules, which goes: “the greatest barriers are those we build in our own mind”. Getting an interview with Radek Vondráček wasn’t as difficult as one might think considering his top position. In fact, his secretariat responded promptly and eagerly. I don’t believe in chance, but rather in synchronicity. The interview took place the morning after President Zeman’s inauguration. Radek Vondráček had just had a long and difficult day managing a meeting of both parliamentary chambers in his role as President, or Speaker, of the Czech Parliament’s Chamber of Deputies. Remember that a number of deputies left this meeting to express their disapproval of the President’s speech. I was struck that the statement Mr Vondráček provided on this incident to the media began by thanking his colleagues for their careful preparations for the meeting, and only then giving his opinion. I saw it as a conciliatory gesture in the context of a divided society. The troubled atmosphere in Czech society is clearly apparent. People have taken to the streets for the first time in many years, first to express their solidarity with the murdered Slovak journalist, Ján Kuciak, and his girlfriend Martina, followed by protests against Communist deputy Ondráček being appointed head of the Chamber of Deputies’ Commission on Activities of the General Inspection of Security Forces (GIBS), and also by protests supporting independent media.

We were both a little tired and downhearted that morning. Nevertheless, we endeavoured to rise above ongoing events and under the bust of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, we discussed the Czech Republic’s past and future. How does he see today’s parliament, and the parliament of 100 years ago? What does his young son say about his work in politics? And how is he able to the help the Zlín Region as a proud native of Kroměříž? For me, it was extremely rewarding to look into the thinking of a politician who in just four years in politics now holds one of the highest positions in it. Yet in my opinion, he remains a humble and gracious man.

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I nterview

with

R adek V ondráček , P resident

Is the Czech Republic a divided country?

I see conflict of opinion as having been continuously fed since the election. I see this division in my family, amongst my friends, in bars and in the parliament. I can’t compare how divided we are compared to other countries, but look at what’s going on in Slovakia. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Austria, where society is also polarised, and never mind the United States of America. So it’s up to politicians to be able to keep a certain perspective. And it begins with how you communicate in parliament. If politicians are going to continue to stand in front of the cameras and create conflict, then we won’t be able to move forward as a society. Everything can be dealt with substantively and practically.

Problems occurred in regard to invitations to the inauguration. I hadn’t realised there was any problem; I found out about it from Twitter. ODS leader , Mr Fiala, came to me, told me about his problem and we tried to find an appropriate solution. In contrast, Mr Kalousek lost no time in making a statement, provoking further conflict, and totally unnecessarily. Politicians have got to be able to speak to each other, and people will follow. That’s what leadership is about, and that’s a topic your magazine also focuses on.

We may not have the same opinions, and in fact I wouldn’t want us to have the same opinions.

The hardest test for any democratic politician is to learn to respect dissenting opinions. It’s the same in life. We each have our own circle of friends and acquaintances, and so we aren’t confronted with the challenge of learning to respect others with a different opinion. I myself remember when I began in politics in 2013 and I felt the need to convince everyone else that my opinion was the best, I was right and others didn’t understand.

After five years in politics, I know that people have different opinions and I respect that. Naturally, I endeavour to promote my own opinion, but I also respect other opinions. Respect and debate are the foundations. But they are very fragile foundations.

All it takes is one act of offence to trigger a set of responses which can spiral out of control.

Your political programme, with its slogan, “changing the political culture in the country” comes with the subheading “being polite isn’t a weakness”. Are you managing to fulfil this pledge?

As the President of the Chamber of Deputies, I’m doing my utmost to be non-partisan, to rise above current conflicts. Naturally, I am aware that within our constitutional system I cannot be 100 percent objective, but I really am trying to do my best. In the end, actions speak louder than words. I could give you many examples where I have given everyone equal footing. Furthermore, I have tried not to make a decision from a position of power, or by using some kind of trick. If an agreement isn’t forthcoming, I am happy to abort discussions and call on the leaders to come to an agreement. It’s up to others to evaluate my actions.

We’re holding this interview under Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk’s bust. Do you think it was harder to run parliament in 1918 than it is today?

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I’d really love to know what our founding president would say about the situation today.

But on the other hand, let’s not idealise the First Republic. I’ve read a number of speeches and discussions on the Parliament at that time.

Human nature is always the same. MPs then certainly didn’t give anything away for free. And after all, one of the parliament’s roles is to deal with conflicts of opinion so they aren’t dealt with on the streets, as is happening now.

You’ve been in politics since 2013; since 2017 you’ve held the third highest constitutional position. How has your perception of politics changed over those five years?

Before I entered politics, my perception of the parliament was only as conveyed by the media. And the media doesn’t look for positive examples, but rather conflicts and extremes. You won’t find a report saying, “MPs behaved civilly today and came to agreement on all items.” Yet this happens. I could give you the example of the Act on Conflict of Interests, which aims to help mayors and officials at municipal council offices so that the declarations of assets they make do not overly intrude into their personal and family life, and I’m glad it was easy to come to an agreement about this act. I myself know of mayors who have chosen to resign their roles and leave politics rather than have their privacy, and in some cases the safety of their families, put at risk. On the other hand, the composition of the Chamber of Deputies today is rather unusual. We have nine parliamentary party groups and no coalition. The negative mood and missing structure is inevitably reflected in the everyday work of the Chamber. We form ad hoc alliances; this is a turbulent, fragmented era. I myself can see a great difference in my previous role as First Vicepresident, and now in my role as President. For the past three months, I’ve been almost constantly at work.

You are a proud patriot of the Zlín Region.

How would you introduce the Zlín Region to a foreigner who until now has only known Prague?

The Zlín Region’s greatest treasure is its wonderful people. I come from Haná, but Moravian Wallachians and Moravian Slovaks also live in the Zlín Region. Anyone who comes from here knows the differences between us.

But we’re all Moravian. I appreciate the hardworking and modest people who represent our greatest wealth. We don’t have oil fields or mines. Anyone who comes will see the beauty of our nature and the fact we are a border region.

I’d also like to say that we are a Region with a lot of industry. We have many top manufacturing businesses which specialise in production, and they often also do their own research and supply large companies the world over.

You come from the beautiful town of Kroměříž, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is still debate, however, over to what extent this award has actually helped tourism and development.

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We are very proud of this award, and we even have a UNESCO Club, something which is unique as having been set up at a local level, and not a national level. It is my conviction that this award helps us, and I enjoy boasting of the fact when I meet with ambassadors, for example. There are loads of fascinating tourist destinations in the Czech Republic, but tourists come here for a short time. This award undoubtedly helps to steer them here.

You say on your website that your previous work as a lawyer has helped you to appreciate the problems of people from a town with a population of 30 000 people.

Are these problems any different from those of people living in Prague?

It’s always those thorny issues which get to lawyers. An example I could give is the regulation on building energy performance certificates, which complicated property transfer contracts.

We subsequently dealt with this in parliament.

On the other hand, people are the same everywhere, and they have the same worries.

In terms of wage levels, the Zlín Region is the Region with the second lowest average wage.

In fact, our nurses have the lowest wages in the Czech Republic. It is only due to the wonderful people that the health service works.

You’re the proud father of a son and a daughter; what future do you see for your children? Can you even reconcile politics and your family life?

I don’t want to predetermine any direction for them; I want them to make their own decisions.

Parents should give them maximum support.

I’ve led them to sport; they play tennis, ski. I also focus on their language education, and both play musical instruments. My wife does a lot to bring them up, and the grandparents also help.

I’m the kind dad who spoils them at weekends.

But still my nine-year old son always asks me each week whether I “really have to go to Prague to be Speaker of the Chamber?”

Finally, I’d like to return to the start of our interview. The Czech Republic is doing really well, and not just economically.

All the ambassadors here praise it as a wonderful place to live. Why are we not satisfied?

I think it’s our national characteristic. They told me in Brussels that we’re the second most Eurosceptic country. But I told them: "The Eurobarometer just isn’t set up for Czechs.” We’re always going to be grumbling; it’s in our nature.

It hasn’t been easy for a small nation to survive within Central Europe where loads of wars have begun and played out. We used to make fun of Moscow, and now it’s Brussels’ turn. Perhaps we can be proud of this in our own way. I personally look to the future with optimism.

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

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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P residential

P hoto : A rchive KPR, H ana B rožková

PRESIDENT MILOŠ ZEMAN

From left: Ivana Zemanová, the First Lady, H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic, Monika Babišová and Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic at the New Years´lunch

H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic at the opening of the exhibition Foundations of statehood

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P residential

H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic handing over a cheque to Jan Vaněk, Chairman of the Endowment Fund of children at risk

H.E. Miloš Zeman, President of the Czech Republic at the opening of the Crown Chamber

Presidential inauguration

H.E. Miloš Zeman visiting the Parliament of the Czech Republic

Presidential inauguration

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S enate

New American Ambassador

visited Senate

New Ambassador of the USA to the Czech Republic, H.E. Stephen King

At the beginning of January, the President of the Senate Milan Štěch met a new American Ambassador in the Czech Republic, H.E. Stephen King whose visit to the Senate belonged among the first duties in his new position. H.E. Stephen King wishes to take part in the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of establishing the republic, one reason being the fact that help of American politicians to Czechoslovakia was significant in 1918.

“Because the United States belongs among our most important security partners, we have also discussed the topic of security as well as civil, political, and economical relationships between the two countries. I believe that activities of the Embassy under the new leadership will support development of our mutual relationships,” said the President of the Senate Milan Štěch after the meeting.

President of the Senate Milan Štěch welcomed the new American Ambassador Stephen King in the drawing room of the Senate

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

The following week, H.E. King also took part in a traditional New Year´s meeting with Senators in the upper Chamber of the Parliament, where he talked to Senators of various Senate Clubs and Committees.

S enate

Meeting of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate

It has already become a tradition that at the beginning of the year a meeting of the representatives of both Chambers of the Parliament takes place, where current questions of mutual interest are discussed. The topic of this year´s working dinner was, among other issues, possible closer cooperation between the Deputies and Senators on preparation of the proposals of constitutional changes as well as preparation of a common session of both Chambers of the Czech Parliament: on this ceremonial occasion, a newly elected President will be sworn in by the President of the Senate.

Vice Presidents of the Senate Jiří Šesták, Ivo Bárek, Jaroslav Kubera and Miluše Horská, President of the Senate Milan Štěch, President of the Chamber of Deputies Radek Vondráček and Vice Presidents Jan Hamáček, Petr Fiala and Vojtěch Pikal

For the first time, Milan Štěch was welcomed to the premises of the Chamber of Deputies by its new President Radek Vondráček

Radek Vondráček welcoming Ivo Bárek

President of the Chamber of Deputies Radek Vondráček and the First Vice President of the Senate Miluše Horská

Radek Vondráček welcoming Jaroslav Kubera

Radek Vondráček welcoming Jiří Šesták

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S enate

On Tuesday, 16 January a traditional New Year´s meeting of Senators and Diplomatic Corps took place in the Senate under the auspices of Milan Štěch.

The President of the Senate, Milan Štěch acknowledged their work and mentioned some pressing problems that the Czech Republic is facing and will relate to the foreign policy of our country in 2018.

Traditional New Year´s meeting of Senators and Diplomatic Corps

Among others, this ceremonial meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Senatorial Club of ODS party Miloš Vystrčil (front-left) and Vice President of the Senate Jaroslav Kubera (front-right)

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President of the Senate Milan Štěch with H.E. Latchezar Petkov, Ambassador of Bulgaria welcoming the invited guests at the ceremonial meeting at Wallenstein Palace

S enate

President of the Senate Milan Štěch (on the left with H.E. Giussepe Leanza, Apostolic Nuncio) giving his ceremonial speech at the meeting of the Members of the upper Chamber of the Parliament and Diplomatic Corps, organized under his auspices

Vice President of the Senate Jaroslav Kubera (right) at the meeting of Senators and Diplomatic Corps

Apostolic Nuncio Guiseppe Leanza and Chairman of the Senate Committee for European Affairs Václav Hampl

The ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of China H.E. Ma Keqing (right), Senator Václav Homolka (middle), and Vice Chairwoman of the Senatorial Club of ANO party Zdeňka Hamousová (left)

Ambassador of France to the Czech Republic H.E. Roland Galharague (right)

Chairman of the Senate Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security František Bublan and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Stašek

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S enate

Ambassador of Korea to the Czech Republic H.E. Moon Seoung-hyun with the President of the Senate Milan Štěch

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech Republic H.E. Alexander Vladimirovič Zmejevskij, Chairman of the Club of Independent Senators Jan Veleba, and Vice Chairman of the Club Jaroslav Doubrava

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Czech Republic H.E. Abdulla Mohamed Al Maainah and the President of the Senate Milan Štěch

Senator Tomáš Czernin and Ambassador of the United States of America to the CR H.E. Stephen King

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Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic H.E. Bashar Akbik and Vice Chairman of the Senatorial Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security Hassan Mezian

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Czech Republic H.E. Abdulla Mohamed Al Maainah with the Vice Chairman of the Senatorial Club of CSSD party Jiří Dienstbier and Mrs. Simona Šenkýřová

Quiet Confidence…

A competency you can’t afford to ignore Photo: archive

One of the most critical attributes we all need to explore and master is confidence.

The capacity to feel you belong, you deserve a seat at the table and your voice has value.

We all have had problems with confidence. Young adults are still trying to identify who they are. Mid-le vel professionals are looking for the right model to succeed. Women of all ages and professional backgrounds tend to have difficulty embracing confidence, mostly because they feel that they need to learn more or have more experience before they see themselves achieving a higher level.

This feeling is called the impostor syndrome.

For some it is “old voices” telling them “they do not have a right to feel good about themselves and be proud of who they are.”

Yet without confidence we can’t make good decisions, we can’t develop fellowship and people have a hard time trusting you.

I always say that the best antidote for lack of confi dence is to make an objective analysis of two things: 1. All the things you have accomplished-all- and spend time thinking about these accomplishments.

2. Is the voice or feeling that you “believe”, that is saying you are not ready or not good enough real?

Is it true? Is that voice applicable to your reality today, right now?

I always get a variation of this answer: “I have not given myself time to reflect on all what I have don e!

It is quite a lot! Actually if this list came from someone else I would be quite impressed!”

The answer to the second question is also quite revealing. “The voice I have allowed to walk into my office all these years is of my mother, or aunt, or father, or relative, who did not know any better and instead of giving me hope gave me fear or doubt”.

When reflecting on how real the voice is today, usually the answer is “not at all, or never was, I just brought this mind set with me!”

Today, take inventory of any narrative that keeps you away from succe ss. Once you face head on these voices, confidence will surface, quietly and without effect.

Elisabet Rodriguez Dennehy President Rodriguez and Associates LLC

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President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Milan Štěch, in Stockholm President of the Senate, Milan Štěch, visited Sweden in April. He commemorated the events of 1968 in Czechoslovakia in Stockholm, launched an exhibition mapping 100 years of Czechoslovak statehood, met the Speaker of Sweden’s Parliament and representatives of three ministries, and also met King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, President of the Senate Milan Štěch, Senator Tomáš Grulich, Czech Ambassador to Sweden H.E. Jiří Šítler, Director of the Senate Chancellery’s Foreign Relations Department Jiří Krbec, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Czech Republic H.E. Anna Viktoria Li

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

S enate

President of the Senate Milan Štěch with Chair of the Senate Commission on Czechs Living Abroad Tomáš Grulich in the chamber of Sweden’s Riksdag

Discussions with State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for the EU, Oscar Sternström (left)

Chair of the Riksdag’s Friends of the Czech Republic Group, Finn Bengsson, President of the Senate Milan Štěch and Speaker of the Riksdag Urban Ahlin

Milan Štěch with Mayor of Stockholm, Eva Louise Erlandsson Slorach

President of the Senate Milan Štěch at a commemoration of the events of 1968 in Czechoslovakia State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for Defence, Jan Salestrand, with President of the Senate, Milan Štěch

Senator Tomáš Grulich, President of the Senate Milan Štěch, Speaker of the Riksdag Urban Ahlin, Swedish Ambassador to the Czech Republic H.E. Anna Viktoria Li, and Czech Ambassador to Sweden H.E. Jiří Šitler

Launching an exhibition of Czechoslovak Statehood 1918 – 2018 in the Czech Centre in Stockholm. From left, Czech Ambassador to Sweden Jiří Šitler, interpreter Jana Holá, and President of the Senate Milan Štěch

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Opening reception

From left: Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Works, friends of Mr. Meron, H.E. Daniel Meron, Ambassador of Israel to the Czech Republic with his spouse Jill Meron, Mrs. Claire Frijs-Madsen, Spouse of the Danish Ambassador, and Baroness Esperance Kinsky

at PRAGUE ART for PRAGARTWORKS PragArtworks joined this year's edition of the renowned international contemporary art fair Art Prague that was opened festively on April 9 and subsequently took place until April 15 at the Clam Gallas Palace in Prague. The PragArtworks booth showcased representative pieces by such artists as Pavel Roučka, Jakub Flejšar, Matěj Lipavský, Igor Korpaczewski, Natálie Roučková and David Strauzz, as well as a digital presentation of the whole PragArtworks artists' portfolio. The event was a huge success with the visitors, and PragArtworks was delighted to receive so many outstanding visits in the course of the fair.

PragueArtworks is an international art project created by a passionate art lover and collector of high expertise Louise Beer in 2017 in order to promote a number of artists whose works stand out in the realm of contemporary art and have a strong potential to reach to a wider audience. PragArtworks features artists from a large range of genres such as glass, sculpture, photography, collage and mixed media, no matter if figurative or abstract, and represents artists from various countries, mostly from or connected to the Central European region and the Czech Republic. While many people are interested in acquiring art, they are often not sure where to look. PragArtworks' central mission therefore is to help anyone interested in buying first-rate quality contemporary art navigate the present-day art scene.

For more details about the project, please visit www.pragartworks.com or follow the project's Instagram or Facebook. If you like any presented piece in particular and would love to get to know more about the author behind the piece, PragArtworks will be delighted to introduce you to any of the artists they represent.

From left: Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Works and H.E. Seung Hyun Moon, Ambassador of Korea to the Czech Republic with his spouse Mrs. Myung-Ji Suh

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From left: Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Works and Inka Truxová, Architect

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

Alexandr Onishenko, Artist and Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Works

O pening

From left: Mr. Martin Dlouhý, Mrs. Andrea and Mrs. Kristina with Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Work

From left: Tomáš Tichý, Artist and David Strauzz, Artist

Ladies from left: Mrs.Erica Sykora, Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Works and H.E. Leonora Rueda Gutiérrez, Ambassador of Mexico in the Czech Republic

reception

Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Works and Václav Bláha, Artist

From left: Baroness Esperance Kinsky, Louise Beer, Founder and Director of Prag Art Works, and Mrs. Claire Frijs-Madsen, Spouse of the Danish Ambassador

Pavel Roučka, Artist with Magdalena and Václav Bláha, Artists

From left: Mr. Isaac Ouahbe and Rene Beauchamp, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel in Prague

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Round Table of Comenius

Discussion Dinner with Mrs. Alena Schillerová, Minister of Finance ZOOM Unique Place, Prague Congress Center – February 22, 2018

On February 22nd more than 70 high level business women and men gathered to participate in the Round Table of Comenius – discussion dinner with the Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic. It is tradition that dynamic debate covered a range of topics from the minister’s agenda. The discussion was launched

by Ministers´ short welcome address and traditionally concluded by the President of Comenius Karel Muzikář, who expressed his gratitude to all guests for a fulfilling debate and the Minister for her time and willingness to attend the discussion.

From left: Jiří Kunert, General Director, Unicredit Bank Czech & Slovak Republic, Alena Schillerová, Minister of Finance, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Jaroslava Valová, Owner, Siko Koupelny, and Martin Janeček, General Director, General Financial Directorate

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Tomáš Čáp, Executive Vice President, Comenius

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

From left: Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech - Moravian Production Cooperatives, Tomáš Čáp, Executive Vice President, Comenius, and Jan Wiesner, Chairman, Confederation of Employers and Entrepreneurs' Associations

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

From left: Miroslav Jelínek, General Director, Strojmetal Aluminium Forging and Jan Dvořák, Member of the Board, Siko Koupelny

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Jaroslava Valová, Owner, Siko Koupelny, Jiří Kunert, General Director, Unicredit Bank Czech & Slovak Republic, and Jan Koláčný, General Director, Čedok

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Jiří Šťastný, Renomia and Dana Široká, Renomia

From left: František Vágner, Senior Account Manager, Colosseum and Jan Smílek, Institutional Sales Specialist, Colosseum

From left: Jakub Joska, Partner, KF Legal and Ondřej Horák, General Director, Amista

From left: Roman Mužík, General Director, AVE CZ Odpadové hospodářství and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

From left: Robert Plavec, General Director, Prague Trade Center, Jan Koláčný, General Director, Čedok, Pavel Švagr, General Director, State Reserves Administration, Jan Wiesner, Chairman, Confederation of Employers and Entrepreneurs' Associations, Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech - Moravian Production Cooperatives, and Michal Donath, General Director, Donath Business & Media

Alena Schillerová answering a question

The Round Table of Comenius with the Minister of Finance

Prof. Josef Veselka, Head of Cardiology Department, Motol Faculty Hospital

From left: Roman Mužík, General Director, AVE CZ Odpadové hospodářství, Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech - Moravian Production Cooperatives, Alena Schillerová, Minister of Finance, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Jan Wiesner, Chairman, Confederation of Employers and Entrepreneurs' Associations

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Monika Nebeská, Chairman of the Board, Všestary Agricultural Company, and Jiří Kunert, General Director, Unicredit Bank Czech & Slovak Republic

From left: Prof. Josef Veselka, Head of Cardiology Dept., Motol Faculty Hospital and Bohdan Wojnar, Member of the of Board, SŠkoda Auto a.s. adressing a question

Miroslav Jelínek, General Director, Strojmetal Aluminium Forging asking a question

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Round Table of Comenius

Discussion Dinner with Mr. Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health TOP hotel Praha, March 7, 2018

From left: David Bříza, General Director, Gama Group, Zdeněk Kabátek, General Director, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna, Sotirios Zavalianis, Owner, Multiscan, Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Klára Sovová, Owner, Poirot

On March 7th, more than 70 high level business women and men gathered to participate in the Round Table of Comenius – discussion dinner with the Minister of Health of the Czech Republic. It is tradition that dynamic debate covered a range of topics from the minister’s agenda. The discussion was launched

by Ministers´ short welcome address and traditionally 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: Josef Diessl, General Director, Vojenská oborová zdravotní pojišťovna and Martin Sklenář, Deputy General Director, Multiscan

From left: Ivan Oliva, Director, Na Homolce Hospital and Jiří Stránský, Business Director Pharma, Springs Systems

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From left: Alan Sutnar, Director, Hospital Stod, Václav Šimánek, Director, Faculty Hospital Plzeň, and Vladimír Palička, Director, Faculty Hospital Hradec Králové

From left: Karel Muzikář Jr., Managing Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges and Jan Oberman, Owner, Korado Consulting

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

From left: Brigadier Gen. Pavel Kříž, Chief of the Military Police and Pavel Švarc, Chairman, State Reserves Administration

From left: Václav Volejník, Director, Hamzova odborná léčebna pro děti a dospělé, Tomáš Gottvald, General Director, Hospitals of the Pardubice Region, and Daniel Vavřina, President, HealthCare Institute

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From left: Roman Cabálek, Director, Redcrox.Com, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health, Brigadier Gen. Pavel Kříž, Chief of the Military Police, and Josef Postránecký, Supreme State Secretary

From left: Roman Lajčiák, 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Slovakia, Barbora Dubanská, Legal Counsel, Novartis Oncology, and Tero Loukonen, Chief Analyst, Passer Invest

From left: Erika Duchanová, Executive Manager, Hnutí ANO and Klára Sovová, Owner, Poirot

From left: Prof. Josef Veselka, Head of Cardiology Department, Motol Hospital, Jiří Stránský, Business Director Pharma, Springs Systems, and Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives

The Round Table of Comenius

From left: Petr Šesták, Manager, DXC Technology, Roman Lajčiák, 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Slovakia, Antonín Machala, General Director, Altech, Martin Sklenář, Deputy General Director, Multiscan, and František Vlček, Multiscan

From left: Roman Lajčiák, 3rd Secretary, Embassy of Slovakia, Antonín Machala, General Director, Altech, Martin Sklenář, Deputy General Director, Multiscan, František Vlček, Multiscan, Václav Šimánek, Director, Faculty Hospital Plzeň, and Jan Zahálka, Partner, re-medical

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From left: Tomáš Kimmer, Investment Director, Siko Koupelny, Víťa Vala, Director of Strategy, Siko Koupelny, Karel Kadlec, Owner, Bomton, Lucie Kopecká, Owner, Rofin, and Daniel Vavřina, President, HealthCare Institute

From left: Jan Trojánek, Councellor, Prague 5 District, Brigadier Gen. Pavel Kříž, Chief of the Military Police, Tero Loukonen, Chief Analysts, Passer Invest, Eva Trotter, Owner, PemInvest, and Ota Schutz, Owner, Žilní klinika

From left: Milan Rufer, Executive Director, Multiscan, David Bříza, General Director, Gama Group, Zdeněk Kabátek, General Director, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna, Sotirios Zavalianis, Owner, Multiscan, Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, and Klára Sovová, Owner, Poirot

Zdeněk Kabátek, General Director, Všeobecná zdravotní pojišťovna

From left: Jiří Stránský, Business Director Pharma, Springs Systems, Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives, Milan Rufer, Executive Director, Multiscan, and David Bříza, General Director, Gama Group

Petr Zimmermann, Owner, Privamed

Brigadier Gen. Pavel Kříž, Chief of the Military Police

From left: Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health, Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Klára Sovová, Owner, Poirot, Erika Duchanová, Executive Manager, Hnutí ANO, and Jan Oberman, Owner, Korado Consulting

From left: Josef Naidr, Owner, Stena, Jiří Nekovář, President, Euro-trend, and Roman Cabálek, Director, Redcrox.Com

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From left: Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Production Co-operatives and Milan Rufer, Executive Director, Multiscan

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

From left: Martin Sklenář, Deputy General Director, Multiscan, František Vlček, Multiscan, Václav Šimánek, Director, Faculty Hospital Plzeň, and Jan Zahálka, Partner, re-medical

Prospects of the Czech economy in 2018 The Czech economy enjoyed a splendid year during 2017. The economy was dynamically growing with both strong exports and households’ demand. It reached the highest growth rate since 2015 (4.4%) but unlike that year in a natural way, without the factor of accelerated spending of EU funds that was then dominant. The exports of goods and services grew on the y-o-y basis by 5.8%.

Positive economic indicators were accompanied with significantly low registered unemployment that reached a 3.8% ratio at the end of 2017, and by renewed inflation in consumer prices of 2.5 per cent driven by tense labour market and strong pressure for wage growth. Beside the constantly growing automotive industry certain marks of improvement could be seen also in the so far problematic construction sector.

The economy will continue in a positive development also in 2018 but it is very probable that the brilliant growth rate 2017 will not come again. Recent estimates of GDP growth for the Czech Republic hover around 3.5% not only due to external markets where demand gets near to its peak (especially the demand for cars that form a significant part of Czech exports) and problems of protectionism arise in the global trade scene, but also due to internal limits of the Czech economy where low unemployment blocks investment and, inter alia, signalizes a lack of system space for investment in 4.0 technologies.

The koruna (CZK) will continue its appreciation, potentially under 25 CZK/EUR and 20

CZK/USD which will prompt the inflation to slightly decelerate to a rate around or moderately under 2%, the central bank’s longterm target. This will manifest itself in spite of growing wages and salaries due to the missing workforce in the market (the Ministry of Finance estimates the growth about 8 per cent in 2018). It also signifies that the hitherto prevailing growth model by cheap labour comes definitely to the end. The basic interest rate will be probably raised again and continue to get near to a “normal” level, and also will be pursued by the Czech National Bank with the aim to prevent the economy from overheating.

The planned deficit of the state budget of 50 billion CZK (i.e. about 1.97 billion EUR) is not too extensive but, nevertheless, was subject to criticism by the parliamentary opposition to be too high for the period of extensive economic growth while it was necessary to provide for funds for harder times that are inevitably to return one day. Even if the expected development of tax revenue may act for keeping, or even reduction of the planned deficit, it will still remain in some tension as to the final result due to the need to make preliminary investment into some delayed projects that can only subsequently be cofinanced by EU funds.

Once again it is to be accented that the former government did not progress in necessary economic reforms, such as in the social security, health service or education system, and made only simple and partial compen-

sations to some groups of socially exposed persons and to the extending state administration instead. Simultaneously, no trend is available to prove that richer and more numerous state officials will be more efficient in their service to the public. On the opposite, the system of university education, crucial for the accomplishment of necessary structural changes in the sphere of industry decisive for the future of the Czech economy, has remained underfinanced. All in all, the burden of necessary reforms is thus transferred to the difficult new government to be established.

The non-systemic expense steps of the former government have amplified the problem of mandatory expense, originating from legislation or contractual obligations of the state, such as the salaries in the public sector or pensions. Only the newly extended items in the state budget of 2018 are to increase the extent of mandatory expense by more than 35 billion CZK, not speaking of recent decisions like the approved subsidized reduction of public transport fares for pensioners and students from June 2018. Such items of expense may look easy to be introduced in the times of general bonanza but will deepen the deficit in the time of crisis, and may also significantly restrict necessary space for public investment in the long run.

Emanuel Šíp Partner Allied Progress Consultants Association

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CACIO C onference

International Conference

ECONOMY and TECHNOLOGY 4.0 April 11th, 2018, CIIRT CTU conference hall CIRC CTU, CACIO with the help of CFO Club prepared a great conference ECONOMY and TECHNOLOGY 4.0. This conference was held under the auspicies of Mr. Tomáš Hüner, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Czech Republic. William Ribaudo and Seema Bajaj, keynote speakers, introduced the results of their research which showed how “networked” based business models can be worth multiples of traditional physical based (ie manufacturing) business models.

Among the speakers were Dean Brabec (ADL), prof. Vladimír Mařík (CIIRC CTU), Peter Chrenko (PwC) and Dr. Ivan Slimák from ŠKODA AUTO. The discussion covered many aspects of Technology 4.0 like research, use of robots, society 4.0, and energy 4.0.

Jiří Polák, CEO, CACIO

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

CACIO C onference

From left: Ivan Chmelík, Manager Advisory Services, Deloitte and Vladimír Mařík, Director, CIIRC CTU

From left: Peter Chrenko, Partner, PwC and William Ribaudo, Managing Partner, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory's Digital Risk Venture Portfolio

Marek Leimer, Senior Project Engineer, Ingenics AG

From left: Karel Žebrakovský, Head of the Scientific and Research Division, ČVUT and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

Seema Bajaj, Manager, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory's Digital Risk Venture Portfolio

Overview

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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CACIO C onference

From left: Seema Bajaj, Manager, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory's Digital Risk Venture Portfolio and Martin Pegner, Executive Director, Advanced Genetics

Lubomír Lízal, Associate Professor, ČVUT

Dean Brabec, Managing Partner, Central & Eastern Europe, Arthur D. Little Peter Staněk, Slovak Academy of Science and President, CFO Club

William Ribaudo, Managing Partner, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory’s Digital Risk Venture Portfolio USA

From left: Vít Prajzler, CEO/CTO, Loriot and Markus Leimer, Senior Project Engineer, Ingenics AG

Ivan Slimák, Škoda Auto

From left: Mr. Markus H. Hermann and Lubomír Lízal, Associate Professor, ČVUT

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Peter Staněk, Slovak Academy of Science and Annette B. Reissfelder, Coach, An Edge For You

I,

the

B rand

Personal Branding:

When Reason Must Win Over Ego Cristina Muntean is a consultant, trainer, mentor and coach who specializes in personal branding, strategic communications and emotional 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 entrepreneurs and managers 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.

Numerous companies created around January 1993, when the Czech Republic became an independent state, celebrated 25 years of existence in 2017 or will celebrate it this year. Many such companies were founded by – then – young and enthusiastic entrepreneurs who wanted to take full advantage of democracy, freedom and the seemingly infinite rainbow of possibilities that a fledgling market economy was set to offer. A quarter of a century later, the same founders are now a blessing or a curse for their companies – depending on how emotionally mature they’ve become during the last 25 years.

Two stories, one common denominator I was recently talking with one such founder.

Tremendously smart, he launched his IT company immediately after the Velvet Revolution. Like any good, reliable entrepreneur who wants to guarantee to the world that he means what he says, he gave the company his name. The company grew; even during the economic crisis of 2009 – 2012 it fared so well that it gained a hunger to expand. Roman managed to attract a large investor; then he went shopping. From an initially small company, the business grew to become a collection of companies spread in five geographies.

All these companies had also their founders and a wide variety of personalized names. This is when Roman hit a crossroad. He had to make a decision: should he insist on keeping the original name of the company he founded – his own name – and thus potentially hinder business growth? Or would he give up his name, make peace with the company destiny – including a new general branded name – and move on with a different mindset? He took the second road. Five years later, we were sitting at a table in a sunny Prague restaurant. “It was one of the toughest – and one of the best - decisions I’ve ever made. I sold myself in the good sense of the term. This made me humbler, more insightful, more reasonable. It was tough but, looking back, it was the right thing to do.”

The second story has a similar beginning. The founder, a people developer, came in touch with a unique system of personal development very early in the ‘90s that he decided to promote in the Czech

Republic. Even though the system was universal, the founder decided to name the company after himself. Business grew, particularly in the golden years of 2002-2008 when multinational corporations were placing massive amounts of money in people development. As time went by, the work became more repetitive and the founder got bored. His own life path seemed to have a different direction than business management. Over time the company wasn’t able to create a functioning team of trainers or a solid network of alumni. Frustrated by what might have been perceived as indecisiveness and a lack of perspective for their own growth, numerous trainers decided to leave the company. The alumni, future trainers themselves, initially looked up to the company. Soon however they would plunge into confusion and frustration themselves. It seemed as if everyone was looking up to the founder and expecting him to make a decision that would put the company out of its misery. None came. The founder decided to transfer the company internally within his family; at the same time the business would continue under his name. Most probably it will take the offspring years, if ever, to step out of the shadow of the founding father. At the same time, the army of trainers the company put on the market for 25 years, keep looking on in awe how a company training leadership cannot seem to handle its own journey – into the future or into dissolution.

“I am more than my Channel” From a similar realm I was recently coaching a visual entrepreneur who was about to set up her YouTube channel and was concerned about the feedback she might receive. “I care about it so much. That’s why I’m afraid that I might take things a bit personally. I’m scared that the feedback will hurt me and I won’t have the strength to move beyond my feelings and actually integrate the good criticism the channel will receive,” she said.

Now you must admit – working with a client with this level of emotional self-awareness is already pure delight. Moving through her inner landscape we reached a milestone when I suggested that she look at two objects that were totally overlapping: her YouTube Channel and her Life. As I slowly split the two objects, her eyes followed Life. The more I was separating the two, the more emotional she became about the deep connection she felt with Life. “I am more than my Channel,” she exclaimed. “If

I keep remembering this, I will never take business personally!”

This is probably the best piece of advice I heard from an entrepreneur for himself in a long time. It is also most probably the realization that hit Roman, the hero of our first story, and what held him psychologically during the difficult transition from being the name carrier of a successful company to managing a generally branded business group.

It is also a decision that lurks ahead on the journey of many a Czech entrepreneur. With more and more company founders hitting retirement age, a systemic perspective on how to run family businesses in order to leave behind a legacy to be proud of will be vital both for the companies and for their founders. Part of such a peaceful exit might be the change in the name of the company. When such a decision makes business sense, Reason must win over Ego. While companies always remain connected to their founders through the energy of the beginnings and the vision placed initially in the company, we all need to make peace with the fact that companies are living systems that should be entitled to leave the family nest and meet their destiny on the free market.

Making the right decision about the name of a company, particularly when it overlaps with the name of the founder, is tough. On the one hand, having a personal brand in the company name speaks of responsibility and tradition; it has been proven that such companies bring in more revenues and customer stability over time. On the other hand, sometimes a company needs a different path in order to make it into the future. What we need to remember is that a company is bigger than its founder; we might be those who brought the company to life, but if we want our “child” to outlive us we need to be able to make the right decisions at the right moment. For that all Ego must be put aside. In business and personal branding this is a precondition for leaving behind a sustainable legacy – and for enjoying a fulfilled retirement where we can look back with pride.

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

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Round Table of Comenius

Discussion with Ms. Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor of Prague April 11th 2018, Congress Centre Prague

From left: Eva Kislingerová, Deputy Mayor, Capital City of Prague, Marcel Soural, Owner, Trigema, Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor, Capital City of Prague, and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

On Wednesday April 11th, yet another traditional round table of Comenius discussion took place in the Prague Congress Centre. This time with the mayor of Prague as the main guest speaker. Ms. Krnáčová is historically the first woman who has obtained this significant position. She started the discussion by recapitulating some of the successes Prague has enjoyed since her election. She than continued by listing several reasons due to which she won’t be running again for this position in the upcoming October elections. The fact that the mayor won’t be defending her position lead to a passionate open discussion.

Towards the end Adriana Krnáčová expressed her gratitude to fellow colleagues who have supported her throughout her term. She then concluded by reassuring the audience that she won’t become idle for the last six months of her term, in fact she will do her best to achieve the very opposite.

This discussion event was unique due to its audience. There were 65 VIP guests attending in total, as well as several business leaders of the general public.

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Roman Straub, General Director, Prague Congress Center

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

From left: Vitězslav Vala, Director of Strategy, SIKO koupelny, Martin Malínský, Managing Director, Trigema Development, and Karel Branda, Managing Director, Trigema Building

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From left: Ivan Hlaváček, Owner, InterCora, Jaroslav Fresl, Mayor, Prague – Velká Chuchle District, and Oto Veselý, Manager of Expansion, InterCora

From left: Mojmír Hampl, General Director, PRE Distribuce, Eva Kislingerová, Deputy Mayor, Capital City of Prague, Pavel Elis, General Director, PRE, and Karel Grabein Procházka, Counsellor, Capital City of Prague

From left: Jana Frsichmannová, Director, Education & Information Center, Prague 5 District, Simona Chytrová, Domenico Furfaro, Prague 5 District, and Nino Altomonte, Owner, Torino Prague Invest

Tomáš Langr, Owner, Otidea and Adriana Matúšová, Manager, Otidea

From left: Karolína Ciml Preislerová, Head of Dept., Prague 5 District, Simona Chytrová, and Jan Trojánek, Counsellor, Prague 5 District

From left: Albin Sybera, Sybera Enterprises, Jiří Uklein, Senate Chancellor, Karel Branda, Director, Trigema Building, Magda Tereza Partyka, PR Manager Huawei and Petr Basek, Account Manager Huawei

Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor, Capital City of Prague and Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius

From left: Karel Muzikář, President, Comenius, Ivan Hlaváček, Owner, InterCora, Tomáš Jílek, Chairman of the Board, Technologie hl. m. Prahy, and Michal Fišer, Chairman of the Board, OperátorICT

From left: Zdeněk Pokorný, General Director, VCES, Jan Kroupa, General Director, Ředitelství silnic a dálnic, and Jiřina Nepalová, Owner, Renomia

Karel Grabein Procházka, Counsellor, Capital City of Prague

Vitězslav Vala, Director of Strategy, SIKO koupelny

Petr Bašek, Account Manager, Huawei Technologies

Josef Postránecký, Supreme State Secretary

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

31

D iplomatic

event

C atering

Greek

provided by

NATIONAL DAY

PhDr. Ilja Šmíd, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

Kyriakos Diakoglou and Marios Sakkas, Opus Mediterranean Fusion Restaurant

H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece to the Czech Republic at his speech Vassiliki Karayanni, Soprano

From left: H.E. Tigran Seiranian, Ambassador of Armenia to the Czech Republic, H.E. Ma Keqing, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Czech Republic, and Mr. Benjamin Szakal

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

From left: H. E. Abdeslam Maleh, Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, H.E. Rola Hamdan, Ambassador of Lebanon and H.E. Khaled Alattrash, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Czech Republic

D iplomatic

From left: H.E. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico to the Czech Republic, wife of Moon Seoung-hyun, wife of Mr. Wootan, Mark A. Wootan, Colonel, United States Air Force, Defense and Air Attaché, and H.E. Moon Seoung-hyun, Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the Czech Republic

From left: Laura Melina Fueguel, First Secretary /Consular Affairs/Chargé d´Affaires a.i., Embassy of Argentina, Maria Alerta, First Secretary, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Greece, Khalid Al-Yassin, Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the State of Kuwait, and Mehdi Kamyabipour, Counsellor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

event

H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece to the Czech Republic with PhDr. Ilja Šmíd, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic at his speech

From left: H.E. Miklós Boros, Ambassador of Hungary to the Czech Republic and H.E. Narong Sasitorn, Ambassador of Thailand to the Czech Republic

From left: PhDr. Ing. Jiří Weigl, CSc. and JUDr. Jan Koláčný

Mr.Thorsten Kalinowski and Elissavet Karali, Consul, Embassy of Greece

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher and H.E. Dr. Christoph Israng, Ambassador of Germany

From left: Ing. Vivian Avraamidou, Managing Director, Alasia s.r.o. and Baroness Jana Germenis - Hildprandt, Owner of Blatná Castle

From left: Chloe Geitmann Akrithaki, Artist, Tolis Tatolas, Artist, and Eleni Kliamenaki, Interior Designer

From left: Vassiliki Karayanni, Soprano, H.E. Efthymios Efthymiades, Ambassador of Greece to the Czech Republic, and Ourania Menelaou, Pianist

Sponsor of the National Day Event, Sotirios Zavalianis, Owner, Multiscan s.r.o., and Pavlos Olziersky, Counsellor of Economic Affairs, Embassy of Greece

Mr. Jiří Weiss and Eva Anderová, Vice President, UNYP and Honorary Consul to Zambia

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

33

I nterview

with

T omáš H üner

Industry 4.0 Interview with Minister of Industry and Trade, Tomáš Hüner

Tomáš Hüner has held the role of Minister of Industry and Trade since December 2017. It is said that his agenda makes him one of the busiest ministers. We are pleased he was able to find the time for an interview for Czech and Slovak Leaders readers. He has spent most of his career in the energy sector. He has worked both for the government (he was Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade between 2006 and 2011) and in the private sector (for ČEZ and Siemens).

P hoto : A rchive

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

I nterview You have recently returned to the debate on the need to complete new nuclear units, whether in Dukovany or Temelín nuclear power plants. The SingularityU Conference took place in Prague at the start of March where there was discussion of disruptive trends in the energy sector amongst other topics. Should the Czech Republic not choose a different way of thinking about energy production, particularly with regard to the falling price of electricity?

You always have to take account of the natural potential in a particular country. In the Czech Republic, wind and solar energy have limits; to put it simply, we don’t have as many sunny days and it is less windy than Germany, for example.

And the potential energy from water is almost entirely used up here, in contrast to Austria for example where over 75 % of electricity for their own consumption is produced in this manner.

We are also running out of fossil fuel reserves.

So if we don’t want to import electricity, we’re going to have to construct additional nuclear units at Temelín and Dukovany. Nuclear energy is stable in the long term, safe and emission-free, both for electricity and partially for heat too.

Tomorrow”, which we are planning for 8 June this year for the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the EU’s internal market. This conference will evaluate the provision of services before joining the European Union and demonstrate the advantages of the internal market. Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, will be coming to the event. Furthermore, there is a single contact point where you can get information on doing business in services in the European Union free of charge. Europeans can also take advantage of SOLVIT, which gives freeof-charge help to citizens and entrepreneurs in dealing with disputes with authorities in a different European Union member state if there has been an erroneous application of European law. There is also the ProCoP service, whom you can contact with questions on marketing products. We are also preparing to launch the Single Digital Gateway. The MIT is one of the instigators of this service which will provide all information and assistance services to EU citizens at one electronic address, thus contributing to facilitating movement in the European internal market.

The Czech economy is very open and so dependent on exports. Are you worried about a potential new trade war between the USA, Europe and China?

Any kind of trade war is dangerous for the local economy, for which export is fundamental.

Although in terms of direct trade, our most important partners are our geographical neighbours and the other European Union member states, everything is interdependent in the globalised world. We export parts for industrial machinery, cars and electronics, for example, which after being fitted to the final products may end up outside the European market. And many of our other exports are not designed for immediate consumption or use, and it is a fact that markets have to move for the economy to work. The only solution to overcapacity of the currently often mentioned steel, but also other materials and also intellectual property rights protection, is clearly co-operation. Any unilateral measures are unfortunate and will not bring anybody any benefits in the long term.

Labour shortage is an acute problem of the Czech economy. What solution are you offering, and to what timescale?

Amongst other measures, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is behind the economic migration projects entitled “Specialist Treatment Regime for Qualified Workers” and “Special Procedures for Highly Qualified Employees from Ukraine”. These aim to allow the entry of qualified workers from abroad. The most wellknown and also the most exploited are the measures focused on workers from Ukraine.

This project aims to fill job vacancies with people from abroad if they cannot be filled within the Czech labour market. This January, the government decided that it would increase the annual quota for Ukraine by 10 000. In practice, this means that 19 600 workers from Ukraine will be able to apply for an employment card each year, a doubling of the current status, and almost twenty times higher compared to 2015. The Other States Regime, designed for employers, also applies to citizens of Mongolia and the Philippines. In this case, it applies to 1000 people a year from each country. The MIT will be making decisions on the applications from May on the basis of recommendations from Czech Business Representation and the CzechInvest Investment and Business Development Agency.

This year we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia. How can we return Czech industry and trade to the fore? What is your vision?

The Czech Republic is one of the most industrial countries. Industry comprises about 32 % of our GDP, the highest of any country in the European Union. Roughly a third of revenues are generated by motor vehicle production, while the production of computers, electronic and

There are many parties challenging the Czech Republic’s membership of the EU. Are you planning any “public awareness campaign” explaining the benefits of membership?

We deal with specific areas of the EU at the Ministry of Industry and Trade every day. We do so in co-operation with businesses, trades unions and associations. The results, European projects, whether they are services, events or buildings, can be seen and these are undoubtedly the best campaign on the benefits of membership of the European Union. Of the events, I could mention, for example, the conference “Internal Services Market: Yesterday, Today and

with

T omáš H üner

optical devices, the production of machinery and electrical equipment and chemical industry production including pharmaceutical products also play an important role. As such, we don’t need to return Czech industry to the fore. What we do need to do is respond to the fourth industrial revolution, which is going to transform the world. That’s why I have set up the Industry 4.0 department at the MIT. With the effective use of modern technologies in production, our local economy – if we play our part in the principal changes – has a great opportunity to step beyond the role of subcontractor. Businesses must seize innovations early, invest in modernising production and all processes so they can exploit digitalisation and artificial intelligence as much and as effectively as possible. At the MIT, we are looking at three principal objectives: the ability of Czech companies to take part in the supply chain process, higher production efficiency – so production is faster, cheaper and saves resources, and the export of our own innovative solutions. We have so many clever people here, and in collaboration with universities, the Czech Academy of Science and other research facilities, we are able to come up with solutions such that we can sell not just patents and know-how, but also software and production lines. We also have to look at new business models, and also prepare for the impacts of digitalisation on the labour market and education. The state plays the largest role here. Digital transformation will change the nature of work tasks entirely.

There will be more creativity, and less routine activities, which will be automated. The intensity of robot use in relation to the added value created in industry has increased sixfold in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary between 2005 and 2015. And this speed continues to accelerate. We need to go at the right speed and on the right wave. But we should bear in mind that it is not machines, but people, who write computer programmes.

You are one of the busiest ministers. What is your recipe for work-life balance?

With permission, I would refer you here to my wonderful wife. She would undoubtedly tell you in her curt Ostrava dialect that since I have become minister my life is far from in balance – in terms of those imaginary scales of work, family and hobbies. But I’m trying. Besides my family, my friends and even work colleagues also remind me of the need to live a life outside of work. I thank them all for their advice, and apologise that I don’t have the time right now.

That’s what happens when you want to fully focus on work which is meaningful.

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

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

35

networking / charity

In cooperation with Czech & Slovak Leaders From left: Prof. MUDr. Aleksi Šedo, Dr.Sc., Dean, 1 st Medical Faculty of Charles University and Ing. arch. Vlado Milunič, Prominent Architect, Co-author of "Tančící dům"

Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Guest of Honor: Ing. arch. Vlado Milunič, Prominent Architect, Co-author of "Tančící dům" Topic: Modern Architecture

From left: Oldřich Hořák, Owner, Hotel Bílá Růže in Poděbrady, Entrepreneur and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, former Governor, LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

From left: Prof. RNDr. Petr Hodek, CSc., Professor of Charles University, Prague, Faculty of Science and Ing. František Novotný, President, Association SDSS and APST, Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

From left Ing.František Novotný, President, Association SDSS and APST, Secretary, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador and Prof. MUDr. Václav Mandys, Head of Institute of Pathology,Prague and President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

Ing. arch. Vlado Milunič, Prominent Architect, Co-author of "Tančící dům"

networking / charity

In cooperation with Czech & Slovak Leaders

PhDr. Zuzana Lizcová, Ph.D., Journalist and Analyst, AMO

Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Guest of Honor: PhDr. Zuzana Lizcová, Ph.D., Journalist and Analyst, AMO Topic: Berlin and Vienna: known or unknown neighbours?

From left: Ing. Antonín Novotný, CEO "CSI" and former President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador, Petr Laštovka, Entrepreneur, and JUDr. PhDr. Oldřich Choděra, Lawyer, former Governor, LCI D122 Czech Republic and Slovak Republic

From left: Ing. Jiří Bříza, CSc., IT Analyst and Ing. Jiří Novotný, CSc., MBA, Financial Director, Ratiopharm

From left: JUDr. Jaroslav Novotný, Lawyer, Chief Editor, "Český a Slovenský Lion" and Mgr.Jan Haur, IS Administrator and former President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

Prof. MUDr. Václav Mandys, Head of Institute of Pathology,Prague and President, LC Praha Bohemia Ambassador

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

37

T he P ower

of

G ratitude

Life

Is Beautiful

Part IX: The Power of Gratitude1,2 even though I rise early, exercise and do my daily meditation. Some days there’s a persistent edge that just doesn’t want to go away. But, I’ve discovered a game to play during the 20-minute drive from my home in Prague 6 to my office in the Old Town. I call it Be My Guest, and it does the trick every time.

Here’s how it works. As I’m sure you have observed, early each morning there are numerous people rushing in stressed-out mode to get to work, school or somewhere for which they have overestimated its importance.

They often do this to possible peril to other drivers and pedestrians. Cars and trucks speed precariously in and out of traffic lanes, people James A. Cusumano, PhD jaywalk across busy streets to catch a tram or a Chairman Chateau Mcely s.r.o. bus, cars cut rapidly in front of you to make their Prague, Czech Republic turn before you make yours, even though you “In the universe there is an immeasurable, indescribable force have the right-of-way. They seem to be afraid to which shamans call intent, and absolutely everything that exists stop. “Oh my God, I might lose 10 seconds”— in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link.” and so the morning goes.

Carlos Castaneda One day on my way to work, just for the fun of it, I decided not to compete with these folks. In Gratitude is the one thing you need in your life for fact, I decided to help them achieve their goal. both personal and professional fulfillment. As the So, every time I saw a stressed-out driver or mathematicians would say, it’s both necessary pedestrian putting their future at risk, I helped and sufficient to achieve happiness and success. them do their thing by blinking my headlights with the signal to Be My Guest. Almost always, I received a “Thank you,” and thus for both of Short-Term Happiness Everyday I try my best to achieve a reasonable us, a small sense of gratitude. It felt good, so balance of body, mind and spirit, but some days I did it again and again and each time I felt just don’t easily slide into that comfort zone better and better. Wow! I had discovered that gratitude is cumulative! My day was saved!

Figure 1: Random acts of kindness create instant gratitude in I felt rejuvenated, creative and excited to get to those receiving these kind acts. They can’t help but return their my projects at the office. gratitude, which creates moments of happiness in you.

What’s going on here? I had discovered a way to achieve short-term gratitude and happiness.

I did something heartfelt for someone who was not expecting it. They felt grateful and expressed their gratitude with a smile, an earnest wave of their arm, or even a shout of “Thank you (Figure 1)!” That message touched my heart and guess what, I felt grateful, pleased and happy. This game became so exciting and satisfying that I began to search earnestly and sometimes desperately for someone to help!

Mind Games That’s one of my ways to create short-term gratitude and happiness. But, how can we

achieve long-term gratitude, fulfillment and happiness? Before I address this, let’s take a brief look at the human mind and how this shortterm gratitude game works, or doesn’t work.

The mind can be divided into three parts, the conscious, the ego and the subconscious. The conscious is that part which you use to actively think in real time. It’s analytical, seeks solutions to all kinds of issues, but surprisingly, has the least impact on your life’s outcome.

The subconscious, on the other hand, has by far, the biggest effect. It has a huge capacity and is filled with all kinds of instructions, programmed mostly by others since your birth, and perhaps even before then.

Many of these instructions may not be in alignment with your basic values—namely, the rules of conduct by which you wish to lead your life. However, you follow them automatically because the subconscious is an effective source of social and cultural hypnosis. The good news is that as human beings, we are the only species on earth than can reprogram the subconscious, should we choose to do so in order to follow those values we truly believe in. This is most effectively done through the process of mediation.

Meditation is the best way to manifest your deepest desires. By changing your thoughts, beliefs, expectations, attention and intentions and connecting with stillness, you enable the unbounded, unlimited abundance of the universe to flow effortlessly into your life. In meditation you harness nature’s flow of energy, information, and intelligence to change your life.

The third part of the mind, the ego, is a valuable element for our personal progress and growth, but more often than not, it is highly competitive and worried about the "me," the "my" and the "mine," as opposed to the "you," the "your" and the "yours," or even the "we." This is known as psychological Dualism.

Focusing on these three parts of the mind, there is only one thing that shuts down our access to both short-term and long-term gratitude and happiness and that is fear. Fear closes our access to the forces, knowledge and benefits of the Cosmos.

The following commentary from my book, Life Is Beautiful: 12 Universal Rules1 is relevant here.

1. EDITOR’S COMMENT— This is the 9th article in a series based on the author’s book, “Life Is Beautiful: 12 Universal Rules,” Waterfront Press, Cardiff California.

2. The author may be reached at Jim@ChateauMcely.Com.

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

T he P ower You always attract what you fear, and that which you fear the most, comes swiftly to your doorstep (Figure 2). The reason that you fail when you have fear is the very same reason you succeed when you assume that a desired outcome has already happened. Fear induces all of the physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological feelings you need for a negative manifestation. Fear is a powerful paralyzing force. It has the ability to rapidly move through all five stages of the manifestation process.

In my opinion, there is only one counter force that can completely erase the presence of fear, or help you make any critical change for that matter. It’s the energy of unbridled passion. This creative force is so powerful that it evaporates fear from the deepest level of the human spirit and can literally change the world. It has done so many times before.2 I will discuss how to create this passioninduced fearlessness in a moment, but first let’s look briefly at what happens when fear shuts down your access to gratitude and a sense of happiness.

I will use the Be My Guest game and turn it around 180 degrees. Let’s say I’m driving down the hill from Prague 6 towards the Malá Strana right turn, but I’m going to turn left towards the embankment. I see cars coming towards me that signal their desire to turn into Malá Strana.

But without a conscious acknowledgement of the fact, my subconscious has indoctrinated me over the years that this is a competitive, dog-eat-dog world. I listen to it carefully without consciously knowing I’m listening, "Don’t let those cars in; besides, you have the right-of-way." Without thinking, I block them from turning and then comfortably make my left turn. How do I feel about that? If I’m truly honest—not very good.

Or, perhaps there’s a group of pedestrians rushing from the Malá Strana metro exit and want to walk in front of my car to catch their tram so they can get to school or work on time. However, my ego reasons, "No way, they’re not in the crosswalk and that would be illegal, so why should I help them.

Figure 2: You always attract what your fear, and that which you fear the most, comes swiftly to your doorstep.

of

G ratitude

I’ll teach them how to do things right!" So I speed up and don’t allow them to cross. They miss their tram. I rationalize, "Well, it’s their fault!" But, deep down, how do I really feel about what I’ve done?— not very good.

In both of these cases, fear has ruled my decision and robed me of moments of happiness. In the first case, I’m operating under a set of rules that were ingrained over the years into my subconscious by Figure 3: Like every normal, healthy person, you came into this world with a special gift. It’s others, rules that I may your ticket to long-term fulfillment and happiness. So, dig deep; find it and use it! not even believe in, yet my subconscious induces the fear of breaking Croc, who founded McDonalds didn’t find his these rules. However, if I no longer believe in PURPOSE until he was in his 50s. them, I can reprogram my subconscious.

When you find your PURPOSE, it will ignite In the second instance, my ego justifies my a huge level of PASSION. You may not be able decision because it feels, "I am better than those to think about anything else for a time. This people; I’ll teach them a lesson for trying to PASSION will give you high levels of ENERGY, break the rules!" The ego runs on Dualism. "This both physical and emotional. The ENERGY will is mine; that’s yours. This is me; that’s you. We’re connect both the left and right hemispheres separate in this competitive world. You’re my of your brain, enabling you to navigate rapidly opponent; no way I’m going to help you!" This between your creative "right brain" and your too, can be reprogrammed should you choose analytical "left brain." Unusual CREATIVITY will to do so. result and you will find you can solve challenges These are just a couple of perhaps exaggerated you never imagined possible. examples of what can happen in our chaotic Meeting some of these challenges will inevitably world and how handling them one way creates result in some form of INNOVATION—bringing more internal tension and in another way, happy something new, creative and valuable to moments and the beginnings of a great day! a relationship, to a project, or to the marketplace.

For me, a sense of gratitude and happiness You will have accomplished something that beats stroking my ego or following rules I don’t others have never done before. believe in. There’s really no contest!

As Nobel laureate, Albert Szent-Györgyi once said, It will be because you were, "Looking at the same thing as everyone else, but thinking Long-Term Happiness In all my life, I have found one path to long-term something different." INNOVATION always brings happiness and fulfillment, and I have discussed REWARDS. They may be financial, psychological, this path in great detail from complementary emotional, spiritual, or some combination. points of view in my books, BALANCE: The Now here’s the punch line; those REWARDS Business-Life Connection3 and Life Is Beautiful: 12 always provide a deep sense of GRATITUDE, and this kind of GRADITUDE always results in longUniversal Rules.4 The journey goes something like this. Like term FULFILLMENT and HAPPINESS (Figure 3). any normal, healthy person, you came into As you move into that place of gratitude, you this world with something special inside you, will feel a kind of warmth in your heart. Your ego something you’re really good at; probably better will quiet down, enabling you to enjoy greater at it than many of those around you. It might be love, compassion and understanding. It’s one in sports, the arts, the sciences, leadership, and way to invite more goodness into your life. It’s any of a host of other categories. I call this your like saying to Cosmos, "Please bring me more of fundamental ESSENCE. This will never change this!"

So the next time you’re driving to work, or and no one can ever take it away from you.

At some point in your development, if you anywhere for that matter, try the Be My Guest identify this skill and use it to address an game. You may be surprised on how it makes important challenge that could make the world you feel! a better place, even a little bit better, and you pursue this possibility, while maintaining your Sat, Chit, Ananda! personal values, you will have found your Enjoy your journey, PURPOSE for that segment of your life. And make a difference! by the way, it’s never too late to do this. Ray

References: 1. James A. Cusumano, Life Is Beautiful: 12 Universal Rules, Waterfront Press, Cradiff-by-the-Sea, California, 2015. 2. There is one possible exception to this. There are some spiritual traditions that maintain that learning to stay calm without judgment during a state of fear is the eventual path to true awakening. See for example, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

by Pema Chödrön, Shambala Press, Boulder, Colorado, 2016. 3. James A. Cusumano, BALANCE, The Business-Life Connection, SelectBooks, New York, 2013. 4. Op. cit., Reference 1

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39

Interview with Mrs. Viktoria Li, Swedish Ambassador to the Czech Republic Interviews with ambassadors are music to my ears. It is a unique opportunity not only to get special insights but also a moment to hear positive words of praise about my country.

Already my walk to the Swedish Embassy, all the way up to the Prague Castle at spring time Prague, made me fall in love with my city again. I carefully listened to Mrs. Li describing Sweden, having comparable population to the Czech Republic, being a middle-size country.

Originally, I chose three topics associated with nowadays Sweden. The first topic was innovation. Did you know that Spotify is Swedish? And that Stockholm produces the second highest number of billion-dollar tech companies per capita after Silicon Valley? The feminist foreign policy was the second issue.

What does it mean? In this context, it is worth mentioning that Sweden has over 40% women ambassadors. In the Czech Republic, the longtime score has been around 10%.

Last but not least, I was interested in Mrs. Ambassador’s view on the Czechs and the Czech culture. Having so interesting topics, I did not feel the need to ask any personal questions. I do not usually ask such questions to male ambassadors either. But one thing Mrs. Li revealed herself, her name comes from her Chinese spouse.

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P hoto : N ěso M atič

Mrs. Ambassador, you came to Prague from Beijing. It was a direct transfer for you, meaning that you did not serve back at Stockholm headquarters. How did you find such change of posting, from a big country to a small country, from a superpower to a country where it seems that the time stood still, at least climbing the medieval cobble stone streets on the way to your Embassy?

I spent six years in China and as you mentioned, it was a big change to come back to Europe. China is a dynamic country, the sheer size is amazing and it impacts the work. Living in cities like Beijing and Shanghai is fascinating, they say, that these cities where 24 to 30 million people live, never sleep.

But I appreciated coming back to Europe, where many things are on a more human scale. Travelling across the city does not take the whole day, we get in and out of the country really easily, Internet is freely accessible and you have a better possibility of recreation in the nature with cleaner air.

What was the change as far as the nature of diplomatic work is concerned?

It was great opportunity to work in China and to promote Swedish business, Swedish culture and as far as it was possible, Swedish values and policies.

Coming back to the Czech Republic is working in a different context. We are working with a friend and partner in the European Union and the cooperation takes place at much deeper level. We address more specific issues and their span is also much wider.

I enjoy working on European issues again, since they are close to us as Europeans and affect our everyday lives. We all want the European Union to function well. I still remember when Europe was divided.

I was travelling across Central and Eastern Europe when I was only 15, we were travelling by train and I remember the strange feeling while travelling through the other side of the Iron Curtain. It is nice to be engaged in the process that has reunified Europe and it is inspiring that we are working together to improve the functioning of the EU. The Czech Republic and Sweden have so many things in common. We cherish open trade, open society, we want to develop our economies in a more digital and innovative way, we both care about climate and environment and both of our countries are engaged in global sustainable development.

Now, the Czech Republic is chairing the United Nations Economic and Social Council and Sweden holds a seat as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and such important positions only underline engagement of both countries on the international scenes.

Mrs. Ambassador that sounds like music to my ears. What are the issues on which we do not agree?

Migration issues might be one example. But let us not exaggerate the differences, as there are many points we agree on. We both agree that the Schengen-area is important and it should function. We all appreciate Schengen being convenient and efficient in order to travel, to study or to work. We want the EU to have well-protected boarders and that we maintain control on who is coming and moving around.

Both countries share such views. This being said, we cannot ignore the huge migration that is currently

going on, including the refugee crises. There are hundreds of million people migrating. Some of them are trying to find a better life, some of them are moving because of wars, internal conflicts, draught and hunger. We cannot put all these people in the same category. We understand that all migrants cannot come to Europe. At the same time, we do need people in Europe to become part of an active workforce. The Czech Republic already accepts many working migrants, coming from Ukraine or Vietnam.

In Sweden, we also need highly-skilled people for qualified work. On the other hand, people who leave their countries involuntarily need protection and have the right to ask for asylum. We have to follow international rules and we should work together in order to set up the best mechanisms for handling these different questions with full respect for human rights. The European Union needs to have an efficient mechanism to handle a refugee crisis, where we show solidarity with each other. The situation in 2015 became unsustainable. We had 160 000 people arriving to Sweden within a couple of months. It was difficult to shelter them, even registering them was a challenge. On one hand, it was enormous strain, on the other hand, it showed the solidarity and resilience of our society and that is a representation of our strength.

Despite the recurrent articles in the Czech news, portraying negative consequences of immigration, Sweden has had several successful immigration waves.

Over the last fifty years, we have successfully included a lot of people in our country. There were waves of Greeks, Turks, Italians, Iranians, Bosnians fleeing the Balkan war, Chileans fleeing the Pinochet coup and lately people coming from Syria and Afghanistan.

Integration is difficult. It is not always easy to for those who arrive to adapt and for the labor market and education systems to absorb those who are arriving. But in the long run, it has been beneficial for the economy and our society. It has also been beneficial for the inventiveness. This is not to hide the problems. Some groups have not integrated well, our society has failed on some accounts and created pockets of social exclusion. We are aware of the problems and we are trying to solve them.

However, acknowledging the problems does not mean that our migration and asylum policies have been a failure. On the contrary, regulated migration and a generous refugee reception has made our society richer and more open.

Speaking of vulnerable groups brings us to the next issue, that of Swedish feminist foreign policy.

Feminist foreign policy is based on a fact that women everywhere are lacking in rights, representation and resources, the three “Rs” as we call them. When it comes to rights, we stress that human rights are women rights. Representation, and in particular representation in political assemblies, is another area where equality is lacking. Women are also excluded in other important contexts where they should be playing a role. Take for instance peace negotiations and conflict resolution schemes. Current conflicts and wars are severely affecting women, but very few women are present at the peace negotiation tables.

This is not only wrong, but also unsustainable, as

women are instrumental in rebuilding any peaceful society. The last issue is about resources. Again, a whole range of issues needs to be addressed, ranging from ownership structures to economic empowerment, equal pay and unpaid labor by women. We want to work in realistic way and in partnership with all stakeholders.

I would like to underline that a feminist foreign policy is not an “ad hoc” or “add on” to a previous policy. It is a new way of addressing everything and the new policy must be integrated in every aspect of our work. It therefore also affects the way in which we work at the Foreign Service and at this Embassy.

How we recruit and how we organize our work so that we are sure to enable both women and men.

Sheer numbers are not sufficient, although you need to have a critical mass of both women and men in order to reach equality. But then you need to enable diversity. For instance, try to schedule meetings before 4 o’clock in the afternoon to enable both women and men to pick up their children and enjoy family time.

I remember when the Czech minister of foreign affairs asked for a late afternoon with his Swedish counterpart and the response was to reschedule for the morning.

Yes, such policies and their adoption really depend on leading by example. Thanks to our foreign minister Anna Lindh, who was a working mother, late meetings stopped in our Ministry. Also the practices of informal guys’ networks where the decisions were made after work in settings women did not have access to all but ended. The same goes for private the sector. We have just hosted the Global Leadership and Equality Advisor for IKEA here at the Embassy. IKEA has worked hard to become a leader in diversity and can now pride itself in having 48% of women managers. The issue of diversity will not come by itself. It has to be grounded in your values and strategies and actively evaluated and promoted until it is a natural part of every-day life. Diversity is a win-win game. In the end, we all want efficient organizations, the best Foreign Service, the best board in a company and so on. But how can you attract the best if you are not enabling everyone to participate?

Such approach brings me to the last issue, which is innovation and technology. You mentioned that it is also one of the subjects you came to promote.

We live in a fast-changing world. We are experiencing globalization together with a change in communication and the way we work due to robotization and artificial intelligence. We have huge challenges when it comes to the environment. We are hoping that innovations and technology will help us to solve these issues. However, technological innovation is not enough, we also need to have social innovation. The gender issue we have discussed is one example. Education is a key to success and how we educate our children and how we structure our education system, enabling life-long learning, will be very important. Sustainability, innovation and equality are very much interconnected and it all starts with good leadership, inclusion and empowerment.

By Linda Štucbartová

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The Best Preparation for Life Jan Mühlfeit, Kateřina Novotná Sport shapes us and influences our lives. It has influenced me and Katka since childhood. Until I was 12 years old, I was fat. I did some sports, but not professionally. At 12 years old, when I entered a tennis club, according to my trainer I was more fit for sumo. I had two options. I could apply for a sumo course or stop overeating and start training and exercising. I chose the second option. In our laundry room I regularly played against the wall, I ran 10 kilometres a day (which I still do) and at weekends, even when it was cold, I got up at 4 o’clock in the morning to go exercise in the hall.

One year after I joined the club, the best youth player was the chairman’s son. Two years later, it was me. This experience created a stable line in my mind, a synapse which, since then, tells me that

every no is the beginning of yes. If you persist long enough, you eventually win.

Thanks to sport I know that if I want to be good at something, I have to train regularly. Sport taught me endurance, I became fit and lost weight. As soon as I looked better, I also felt better. If you do sports, you perform better, you are usually more creative, more active and healthier. I am convinced that exercise, even if only in the form of regular walks, should be one of the basic life pillars of every healthy person.

Katka has done sports since early childhood. She has tried rock ’n’ roll, ice skating, inline skating, skiing, snowboarding, football and several other activities.

She was a very active child. Her parents realised that she enjoyed sports, so they let her express herself freely. At 9 years old, she started to play basketball and became a team captain. She played this sport for 10 years. Thanks to that she learned to be a team player. When others cried, she tried to encourage them. Apart from mental toughness, discipline and the art of a team play she gained friendships that have lasted until now.

Be Able to Focus After school finished, children used to go out and play. It had great significance. They socialized and competed with each other, not worrying about mistakes and being aware that if you fail one day, it does not necessarily mean that you fail the next day as well. They played football, hockey or dodgeball in front of houses, girls used to walk in parks or in the nearby hills. Physical activity was omnipresent.

The current situation is that half of the children who are defined by tests as competitive dislike competing. Why? They are afraid of failure. They have not learned to accept failure and it has not become a normal part of their lives. If children do not do sport, they do not have a chance to find out that failure does not necessarily mean a lifelong lack of success. And, what is more, they do not find out that they can learn from failure and win the next time. They are not strong enough, so they often give up after their first failure. Children may also learn this in PE, but classes do not take place often enough and not all children enjoy them.

Today children lack outdoor physical activities. Also, they suffer from obesity more often, they are less active, quickly lose attention and they fall ill more often. One of the reasons is that they are constantly surrounded by devices distracting their attention.

This generation is over-informed, but underfocused – over-informed, but without the ability to concentrate, which is why they do not even do sport. If one wants to succeed in sport, one has to be able to concentrate; to be here and now.

Clean Your Mind

Are you wondering what is the best way to work with your children's talents and to prepare your children for the future as best as you can? During the “Parent as a positive couch” workshop, parents and teachers find out how to effectively couch and mentor their children according to the latest findings in the field of positive psychology, in order to make their children not only successful, but also happy in their lives. The topics are also based on Jan Mühlfeit's book − The Positive Leader, one of the bestsellers in the Czech Republic. Moreover, we organize workshops for children and their parents: “Unlock Children's Potential” and “Unlock Your Potential for Secondary School Students”. Our workshops focus on discovering children's individual talents and finding out how to work with them. This is one of the topics of the book for parents that is planned to be released in September 2018. Come to our website janmuhlfeit.com to find out more about our seminars and projects. You can also watch our "Unlock your Childrens' Potential" seminar and the "Your Talent is Unique" series on www.flowee.cz.

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Naturally created teams are nowadays replaced by social media, which can bring you to the flow state, but only to a rather shallow one. Social media partly satisfies your need for new incentives and information, but it does not, for example, induce the production of oxytocin – a hormone formerly associated especially with childbirth and breast-feeding, whose production is stimulated by eye contact and touch. Oxytocin helps us create connections, trust, feeling of togetherness, satisfaction and empathy. This is actually one of the reasons why children from children’s homes have troubles integrating well into a team or a group.

They lack these experiences and hormones. Even though social media have undisputable positive aspects, they can never replace social contact, whether at home, in a sports team, a theatre club, a choir or in an orchestra.

Children are now used to walking on the so called red carpet, as parents try to remove all obstacles from their paths. However, your mental toughness manifests itself by being able to go on and fulfil your tasks, even if the situation is not really easy.

Mental toughness can be learned, but not by using social media or surfing on the Internet.

Telephones, tablets, computers and other devices

are addictive. It is very common that in order to gain time for technologies, parents let their children play with them, so an infant capable of browsing the Internet is not that rare. Parents are usually proud of that. There is nothing wrong with using new technologies, but regular digital hygiene should not be missing. It does not simply mean turning the device off or logging off. It is essential to learn how to switch off mentally as well; how to clean your mind. And this is exactly what sport can do.

More Physical Exercise, Better Competitiveness Physical exercise enhances children’s health, mental toughness, creativity and intelligence. It would be interesting to analyse the competitiveness index of European countries. I am convinced that the competitiveness is higher in those countries where sports classes are supported. Investments and the overall support of sport were also reflected in the last Olympic games results. Of course, Northern countries have a certain advantage in winter sports thanks to their climatic conditions, but it must be noted that although the cost of living is very expensive there, you can do sports almost for free. And it brings results.

Although the Czech Republic has made a substantial step forward in the last few years, we are still not there. In Germany, Slovakia, Austria, as well as in Hungary, investments in sport are higher.

I am convinced that in countries where sport is supported on a mass scale and PE classes are more frequent, it is reflected not only in people’s health and social life, but also in economy.

The importance of physical activity for children and adults is well-known in the Czech Republic, too. That is why there is the project called Extra class of physical exercise (see box). It is supported by the Czech Olympic Committee who I work with closely, so following an agreement with the authors of the project, Katka and me decided to promote this helpful activity. According to PE teachers who met Martin Kafka from the Czech Rugby Union and a member of the project team, rugby teaches children the following: In order to achieve your goals, you have to fight, observe the rules, respect your opponents and referees, stay disciplined, show solidarity, as well as control your emotions. According to Martin Kafka, it is the best preparation for life: “Apart from other things, sport hurts. If you do not experience pain in your childhood and you do not learn to cope with it, how can you succeed in life?”

Stay in the Game At job interviews, most employers currently take into account whether potential employees are physically active. Those who do some sport usually have more drive. I know it from my own experience.

When I asked people practising sports, either in the past or present, whether regular exercise had played any role in their career success, all of them confirmed it had helped them a lot. People who do not do sports usually have less drive. Often they lack the required toughness, endurance and good

physical health. I am sure that if I had not had such a good physical condition and mental toughness, I would not have survived my mental issues. When I suffered from depression and my future was, as Cyril Höschl says, “fifty to fifty”, at a certain point my subconsciousness “exploded” and pushed me back to the game.

The body and the mind are connected. And employers are aware of it. That is why most of them provide their employees with a free entry to fitness centres, swimming pools and dance or other classes. Naturally, not everyone makes use of their free tickets. Many people simply say that they do not have time for physical activity. With such an attitude, however, they only harm themselves.

In reality, essential digital hygiene is not only a matter of self-organization. If your boss sends tons of e-mails during the weekend, most colleagues also read them during the weekend.

Even if your boss claims that it is not necessary to read them at the weekend, the work goes on.

However, there is a possibility to postpone the e-mails and send them automatically at a set time.

Some people think that if they work 16 hours a day, they will be more successful and more productive.

It is nonsense. The brain is tired and needs to rest.

Even if you like your job and it brings you to the flow state.

Loaded Like a Top Sportsman Secondary school educated and university educated people who engage in business, science, IT and other mentally demanding activities face a load in their work like top sportsmen. Sportsmen, however, have support teams consisting of masseurs, physiotherapists, psychologists and couches. By contrast, ordinary people have personal assistants at the most, so they have to cope with all demands on their own. Sport is thus a very important complement to business.

If you are not talented at sports, do not force yourself into it. The absence of sports talent does not really result in failure in life. If a child is not good at sport or it is not their cup of tea, it does not make any sense to force them into it. It would discourage them and they could even be afraid of it. Nevertheless, if possible, try to encourage them to do some physical activity. Little sporting habits are always useful. The previously mentioned skills such as mental toughness may be also obtained by other activities, for example by playing a musical instrument, singing in a choir, attending modelling or writing classes. Any utilitarian activity is helpful. However, it is easier to achieve them by physical activity. Sport is funny and, while doing it, children are not even aware that they are learning.

As soon as they learn to attend trainings regularly, the habit remains imprinted in their bodies forever.

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

www.odemykanidetskehopotencialu.cz

Extra Class of Physical Exercise Extra class of physical exercise is an initiative that aims to implement quality PE classes in schools and increase the compulsory number of classes by one. “Our goal is to show children that sport can be interesting and entertaining, thus making them want to do it. While doing sport, no one punishes them, bosses them around or organizes them like a policeman,” explains one of the project founders and a member of the football association Antonín Plachý.

In reaction to the worsening health of children caused by the lack of physical activities, in spring 2015 the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports proposed to experimentally explore the possibility to increase the amount of professionally led children’s physical activities in after school clubs in primary schools.

For the sake of children, top players in the fields of sport and education joined forces and prepared a programme that makes it possible to achieve the set goals.

They methodically prepared materials teaching children skills necessary for a certain sport by the means of simple and funny games. They shot exemplary videos, produced manuals and created a system of lectures and workshops for teachers who experience the new methods of teaching from the children’s point of view. Usually they are excited, as it is a great inspiration.

Mentors work with the assumption that children generally enjoy physical activities, so if they are bored at PE classes, it is often the teacher’s fault. Pupils spend a lot of time waiting and standing around, and classes are often cancelled in the first grades. However, teachers should not put an end to the fun, but in fact develop it and encourage children, whether talented or not, to gain a positive relationship to physical activities. Other important aims of the Extra class of physical exercise project are as follows: To make teachers worry less about children getting injured, to allocate more resources to sport and to change the ways of education in pedagogical faculties.

Thousands of teachers who wish to change things and are not afraid to do so have already joined this project. According to the available data, pupils who participate in the project want to repeat it, they skip PE classes less often and, what is more, they are more active in other classes as well. Some of them even start doing some physical activity outside of school, joining sports clubs.

All information about the project is available on the following website: http://hop.rvp.cz.

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P ress conference , P rague , 19/4/2018

Building bridges for a united future Press conference with Ludger Ramme, President of CEC European Managers

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The European Union is currently experiencing a critical phase, marked by new populism and growing divergences between Member States.

The geopolitical situation, a slow economic recovery in some parts of Europe and a stalled process of converging social standards and salaries call for decisive actions by policy makers, managers and other stakeholders alike.

can political stability, growth and cohesion be assured. However, we need to invest and take the right decisions to make the model fit for future challenges. Besides lifelong learning, easier labour mobility in Europe and a better work-life balance, CEC is particularly involved in the topic of digitalisation, the subject of its seminar during the Congress on 25 May in Mainz.

In this context, CEC European Managers is determined to pursue its function as a bridge builder between employers and employees and as a voice in the European Social Dialogue representing around one million professionals, managers and executives in Europe. The triannual CEC Congress on 24 and 25 of May in Mainz, where the Czech Management Association is to be accepted as a new member, will therefore run under the slogan “better together.” Only by understanding Europe as a political and economic unit can we as managers work towards a more sustainable and inclusive future with sustained growth. Isolation will bring political turmoil, economic stagnation and social conflicts.

CEC currently participates in two European projects on the digital economy: one on the role of European Works Councils in accompanying the digital transformation and one on how industrial relations evolve in the age of the collaborative economy, together with the think tank CEPS. Managers will shape the way digital technologies are conceptualised and put in practice. It is therefore of paramount importance to equip them with the necessary skills to use the technologies for the benefit of our economy, society and environment. Our upcoming survey on “Management in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, in the framework of our European Managers Panel, will investigate the key challenges for managers in that regard.

The success of the European social market economy, as highlighted in CEC’s foundational document “Managers in Europe: vision, roles & values”, consists in bringing economic and social considerations together: only with both

Leadership today is undergoing major changes and needs to account to a growing number of issues, both in the companies managers work for and society at large. The particular profile of CEC as a Social Partner and as a provider of expertise

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

in leadership and management is therefore particularly fit for purpose. We bring companylevel considerations together with European policy-making, directly impacting the working life of the people we represent.

In an effort to update the definition of what a manager is and to raise awareness on what constitutes European management and leadership, CEC is in talks with MEPs to bring forward a European Parliament resolution replacing the outdated Gil Robles resolution of 1993. A European management culture exists and is more than the lowest denominator of national definitions. We are convinced that overcoming divides, taking a stakeholder approach and using evidence-based practices are part of this culture.

It is our common duty to strengthen this culture and look beyond what separates us. More than ever before.

In this spirit, we are more than glad to welcome the Czech Management Association among our ranks. Their membership will help to strengthen the voices of Eastern European managers and bring to attention the particular needs of their economies. With united forces across the continent will managers be increasingly heard at European level.

Ludger Ramme President of CEC European Managers

P ress CEC European Managers represents around one million managers in Europe through its national and sectoral federations. Managers play a vital role in Europe, both in the companies they work for and as facilitators of dialogue in society: it is about taking the right decisions to prepare a more sustainable and inclusive future.

At European level, we are one of the six EU crossindustry social partner organisations recognised by the European Commission. As the independent and autonomous voice of managers, we are making sure that the interests of managers as bridge builders between employers and workers are heard - since 1951.

With our action, we bring managerial and leadership issues to the center of the public debate. We are concinved that our knowledge, experience and competence can contribute to find comprehensive solutions to today’s challenges.

Our affiliates, active both in the public and private sectors all share one feature: they enjoy a higher degree of authority and autonomy than other employees, as well as more responsibility in defining and achieving the goals of the company they work for.

But the people we represent are also active and conscious members of the societies they live in, who know that the common welfare is an absolute pre-condition for a sustainable economic growth.

As European Social Partner

conference ,

P rague , 19/4/2018

Our values Progress The idea of linear and purely quantitative economic progress has proved contrary to the needs and capacities of humans. We need to redefine progress through aligning the idea to values and domain specific visions for it to be measurable. For progress to be sustainable, the process has to be subject to democratic deliberation.

Responsibility and ethics Managers have a key role in society and need to account to their responsibility through a positive social impact.

Behavioural ethics is one of the fundamental values of managers, who must perceive the need to lead by example as a concrete form of civic-mindedness.

Sustainability We need to mainstream sustainable thinking and behaviour into all domains of life and professional activity. It is our duty to hand over to future generations a healthy environment, an inclusive society and an economy beneficial to all members of society.

Transparency Decision-making processes need to be visible and transparent, both in the public arena and at business level, to guarantee the democratic control of institutions and the society. Measures to increase transparency have to respect privacy and be subject to democratic control.

Freedom and equality We strive for European integration; we of opportunities contribute to find a balance between the economic performance of enterprises and income and social protection for the workforce.

We raise awareness about the fact that managers and workers need different degrees of security and flexibility; we express and defend the needs and opinions of European managers on current topics such as sustainable development, environmental protection, energy self-sufficiency, lifelong learning, active ageing, equal opportunities or diversity.

As leadership and policy researchers We provide relevant knowledge to managers and policy makers at the cutting edge of leadership and policy research. We take a holistic approach integrating public and private management principles as well as different research traditions; we contribute to strenghten the quality of European management practices by providing best practices and raising awareness; we contribute to the debate on the future of public policies from a managerial point of view.

To guarantee freedom, we need to empower people through positive measures creating spaces of security in which individuals can develop. Equal treatment and the implementation of truly non-discriminatory policies in all aspects of social life are the founding basis of such spaces.

Solidarity and inclusion People and their needs must be at the centre of our action. Only a climate of mutual respect for diversity and personal development potentials can create the space for solidarity and inclusion. We need to work on inclusiveness through more participatory processes, a strong stance against intolerance and a trustful working environment.

Merit We believe in a social and company environment in which each individual’s competences are the basis for his/her professional success. The people we represent are characterised by their knowledge and skills, which are put at the service of the company they work for and the society they operate in. We need to increase social mobility and defy structures favouring success with no merit.

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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U nicef

P hoto : F rantišek G éla

UNICEF CZE Major Donors Meeting 28th February, Hilton Prague Old Town

From left: Christian Schwenke, General Manager, Hilton Prague Old Town, Pavla Gomba, Executive Director, UNICEF CZE, Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player, and Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar

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From left: Pavla Gomba, Executive Director, UNICEF CZE, Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player, and Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar

UNICEF CZE Major Donors met in Hilton Prague Old Town on 28th February 2018

Jana Jurášová, Charity Manager, Czech National TV

Kateřina Linhartová, Creative Teams Manager, SLEVOMAT.CZ

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

U nicef

From left: Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player, Eva Langerová, Corporate Partnerships Manager, UNICEF CZE, and Richard Vokřál, ALU-S.V

From left: Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, and Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player

From left: Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, Andrea Procházková, Internal Communication Specialist - Česká pojišťovna, a.s., and Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player

From left: Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, Lucie Kotalová, Head of Secretariat of the Governor, International Cooperation and Protocol at Central Bohemia Region, and Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player

From left: Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, Jiří Kánský, Executive Director, Czech National Radio Hradec Králové and Pardubice, Lada Klokočníková, Head of Channel, Czech National Radio Hradec Králové, and Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player

From left: Barbara Nesvadbová, Author, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, David Táborský, Back Office Manager, Prima TV, Jana Roztočilová, Head of Traffic, Prima TV and Patrik Eliáš, UNICEF CZE Goodwill Ambassador, Ex-NHL Player

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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Values and Meanings in Politics

Interview with Andrea Tittelovรก,

Photo: Peter Krรกl, Forum dobrej politiky 2017

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FOUNDER AND CEO YOUTH POLITICS EDUCATION AND CO-FOUNDER, FORUM DOBREJ POLITIKY

Interview with Andrea Tittelová, Founder and CEO Youth Politics Education and co-founder, forum dobrej politiky

Andrea with Lubica Ragulová, her business partner and co-founder of Youth Politics Education

Andrea, I have been nostalgically remembering Czechoslovakia as one state. You have not lived during these times. How do you perceive the Czechoslovakian past and how do you perceive Czechoslovakia nowadays?

I saw an image of Czechoslovakia through the lens of my grandfather who was a politician in the Dubcek era and afterwards I was taught about mementos of Czechoslovakia in the context of the Velvet Revolution…the memory of two countries which wanted to stand on their own and show their statehood. Nowadays, Czech Republic occurs to me as a country where entrepreneurship is greatly increasing and innovations are present. On the contrary, the political situation shows the huge polarity of the nation. Czech Republic strikes me as a dynamic country and Czechs, as the nation demonstrates, very creative. In May 2018, we are preparing a Day on Innovative Politics in Prague and while organising this event, I can really feel how open and flexible the Czechs I work with, are and do behave. Additionally, civic society protests against the mandate of Mr. Ondracek have shown the deeply rooted legacy of Vaclav Havel in Czech Republic even after so many years of progress and development.

Czechs and Slovaks tend to compare one to another. What could we learn from one another?

I see that Slovaks are mostly driven by competitiveness once being in the presence of any Czech national. We do take different reactions and approaches when we, Slovaks need to cooperate with Czech colleagues. I will point out one thing: the thing that Czechs could learn from Slovaks or get inspired by is to show more emotions in their decision processes and in the way they pursue collaboration. The Slovaks can get inspired from Czechs from their drive, innovativeness and creativity.

You are organizing a conference on Innovative Politics in Prague in May. This conference will discuss new technologies, enlarging engaged

groups and finding new answers to current political challenges. What is the main aim of the conference?

Innovative politics 2018 is an event where people who have contributed to policy changes in their respective countries exchange their ideas and improvements they have made in the area of public politics or citizens' initiatives enhancing the changes in the sector of politics and policy making. We see that the current state of politics and the way of policy making isn’t currently based on innovation, the needs of the citizens, or grass root initiatives. We see that the world of business and start-ups has increased in innovation and the sector of politics and policy making risks being left behind. The intention is to open the space for debate about innovative approaches in politics and policy making. We will bring people who are in action in different countries in Europe who have demonstrated successful grass root approach. We are looking for new approaches to policy- making that can bring positive value and directly influence the quality of life in our region. We are bringing the people who have taken their stand for innovating the public sector and policy making and have demonstrated this new way in their respective countries. The criteria is to bring and work with the people who have driven large scale innovations for this sector.

You proudly describe yourself as the ambassador of women and young people in politics.

What is the achievement you are most proud of?

I am honoured we were selected among semifinalists of Forbes 30 under 30 Europe in the category law and policy. I am proud of the legacy Youth Politics Education has left in Slovakia from the 4 years of its existence. We have managed to deploy many of our students of Youth Politics Education in Slovakia, in Switzerland and also some of our alumni ran their own campaigns for the municipal elections in 2017.

I feel proud that YPE, through collaboration with Dialogue, (Centrum Dialog, a non-profit collaborative which was instrumental in creating the National

Values Assessment), have managed to make differences in society by organising the Forum of Good Politics. And I feel proud to be the ambassador and the speaker of already 3rd Constellation Summit 2018 organised by Global Institute of Extraordinary Women.

Besides politics, you are the proud owner of a winery. What has wine-making taught you?

To understand the Discipline. I found real love for the soil in the vineyard. If you decide to postpone some small thing in business it might have a big impact, but also it could have no impact. But if you break the rhythm of the vineyard, the rhythm of nature, the rules when to cut the branches, when to seek out the parasites and when to protect the branches with pesticides, you can lose all of your fruits and you will not produce any wine in a specific year.

Your final words for Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine readers...

I am an advocate of consciousness and femininity in politics and public administration. I believe that our future will depend on three key principles: dialogue, the ability to listen, and collaboration. I believe that the principle of feminine energy present in national governments and in society, and collaboration between men and women will lead us to wealth and peace in the world. I believe also that taking a stand for something will be the vehicle for societal changes. As one of my role models Lynne Twist says “When you take a stand, it actually does shift the whole universe and unexpected, unpredictable things happen.”

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

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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M anagers

of the

Q uarter -C entury

Managers

25 let soutěže Manažer roku

of the Quarter-Century

From left: Ludger Ramme, President, CEC European Managers, Ivo Gajdoš, Vice President, CMA, Pavel Kafka, President, CMA, Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech Production Co-Operatives, and Milan Mostýn, CMA, PR consultant

On the occasion of the jubilee 25th year of the prestigious Manager of the Year contest, announced and organised by the Czech Management Association (Česká manažerská asociace – ČMA), the ČMA National Commission has selected ten Managers of the Quarter-Century. Over the 24 previous years of the contest, 1 487 finalists have made it to the finish line, with 59 Managers of the Year being announced. ČMA selected the ten best from amongst their midst on the basis of a vote.

The Managers of the Quarter-Century received their awards from the ČMA on 19 April in Prague Castle’s Spanish Hall. Present at the ceremony were figures from management – Manager of the Year winners and finalists, government members headed by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and a number of guests. President of CEC European Managers , Ludger Ramme was an international guest.

“Our contest has consistently sought out the best examples of management practice within business and outside business for 25 years. It has contributed to motivating managers’ successors and has helped to transfer the knowledge and experience of the best of them,” says ČMA President Pavel Kafka of the Management of the Quarter-Century contest and award.

On 19 April in Prague Castle, the Czech Management Association (Česká manažerská asociace – ČMA) awarded the following figures with the title Manager of the Quarter-Century for their consistent management performance: BENEŠ Daniel; CIENCALA Jiří; FEIX Vladimír; FROLÍK Zbyněk; KAČENA Bořivoj; PELC Zdeněk; POPOVIČ Štěpán; RÝDL Jan; STOKLÁSEK Lubomír; VALOVÁ Jaroslava

Zdeněk Pelc, President, GZ Media

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Jaroslava Valová, Owner, Siko

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

From left: Bořislav Kačena, former Chairman of the Board and General Director, Eurovia CS and Jakub Hořický, COO, Český ostrovní dům

M anagers

The media partner award for long-term support of the Manager of the Year contest is received for the specialist magazine Moderní řízení published

by Economia by Kateřina Křivanová – head of the Management and HR Content team. The prize is given by from left: President of the Czech Management Association Pavel Kafka, Executive Director of the Czech Management Association Ivo Gajdoš, and Head of the Manager of the Year Management Committee, President of the Union of Czech Production Cooperatives Rostislav Dvořák

From left: Ludger Ramme, President, CEC European Managers and Ivo Gajdoš, Vice President, CMA

of the

Q uarter -C entury

From left: Pavel Kafka, President, CMA and Zbyněk Frolík, Co-owner, Linet

Jaroslava Valová, Owner, Siko and Zbyněk Frolík, Co-owner, Linet

Jiří Cienciala, Commissioner for Ústecký and Karlovarský Regions

From left: Pavel Kafka, President, CMA, Ludger Ramme, President, CEC European Managers, and Rostislav Dvořák, President, Union of Czech Production Co-Operatives

From left: President of the Czech Management Association Pavel Kafka, Executive Director of the Czech Management Association Ivo Gajdoš, Head of the Manager of the Year Management Committee, President of the Union of Czech Production Cooperatives Rostislav Dvořák: Media partner award is received by Josef Gáfrik from the newspaper Deník

The media partner award for long-term support of the Manager of the Year contest is received by Benke Aikell, your Publisher

The media partner award for long-term support of the Manager of the Year contest is received by Eva Brixi – publisher of the economics magazine Prosperita, alongside her: Executive Director of the Czech Management Association Ivo Gajdoš, Head of the Manager of the Year Management Committee, President of the Union of Czech Production Cooperatives Rostislav Dvořák and President of the Czech Management Association, Pavel Kafka

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

53

Managers

of the Quarter-Century

Young management talent: Aleš Gothard, Site Manager – Metrostav

Small / medium-sized enterprise: Jana Malá, Moravská ústředna Brno (a specialist online store focused on quality worthwhile toys). Together with the Head of the Manager of the Year Management Committee and President of the Union of Czech Production Cooperatives, Rostislav Dvořák

BENEŠ Daniel, CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors at ČEZ

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Agriculture: Jiří Zelenka, Chair of the Board, Krásná Hora Farming Cooperative

Applied research: Miroslav Václavík, General Director, Výzkumný ústav technických strojů Liberec (Liberec Engineering Machines Research Institute)

25 let soutěže Manažer roku

Regional development: Jan Hůda, Chair of the Board, Rybářství Třeboň (Třeboň Fisheries)

Joint photograph of the winning Managers of the Quarter-Century in special categories

Jiří Cienciala, former CEO and Chair of the Board at Třinecké Železárny, former Minister of Industry and Trade, Senator, Government Envoy for 3 Regions

Zbyněk Frolík, company owner, LINET

Zdeněk Pelc, company owner, GZ Media, formerly Gramofonové závody (Gramophone Record Factory) in Loděnice

Vladimír Feix, former CEO, Český porcelán a.s. Dubí

Bořivoj Kačena, former CEO and Chair of the Board at Eurovia CS, formerly Stavby silnic a železnic (Road and Railway Constructions)

Jan Rýdl, former General Director and Chair of the Board at TOS Varnsdorf

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

M anagers

Štěpán Popovič, former CEO at Glaverbel, formerly Sklounion Teplice

Jaroslava Valová, owner, SIKO Bathrooms

of the

Q uarter -C entury

Lubomír Stoklásek, company owner, Agrostroj Pelhřimov

Joint photo of Managers of the Quarter-Century – with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Minister of Industry and Trade Tomáš Hüner, President of the Czech Management Association Pavel Kafka (second from right), President of CEC European Managers Ludger Ramme (first from right) The award for Managers of the Quarter-Century – a glass pyramid made

by Ajeto glassworks in collaboration with Eduard Soukup

President of the Czech Business Council for Sustainable Development (CBCSD) Jan Žůrek announces the Innovation for Sustainable Development award

National Commission Vice-President and Deputy Mayor Eva Kislingerová announces the results of Manager of the Quarter-Century – special category

Managers awarded the title Manager of the Quarter-Century – special category in a joint photo with Finance Minister Alena Schillerová and Minister of Work and Social Affairs Jaroslava Němcová. From left: Aleš Gothard, Jana Malá, Jiří Zelenka, Miroslav Václavík, Jan Hůda, Věra Palkovská, Tomáš Zima, Kateřina a Viliam Sivekovi, Jaroslava Němcová, Alena Schillerová, Eva Kislingerová and Rostislav Dvořák.

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Managers

of the Quarter-Century

Tomáš Zima, Rector at Charles University, awarded in the Education special category

Husband and wife Kateřina and Viliam Sivek (Modré dveře/Blue Doors), awarded in the Social Responsibility category

President of the Czech Management Association Pavel Kafka

Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš

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25 let soutěže Manažer roku

Andrej Babiš with UniCredit Bank CEO Jiří Kunert and his wife Alena

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš

Daniel Beneš, CEO at ČEZ, awarded the title Manager of the Quarter-Century TOP 10

Q u B it

Fresh Information.

Secure World.

Community Spirit.

From left: Ondrej Krehel, Lifars, Charles Tango, Altria, and Peter Béreš, SophistIT

The 5th annual QuBit Conference took place in the International Hotel Prague on 17–19 of April.

Annually attended by top security professionals from the CEE region, the fifth year welcomed more than 225 speakers and delegates from countries as Czech Republic, Slovakia or United States, who discussed the latest cybersecurity trends and ideas.

The 5th anniversary of the event was also marked by introducing a new format of delegates engagement – the Solution Center, which provided a unique approach to cybersecurity market. Partners of the Solution Center presented practical demonstrations of their original know-how on daily cybersecurity challenges where the delegates could see the solution at work.

The fifth anniversary also witnessed the announcement of QuBit’s cooperation with EC Council in bringing the prestigious C|CISO (Certified Chief Information Security Officer) training and certification to the region.

The first C|CISO training shall take place in Prague on 15–18 of May. QuBit Cybersecurity Conferences strive to bring closer the latest information to the cyber community of Central Europe from the western world and to help spread the word that security matters as Internet and IT tools are now accessible to more than 2 billion people worldwide. They provide a unique way to meet the best and the brightest minds in the information security fields across multiple industries, and all carrier levels.

From left: Philip Blake, EC Council, Tino Sokic, CNV-IBIS, and Jozef Michal Mintal, Matej Bel University

From left: Julia Nevmerzhitskaya, Laurea University, Csaba Virag, Cyber Services, Zóra Mártity, ITBN, Arthur Keleti, ITBN, Turul Balogh, AAM Management Information Consulting, and Jiří Macháček, Honeywell

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57

I nterview

with

M rs . U rsula C zernin

P hoto : V ladimír K viz

The Czech countryside has charmed me

Imagine you receive a call from an unknown number and you hear: “Hello, Czerninová speaking. Aunt Lobkowicz told me you’d like to do an interview with me. When would suit you?”

Our series on noble families has rightly aroused a great response from readers. However, it isn’t always easy to make contact with protagonists. As such, after my interview with Elisabeth Lobkowicz I asked her for help in making contact with other suitable candidates. I was surprised how quickly specific acts followed on from words. Although the story of her husband Tomáš Czernin, forester, farmer, owner of the Dymokury Castle and last but not least politician is a well-known one in the media, I am much more interested in Mrs Czerninová’s story, a woman who came from Vienna not to Prague, but to Dymokury. Mrs Czerninová gave me the option of meeting either in Dymokury where she lives, or in Prague where she travels to work as Hospitaller for the Order of Malta’s Grand Priory of Bohemia. Ursula Czerninová, born

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Piringer, was born in Vienna and her studies included a time in Rome learning History with a focus on Early Modern History.

Instead of researching ancient history in archives, however, fate led her to meet Tomáš Czernin shortly before the Velvet Revolution in 1989, and she had the opportunity to experience the real history of the end of the 20th century, and regime change in one of the countries of the former Eastern Bloc. She visited Czechoslovakia during the November events, and today she looks back nostalgically at her participation in the demonstrations, at the revolutionary spirit of the period and the wonderful feeling of hope and anticipated change at that time. As a practising Catholic, she has been involved in charity since her youth.

When we looked back at the events of autumn 1989, we both noted our disappointment at the results of the parliamentary elections last October, and the subsequent presidential elections in January.

I nterview In 1992 you moved to Czechoslovakia.

You didn’t swap Vienna for Prague, but for the Czech countryside, where the 1990s was not an easy time.

Furthermore, the Austrian countryside is often held up as a model for the Czech countryside to follow.

It depends on your perspective; for me the Austrian countryside is sometimes too sterile. The Czech countryside is more authentic. Life in the countryside is wonderful. I’m glad to have nature and peace and quiet around us. Thanks to their childhood in Dymokury, my children were also able to experience the freedom, perceive the changing seasons, and be in contact with animals.

When you came to the Czech Republic you didn’t speak Czech, yet you managed to set up a Ladies Club in Dymokury.

We called it the Ladies Club in jest. It started when two neighbours wanted to practise their German with me, and in exchange taught me Czech. We soon became friends.

Books were a problem. At the time we only had the “socialist” language textbooks of the time available to us, in which the texts were full of expressions such as “comrade”, “tractor”, “farming co-operative” and so on.

The Czernins lived in Vienna for almost two years following their wedding, but in 1992 they returned to the Czech Republic and began looking after Dymokury Castle.

I held the interview with Mrs Czerninová in Czech, as she has been living in this village in the Czech Republic for twentysix years. The couple have four children, all of whom grew up in the Czech Republic, and their youngest son was born here.

I spoke with Ursula Czerninová about life in the village, bringing up children and her charity activities within the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s Grand Priory of Bohemia, where she holds the position of Hospitaller.

You hold the position of Hospitaller in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s Grand Priory of Bohemia. What does this position actually involve?

I’m in charge of charity and social projects.

Within the Order of Malta, the Minister of Social Affairs and Health form one whole.

Maltézská pomoc, o.p.s. (Maltese Aid) looks after senior citizens, the disabled, children from disadvantaged families and the homeless. The Order runs three schools (the Higher Nursing School on Ječná street, Prague, a nine-year elementary school in Kladno, and an eight-year gymnasium (grammar) and vocational school in Skuteč).

We also organise an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, involving one plane with a total capacity of 189 full of the sick, pilgrims and those accompanying them. The Czech Maltese Youth club organises a summer camp every year for disabled young people, as well as trips and friendly get-togethers during the year. Before Christmas the now renowned advent punch sale is organised.

As Hospitaller, you’re in charge of aid for countries in Eastern Europe, so you’ve got a wider perspective. We’ve already spoken about our disappointment in politics in Czech society. What do you think Czechs are lacking?

I think we’re doing better than ever before from a material perspective. But I think people are often missing what’s important: good relations within the family, a healthy

with

M rs . U rsula C zernin

relationship to work, social sensitivity. We’ve sacrificed this to economic success. The fact that we often lack fulfilment in these basic matters leads to dissatisfaction, and Czechs moan about everyone and everything. But we’re doing well, we’re not missing anything.

In the war-ravaged regions of Ukraine, for example, people really are doing badly there; there’s real misery there. Perhaps, however, in desperate need they can see more clearly what is important in life.

You’ve brought up four children in the Czech Republic. They used to say of children in the aristocracy that they were born with a silver spoon in their mouths. You have taught your children independence and that everything has a price.

We used to get up at five in the morning; the kids’ train left at six. The kids went to Hradec Králové and there was no direct connection from Dymokury in the morning.

The journey back was quicker. The kids went to elementary school in Dymokury, then the church school and gymnasium in Hradec Králové. Both our sons study forestry management, and according to the established tradition of noble families, we expect our oldest son to take on the land.

Our eldest daughter is already married; she studied Law and works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our other daughter studies Music Science and Singing in Vienna. In terms of our property, we have endeavoured to instil in our kids that we are only the trustees of our property for the generations to come.

Many Czechs love Vienna. I myself remember my first visit behind the Iron Curtain, which was to Vienna. I still enjoy going to Vienna with my kids, to exhibitions, to the Opera and its famed balls. When you look back on the quarter century you’ve spent in the Czech Republic, have you missed life in Vienna?

I don’t miss Vienna; I can go there any time I like. There aren’t any borders any more.

I hope Mrs Czerninová is proven right and we remain borderless for a long time to come.

On my last visit to Austria, we did encounter border control, if only briefly.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Sovereign Order of Malta, you can find an interview with its former ambassador, H.E. Mario Quagliotti in our archives.

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

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

59

I nterview

with

Š árka K ulkusová , C ommercial D irector , R udolf

and

S tefanie H ospital , B enešov P hoto : V ratislav N oha

An opportunity to deal with matters conceptually This issue, I have decided to take the interview with “doctors” section not from the perspective of a doctor, but rather of those who play a large part in hospital operations. Šárka Kulkusová’s story, however, has given me plot twists and surprises at a number of levels. Meet a lady whose mission is to connect and communicate knowledge, and through sharing and teamwork move things forward. She has held numerous management positions within pharmaceutical and medical device companies for over 15 years. She studied Healthcare Management at the Advance Institute. She ended her career in a regional role, but at that time she was already battling burnout syndrome. Once she discovered that a career within corporations did not fulfil her, she swapped corporations in the capital city for working where she lives and in a sector which is currently fulfilling her.

For a year now, instead of selling medical devices she has been dealing with all strategic purchases for the hospital where she works. She has time and energy to spend on her family life and five-year old daughter. She is continuing her studies too, taking a course in Authentic Leadership. The history of Rudolf and Stefanie Hospital in Benešov goes back to 1898. At the beginning of the 20th century, the hospital operated a unique tuberculosis ward in Benešov, one of a small number in Austria-Hungary, and another important milestone in the hospital’s history is the boom in laparoscopy during the 1980s when the hospital was at the cutting edge of the field. While in the past patients insisted on seeing experts in Prague, today in contrast many Prague residents travel for treatment outside the city. The benefits include shorter appointment and waiting times, a personal approach and a more intimate, almost family environment with care at least comparable to university hospitals.

A year ago, you swapped a corporate environment for the public sector, while remaining within the healthcare sector.

How did you perceive this change?

Healthcare is a constant presence throughout my whole career, and I am very pleased I took the opportunity to stay in the field. The leap from one of the largest healthcare corporations in the world to the public sector was a big one. At the very beginning, it felt like it was a completely different

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world, but with each new day I came to realise, and I am still discovering, that both worlds have a lot in common. The experience of working in an international, frequently culturally very diversified, team has undoubtedly helped me to quickly adapt to different environments. I was able to exploit this experience, for example, in the process of hernia centre certification by an American independent accreditation company, something our hospital acquired last year.

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

I see a certain difference as compared to the corporate sector in the flexibility of decision-making – we deal with problems here and now, using more direct processes, with less meetings, planning and reports. On the other hand, healthcare is subject to loads of regulation, the legislative framework isn’t always entirely simple and this naturally places demands on both medical and non-medical staff, and the job of management is to set up conditions within the organisation such that the administrative

I nterview

with

Š árka K ulkusová , C ommercial D irector , R udolf

burden and processes are as efficient as possible while remaining in line with all regulations. Another large area is company culture, which, regardless of whether you are in the corporate or public sector, is very important in achieving good results whether in terms of care provided or in terms of economic parameters. My colleagues and I perceive this area as highly important. I see further space for development and investment in the computerisation of processes, opportunities for sharing and data harmonisation between hospitals within the one overall authority leading to greater efficiency both in purchase and, for example, in the spectrum of care provided. To be honest, this was probably the greatest surprise for me. Each hospital has its own different IT system, but unfortunately the systems can’t always communicate with each other, even within one hospital. Working with data thus takes a long time due to the absence of a single system of analytical tools and so on. One positive is that with EU grant programmes, hospitals have an opportunity to deal with these often costly investments, even at the overall authority level.

After working in the hospital for a year, my greatest reward is the feeling of a job done well, and the purpose behind what I do. As in my previous jobs, I’ve been really lucky in my high quality team and colleagues, something which is an important factor for me since the positive and clearly grasped results of teamwork are my greatest motivation.

Many forty-somethings are looking at leaving corporations and seek out other ways of working which will fulfil them more.

What was the crucial moment for you?

There were definitely a number of factors involved. I had been gradually losing enjoyment from my work. Corporations are usually highly focused on performance, and with increasing globalisation it isn’t always possible to deal with matters in the way which is best at a local level. After 10 years, I had the feeling that I had nothing more to offer the company.

Paradoxically, I had begun to have these feelings at a time when I was doing well professionally, I had a team which was working well and we had great results. I was ever more looking at what next, how to continue… I knew that I had to change a number of things in my life, but I didn’t have a clear idea of how to do so, and probably for the first time in my life I couldn’t even clearly define it myself. After leaving the corporation and numerous medical issues, I prescribed myself a holiday of a number of weeks with my daughter, and I put the direction of further professional steps on ice. By chance, immediately upon returning from my travels, I found out about a newly opened position in a hospital near my home. Intuitively, I felt that this was an opportunity I wanted to take on, and I was successful and landed on my two feet in the public sector. I was very attracted to being able to be there at the genesis and having the power to influence how parameters and purchase management processes would be set up within the hospital. The opportunity opened for me to deal with matters conceptually within

a local environment where the main parameters aren’t just numbers and performance, but with great stress placed on a personal approach both towards our clients and in the quality of care provided.

You’ve swapped Prague for Benešov. What are the specific features of your hospital?

Benešov’s Rudolf and Stefanie Hospital can boast a very long history – this year we’re celebrating 120 years since we were founded. We currently have around 830 employees, making us the second largest employer in the region. We have 20 specialised departments which provide both outpatient and inpatient care. The spectrum of care we provide is set in line with the hospital’s regional status, with Internal Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, our newly renovated Gynaecology and Maternity ward, and our ENT department including sleep laboratory forming our principal departments. Our objective is to provide primary care. We have opened a new inpatient rehabilitation ward where care is provided to patients following joint replacements and others – conceptually it builds on our Orthopaedics division, which performs the full range of joint replacements. It is certainly not our ambition to build up highly specialised centres. For our clients whose conditions require specialised treatment, we secure specialised care at Na Homolce hospital, with whom we concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation last year. We provide patients with care in a pleasant family environment in which we place emphasis on a personal approach and close multidisciplinary co-operation. It is no exception for patients from more distant regions to seek us out, especially within ENT, orthopaedics and our Gynaecology and Maternity ward. Last year, our hospital became the only certified Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery in the Czech Republic (COEHS™), joining ten other Centers of Excellence in Hernia Surgery™ around the world. In November 2017, we successfully renewed our Spojené akreditační komise, o.p.s. (Joint Accreditation Commission – SAK) accreditation, and we were very pleased to once again be awarded the title of Best Central Bohemian Region Hospital 2017 in the safety and satisfaction of outpatients and inpatients. Personally, I see as very positive the fact that despite dealing with a lack of staff like every healthcare facility, we have not as yet been forced to limit care as a result.

What is your vision and mission for your new position?

Along with my colleagues, I have many plans in my new position, and I trust that we will be able to gradually implement them. Personally, I am really looking forward to one new project: creating our hospital charitable foundation.

Another goal is to build a new complete rehabilitative care wing, and the complete renovation of our Internal Medicine wing. My personal goal is the computerisation of the purchase system across the hospital, which will allow us to work more efficiently. Another

and

S tefanie H ospital , B enešov

objective is to gradually boost co-operation between individual hospitals falling within the one authority, and not just in terms of purchasing. I will definitely be satisfied if we manage to maintain current quality, especially in the field of medical devices and medicines, without having a negative impact on the hospital’s budget. Working in healthcare is very fulfilling and it brings me joy that I can work, and perhaps even help a little, in moving forward the hospital in the region where I live and where I was born. I am glad I can apply what I have learnt in business, and thanks to sharing experience with my colleagues move things forward for the better. Work in my new team enriches me enormously, and allows me to continuously learn.

Let’s move on to your Masters of Healthcare Administration studies.

I would highly recommend studying Masters of Healthcare Administration to anyone in a management role in the healthcare sector, and also to doctors in management roles. The programme gives students a comprehensive overview of contemporary healthcare. I was very pleasantly surprised by the high quality of teachers, structure of lectures and I also see added value in the high quality and diverse selection of students. Programme participants come from various segments – hospitals, insurance companies and suppliers, allowing for fascinating discussions, and the acquisition of real, practically applicable knowledge.

Work–life balance is major topic not just for healthcare personnel, but also managers.

How are you managing in this regard?

If I were to give it a school-type grade, then I’d give my past year a B. I believe that everything that happens to people in their life has some significance or meaning, and in my path I have finally learnt to spend time on myself. I have a strong and stable family life, for which I thank my great parents. Contentment in my private life is very important for me, because when one’s working and personal life are imbalanced for a long time it creates negative consequences which sooner or later will make themselves apparent. I am a person who can’t do nothing, and as such I spend my leisure time actively with my daughter, partner, friends and family.

I love good food, I really enjoy cooking which is a kind of relaxation for me, and if I can combine good food with travel, then that’s just ideal.

Your final message...

I probably can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can certainly set up the sails on my boat so I can always sail to where I want to go.

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

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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S enate

Paul Ryan in the Czech Senate

During the conference (from left): Martin Stropnický, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Milan Štěch, President of the Senate, Paul Ryan, Speaker of Representatives and Stephen B. King, Ambassador of the US to Czech Republic

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic, the top representatives of the Senate met with the US Ambassador Stephen B. King and Paul Ryan at Waldstein Palace. What is more, the Senate held a conference on the role of the United States in today´s European security, that was attended by the third highest constitutional official of the United States Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Welcoming of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Paul Ryan in the Waldstein Palace by the President of the Senate, Milan Štěch and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Martin Stropnický

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

Speech of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives at the opening of the conference

S enate

Speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic at the opening of the conference

Speech of the President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic at the opening of the conference

Speech of the Ambassador of the United States to the Czech Republic at the opening of the conference

Václav Hampl, Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, thanks for Paul Ryan´s visit, in the background the 1st Vice-President of the Senate Miluše Horská and the VicePresident of the Senate Jiří Šesták sitting

Paul Ryan's Welcome Interview with Milan Štěch and Martin Stropnický, in the background Stephen B. King watches

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

63

S enate

Speech by Paul Ryan on the occasion of a visit to the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

The arrival of Paul Ryan to the Main Hall of the Waldstein Palace, accompanied by Milan Štěch

Lecturers of the 1st panel of the conference (from left): former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States Alexandr Vondra, former Director of Radio Free Europe and founder of the New Atlantic Initiative Jeff Gedmin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Martin Tlapa, MEP Dita Charzanová and Director of the Václav Havel Library and former Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States Michael Žantovský

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

S enate

In the morning, a debate was held with the students of Charles University, also attended by Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Radek Vondráček (left) and Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Paul Ryan (right)

Paul Ryan with students from Charles University in the Main Hall of Waldstein Palace

Paul Ryan talked a lot in the debate with students in the Senate Ambassador´s speech during the morning debate with students in the Senate

Paul Ryan with students in the Senate debate

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

65

G ala

event

AUDIENCE

GRAND CRU CLASSÉ BORDEAUX 2015

Prague Castle

From left: Milan Krejčí, Sommelier and Petr Sláma, Sommelier

Tereza Kostková, Actress

Zlatko Míčka, Organiser of the Audience Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux, Owner, Merlot d'Or

Alexandre Baumard, Chef, Logis de la Cadene, Saint Emilion, holder of a Michelin star

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CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

Blue Star band

Jakub Kohák, Actor Alexandre Baumard, Chef, Logis de la Cadene, Saint Emilion, holder of a Michelin star and Tereza Kostková, Actress

Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Eva Anderová, Vice President, UNYP and Honorary Consul to Zambia

From left: Václav Marek, Musician, Blue Star band, Jakub Kohák, Actor, Diana Sixtová, Commercial Director, Merlot d'Or, and Zlatko Míčka, Organiser of the Audience Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux, Owner, Merlot d'Or

Laurent Ehrmann, Director, Barriére Fréres

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67

I nterview

with

D r . V ivienne M ing

P hoto : S cott R K line

How to RobotProof (Not Only Kids but also Ourselves) Dr. Ming was named one of 10 Women to Watch in Tech in 2013 by Inc. Magazine. She is a theoretical neuroscientist, technologist and entrepreneur. She co-founded Socos company, where machine learning and cognitive neuroscience combine to maximize students’ life outcomes. She sits on the boards of StartOut, The Palm Center, Emozia, Engender, and Genderis Inc., and is a Chief Science Advisor to Cornerstone Capital, Platypus Institute, Shiftgig, and Bayes Impact. She is an author of the upcoming "How to Robot-Proof Your Kids" and "The Tax on Being Different".

“The Best Way to Predict the Future Is to Create It” was the opening quote of Singularity University, made by its co-founder Peter Diamandis and being such, summarizes the unique approach of this two-day conference that took place at the Prague Žofín Palace from March 5-6, 2018.

Singularity University has been called an Ivy League university from the future and described as a conference like no other. Imagine an event that in two days covers highly scientific expert subjects from artificial intelligence, selfdriving cars, the latest development in medicine and biotechnology, the future of finance and blockchain, alongside the wider societal concerns like future of work, future of education or exponential growth and abundance.

Perhaps there is no coincidence, only synchronicity, as to the venue. The Knights Hall at Žofín Palace in Prague used to be a very special place for the Czech elite in the middle of the 19th century and played a significant role during the Czech nationalist revival. Based on historic accounts, it was believed that had the heavy chandelier fallen from the ceiling, no one speaking Czech would be left, as most of the Czech educated largely male group taking part in the national revival movement, used to always be together.

At first, it seemed almost impossible to choose one conference speaker for our interview. On the other hand, it does not come as a surprise, that I chose Dr. Vivienne Ming who was giving a keynote speech on How to Robot-Proof Your Kids. Not only is the subject of education, learning and development based on talents and

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passion important for me professionally, but also personally. I am a mother of a ten-year old boy, who is extroverted, communicative and softskills advanced. By the way, we usually tend to associate these skills with girls in our society.

I was glad to hear that my son is good at five general cognitive abilities such as social skills, self-regulated learning, emotional intelligence and creativity, since these skills were singled out by Dr. Ming as necessary for the future.

Unfortunately, I was brought back to the present by my son’s private tutor, who called me right after Dr. Ming’s presentation to let me know that my son is unlikely to pass the exam for the eightyear high school. His five-year primary language school program partly co-financed by the EU is coming to an end. Given the competitiveness of the eight-year high school system in the Czech Republic, like many Czech parents, we have gone through the ordeal in investing large amounts of time, energy and money during the last eight months trying to improve his weak spots in mathematics, analytical thinking and information-based learning. The contrast between what is needed for the future and what is the status quo could not be any starker.

Dr. Ming is also a great example of a leader.

Her life journey was not easy. She failed out of university and almost took her own life. She then discovered her life purpose: to make the lives of other people better. This discovery gave her the drive to complete a BA in neuroscience in only

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one year! She had undergone gender transition.

Since then, she has had amazing success in her field, is a mother of two kids and specializes in the future of human potential. She has worked on applications to help patients with diabetes, bipolar disorders and learning.

Dr. Ming started her conference speech with a short statement,“The problem with the education system is that everyone has an opinion about it. Everyone is different, yet we develop systems meant for one type person”. I wondered whether she was aware of the fact that in the Czech Republic, the educational system has become prey for politicians and a panacea to many societal problems. The economy is currently suffering from the lack of manual workers? Let us introduce both manual skills classes and even agriculture lessons to primary school curriculum. The population is afraid of terrorism? Let us also include civic defense classes.

Many students are choosing humanities instead of STEM studies? Let us introduce obligatory highschool graduation from mathematics. All of these implemented, without any deeper debate, without following latest expert debates and successful trends in education.

Dr. Ming then continued “Role modelling is absolutely essential for parenthood. Be the person you want your kids to be”. Wow, another challenging notion in a country, where the majority of parents still believe that it is up to school to provide both education and also upbringing and they are not ready to take part.

I nterview Dr. Ming, your talk was fascinating. Let us start with your conclusion. Find your talent and grow it. But how? On one hand, there are numerous possibilities, on the other hand, many young people do not know how to navigate themselves in today’s complex world.

Recently, I had the privilege to give a convocation at the school where I once failed and subsequently, after my amazing success, I gave my talk on three lessons I would do differently.

The first lesson states whatever you do right now, go all in. You are right about many young people receiving various contradictory advice from their surroundings but if they do not invest time and energy, if they do not try hard, how can they find out if they are going to love and succeed in an area? You are unlikely to be an expert at anything from the day one. I love what I do, but I had to struggle so many times to find the answer.

The second lesson says construct your purpose. There is not one thing you are meant to do in this world. You get to build your purpose yourself. You have to search for it, look for the clues.

The last lesson is about having the courage to “die” and start all over again. It takes about seven years to truly master something, which gives you seven opportunities to become truly great at something. This notion is wonderful because it frees you from the pressure that one decision will influence the rest of your life. Your purpose will guide you, but on each journey, you will go deeper.

Look at my life-story. As a man, my life was a massive failure. On my journey I became a scientist, an entrepreneur, and then a mum.

There is no wrong choice if you are honest about it. Listen to what others say, but at the end it is your choice and again, go all in.

Every time I have had an invention, it was thanks to these transition moments. From a neuroscientist into an educational company, to inventing treatments for diabetes and bipolar disease.

Your latest research is about maximizing

human potential and you have become a strong advocate of soft-skills that you do not like to be called soft- skills, as they are measurable. The Czech educational system has witnessed the latest attempts to introduce farming lessons, manual workshops and civic defense classes to respond to pressure from the industry rather than to prepare kids for the future.

What do you think about the future of education?

I am not criticizing specific policy choice but rather the broad policy choice about training people to do specific things. If you told me that the government is introducing programming, STEM only education and intellectual skills, I would be also worried.

I can build an AI system that can do all of the above better. Therefore, the most disrupted careers will be in advising – whether financial, legal or medical. Economically speaking, earthly skills, such as agriculture will be more economically resilient than professional skills.

Perhaps the labor cost is still cheap in the Czech Republic, but we should not forget that the labor cost runs downhill and ends in Rwanda. But governmental policy also affects the discussion in the US. As we will not allow Mexican immigrants to do low wage manual jobs, we might be constructing robots to do them, since no US worker is willing to pick food anymore.

What are the main points that governments are missing?

It is very simple policy trap in the form of solving the last problem. It is not about forward thinking - what the problem is going to look like in ten to twenty years. I am not a futurist but I know that a small number of people will be writing codes in twenty years.

You need to look at the broader picture. You need to watch where the economy is moving.

What is the US shifting towards, what is China shifting towards, what is happening in India and elsewhere?

Our 15 minutes is up. You have been quite

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disruptive also in regards to the future of universities. You research proved that university diplomas are not predictive as to the successful future. Charles University in Prague is celebrating 650 years of existence. What future do you see for classical universities?

University is a great place once you have all the meta learning skills. However, universities themselves have succumbed to the idea of building people for work-life rather than building better people to explore ideas. If I hire graduate students, I do not care whether they know neuroscience. I care about them being creative and adaptive. Universities will need to change themselves. But the bottom two-thirds will need to disappear as our AI has identified these as negative predictors.

The top one-third will need to restructure.

Let us discuss how to create interdisciplinary curricula instead of trapping people into degrees. How do we retrain people, how do we build resilience and growth mindset, and creative thinking? Let us invent something that will make the world better together. And I will not lead the project, being a scientific expert, but rather the students themselves will lead the experiments. How does that sound?

Immediately after the interview I downloaded the application Muse Dr. Ming developed. It is designed for parents to develop their children by spending quality time with them while enhancing children’s learning with fun daily activities. Based on your answers describing your child’s character and behavior, you start receiving tips for activities, so eventually your kid can become “a creative, adaptive problem solver”, as this is the only robot-proof category for the future.

It proves that when the government is failing, businesses and start-ups can lead the way.

And that was my positive take away from the two-day conference as a whole.

By Linda Štucbartová

The SingularityU Czech Summit in Prague happened thanks to four local businessmen, Tomáš Krsek, Martin Kúšik, Radek Pokorný and Jan Sýkora, who had the vision and courage to bring the Singularity University to the CEE region for the first time. Eva Hanáková, Managing Director of SingularityU Czech Summit, completed mission impossible. I have never witnessed such a big event run so smoothly. More than 750 participants attended, including executives, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, NGOs, students and policy makers, coming from the whole CEE region.

More than 20 speakers were introduced, coming both from Silicon Valley and also from the region.

It made me proud to realize how many extraordinary experts and scientists the Czech Republic has. Many thanks also to companies Deloitte, Google, Direct People, Penta and Business Link for supporting the conference.

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ONCE UPON A TIME… When was the last time you decided to start something new or change something in the way you do things?

Maybe you changed your job, or perhaps you joined a gym or started to learn a new language… No matter what it was, you felt compelled to do something and you did it. What fueled that decision? Could it be that you felt inspired by someone’s example, by someone’s story?

When I first heard a story of Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, one of the leading global skin care brands, something quite extraordinary happened to me. I felt such a powerful surge of emotions that I had goose bumps raising on my arms. I could relate to her struggles and frustrations when she tried to get her business off the ground. My heart ached when I heard her late husband George died of a heart attack just one month before she launched her company. In spite of all the odds, she managed to build a multi-million dollar enterprise virtually out of nothing.

Her values and her passion for what she was doing resonated with me. As a struggling entrepreneur, her story inspired me and gave me a renewed sense of purpose and hope that I could, just like her, pursue my own dreams and succeed.

Her story inspired me to start and run my own independent Mary Kay business.

Although years ago, I am eternally grateful for the experience. It’s been 17 years since her death yet her story and her vision continue to live on and inspire millions of women all around the world.

That’s the power of a story!

P hoto A rchive

ABOUT ALENA HUBEROVA Alena has a professional background in sales, marketing and communication in a variety of sectors including IT, travel and tourism, wellness and beauty.

With over 15 years of experience working in corporate business and living in 5 countries across Europe and Asia, she embarked on a quest to discover her mission. Diving into entrepreneurship, she developed an online portal to promote healthy living. Later she built a team of 50 sales consultants in the beauty sector and became a role model to her peers. Learning by working with hundreds of professionals and overcoming her own struggles as an entrepreneur and introvert, she was inspired to start her communication business, which has since turned into a lifelong passion.

Today, she assists business leaders in developing a powerful personal presence on and off-stage, delivering presentations that capture the hearts and minds of their audiences and inspire action. She also acts as a mentor for startups, helping them design and deliver winning business pitches. In collaboration with Presenation.com, she coached the X.GLU Czech Team to win the world title at the Microsoft Imagine Cup in 2017. She also presented at the TEDx UNYP 2017 conference which is part of a global initiative by TED, a non-profit organization devoted to spreading ideas.

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We love stories because they give us hope Although stories have been told for centuries we are only now discovering just how powerful they really are and why. People crave stories because they make them understand that with the right set of “tools” and attitudes one can overcome any situation, no matter how difficult it is! Through stories we learn to accept that problems and obstacles are inevitable parts of life and that without them we cannot hope to grow personally, let alone transform our lives. Stories make us see that our own life is one big story and we can become the heroes or the victims of that story…

Strong, interesting, compelling and relevant stories resonate with people and they can literally become co-creators of the story with the storyteller, i.e., the speaker. Since our brain is designed to look for patterns, on hearing a story we immediately relate the story to our own experience. We become so engaged and involved in the story it is as though we ourselves were participating in those events and neuronally speaking, we are…

Stories change people’s brains When we tell or hear a story, different parts of our brain light up, something that does not happen when we simply hear words, facts or data. This has been proven and can be clearly shown on fMRI brain scans. Our emotional brain is activated and a powerful mix of chemicals is released into our system, namely dopamine, oxytocin and cortisol. These chemicals not only make us pay more attention and remember the story, but it’s through the emotional charge that we feel inspired to act. Stories have power, they persuade…

Leverage the power of a story in your own business I am sure this is not the first time you hear about storytelling. The question is, how well do you leverage the power of storytelling in your business? How effectively are you using stories to inspire others? It’s definitely something to think about. What’s more, stories enable you, the speaker or the storyteller, to better convey your message, make it stick and create an emotional bond with your audience. It‘s not what you say, it‘s how you say it that makes all the difference. And it’s stories that can help you convey your point in a different, more compelling and touching way that people will resonate with. The next question you might ask is...

That´s what we storytellers do.

We restore order with imagination.

When I work with Startups on developing their elevator pitches, the first thing I do is to extract some stories that we can work with. These can be “product” or “customer” stories that clearly illustrate the uniqueness of their solution and its added value for their customers. They can also be “founder” or “vision” stories to explain the purpose behind their business, the reason for their existence.

Some companies, such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, have at their core truly inspirational stories based on the challenges or frustrations of their founders. They talk of how the founder came across a specific pain point or a challenge in the industry that was not being addressed and decided to develop a solution. Or they talk of their frustration with something they saw in the society or experienced at the workplace.

Such as Mary Kay Ash who was frustrated when passed over for a promotion just because she was a woman. That was back in the 1960s in a world ruled by men. She decided to leave her job and start her own company with the mission of assisting women in business and helping them achieve personal and financial success.

Such stories are very inspirational. But worry not! You don't need to be Mary Kay Ash, Sir Richard Branson, Steve Jobs or Martin Luther King to have a great story to tell!

Think of your customers, especially your happy customers. What was their business like before they found you or your product/service? What issues they struggled with? What did they use to do in order to achieve their objectives? And what is it they can do today with the help of your solution?

We instill hope again and again.

Think about you. What brought you to this business? Why did you pursue this business and not something else? Surely you will find there are noteworthy and persuasive stories to share.

Walt Disney

You will be surprised at the number of ideas that will come to your mind. And you should get ready because you don't want to forget any! What you can do right now is set up a document or a simple note on your Phone and start collecting stories. This document will eventually become your “story bank” from which you’ll be able to select the most appropriate story to tell for your next speaking opportunity.

What stories to tell?

This is something I often hear from my customers: “Alena, we’re an IT company with highly complex technological solutions, what stories could we possibly tell our customers?

And is it at all appropriate?”

Yes! It’s not only appropriate, it is essential. The more complex your message or the solution you’re trying to promote, the more important it is for you to find an easy way to explain it. And what better way to do so than telling a story?

Great stories are everywhere around you. You just need to stay open to them.

I wish you success in your story-hunting and story-telling and many truly inspired customers!!

By ALENA HUBEROVA Communications strategist, speaker and trainer www.alenahuberova.com alena@alenahuberova.com

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Japanese

inspiration for your event

Top Hotel Prague has an exceptional background for congresses and a very pleasant atmosphere.

An interesting opportunity for corporate and private events is the Japanese Garden, which is attractive for tourists and evokes a sense of peace, unique experience and direct contact with nature. In addition, the Top Hotel is a rare match with the ancient Asian principle of Feng Shui, which is a simplified old Chinese art of life in harmony with the surroundings.

The Japanese garden is suitable for huge outdoor official events as well as for informal meetings of small groups of people. Capacity of the garden is up to 1 000 persons, who can enjoy variety of outdoor activities such as BBQ, exibitions, fashion shows or company teambuildings. All hotel services are also provided in the garden.

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The garden was built on an area of 7000 m2 and includes two terraces. The first terrace consists of a waterfall with a pond, which was composed on a vista from the hotel's winter garden. On the other upper terrace there is a larger water area with a singing fountain and a charming wooden bridge in Japanese style. The biggest attraction of the whole green complex is the singing fountain, which is complemented by light effects in the summertime and offers an unusual experience.

In the spring, sakura and Japanese azaleas flourish. The waterfall and the surrounding stone compositions are planted with evergreen trees - buxus, yew and stone. The red-backed Japanese maple then creates a colorful accent to this scenery from spring to autumn.

The unique setting of the Japanese Garden can be used for a garden party, a wedding ceremony, an outdoor party with barbecues or unusual corporate meetings.

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TOP HOTEL PRAHA

C ommunication

Omne trium perfectum

Tereza Urbánková is a PR, communications and marketing professional with over 19 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 and engineering. After having lived and worked in the UK for 11 years, she has recently moved to Germany where she works as Head of Global External Communication, Animal Health, for Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company. 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.

Have you heard of the rule of three? If you are a professional communicator or a presenter you may have, but have forgotten it and instead you keep writing messages and presentations which include a multitude of themes and bullet points wondering why they have minimum impact?

My participation in the Strategic Internal Communications training course, organised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in London, UK, reminded me of how ‘the rule of three’ can result in a very engaging content as well as make communications much more effective and memorable. This rule can also stretch beyond work: it may potentially simplify and help you regain control of your life, boost your productivity and reduce your anxiety.

I recall my university days where I heard the Latin phrase Omne trium perfectum (Everything that comes in threes is perfect) for the first time.

This saying conveys the same idea as the rule of three since having three entities combines both brevity and certain rhythm with the critical amount of information to create a pattern that people can easily relate to and remember. If speeches and pitches are sprinkled with lists of threes, they look both simple and catchy without authors/presenters losing the impact as subject matter experts. Even a speech itself can be structured along the tri-pattern; you may have come across the old advice by Aristotle* for the most effective speech delivery: "Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you just told them". Simple, direct and memorable, this ‘triptych’ is a useful method to deploy whenever you need to make a presentation, long or short, which you want audiences to remember.

So, what’s the magic behind the number three?

It is well established that we can hold only a small amount of information in short term. In 1956 Bell Labs reached out to Harvard professor George Miller who published a paper titled, The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two. Miller

argued that we have difficulties retaining more than seven to nine digits in short-term memory.

Contemporary scientists, however, have put the number of items we can easily recall in shortterm memory closer to three or four chunks of information. Think about it. When someone leaves a phone number on a voicemail, you’re more likely to recall the first three digits before having to listen to the message again to get the remainder of the number.

Many companies use the rule of three to craft their taglines and marketing communications.

Take ‘Just do it’ (Nike), ‘Every little helps’ (Tesco) and ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ (VW). Steve Jobs apparently applied the rule of three in nearly every presentation and product launch.

For example, in 2007 Jobs introduced the first iPhone as the ‘third’ of Apple’s revolutionary product categories (the first two were the Macintosh and the iPod).

On the politics front, the Churchill’s ‘blood, toil, tears and sweat’ was promptly transformed into the popular and more memorable ‘blood, sweat and tears’. In a more distant past, the rule of three clearly impacted slogans such as the wellknown French Liberté, égalité, fraternité used during the French Revolution in 1789 and Veni, vidi, vici attributed to Julius Caesar who wrote the phrase in a letter to the Roman Senate around 47BC. Tapping into literature, it is also no accident that the number three is pervasive in well-known stories, such as Three Musketeers and Three Little Pigs, to mention but a few. And there are many more examples from other disciplines.

As the seminar also focused on building a company culture, our discussion revolved around values that companies want their employees to identify with and embed in their daily activities. We were put through a challenging test to name our company values, which created embarrassing moments for a few participants but also revealed that some companies have up to 12 values and nobody remembers any. Company values should be

authentic, relevant, should have the purpose behind them, embody what the company stands for, and should be linked to the key areas that matter to a particular business. And, they can be just three, three core values which represent deeply ingrained principles, guiding all company’s and employees’ actions, serving as cultural cornerstones.

The same applies to personal goals; if you have an endless list of goals and simplify them to the three principal ones, you are more likely to achieve them. It will help you stay on track, focus fully on less with absolute clarity about your progress. In the today’s fast-paced world, your huge workload, family and busy social life can sometimes get the better of you; the rule of three can help you regain control of your life.

How many times have you felt you have more than you can chew on your plate? How many times has your day gone confusing or out of control? If that happens, one of the methods to get out of the rut is to try to prioritise, invoke the rule of three to settle your brain and bring some focus to your activities. And don’t forget to count to three when you encounter some disagreeable idea!

However, the power of this rule does not solely lie in the number three; such list is not created randomly and it always matters most what sits behind, so the substance, the meaning, the purpose. I believe this applies to any set of threes mentioned in this article including values.

Although it may seem beneficial to follow the rule of three, there might be occasions when this rule may not work. However, before you decide to dismiss it, it’s advisable to understand it better and see how and where it could work to your advantage, in a company and/or for you as an individual. *This quote has been also attributed to Dale Carnegie, an American writer and lecturer, as well as to others.

By Tereza Urbánková

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P hoto : A rchive

A modern polymath solving problems, making a difference I nterview

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R ubenstein

I met Mr. Rubenstein in Boston, at a business/social dinner and about one minute into our conversation I knew I'd ask him for an interview. I have met, interacted and worked with many successful business people - the hubris that sometimes comes from successful leaders is not part of Mr. Rubenstein’s personality and comportment. On the contrary, he exudes that kind of confidence and influence which come from genuine interest in others and just simply 'things' happening; his keen sense of what is truly urgent and relevant; his alertness to anything that could possibly be a novel solution or approach to solving a problem and, to put it simply, he has refreshingly interesting and sharp answers when all we usually hear and are inundated with are cliches and equivocations. He listens to others with both sharpness of intellect and unassuming manner - open to other opinions, ready to weigh different views.

Mr. Rubenstein's experience is very rich; he is a true modern polymath both in terms of his education and career. He has a degree in liberal arts, having concentrated on history and political science; started his career intending to go into the field of education but instead ended up in government, business, entrepreneurship and finance – much of which focused on alternative and green energy – and then finally did come to education. He can discuss in depth and with complexity any global political or social issues and then switch to the most pressing environmental issues, explaining various engineering methods and solutions from which he smoothly continues on to discuss financial matters globally or domestically.

That, of course, he will connect to education and the pressing need to make research, innovation and entrepreneurship effectively linked with academia.

In Mr. Rubenstein's case, all of the above is coupled with an honest and sincere interest in making a difference and finding ways to make our world better - which he has successfully done, and continues to do.

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I nterview How would you describe your business activities and management services?

Anyone who gets to know me rapidly comes to understand that I have many interests; these have led me into multi-faceted and complementary careers in business, finance, academia and the non-profit sector. The common theme through all of these activities is that they are coupled with the ability to make change happen – improve a business, implement a project that delivers a more sustainable world, advance the opportunity for entrepreneurial talent to succeed in commercializing their innovation, advance a new idea that helps improve the way in which we live and work together on this planet.

Your business interests/projects have taken you all over the world. You are originally from the US - and you are an American - but you decided to settle down in the Czech Republic. You are also very active in Slovakia - why these two countries ?

What do you think about the business environment, culture and opportunities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia? How do they compare with the US - or the rest of western Europe?

Yes, I am originally (and still) a US citizen; I lived and worked in New York through several prior careers in government, business and finance.

I decided to explore finance opportunities in Europe in 2005 and to do that from a base in Prague. The financial crisis in 2008-9 led my wife Lenka and I to move from Manhattan to Prague (we had been traveling back and forth regularly for about 3 years) to work here full time – a decision I have never regretted. And I am now also a Czech as well, having acquired Czech citizenship - and a garden that needs tending at about the same time (some 3 years ago).

Business opportunities have been good in both Cz and Sk and, working with great colleagues in the field of finance, we have been able to deliver solid results for multiple clients in energy as well as other industry sectors. Both countries have business marketplaces that are often like the “small villages” people refer to (albeit very sophisticated ones!). And many finance industry colleagues in the US and Western Europe still need to wake up and see the opportunities which these markets present – especially as regards entrepreneurial and emerging technology companies.

A note of caution is perhaps in order, though – the advent of illiberal democracies in this region (as well as in others) COULD threaten this region’s hard-earned prosperity. Such governments often look to restrict cross-border activities (immigration, trade) which are vital to sustaining the growth of economies. And trade restrictions have historically been a harbinger of conflict. I believe that the EU’s focus on no/low barriers to intra-European commerce is critical to our region’s economic health going forward.

And I worry about the effect of possible restrictions to international commerce that are so much in the news today.

A lot of your finance projects have involved sustainable and green energy. How would you describe the state of these industries - in terms of research, potential and the actual application/use? Are there still people/industries that are difficult to convince about using sustainable and green energy? How do you see the future could you project when most of the energy we use will be renewable/green?

Much has been spoken about the movement of industry to its “4.0” next stage of development.

And while much of this is in part due to the involvement of information technology and automation/robotics, I think we tend to overlook energy industry innovations. These include the continually improving efficiency of renewable energy generation, the reduced cost of related technologies and the heightened availability of lower cost and increased capacity energy storage options. These are, especially taken together, important enablers of our ability to ensure the sustainability of our civilization.

Renewable energy as a reliable and costeffective source of energy has progressed to the point that not to use it could in and of itself be considered an imprudent business decision that would enhance the risks of the business in question – almost any business. So it is for this along with other reasons that I believe that we will see a preponderance of energy from clean sources become the norm within my lifetime (and I’m not THAT young anymore…).

You have a degree in liberal arts and concentrated your studies on History and Political Science. You intended to have a career working in the field of education - how did you transition from your initial focus on liberal arts and education to finance and alternative/green energy?

It’s a looooooong story – my interest in History and Political Science led me to take an internship with the legislature in New York state and I became intensely interested in the ability to make change at that level – so much so that I abandoned any advanced degree work and even let a law school admission lapse.

I worked in government for 8 years, then worked as a consultant for another decade. That work in turn led me into finance, as I saw that many of my clients required access to new sources of capital. And my client base at the time was comprised of entrepreneurial and “clean tech” (a term that had yet to be invented) companies – areas which have been foci of mine ever since.

In your opinion - what are the most important traits of a successful entrepreneur and a successful leader?

They need to have multiple abilities: they need to think out of the box and encourage others to do so as well. They need to be open to accept – and to expect – that the best ideas are not necessarily one’s own.

They need to listen. They need to defend the concepts and ideas that they really believe in vigorously – with solid data and with passion.

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They need to understand the value of actively cooperating with others (sometimes while competing with them elsewhere); entrepreneurial success relies in part on helping to develop critical mass and taking an active part in the start-up ecosystem.

How do you think "doing business" generally and entrepreneurship – and being successful - have changed due to globalization?

This is a tough question! Like all changes there are both positive and challenging aspects.

Business has become much more competitive.

With globalization has come reduced barriers to entry in a whole host of industries – and challenges in innovation, new business models and approaches to markets can, and do, come from anywhere – and quickly. I am convinced that both the Cz and Sk economies and companies can compete well in the globalized marketplace – both countries have a strong combination of intellectual capital and manufacturing capacity, enabling both development and delivery of innovation from the same economy.

What would your advice be for young people entering the workforce - trying to make a difference and lead?

Be flexible and be willing to take reasonable – and sometimes more than that! – risk. Don’t just go work for a company – and that’s a fine thing for many people to do – if you want to work on developing your own entrepreneurial opportunity. There have NEVER been more tools available to help resourceful people connect – with other likeminded people, with potential business partners, with technological expertise, with financial sources, etc. If you want to lead by innovating there are plenty of people out there looking to help you do so – and this interviewee is one of them!

Any special message for our readers?

Pursue your vision and do not be afraid of change. Change has been a welcome friend to me – in times both good and challenging – and I recommend you get acquainted!

I’ve had (depending on how you count them) five different and at times parallel and complementary careers (not counting work in the garden) while living on two continents. And the pace of change continues to advance…and I often wonder what my next career will be…

By Miriam Margala české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com

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I nterview

with

E va G áboríková

P hoto :

archive

How does „small talk“ influence the course and success of negotiations?

In many cultures “small talk” is perceived as the first step to establish a successful and longlasting cooperation. „Small talk“, „lo small talk“, „le small talk“ or „светская беседа“ creates space for breaking ice and building an initial relationship.

In some cultures “small talk” skills belong to a basic equipment of a manager. However, there are also cultures which view “small talk” as a waste of time. In their understanding a brief question “How are you?” is enough.

As an intercultural consultant I meet experts who are well-known in the whole world. They have no difficulties to deliver presentations at international conferences, face challenges of crucial IT or economic projects in several countries. However, when they are invited for a business lunch or a coffee to have “small talk” with their business partners or colleagues they are afraid to participate.

What is the purpose of “small talk”?

The main purpose is to establish a pleasant working atmosphere and initiate a fruitful communication between communication partners. “Small talk” should remove barriers resulting from different understanding of some situations while waiting or setting a schedule. “Small talk” provides an occasion to clarify different intentions resulting from cultural differences.

The purpose of “small talk” is also to move closer to a communication partner. In other words to respect and deal with topics which are for their culture and life important. While in some cultures

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(e.g. British) family is a closed topic, in other cultures (e.g. Italian) it is a recommended area to show a genuine interest in your business partner.

The right choice of a topic contributes to a mutual understanding and building trust necessary for business negotiations. To know and respect cultural values of a business partner provides advantage to build “a positive image” which will be always appreciated and remembered, even after many years. It makes you different from all other business partners who are not aware how cultural values are strong.

To know how much “small talk” is expected from you depends on culture your business partner comes from. “Coconut Cultures” prefer short small talk. It means they expect to exchange a few polite phrases and go down to business.

Only after several meetings, you can come with more personalized topics to strengthen your relationships.

“Peach Cultures” expect you to devote more time to small talk and include more private topics such as family, kids, free time activities from the very beginning. Business comes only after establishing trust and knowing you as a person. If you miss the invitation to build a closer relationship with your business partner, there is hardly a second chance.

How to prepare for “small talk”?

To be good at “small talk” requires doing regular exercises. Especially for those cultures which have a direct communication style and usually

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go directly to business matters. You can start having a stop at a coffee machine or initiating communication with conference participants.

However, one of the key ideas is to learn at least basic information about cultural values and recommended topics in the culture your colleagues and business partners come from.

What are recommended topics for small talk?

There is no universal topic which you can use in all cultures. In fact “small talk” topics depend on values and behaviors of particular cultures.

However, the most favorite topics are history, sightseeing, sport, music, traditions and family.

In general, people are usually proud of their country, history and natural beauties. Therefore, “small talk” could be open with the questions focused on geography and environmental surroundings. Weather, as a recommended topic, does not always work. There are cultures which hate questions and discussion on raining or sunshine.

“Little things” can make a big result. And it is also the case of “small talk”. To have a pleasant small talk with your business partner can help you to overcome barriers

By Dr. Eva Gaborik, M.A., PhD. Intercultural Coach and Consultant www.evagaborikova.eu

Based on cultural values, cultures have the topics and questions which are recommended to include into small talk.

Let’s mention some examples: The proposed topics and questions for small talk with Americans:

• What do you do?

• What is your job?

• Where do you come from?

Americans enjoy the questions which give them the answers to know professional background of people they are in touch with. To learn something about their job and origin is acceptable for a small talk. However, cultures which take care of their privacy, would not be pleased to be asked such questions just meeting somebody for the first time.

The proposed topics and questions for small talk with British:

• How do you like the Czech Republic?

• What about your flight?

• Weather • Sport British belong among cultures discussing more general things. They are well known for their comments on weather.

Working with cultures from Central Europe, I often hear that managers are lost when their British colleagues analyze how it is raining. As they say: “It is raining.

And what more?”

The proposed topics and questions for small talk with Italians: What about your family?

How are you kids doing?

On the contrary to cultures keeping door closed to their private life, there are cultures which enjoy talking about their family and kids. They usually devote a lot of attention to building relationships and have “family” as one of their key values.

We could make the whole list of recommended and not recommended topics for small talk in different cultures.

However, one of the recommendations, which would probably work in many cases, is to listen to your business partner or colleague. Meeting new people for the first time, everybody tries to come with topics which usually work for him in his home culture.

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I nterview

with

F ilip H orký , J ournalist , S eznam Z právy , T witter I nfluencer

He’s young, charming and gallant. You can feel his energy and enthusiasm. He won the Novinářská křepelka (Journalist Quail) award in 2016, and a Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30” award in 2017. Over 75 000 people follow him on Twitter. Despite this, or perhaps rather because of this, he remains very modest, humble and down-to-earth. At the age of 26, he has almost 10 years of working in journalism behind him. He began as a sports editor, then he moved to Czech Television, subsequently working for DVTV for two years and he has worked for over a year for the Seznam Zprávy news website where he focuses on complex topics such as bankruptcy seizures, homelessness, poverty and President Zeman’s election and trips. He has made fascinating and innovative reports from Ukraine, Russia, Jordan and neighbouring Hungary.

I personally know Filip from his time at DVTV. At that time, I gave him our magazine on the street and we considered possible co-operation in regards to interviews with interesting figures. Two years later, he has become a figure suitable for inclusion in Czech and Slovak Leaders himself. He agreed to the interview, but it wasn’t easy to find the time. Due to another in a series of planned demonstrations against Andrej Babiš’s government, which was held in over 20 Czech towns and cities on the second Monday of April, we met on Sunday afternoon. Filip first gallantly took care of my coat, and then from personal experience he took the Dictaphone into his own hands and spoke into it, due to the noisy location. And so followed a pleasant and relaxed interview with a fellow journalist.

Filip; what with recent events, both the murder of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and demonstrations supporting the independence of media and Czech Television, what’s it like being a journalist today?

My feelings and relations to the profession are changing a lot in regard to current events.

I don’t allow myself to feel threatened or afraid.

But on the other hand I am feeling ever more frustrated. This doesn’t arise, however, because I want to interpret the truth, although I think a certain group of journalists have long made this mistake. I have always tried to show reality from various perspectives, not presenting the one correct opinion. I film a report, and I invite people to watch it and form their own opinions.

Nevertheless, I feel that society is currently so divided that two people with different opinions are now unable to sit down at one table over a beer and discuss their different ideas without having a major argument about it.

Is this related to the fact that according to the latest research fake reports spread six times faster than true ones?

That figure doesn’t surprise me. I’m slowly starting to doubt whether black is black even when I have a chemical analysis available to me confirming the case. I was shocked when one public media corporation held a discussion over whether the earth is round or flat. There are facts, evidence and matters which are given. I don’t mean we shouldn’t talk to people who believe in a “flat earth”, or even scoff at them, but on the other hand the current fashion of questioning

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everything means that we are ignoring facts, data and evidence which simply reflect reality.

people watch the topic and then share it with as many people as possible.

This is your tenth year in journalism. You’ve defined your mission as follows: do the best journalism. Since moving to Seznam. cz have you moved on to so-called agendasetting, and topics which would otherwise have been ignored?

I’m humble enough to remind myself that I’m really not here to tell people what they’re supposed to think, or to teach them. I haven’t got all the answers. I choose important topics from my perspective. I have realised that for myself and my generation, some things are taken for granted, like getting news from different sources independently of whether they’re in Czech or English. There are, however, loads of people here who don’t do this. At Seznam Zprávy, my objective is to produce standard foreign reports from various perspectives: such as working with video, editing, emotions, issues, and convey these foreign issues to people in a manner which they are going to enjoy and want to follow. In the Czech context, journalism is divided into two fields: either a boring presenter with a detailed specialist table of data, or instead an overly simplified rendition of generally well-known topics. Nothing in the middle. Abroad, in contrast, they know how to convey even complex topics in an understandable and enjoyable way. That’s what my job’s about, and I appreciate the freedom that Seznam Zprávy has given us. So it depends on the whole Obzor team whether we can convey the topic in a convincing way such that

You’ve said that your report on poverty was the most watched report, even in terms of numbers of responses. This included dozens of people offering specific help.

I‘m delighted about it, but at the same time we have to deal with the response. We don’t want to offend anyone; we endeavour to steer responses somehow. If 40 people offer clothing for a child, well a specific person won’t need that much clothes. So the next episode won’t be so much about ad hoc help, but the need to change the system; or systematic help. But I don’t feel that I’m important or that I want to set up discussion on the welfare system itself. I don’t know how to set up the welfare system so that a million people aren’t in poverty. That’s not my ambition; I just want to make the best possible programme. A feeling of self-importance can be very dangerous.

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I can see your ability to stay grounded, despite your audience and the awards you have won. Humility is usually an attribute which your peers do not have from the perspective of older generations.

How many people read Forbes? How many people know what the Journalist Quail is? It’s just a bubble; maybe it’s expanding, but it’s still a bubble. Paradoxically, I can say that I’m doing as high quality work as possible ever more for myself mainly. I want to draw attention to certain topics, and it’d be great if a debate was triggered about them.

I nterview

with

F ilip H orký , J ournalist , S eznam Z právy , T witter I nfluencer

Besides journalism, you’ve begun doing some teaching too. You give talks to young people, you look at the topic of media literacy, you encourage people to check information.

I feel great responsibility. Despite my youth, I’ve had loads of opportunities, many people have helped me and so I need to at least give this back to society somehow. That’s why I go to discussions with primary and secondary school pupils and students, to whom I am naturally close.

When I hold discussions with them, again I don’t give them the one truth, but I tell them to look at how emotions are utilised, the choice of words used, how the overall editing of a report influences its overall impression. I leave them to work out their final opinion. I see some hope for the future here. If the young learn this way of evaluating information, then they’ll keep that skill. It’s easier than convincing the older generation to change.

Photo: Tomáš Svoboda

In 2016, you reported on the Presidential Election directly from the USA. How do you compare media literacy in the Czech Republic to the rest of the world? And how do you perceive the current demonstrations supporting the press, or against the government?

I don’t think media literacy is much different here compared to Western countries. After the elections in the USA, a lot of people were surprised by Donald Trump’s victory. Trump travelled around small towns and spoke to people. Local problems and fear of the future naturally proved to be more important than global events. I see a great parallel here with Miloš Zeman’s re-election, someone who also travelled around towns and villages for many years speaking to people. I met one person who has voted for Zeman for 20 years because 20 years ago he shook his hand.

Although just a few hundred people attended his meetings, over twenty years this easily creates a mass of votes. Take the current demonstrations as an example. 10 to 15 thousand people meeting up once or twice a year; this is the same as the number of people the President meets every year.

If our current political representation is as it is now, there are considerations being made of governing with the communists and extremists, and in response just the odd demonstration takes place, then we must still be doing alright. On the other hand, I don’t underestimate the Czechs’ ability to defend their opinions; I’m just putting the figures into a certain perspective so we don’t succumb to the opinion of any particular bubble. And I’d also point out that the ability to defend your opinion on the streets can be double-edged. In 2015, for example, Czechs didn’t join in the mass demonstrations and violent protests against immigration, and luckily it was also thanks to that Czech laziness that the episode passed without mass violence.

What question do you most commonly ask?

I’m ever more frequently posing the question: “Then describe it to me”. I call on others first to share and I then work from that. I’ve noticed how my questions change with the formats of my work. At DVTV, I used the format of critical interviews where I instead encouraged argument.

And what question would you ask yourself?

That’s hard. If I could ask myself a question which I would answer in 10 to 15 years, then it would go: “What more could you have done, but didn’t do?”

I hope I get some feedback.

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

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S elf -D riving C ars

D riving T omorrow

“The highly intriguing theory - supported by the extensive geological evidences including the bacteriological analysis of deep-laying hydrocarbons – about the abiotic nature of oil and its practically infinite recreation in the lower geological formations of earth was presented some 25 years ago. These findings were quickly dismissed, and the theory itself largely ignored and forgotten. The same happened with the highly elaborate plans of Nikola Tesla to exploit a natural geo-electrical phenomenon for the wireless transfers of high energy for free. Why? Infinity eliminates the premium of deeper psychologisation, as it does not necessitate any emotional attachment – something abundantly residing in nature cannot efficiently mobilize our present societies…”

Following the lines from the seminar work of prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic on Energy, Technology and Geopolitics, let us present an interesting take on the E-cars, similar driverless technologies and its legal implications that will mark our near future.

Self-driving cars react in a split second: quicker than even the most attentive driver. Self-driving cars don’t get tired, they don’t lose concentration or become aggressive; they’re not bothered by everyday problems and thoughts; they don’t get hungry or develop headaches. Self-driving cars don’t drink alcohol or drive under the influence of drugs. In short, human error, the number one cause of road traffic accidents, could be made a thing of the past in one fell swoop if manual driving were to be banned immediately.

Is that right? It would be, if there hadn’t recently

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been reports about two deaths, one during the test drive for a self-driving car (UBER) and one while a semi-autonomous vehicle was driving on a motorway and using its lane assist system (Tesla), both of which regrettably occurred in the USA in March 2018. In Tesla’s case it seems that the semi-autonomous driving assistant was switched off at the moment of the accident.

Around the globe, people die every day due to careless driving, with around 90% of all accidents caused by human error and just a small percentage due to a technical fault related to

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the vehicle. Despite human error, we have not banned driving on these grounds. Two accidents with fatal consequences involving autonomous vehicles being test-driven have attracted the full glare of the media spotlight, and call into question the technical development of a rapidly progressing industry. Are self-driving cars now just hype, or a trend that cannot be contained, despite every additional human life that is lost as a result of mistakes made by selfdriving technology?

Self-Driving Cars and its (legal) future The legal side For many, the thought that fully autonomous vehicles (a self-driving car without a driver) might exist in the future is rather unsettling.

The two recent deaths in the USA resulting from (semi-) autonomous cars have, rather, may cause fear for others. From a legal perspective, it makes no difference whatsoever for the injured party whether the accident was caused by a careless human or technology that was functioning inadequately. The reason for the line drawn between the two, despite this fact, is probably that every human error represents a separate accident, whereas the failure or malfunction of technology cannot be seen as a one-off: rather, understandably and probably correctly, it is viewed as a system error or series error caused by a certain technology available at a particular point in time.

From a legal angle, a technical defect generally also represents a design defect that affects the entire run of a particular vehicle range. Deaths caused by software malfunctions cause people to quickly lose trust in other vehicles equipped with the same faulty software. Conversely, if a drunk driver injures or kills another road user, it is not assumed that the majority of other drivers (or all of them) could potentially cause accidents due to the influence of alcohol.

The desirability side The fundamental question for all technological developments is this: do people want selfdriving cars?

When we talk of self-driving (or autonomous) vehicles, we mean machines guided by computers. On-board computers are common practice in aviation, without the pilot him- or herself flying the plane – and from a statistical point of view, airplanes are the safest mode of transport.

Couldn’t cars become just as safe? However,

a comparison between planes and cars cannot be justified, due to the different user groups, the number of cars driven every day, and the constantly imminent risk of a collision with other road users, including pedestrians.

While driver assistance systems, such as lane assist, park assist or adaptive cruise control, can be found in many widespread models and are principally permitted and allowed in Europe, current legislation in Europe and also Austria only permits (semi-) autonomous vehicles to be used for test purposes. Additionally, in Austria these test drives can, inter alia, only take place on motorways or with minibuses in an urban environment following specially marked routes (cf. the test drives with minibuses in the towns of Salzburg and Velden). Test drives have been carried out on Austria’s roads in line with particular legal requirements for a little more than a year, and it has been necessary to have a person in the vehicle at all times. This person must be able to intervene immediately if an accident is on the horizon, to correct wrong steering by the computer or to get the vehicle back under (human) control.

Indeed, under the legislation in the US states that do permit test drives, people still (currently) need to be inside the car (even before the two accidents mentioned above, California had announced a law that would have made it no longer necessary to have a person in the vehicle).

As a result, three questions arise regarding the UBER accident which occurred during a test drive in the US state of Arizona, resulting in a fatal collision with a cyclist: 1. Could the person who was inside the vehicle to control it for safety reasons have activated the emergency brake and averted the collision with the cyclist who suddenly crossed the road?

2. Why did the sensors built into the car not recognize the cyclist in time?

3. Why did the vehicle not stick to the legal speed limit?

Currently, driving systems are being tested in Europe and the USA. In the USA, this can take place on national roads and, contrary to European legislation, also on urban streets. As long as we are still in the test phase we cannot talk of technically proven, let alone officially approved, driving systems. The technical development of self-driving cars, however, has already made it clear that legal responsibility is shifting away from the driver and towards vehicle manufacturers and software developers.

Our Prospects Whether, and when, self-driving cars could become an everyday phenomenon is greatly dependent on certain (future) questions: • • •

Are we right to expect absolute safety from self-driving cars?

What decisions should self-driving cars make in the event that one life can only be saved at the cost of another?

How should this dilemma be resolved?

If artificial intelligence (AI) and self-learning systems could also be included within the technology for self-driving cars, vehicles of this type might possibly become one day “humanoid robots on four wheels”, but they could not be compared to a human being with particular notions of value and morality. If every individual personally bears responsibility for their intuitive behavior in a specific accident situation, the limits of our legal system are laid bare if algorithms using huge quantities of data make decisions in advance for a subsequent accident situation: these decisions can no longer be wholly ascribed to a particular person or software developer if a self-driving car is involved. It will be our task as lawyers to offer legal support to legislators as they attempt to meet these challenges.

Dr. Andreas Eustacchio LL.M. (London LSE), the Vienna-based attorney-at-law; born in Zambia

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A mbassadors W ithout D iplomatic P assports

A conversation with Miriam Margala on various things: global and local; economy, society, feminism and writing Hmm….I am trying to come up with something very pithy. What has NOT been said yet?

Interesting? Thought-provoking? So many great, enthralling things are happening alongside so many unjust, violent, deeply distressing things. No need to give examples – others keep listing them. What I do find interesting is this – throughout history, every generation complained about change, even fought against it, and about the young generation (usually, they’d be called lazy, not curious, detached, self-absorbed – does this sound familiar?). Also, any technological invention – however promising – would also be seen as possibly detrimental. Did you know that in ca 370 BC Socrates complained about writing – because it would render us forgetful? How do we know? Thanks to Plato, who actually wrote it down! In the 17th century, a French philosopher feared that too many books would make us barbarous. We laugh, of course. Will people in 200 years laugh at the many doomsday scenarios some paint of various technology today? I am an optimist and so I have an optimistic view – I think they will.The innovation and entrepreneurship that have been happening in the recent past is such a great thing. Some things will work out some will not – but we need all the innovative people, entrepreneurs who are willing to risk it and go for it. By the way, in 1995, Ethernet inventor Robert Metcalfe (the precursor to the Internet) predicted that the Internet would collapse within a year. Could anybody be more wrong? In fact, maybe the best way to describe today’s world is that it is connected – we can learn in vivo about anything happening anywhere immediately. What we choose to do about that – the information we can easily get – is up to us. As I said – I am an optimist – and I see all the technological advances and political and social movements as something positive and all of us can join and do whatever it is that matters to us so that we can make a difference. I cannot deny – nobody can! – that today’s world is also incredibly complex and there are millions of people living in squalid conditions, there are children who were born into war and know nothing else but war. So it is up to all of us who can use well interconnectedness and access to knowledge – what we need to do is to coalesce around effective and far-reaching solutions.

Easier said than done, of course – but thanks to our interconnectedness and technology it could be done if there’s enough good will, I believe.

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Dr. Miriam Margala enjoys a rewarding and eclectic professional career. She is a university lecturer, teaching academic writing, communication and philosophy of language. She mentors other professional women through an organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Women Accelerators, where she is a member of the Board of Directors. She also translates literature, both poetry and prose, writes academic articles, conducts interviews for various publications, presents at international conferences and is involved in international projects dealing with innovation in education and diversity in industry. She is also involved in art projects both in the United States and Europe.

P hoto : A rchive

A mbassadors W ithout D iplomatic P assports How do you perceive today’s Czech and Slovak Republics?

Well – the situation is quite fluid, of course, due to current political upheavals in both countries but especially, right now, in Slovakia.

Both markets are quite sophisticated - even if not big – the workforce is highly educated and skilled. Both markets are very nimble and agile, especially in terms of entrepreneurship, innovation and start up environment – as quite a long list of international companies setting up their operations in the Czech Republic or Slovakia proves.

I must be honest and say that the rise of intolerance and various extreme views in the two countries I see as very troublesome. Policies based on these views impede entrepreneurship tremendously, which stunts economy, growth and innovation. The region does not need more conflict – it should continue to grow its prosperity. The recent civic involvement and movements in both countries – but specifically in Slovakia – give me a reason to be optimistic.

Of course, it is up to the citizens of each country to make sure that their prosperity continues.

From my personal experience, which I can offer as an academic, I can say that it’s been great to establish, coordinate and collaborate on various international projects. Of course, the structure needed for a very efficient, smooth process is not always there – it can be at times a wild ride, but people we work with in both countries are very much interested in collaborating and try to do their best to make the process smooth.

I would still claim that most people, both in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, are very much outward looking and progressive in their thinking. Of course, it remains to be seen where the current situation leads.

We both share passion in interviews and you also have become a contributor to the Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine. How has the genre evolved and do you think that people still have time for meaningful conversations?

Goodness – to be meeting great, interesting people; to be able to talk to them, to discover what they believe, think, what makes them tick – is there anything more engaging? I am not sure whether the genre as such has changed.

It allows you to be quite free. For example, I am not interested in dry, boring “question-answer” interviews. I enjoy a conversation – in fact, I am a contributor to different European journals/ periodicals where my main contributions are interviews – but I prefer to call them conversations. I believe that to put together a good interview, it needs to show there’s a connection between the author/interviewer and the interviewee. It needs to draw in the reader – I want my readers to expect from the interview that they will really learn something new about the person being interviewed.

Something should stay with them for a little while – to make them think, ponder, or maybe they discover something new, something that makes them question their own views,

perhaps even helps them discover something new. My prep for every interview is detailed; I put many hours into research and then into questions. Then I put many more hours into editing – it’s not only the topics I want to cover; it’s also (as I have mentioned) very important that there’s a clear connection, a certain fluidity to the interview that makes the reader want to continue reading. If I can bring that to my readers, then I am satisfied.

You are publishing a book and preparing a book tour. Tell us more about it…

Yes – I am so happy about that. Actually, I have two books out now – one is part of a very popular and critically acclaimed series published by a US publisher. The book is a collection of noir stories from Prague that I translated into English. The entire series consists of noir stories from capital and large cities from all over the world. I believe the series has 40 or more books already. In Prague Noir, each story is from a different period and place in Prague. When, not that long ago, my family lived for a time both in Prague and Massachusetts, I actually translated some stories while staying in Prague, working in various beautiful Prague coffee shops – it was quite wonderful. The other book is on art and communication and I authored a chapter on art and entrepreneurship. It is a gorgeous book graphically – and I hope interesting topically! - thanks to the other coauthors (Drs. Jitka Cerna, Jana Bouckova, Olga Trckova) who became my good friends. The book is beautiful aesthetically thanks to Olga, a very well known gallerist in Prague, who chose all the art represented in the book. It was a whole lot of work, but it was great to work on both books. There will be a reading of Prague Noir in New York in May. The book on art, The Power of Communication and the Gallery, came out in the Czech Republic (in English).

What went wrong with feminism and diversity?

According to the World Economic Forum statistics, it would take until 2186 to reach full equality. Moreover, the statistics in 2016 show a year to year decline. What can we do to make gender equality a relevant issue for the whole society again?

I would go further – relevant is not enough. It is urgent! This is such a difficult question – the complexity and detail it requires to answer it comprehensively and fully are impossible to fit into our interview. So I will give you thoughts as they roam through my mind.

Let me start with a few questions: who invented a mechanical dishwasher; an anti-derailment device for trains; windshield wipers; the first 100% solar-powered house, Kevlar; who discovered DNA double helix, developed stem cell isolation; or spread-spectrum technology that’s at the basis of all the portable devices we use today? All women – and this is a tiny portion of a very long list. Very few – if anybody – would be able to put names to these inventions!

This year at Davos, they put on a panel on

equality and there was so much brouhaha about that. It’s a great idea, do not take me wrong – but do you know what the percentage of women taking part at the conference in Davos was? 21%. I’d say it’s shockingly low.

Do you know which country has the most women in parliament? Rwanda. Not that long ago, I asked a few of my good friends – senior men who either are, or recently have been in a position to affect somewhat public policy.

They did NOT know – and were surprised. They, pondering the question, went through the “typical” examples – all the northern European countries. Then I asked a follow up question – do you know in which countries various policies aimed toward equality have not been as successful as expected? The northern European countries. And the situation there is, of course, much much better than in other developed countries. Our global awareness is not all that great and that is detrimental to any progress.

I wonder how many people know that February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science – has anybody noticed anything going on on that day this year? Maybe a token posting here and there, a token article on a not-so-busy website. But – everybody was bombarded with ads to celebrate and spend money on the de rigueur day of love (Valentine’s) – the cheesiest of them all. Instead of a whole lot of noise to support young girls and women in science – so very much needed because the stats are dismal – only the numbing and dumbing blanket Valentine’s ads. What we should do is to show a whole lot more love for and support to girls and women in STEM – and of course, generally and unceasingly but especially on a designated day.

Let me use more shocking stats – or, let me be more specific – shocking for women who live or were brought up in Europe. The percentage of women working in the US is 47%. Less than half! Compare that with the EU – almost 70% and my other home country, Canada, where it stands at 80%! I will admit that my shock was partly caused by the fact that we tend to enclose ourselves in our own silos – in my case, that’s academia which is not your usual working environment. It is a very international place and (mostly – although not exclusively) – open minded, where curiosity (again, mostly) is tantamount to breathing; oxygen needed to live. A few years ago, I became involved with a non-profit organization based in Cambridge, Women Accelerators, where we promote advancement of women and address inequalities such as the gender gap, underrepresentation of women in various fields and leading positions, etc. I put together a panel of young women – all engineering undergrads.

I asked them about their background and family support – not ONE of them said their mother was their example! I diplomatically furthered this conversation to figure this out – and discovered that all of their mothers were housewives. The moment they married their fathers, they became homemakers. Some of

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A mbassadors W ithout D iplomatic P assports their mothers were college educated – one had a PhD degree. I asked why their mothers decided to become stay-at-home moms/wives.

These young women answered in unison something along the lines of “it was, I guess, easier – they took care of us and Dad was the one making money”. I was stunned – but I also realized how isolated I was in my silo with other highly educated women; working while having children. These young women have as their examples their father and other women, not their mothers. I prefer to be the example to my son and daughter, along with their father.

We talked about this, Linda – the two of us are women who support their husbands and are supported by their husbands (as is the case in other marriages, of course). We work every single day – while making sure our families are taken care of, both of us make sure of it – us and our husbands, fathers of our children. I want my children to see this respect, mutuality, both their parents working – realizing their potential, having satisfying jobs, careers through which they can affect change.

But because this is the United States, it gets more complicated. There are women who choose to stay home because they can afford it – and then those who have no other choice especially when they have children. Child care is prohibitively expensive in the US – and many women simply don’t have the choice to work and develop their careers. There are also those whose child(ren) may have a condition or illness and in order to take care of the child, the mother has to stay home (again, health care is extremely expensive). This is very complex and complicated – do note how it is almost always the wife/mother who stays home because they’re the ones making less money. It all comes back to the issue of equality. We must be honest and make sure that we talk about women who stay home because they have NO OTHER choice, not because they can afford to stay home because their husbands make a lot of money.

Of course, I am sure there is a percentage of women who decide to stay home because they find it fulfilling – some of them volunteer in their communities so much that it pretty much becomes their full time job. I do not believe that this discussion is as honest as it could be. The stats would be more helpful if we had separate numbers for these different groups of women so that we can better understand what possible cultural, traditional or societal reasons there are for such a low employment of women in the US. I also believe that there’s far too much complacency. I’ve termed it “institutionalized complacency”. It can be pretty bad – an institution comes up with a policy, looking great on paper, making waves – becoming mesmerized by watching these waves…but eventually, they spread further and further, disappear completely and all we have left is an unchanging surface. We cannot see any change – but there’s always talk about all the implemented policies. Oftentimes, it takes on the form of self-congratulations – I dislike that extremely. The work we do for women through

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Linda Štucbartová is a Partner at ATAIRU, an international leadership development company that guides leaders to activating their uniqueness through authentic leadership. As a Chief Interviewer for Czech and Slovak Leaders Magazine, she has written more than fifty interviews with prominent Czech and CEE leaders. Moreover, she also occupies Board positions at Charles University Council for Commercialization and at Minerva 21, the personal development initiative. Finally, she is the author of the book Ambassadors Without a Diplomatic Passport.

Previously, she held management positions in business, public administration, and academia.

Women Accelerators does not allow us to become complacent or to self-congratulate ourselves because we pretty much walk in the trenches (all the self-congratulating policy makers should try that!) all the time, interacting with women who face hard challenges every day. We cannot afford complacency. On the contrary, only sincere concern can lead to meaningful and lasting changes. The cost of complacency and passivity is enormous – as the current dismal stats show.

I strongly believe that unless all of us change our attitudes, unless we all realize the urgency of this systemic and systematic injustice, we cannot expect much change. I believe we need men on our side – I am so lucky to have a husband and a son who are the best examples of feminists (equality and justice have become my son’s main concerns in his choice of education and future global work/career, I am proud to say).

It is fundamental that we teach our children, sons and daughters, that we are all equal. That is a complex issue in itself – research shows that the support in elementary and middle schools for girls in terms of STEM education is essential and critical – this is where we are losing most girls. Those who persevere do not find the educational or working environment always supportive at other different levels, which leads to more losses. There has been some research conducted – but unfortunately, we have not seen any earth shattering results yet. In fact, as you Linda mention in your question, the numbers have gone down.

Another problem is that many become cynical upon hearing the word feminism. Its definition is so very simple: the belief that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities.

Women constitute, roughly speaking, half of the global population. Let’s ignore the most blatant fact – that it is a human right for every woman to be equal legally, socially and in every other way to men. But – since economy moves this world – it is a fantastic resource of great economic power, all of us, women! How ignorant and unintelligent are those who have not realized this simple fact. But that’s because – let’s be honest – even the most developed countries do not pay much attention to educating their young people about all that women have achieved throughout history, despite their terribly difficult position. If anybody knows anything about perseverance and incredibly hard work, it is us, women.

Last, but not least, we must be honest and realize that internally, we can become rather

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disjointed. I fully realize that because of innumerable issues – in every aspect of life – in terms of progress for women an addressing the gender gap - it is not easy to have one streamlined, tidy movement. There are different movements, different organizations based on different matters, professions, interests, health issues etc. But we must make sure we are inclusive – and while we all can choose what specific issues we want to be engaged with, we should always be ready to support each other.

And we need to make sure we get all the men who are on our side to work with us!

I absolutely believe that without all of us realizing the urgency of the situation, without understanding the history – at least some understanding of social and political causes of our terrible current status quo - and without being globally aware of women’s issues we cannot expect much change. It takes plain doggedness, resilience, hard work. I also believe that there cannot be effective, lasting and meaningful change if it comes only from institutional and /or governmental policies and regulations. We must change attitudes. Fairness, justice, inclusiveness and respect should be invited and supported by ALL members of our society.

So – how to get back on track, to see progress in terms of women being equal and having equal access to opportunities? I think it’s naïve to hope for a sustained, smooth progress. We have our differences – cultural, social, political and individual.

We can institute policies - and we should, of course.

But if that becomes just an exercise in checking off boxes on forms and reports – that is not enough.

Our attitudes must change. And our expectations – we must expect all to respect women and treat them equally to men. That takes a lot of work, education and staying power. And you, Linda, and I both know that women are exceptional at demonstrating staying power. And unceasing will to go on, to communicate, to network, to listen, to state our goals clearly, to explain, to fight, to argue, to ask questions, to educate, to learn, to admit mistakes, to identify injustices, to look for the most effective ways to affect change, to be aware of global issues, to connect with others, to look out for each other. Let us never become complacent or too satisfied with our own work.

As one of my favorite writers, Zadie Smith, says: “Progress is never permanent, will always be threatened, must be redoubled, restated and reimagined if it is to survive.”

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

S ustainable D evelopment

Regeneration – Building Progressive Jewish Life in the Czech Republic

Linda Štucbartová interviews Jonathan Wootliff about the European Union for Progressive Judaism conference being held in Prague

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 also represents the Czech Republic on the Executive Board of the European Union for Progressive Judaism and is the local chairman of the conference organising committee.

From Sustainability to Regeneration Jonathan Wootliff, our regular contributor on Sustainability Development, is the Chair of the local organising committee for the European Union for Progressive Judaism conference in Prague.

While he usually writes about such issues as corporate responsibility, environmental protection and social issues, in this issue he is interviewed

by Leaders Magazine correspondent Linda Štucbartová about the conference which takes place in Prague from 26 to 29th April.

With more than 300 delegates from 27 countries, this will be the largest religious gathering of Jews in Prague from around the world since the Second World War. Almost 40 men and women rabbis will also be attending the conference, including the World Union for Progressive Judaism president and Europe first Progressive female Rabbi.

Why did you decide to bring this conference to Prague?

Jews have lived in this country for many centuries and Prague was one of the most important Jewish cities in the world until 1939. It was the Holocaust and the subsequent communist regime that almost decimated the Jewish community.

The European Union for Progressive Judaism has been supporting the resurgence of Jewish life here since the Velvet Revolution. As a nonorthodox organisation, we offer an accessible alternative for many Jews, particularly through our two congregations in Prague, Bejt Simcha and the Jewish Liberal Union. While religion is at the heart of our Movement, we welcome people from diverse backgrounds with a kind of Judaism with which they feel comfortable.

Also, it is exactly 100 years since the establishment of Czechoslovakia and there is surely no other country that can match its both passionate and consistent support for the Jews and Israel.

Consider these words of Tomáš Masaryk expressed in 1918: “The Jews will enjoy the same rights as all the other citizens of our State… As regards Zionism, I can only express my sympathy with it and with the national movement of the Jewish people in general, since it is of great moral significance. I have observed the Zionist and national movement of the Jews in Europe and in our own country, and have come to understand

that it is not a movement of political chauvinism, but one striving for the rebirth of its people.”

What is the purpose of the conference?

It is an opportunity for like-minded reform and liberal Jews to come together to learn, share experiences and celebrate the revival of Jewish life in the Czech Republic.

The conference includes a rich range of plenary lectures, debates and workshops. The topics to be covered will include antisemitism in Europe, mixed interfaith marriages, leadership across generations, community development, progressive Judaism and entrepreneurship, environmental and social sustainability, as well as Israel and its lessons for Europe on immigration.

We hope people will leave the conference feeling that they are part of a vibrant international group of Jews who are all determined to enhance and expand Progressive Jewish life across Europe.

We hold our European conferences every two years, and it was decided the time was ripe to recognise and acknowledge the importance of Progressive Judaism in the Czech Republic by staging the event here in 2018. The conference provides an opportunity to showcase Progressive Judaism and further enhance the credibility and standing of our form Judaism in this part of the world.

Who are you aiming to attract?

People of all ages who are either currently involved or are interested in leading our communities are our primary target. We are especially interested in young adults, but everyone with a passion for shaping Progressive Judaism for the future is more than welcome. Everyone is welcome!

Can you tell us more about the distinguished speakers?

Some most interesting speakers are included in the programme including David Hirsh, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of London who specialises on crimes against humanity and international law; Jean-Marc Lilling, Executive Director of the Center for International Migration and Integration; Mark Podwal, the artist and physician who has undertaken a considerable amount of work in the Czech Republic; and Director of the Vaclav Havel Library, Michael Žantovský, who is Czech diplomat, politician, author, journalist, lyricist and psychologist.

Why is the theme of the conference Regeneration – Building the Future?

The annihilation of a large part of Europe’s Jewish population doesn’t mean that we are consigned to history. On the contrary, the Jews of Europe are now flourishing. After the horrors of the holocaust, any opportunity to rebuild Jewish life was snuffed out by communism in this country. But now there really are strong signs of regeneration. Our numbers may be depleted, but our determination to rebuild is strong.

There can be no better example of Jewish regeneration that the Czech Republic where there is growing demand for religious, educational and cultural activities.

This conference provides the platform for celebrating the renewal of Progressive Judaism which really has its roots in Prague and elsewhere in Central Europe What is the aspect of “Regeneration” that you are the most proud of with regards to the Czech Republic?

When I look at the enthusiasm among so many young Jews here who are committed to our regeneration, I feel very proud. And we have the exciting prospect of the inauguration of a Czech-born rabbi in 2019. Currently studying at our Progressive rabbinic college in Berlin, he will contribute enormously to the rebuilding of our communities.

Many people are sceptical about the conferences, as they are one-time event only.

In what aspect the longer “sustainability” of any conference can be enhanced?

This conference will have failed if it simply provides some pleasant memories. We are determined to create a massive legacy out this event whereby Progressive Judiasm is firmly on the Czech map. We hope that the event will help to convey the fact that Judaism is accessible to all people in this country with some Jewish heritage. We want to communicate the very clear message that Jewish life is strongly returning to the Czech Republic and to give people a positive feeling about being Progressive Jews.

The EUPJ is the umbrella organisation linking and supporting more than 170 Liberal, Progressive and Reform communities in 17 countries, with new communities regularly seeking membership. The movement’s continued growth across Europe is testament to the widespread interest in nonfundamentalist, inclusive, egalitarian and modern interpretation of Judaism. This conference represents another major step forward for the further development of European Progressive Jewry.

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

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ČSÚZ In cooperation with Czech & Slovak Leaders

Czechoslovak Foreign Institute has entered the 90th year of its existence Strahov Monastery Members and friends of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute came to wish each other happy New Year 2018 on 10 January to the Strahov Monastery at the invitation of the member of the Institute, Josef Pojezdný, the abbot. The photo shows the chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Jaromír Šlápota during his opening speech, abbot Josef Pojezdný and Felix Slováček who started the event with his music performance.

It's tradition that members and friends of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute meet at the beginning of the New Year to look back at the past 12 months, to talk about their plans and to wish each other success in their realization.

This year, about two hundred persons came to a friendly meeting in the Strahov Monastery, to which the Institute’s member, abbot Michael Josef Pojezdný had invited them. Among the guests were representatives of foreign embassies, current and former politicians, businessmen, professionals from various disciplines. Meeting was held in the year in which the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute, by the foundation of which president T. G. Masaryk wanted to express his thanks to the Czechs, Slovaks and Moravians living and working abroad for their credit for establishing Czechoslovakia, enters the 90th year of its existence. In that context, the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute’s chairman mentioned that the task to create the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute as a background for the compatriots returning back to the country, or as a place where those who wanted to co-operate with Czechoslovakia from abroad could seek support, was given to then minister of social affairs, Mgr. Jan Šrámek, founder of the Christian Social Party and co-founder of Czechoslovak People’s Party. The meeting in the Strahov Monastery was coincidentally visited by three members of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute and of the Christian Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People’s Party –

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The abbot of the Strahov Monastery Michael Josef Pojezdný in conversation with the former Czechoslovak People's Party chairman JUDr. Josef Bartončík, who was the chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Federal Assembly and the vicechairman of the Federal Assembly after November 1989.

JUDr. Josef Bartončík, JUDr. Ing. Jiří Karas and Jaromír Šlápota– who in October 1991, carried a coffin with the remains of Mgr. Šrámek when they were transported to Velehrad.

The importance of co-operation in Visegrad Group, bilateral co-operation between the Czech Republic and Hungary, eastern neighbours and the immigration crisis were the main topics discussed with the Hungarian

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ambassador H. E. Miklós Boros in the February meeting in the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute.

"I appreciate the Czech foreign policy, which focuses on economic co-operation and tries to go back to traditional markets. I appreciate that the Czech government can deal with financial issues and has a clear opinion on migrants whom it wants to help in their countries of origin so that they did not leave them,” the ambassador said. In his opinion, it

ČSÚZ

Discussion with the Hungarian Ambassador Hungarian Ambassador H. E. Miklós Boros spoke about Czech – Hungarian relations and cooperation in the Visegrad group at the meeting in the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute.

is just that statement which unites opinions of the Middle European countries of Visegrad Group. "When we look back and compare, it is clearly seen how ten years of membership in the EU taught new member states to act and

Discussion with the Hungarian Ambassador At the conclusion of the meeting, the chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Jaromír Šlápota presented a Memorial Silver Lion to H. E. Miklós Boros.

a good position on the Czech market is held by products of the pharmaceutical industry.

Agrofert is active in Hungary and Hungarians are interested in co-operation with Škoda. They bought Škoda cars for their state institutions.

The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute got a significant visit from Croatia in February. Vladimír Bílek, the deputy in the Croatian Pa r l i a m e n t representing the Czech minority accompanied Damir Bajse, the Visit of the district governor from Croatia district governor of Delegation from Croatia (from left: deputy Vladimír Bílek, district governor Damir Bajs Bjelovar-Bilogors and vice-governor Neven Alić) discussed further cooperation with Czech schools in district and his Croatia with the chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Jaromír Šlápota and Hana Hlaváčková, member of the managing board. deputy Nevena Aliće who were to assert their views," he emphasised. He also interested in the Czechoslovak Foreign said that Hungarians find the bilateral Czech- Institute. Guests were welcomed by the Hungarian co-operation positive. There are Czechoslovak Foreign Institute’s chairman close contacts between entrepreneurs, in both Jaromír Šlápota and Hana Hlaváčková, countries, there are cultural centres. The largest a member of the management board.

Hungarian investments in the Czech Republic Jaromír Šlápota introduced them the projects go to the network of service stations MOL, which the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute

Discussion with Pavel Bělobrádek As a tradition, the chairman of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Jaromír Šlápota presented a Memorial Silver Lion to the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People’s Party MVDr. Pavel Bělobrádek at the end of the discussion.

successfully realized in the Czech schools in Croatia in order to contribute to their best possible equipment capable of higher quality and more attractiveness to the students. By coincidence, a part of a new consignment was ready in the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute to dispatch for Croatia – an interactive board for the elementary school of Jan Amos Komenský in Daruvar, visual tools for regional schools and Mr. Bílek could take part of equipment to the place of destination.

In the March meeting, a member of the Czech Parliament and the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People’s Party MVDr. Pavel Bělobrádek discussed the political situation in the Czech Republic in the year of the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia, the character of voters and the main mission of the politicians with members and friends of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute. He pointed out, among other things, that nowadays we live in the period when the character of our republic in the coming years is being determined, while something new and better is always being looked for, but the increasing fragmentation of the political scene continues and deviation from a parliamentary democracy can be seen.

Hebr

Discussion with Pavel Bělobrádek Member of the Czech Parliament and the chairman of the Christian Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People’s Party MVDr. Pavel Bělobrádek discussed the political situation with members and friends of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute.

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I nterview with M amun H assan , O wner , C urry H ouse

From Dhaka to Palmovka in Prague Mamun Hassan, the owner of the family restaurant Curry House, had already fallen in love with Czechoslovakia as a tourist in 1990. A few years later, he came back and started his career in the restaurant business. To many Czechs, he can serve as an example of someone who loves the country, appreciates the quality of living and particularly safety. I consider him one of the most modest and happiest people I have ever met. He can also inspire expats by the way he has embraced both Czech culture and nature, including learning the Czech language. His Curry House located at Prague Palmovka has several times been voted the best place to eat curry. Besides curry, the Curry House serves the hottest and spiciest meal Phall, ranked with seven chilli peppers and described as extremely hot with three exclamation marks. When words are missing, deeds come.

For neighbours, friends and also restaurant patrons, Mamun is known as a person who is always cheerful, has a big heart, and who is willing to help. As a member of Rotary Club Prague International, his restaurant enables the club to take part in three fundraising events throughout the year: Burger Fest, Indian Food Delivery Weeks and the British Curry sales during the Experience Great Britain event. Though keeping shy and modest, Mamun’s number of supporters proved to be enormous, as the reaction to our announced interview has proven. The number of positive remarks by far exceeded my previous interviews with Czech leading personalities.

Naturally, our interview took place in his restaurant. I asked Mamun to recommend me a dish. Given the Czech nature and cuisine,

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P hoto : A rchive I stressed that I do not like food too spicy. Mamun suggested Bengali Rezela, a dish that can be made with chicken, lamb, beef, shrimp or cheese.

The sauce includes fried onion, yogurt, garlic-ginger paste and Bengali spices. Even though it says mildly spicy on the menu, the chef respected my wish and prepared it the non-spicy way. By the way, after the Curry House was voted as the best place to eat curry, some competitors tried to copy this particular dish. However, as they have never managed to copy it completely, they stopped. Over the delicious dinner, we managed to cover many topics. In addition to the obvious one of being a tourist in early post-communist Czechoslovakia, we talked about his advice for expats, discussed his dreams and, although this interview was definitely apolitical, we surprisingly ended up with the politics. Perhaps this was due to the fact where Mamun’s simple and cosy restaurant is in a house that used to belong to Václav Novák, a Czech political prisoner persecuted and later executed by the Nazis. Sadly, against Mamun’s will, one of Mamun’s plans, was also affected by politics. Relaxing, sipping a Mango lassi, the first question was obvious.

Mamun, how did you end up in postcommunist Czechoslovakia?

I came to visit my friend in 1990. I immediately fell in love with the country. I felt safe and relaxed. Bangladesh is crowded and noisy.

I tried to stay in Prague at least for one month to get to know the country better. At that time, it was not easy. Every day, I had to go to foreign police office and to change 20 dollars to prove I have enough of money to live here. But what to spend the money on? I was missing my food, so I started to cook. At that time, there was only one Indian restaurant at Štěpánská street.

Not only was it very expensive, but you had to make a reservation at least four days in advance to get a table for dinner. From Czechoslovakia, I continued to visit my relatives in Great Britain and I returned to Bangladesh. A few years later, my friend asked me to come to the Czech Republic and start the restaurant business.

I did not hesitate. To the disappointment of my father, who runs a successful family business and hoped that I would take over, I left for Prague and I stayed. In the beginning, I was going back and forth. Later, I brought my wife here. My first son, Dhrubo, was born in Bangladesh, since at that time we did not have enough friends and I felt it would be difficult with a newborn baby to be in the strange environment, not knowing the language or having friends and family.

After my wife was going to and from Dhaka for a couple of years, I made the decision to make Prague my home. It was in 1997. I learned Czech and I made many friends here. I know most of my neighbours. My second daughter, Moon, was born in Prague. She goes to a Czech kindergarten, she is fluent in Czech, in Bengali and in English. As I have said, I feel at home here.

I belong among the Czechs who adore Asia. After such a long and grey winter, what particularly do you miss about Bangladesh?

It is not the sun. I got used to the weather. I miss my relatives and my friends. I go there every year and I try to spend at least one month with my family. I enjoy going to weddings, as medium Bangladesh weddings mean a gathering of about 1500 people and it lasts for seven days.

Other than that, as I have mentioned, I am at home here and I am very happy. It feels safe.

I have travelled across Europe, I have relatives in the US, but I have never felt as secure as here.

Let me go back to the mid-nineties, when you decided to establish Indian restaurant.

Was it difficult given the conservative Czech nature and rather dull Czech cuisine?

As to the Czech cuisine, I must say that I like goulash, sirloin and cream sauce, grilled meat and duck. I do not like pork. My customers are loyal, I can say 95% are regular ones. I respect their taste and I try to cater to their needs and also actual mood. I try to make them happy.

When they come for the first time, I prepare something not spicy. Next time when they come, I ask them: How are you today? What is your mood? Do you want to try something spicier? Slowly, you can progress from one star to two to three and so they discover new tastes and they have new experience. We are proud to use fresh and high quality ingredients.

Our lamb comes from New Zealand, beef from Australia to assure consistent quality. I am glad I was able to find a local, small supplier of farm chickens. This being said, I am pleased to see the trend that the interest in Indian restaurants is growing. It is interesting trend when you compare it to Chinese restaurants that are statistically on decline.

You have lived in the Czech Republic for more than twenty years. You speak Czech, you have many Czech friends. Do you have any advice for incoming expats?

My philosophy is very simple. When in Rome, do as Romans do. Get used to the society, respect it, do not judge it. I know all my neighbours and they know me. And of course, learning some Czech helps but it is a very challenging language.

Racism and xenophobia is said to be on the rise in the Czech Republic. What is your experience?

As I said before, I love this country and I feel secure. I remember only two incidents when I had problems. During mid-nineties, skinhead movement was on rise. Twice I encountered the movement supporters on a street. I talked to them. I said look we are both human beings.

If you wish, you can hit me but what for?

I managed to negotiate myself out of that situation. My restaurant is located at Palmovka.

Many friends have discouraged me from opening a business in that area. Again, knowing neighbours helps. And I am glad to hear that people come here all the way from Prague 4 or even Prague 6.

We both are members of Rotary Club Prague International. Your Curry House helps during three fundraising events throughout the year. At Burger Festival in September, during Indian lunch delivery in October and in March you were selling curry during the Great Britain day.

Giving back to society is really important for me. I try to help when I can. Besides the events you have mentioned, I also try to help either by providing food or by direct hands on contribution. Rotary Club Prague International project in India has been continuously running since 2007 and supporting villages in Rajsamand. We have been supporting several schools at this area. Schools were helped with uniforms, shoes, school books, books, writing materials and personal hygiene equipment.

The schools were provided with some computer equipment, classroom furniture and kitchen equipment, as well as sports equipment and musical instruments. So far, we have helped 15 schools in different villages in Rajsamand, total amount 500 000 CZK. If interested in supporting, contact RCPI. Unfortunately, you were not granted the visa to India to come and supervise the project. I wonder if the genius loci of the building that used to belong to a Czech resistant member also affected you?

I was honest when filling in my application for visa. There is one question asking about family members with Pakistani passport. Remember, the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out in 1971 between East Pakistan and West Pakistan, so Pakistani passport was the only one at the territory.

Several times, I was denied entry based on that ground. But I consider the most important thing is that children in Rajsamand are happy.

Mamun, everyone who knows you describes you as cheerful and willing to help. Besides visiting India, do you have any unfulfilled dreams?

My dream is very simple. I want my family to be in good health, my restaurant to have a good position and I continue to be surrounded by good people. I wish to open one more extraordinary restaurant, but this dream may come true if my son Dhrubo comes back from his studies in London. But based on my own experience, it remains to be seen what his own journey will be. On the other hand, it looks like my daughter Moon will continue to run Curry House. Already at the age of five, she enjoys greeting the guests and she is curious about all the things happening. I am a truly happy man.

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

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INTERVIEW WITH MARTINA DLABAJOVÁ, MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Photo: Martin Faltejsek

My goal has always been to make the EU more accessible, pragmatic and bring it closer to citizens After the EU studies at Padova University where she obtained title Dott., she dedicated her professional life to business and international consulting. She is also a former Chairwoman of the Zlin regional Chamber of Commerce. She has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2014. She is a Vice-Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control where she has been dealing mainly with the auditing of EU funds and controlling and improving the system of their absorption. As an active Member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs she focuses on youth employment, labour mobility, support of SMEs and creative industries. In the Czech Republic she has launched a motivational project called PročByNe? that offers to young people under 25 years the opportunity to fulfil their professional dreams through exclusive traineeships.

You have experienced a business life. What does a regular businesswoman/man expect from the European Parliament?

You can never expect more without being willing to give more to it. Coming from business, I have always been very creative and practical person.

And when you are full of ideas, you definitely want to make things moving fast. This was my attitude since the beginning. My goal has always been to make the EU accessible, pragmatic and bring it closer to the citizens, to inform people, both in Europe and in the Czech Republic what are the benefits and opportunities and how citizens can make the best out of them. This has not always been an easy task, but when I asked the audience while delivering my very first speech as a politician, what businesses would actually like to hear from me, one businessman answered: ‘Nothing. Just listen.’ And he was completely right. People nowadays in

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general stopped listening to each other. One half complains that the other half isn’t listening. And those accused of not listening are complaining that they are not being heard. Let’s change it!

Whether you’re engaged with a colleague, a family member, a citizen, make it important to start listening. For politicians, there may be no better advice!

What are your achievements in the European Parliament? Is there anything you would like to change as a Member of the European Parliament?

My greatest achievement is to see that my work helps making other people’s lives better. It is the case of successful stories of my trainees, who took part in my own project of motivational traineeships called “PročByNe?”, a project that I created in the Czech Republic three years ago.

The project is not that much about tackling youth

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

unemployment in the country, but mainly about motivation to fight for our dreams and positive examples. We already have over sixty successful “alumni” who completely changed their lives or got a job offer thanks to their dreamed traineeship.

And this is what makes me really happy about my job. Tackling youth unemployment has actually been one of my biggest struggles since the first day of my parliamentary work. Therefore winning the 2015 ‘MEP of the Year’ award in Employment and Social Affairs category (as first Czech MEP ever at that time) and being nominated for the same prize this year too, is a true reward for all my work I put in.

Back in 2014 you said we cannot change anything through pure criticism and negative attitudes towards the EU. Has our attitude towards the EU changed?

I believe we made a good progress but we need

INTERVIEW WITH MARTINA DLABAJOVÁ, MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT to change even more and to come up with creative ideas and constructive approach to EU politics. The past few years have been tough for the Union and they have created a deeply rooted negative feeling towards its institutions.

Unfortunately, some national governments blame the EU for their problems and this is something I simply cannot accept. We will not achieve anything by pure criticizing and as it is said: ‘those who live in glass houses should not throw stones’. The EU should not be an excuse to any dubious behaviour or decisions. We are Europe and we are all responsible for the decisions we make, this is what we need to keep explaining to European citizens.

The populism and anti-EU approach is going around Europe. What is the reason behind?

We simply failed to communicate Europe and its achievements. For instance, the media coverage about the EU remains very low as well as their cooperation with politicians; yet these people have the most influence on how the public sees the EU. Unfortunately, the EU failures also get to the news more quickly than its achievements.

And this is the root of the problem. However, we should realize that the EU, although facing several crises, is the richest and most successful political and economic complex, ensuring its citizens peace, freedom and prosperity for the past 70 years already. And we should keep this in mind every day. We must go back to the roots and focus on our common values and principles.

If we want a future together, we have to work on it together.

Why is the posting of workers so important issue for you?

For me it is in fact a matter of values the EU is built on. Posted workers for me represent a symbol of free movement across Europe and freedom of cross-border provision of services within the Single Market – values which stood at the very beginning of the European integration and which were the main motivation for countries of Central and Eastern block to join the Union.

Spending half of my life in Italy, I have personal experience with doing business abroad and I must say that it is very sad to see that politicians mostly from Western but also other countries nowadays tend to slip into ideological debates rather than dealing with the facts when it comes to posting of workers. They do not realize what the main cause of problem Europe is facing on labour market is. It is not the free movement of persons and services, but its abuse. And we will never solve this problem with protectionist measures or restricting the Single Market. Those who want to abuse the rules, always find the way and the new administrative burdens will only harm mostly those who abide by them.

You have also focused on better skills for the future. What can the EU offer in this regard, as the education is a national competence?

To find the way, how to help young people overcome the challenges they are facing today.

Europe should switch towards more workbased learning, a system that will provide them with the right skills, because skills mismatches affecting individuals and businesses, has become a worrying and growing phenomenon Europe is struggling with. The statistics are quite alarming.

Today, more than half of the 12 million long-term unemployed do not have sufficient qualification or skills needed to succeed on the labour market.

More than 30 % of highly qualified young people are in jobs that do not match their skills and aspirations and 40% of European employers say they are unable to find people with the skills they require in order to grow and innovate.

There are already several tools on both EU and national level, but nothing will change if we do not switch the mind-set first and the way we look at education. As I emphasized in my own report on matching skills and jobs and the New Skills Agenda for Europe, we need to ensure, that current education and skills are always linked to the labour market and its needs. Just as we cannot speak about employment without education, we cannot contemplate education without the employment perspective. I believe education is a collective responsibility; thus it is not a question of national or European level, but we all have to take a hard look at what should be done differently and how to better anticipate future skills needs through close cooperation between businesses, education and policy makers.

We celebrate 25 years of the Single Market.

What are the barriers we are still facing?

There are a lot of them. The EU must now concentrate on completing the Single Market in all areas and removing barriers, especially in the area of provision of services. Social policy should focus on job creation and economic growth rather than building new barriers as it is sadly the practice now in Europe. Although we struggle to improve the functioning of the Single Market on one hand, we hinder its development with protectionist measures dividing Europe on the other hand. We have to bear in mind that Europe's prosperity depends on its greatest wealth - and it is us, the Europeans who live and work here. In a rapidly changing global world, it will be mainly human capital and skills, which will become the engine of our competitiveness. But we need to make them moving freely to boost competitiveness and support natural wage convergence. In general, we should do our outmost to make people’s life easier, not the opposite; support labour mobility, make favourable environment for boosting entrepreneurship and fight administrative burdens while making rules simple and easily enforceable. Europe, which is not competitive within its internal market, cannot succeed globally.

was seriously opened, because I do believe that the future of the Czech Republic is undoubtedly within the Eurozone. However, over years, we have been witnessing several failures, which created severe problems across the whole Europe and I think the system should go through a profound reform. It would be a fundamental mistake to start a single currency without having all the instruments that the euro needs. However the Czech Republic cannot stay aside, but actively participate in the reforms and come up with concrete proposals.

When should the Czech Republic introduce the euro?

I would welcome if the debate on the possibilities of introducing the euro in the Czech Republic

Thank you for the interview!

Besides the life in politics, do you have any notable hobbies?

First of all, I am a passionate traveller. I love meeting new people and cultures. In fact, my whole life is a journey. After all the years spent in Italy, I regularly travelled to Zlín and my business activity was spread over several sites in Europe.

Without exaggeration, I spent a lifetime on the road! I am also an avid reader and the owner of one of the largest collections of copies of The Little Prince in Central Europe. I managed to collect over 210 various editions in 65 different languages and dialects from 50 countries from France to Japan. However, my biggest hobby, which is definitely worth to fight for, is Europe that works for its citizens!

Alena Mastantuono Director of CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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EU

debate

From left: Carlos Corts, Schuman Associates, Roberto Ridolfi, Director for Planet and Prosperity, DG Development and Cooperation, European Commission, and Vassilis Maragos, Head of Unit, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus & Eastern Partnership, DG NEAR, European Commission

Sector Seminar on Sustainable Energy in EU External Cooperation Instruments Last November, the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU in cooperation with CEBRE -Czech Business Representation to the EU organised a sector seminar on financing sustainable energy projects by EU external cooperation instruments. The seminar provided participants with information on procedural rules in public procurement, current and future European Commission initiatives, project co-financing opportunities through development investment banks, and other available tools to finance sustainable energy projects in third countries. The event took place in Brussels and was attended by 140 representatives of more than 120 companies across the European Union.

Participants of the seminar, Speaker from Schuman Association

Participants of the seminar

Carlos Corts, Schuman Associates

Dual Quality of Products Different standards in quality of products on the internal market got a new impetus in October 2017 by a statement delivered

by Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission. Juncker stated that different quality of two equally-looking products within the EU is unacceptable. The Commission subsequently issued guidelines for Member States to implement EU food legislation and started to develop a uniform methodology for testing composition. Dual quality of food in the EU single market was also discussed by the representatives of EU and Czech institutions, food producers and sellers and the general public on 8th December 2017 in the European House in Prague.

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From left: Dana Kovaříková, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic, Jindřich Fialka, Director of the Food Department, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Marta Nováková, President of the Union of Trade and Tourism of the Czech Republic, Olga Sehnalová, Member of the European Parliament (S&D/CSSD), Ladislav Miko, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission, and David Klimeš, Ekonom Weekly

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

From left: Jindřich Fialka, Director of the Food Department, Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, Marta Nováková, President of the Union of Trade and Tourism of the Czech Republic, and Olga Sehnalová, Member of the European Parliament (S&D/CSSD)

Data Protection in small businesses (Prague) Every entrepreneur should consider whether there is a risk of data leakage in his or her business. Companies that largely trade and sell data and collect data systematically about specific people need to take appropriate measures under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and ask for the consent of their clients. The regulation does not apply to specific sectors. What matters is the systematic collection of personal data. GDPR is not a revolution but an evolution of the rules that already exist based on the EU directive, respectively on national laws regarding personal data protection. Those are the main conclusions of a debate on Data Protection in small businesses organised on 12th March in the European House in Prague.

Tereza Šamanová, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

Jiří Žůrek, The Office for Personal Data Protection

Jana Břeská, Czech professional association for Internet development

Participants of the debate

From left: Tereza Šamanová, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, Jiří Žůrek, The Office for Personal Data Protection, Jana Břeská, Czech professional association for Internet development, and David Slížek, Editor in Chief of Lupa.cz

Olga Sehnalová, Member of the European Parliament (S&D/CSSD), Ladislav Miko, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission, and David Klimeš, Ekonom Weekly

Participants of the debate

CZECH&SLOVAK LEADERS II/2018

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EU

matters business

Did you know what?

Commission has published a Europe-wide plastic strategy The European Commission presented in January a draft strategy to ensure less use of plastics and support the circular economy. As part of the strategy, the Commission proposes to develop new packaging rules that should promote packaging recyclability and reduce the environmental burden. The Commission also proposes to continue to reduce the amount of plastic waste, especially for single-use applications.

The Commission also earmarked EUR 100 million for the development of more easily recyclable plastic materials, better recycling processes and new ways to remove hazardous substances from recycled materials.

Parliament wants to simplify the process of changing energy supplier and improve conditions for consumers The European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) supported at the end of February several legislative proposals in the framework of the Clean Energy Package for all Europeans, which should provide better information on prices available on the market. The Committee suggests that a comparative tool is available in each country to show the energy prices of all providers in the market.

At the same time, MEPs call for consumers to be able to switch energy suppliers without facing sanctions.

By 2022, the process of changing the supplier should not take longer than 24 hours.

Council approved prohibition of geo-blocking At its meeting at the end of February, the Council has adopted a regulation banning unauthorized geo-blocking. Under the new rules, Europeans should have access to the purchase of goods abroad without being refused on the basis of their nationality or place of residence. Traders will not be able to refuse to sell the goods to a customer from another Member State if they order delivery to the place where the company normally delivers or if they order a service at the place where the trader normally supplies his services. However, traders will not be forced to deliver goods to Member States to which they do not normally deliver.

Commission introduced measures to combat illegal content online At the beginning of March, the Commission presented a set of operational measures for businesses and Member States that should be implemented to strengthen the fight against illegal content online.

These include, for example, clearer procedures for notifying illegal content, introducing clear notification systems for users, or introducing automated tools to remove illegal content, including guarantees in the form of human supervision and verification.

The Commission also calls on companies that detect illegal content to work more closely with national law enforcement agencies.

Council endorsed EU ETS revision after 2020 At the end of February, the Council formally approved the reform of the EU ETS for the period after 2020. The Council confirmed that the quantity of allowances placed on the market will be reduced by

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2.2% per year by 2021 (the so-called linear reduction factor). In addition, the number of allowances which will be put into the so-called market stability reserve will be doubled by the end of 2023.

Let´s talk numbers!

Both euro area and EU28 GDP grew by 0.6% in the Q4 of 2017 According to Eurostat's estimates, both euro area and EU28 GDP increased by 0.6% in the fourth quarter of the last year compared to the previous year.

Compared to the same period of 2016, GDP grew by 2.7% in the euro area and 2.6% across the EU. Estonia (+2.2%), Slovenia (+2.0%) and Lithuania (+1.4%) achieved the highest quarter-on-quarter growth, while the lowest growth was recorded in Greece, Croatia (both +0.1%), Italy and Latvia (both +0.3%).

Retail sales decreased slightly in January 2018 Eurostat announced that retail sales volumes decreased in January 2018 compared to December 2017 by 0.1% both in the euro area and the whole EU. Compared to January 2017, however, an increase of 2.3% was recorded in the euro area and 2.7% in EU28.

In month-on-month terms, retail sales grew most strongly in Latvia (+ 2.1%), Finland (+1.3%) and Hungary (+1.1%). On the contrary, the highest decrease was observed in Estonia (-2.4%) Belgium (-1.6%) and Malta (-1.4%).

January 2018 unemployment was at the same level as the previous month The euro area unemployment rate in January 2018 was at the same level as in the previous month, reaching 8.6%. The situation in the whole EU also remained unchanged, with the unemployment rate at 7.3%. The lowest rate of unemployment is still held by the Czech Republic (2.4%), followed by Malta (3.5%) and Germany (3.6%). The highest rate of unemployment was recorded in Greece (20.9% in November 2017) and Spain (16.3%).

Exports of food and agricultural products from EU are growing According to the European Commission's latest report presented in February 2018, the value of EU's agro-food exports in 2017 reached almost EUR 137.9 billion, corresponding to a steady growth of 5.1% in value compared to 2016. Significant gains in annual export values were achieved with USA (+6%), Russia (+16%) and several Asian countries, namely China (+5%), Hong Kong (+10%) and South Korea (+13%).

Exports of wine, pet food, spirits and liqueurs have been rising.

January industrial production fell by 0.7% in the EU Industrial production fell in January 2018 compared to the previous month by 1.0% in the euro area and 0.7% across the EU. Compared to January 2017, however, industrial production grew by 2.7% in the euro area and 3.0% in the whole EU. In January 2018, industrial production declined the most in the Netherlands (-5.7%), Romania (-2.9%) and Spain (-2.5%), while the highest increase was recorded in Portugal (+2.5%), Estonia (+1.9%) and Denmark (+1.8%).

In the world!

Most counterfeits are still coming to EU from China The European Commission released in March a report on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in non-EU countries, which shows that China remains the most problematic country in terms of protecting intellectual property rights. The report shows that more than 80% of counterfeit products flowing to the EU come from China and Hong Kong.

Commission is extending anti-dumping measures on Chinese steel products The Commission has extended the existing antidumping measures on Chinese imports of seamless pipes and tubes of stainless steel for another five years. Duty ranging from 48.3% to 71.9% was initially imposed in 2011. The review investigation, which started in December 2016, showed that dumping from China continued and, should measures lapse, the European market would be flooded by dumped Chinese products.

EU-UK relations likely to be sealed by free trade agreement European Council President Donald Tusk sent at the beginning of March a proposal of guidelines on future relations with the United Kingdom after its exit from the EU. Tusk proposes to sign a free trade agreement that would cover all sectors and guarantee zero tariffs on goods. The agreement should also focus on services. The proposal further suggests that the EU and the United Kingdom continue to fight terrorism and international crime together, as well as cooperate in the area of defence and foreign relations. He called on the United Kingdom to participate in EU research and innovation programs as well as in programmes on education and culture.

Commission wants safer and more efficient visa system In mid-March, the European Commission proposed a reform of European visa policy that should promote trade and tourism while raising the level of protection and reducing the risks associated with illegal migration.

The Commission proposes that the visa application takes 10-15 days, with the visa application being possible to be submitted up to 6 months before the actual trip, while now it is only 3 months. The cost of multi-entry visas should also be reduced. In addition, the Commission plans to raise the visa fee from EUR 60 to 80.

Commission introduced 6 new measures for Western Balkans The European Commission continues to work with the Western Balkan countries on their accession to the EU. Priorities and areas of closer cooperation in the accession process were presented by the Commission in a recent strategy. The strategy contains 6 specific measures that the Commission will undertake in the coming years. These include initiatives to consolidate the rule of law, strengthen cooperation on security and migration through joint investigation teams and European border and coast guards, expanding the EU energy union to the Western Balkans, reducing roaming charges and introducing broadband in the region.

Brought by CEBRE – Czech Business Representation to the EU

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Dear friends of culture and the arts, we are pleased to inform you that the Trebbia Foundation is currently organizing

the 17th annual International Trebbia Awards Ceremony

Prague, December 28, 2017

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Dear friends of culture and the arts, we are pleased to inform you that the Trebbia Foundation in cooperation with Czech & Slovak Leaders are currently organizing

THE PLACE WHERE LEADERS ARE SEEN MÍSTO KDE JSOU LÍDŘI VIDĚT

the 17th annual International Trebbia Awards Ceremony, this time affined to the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia, the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at 8:00 p.m., broadcast live on Czech Television and Slovak Television www.trebbia.eu The programme will include a performance by Czech soprano Alena Miro and Slovak tenor Pavol Breslik, who will be accompanied by the FOK Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rastislav Štúr. The world premiere of Symphonic Picture Trebbia 2018 composed by Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer will also be performed.

The 17 annual International th

Seven laureates from the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland will be presented with diplomas and bronze Trebbia statues created by sculptor Stefan Milkov. Furthermore, the gala evening will include a traditional benefit auction of paintings by famous personalities, who are not the professional artists and lithography by Miroslav Pošvic “Balance”, which was exhibited at the North Pole. The proceeds of the auction will Thebe programme include a between performance two

by Czech soprano foundations.

Alena Miro and Slovak tenor Pavol Breslik, who will be accompadividedwillequally selected nied by the FOK Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rastislav Štúr. The world premiere of Symphonic Picture Trebbia 2018

by Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer will alsobuffet be performed.

The programme will becomposed followed by a social gathering and in the Spanish Hall.

Seven laureates from the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland will be presented with diplomas and Dear friends of culture and the arts, we will be very grateful, if you kindly decide to support bronze Trebbia statues created by sculptor Stefan Milkov. Furthermore, the gala evening will include a traditional benefit auction evening by purchasing tickets: of paintings by famous personalities, who are not the professional artists and lithography by Miroslav Pošvic “Balance”, which was Tablesof the 1auction to 6 willCZK 10,000 / EUR per person, all inclusive exhibited at the North Pole. The proceeds be divided equally between400 two selected foundations.

this charity gala

Tables 7 to 12 CZK 9,500 / EUR 380 per person, all inclusive The programme will Tables be followed13 by ato social and buffet in the Spanish Hall.

17 gathering CZK 9,000 / EUR 360 per person, all inclusive Tables 18 to 22 CZK 8,500 / EUR 340 per person, all inclusive Tables 23 to 27 CZK 8,000 / EUR 320 per person, all inclusive Tables 28 to 31 CZK 7,500 / EUR 300 per person, all inclusive Tables 32 to 36 CZK 7,000 / EUR 280 per person, all inclusive Tables 37 to 41 CZK 6,500 / EUR 260 per person, all inclusive

www.czechleaders.com

INTERVIEWS Method of payment:

• Based on an invoice for advertising + VAT (your name or your company’s logo will be placed on a shared advertising banner in front of the entrance to the Spanish Hall)

• Based on a gift/donation agreement (sent to you upon request)

• In cash at the offices of the Trebbia Foundation, Church of St. Rochus, Strahov Monastery – Strahovské nádvoří 132/1, Prague 1 Due to the capacity of the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle, we recommend that you order your tickets immediately.

Coverage

by Czech & Slovak Magazine Please send your order to the following emailPhoto address: info@galeriemiro.cz.

Booking tickets is not possible. Thank you for your understanding.

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Czech & Slovak Leaders II/2018

APRIL– JUNE 2018

Radek Vondráček, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

Respect and debate are the foundations 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