WOMEN IN MACEDONIA ARE MORE EQUAL IN BUSINESS THAN IN USA
In Macedonia, she feels at home, and since long ago Macedonia accepted her as part of the big family. Michelle Osmanli who comes from Oregon, after working for several Macedonian companies, such as EVN and the telecommunication operator ONE, she became the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Macedonia. At this position, she was able to become thoroughly familiar with the business climate in Macedonia.
She is happy to work and live in our country, although she still has not adjusted to certain Macedonian business practices. “I would not say that I am fully adjusted, but I have reconciled myself”, Mrs. Osmali is sincere with us during the interview that we made in a relaxed conversation in the coffee bar “Intermezzo” in Skopje.
You live and work in Macedonia for almost 10 years. Do you feel Macedonia as your home?
I definitely feel at home in Macedonia and I am proud to be one of the few neutralized American Macedonians!
How long did it take you to get adjusted to the Macedonian style of work and business communication? Is there something that still bothers you nowadays, as well as something that keeps on surprising you?
It took me about three years to realistically understand the local business practices. I would not say that I am fully adjusted, but I have reconciled myself to those practices! The local business community with international thinking is very small, which means that personal relations are real and really make a difference. The negative thing about this is that everything depends on few individuals. I would like to say that there are no systems in Macedonia – only people. Often, this can be an advantage, but also a weakness.
You have acquired huge work experience in the private and non-profit sector. You were part of several big Macedonian companies, and now you are the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Macedonia. From your own point of view, what is the business climate like in Macedonia nowadays?
Although many laws and procedures were changed in the past 10 years, businesses still feel the lack of exactness and predictability in their implementation. In particular with regard to companies that target local clients, I would say that many aspects of the economy do not follow the typical market logic. Thus, successful work here means delivering quality to the clients while handling the challenging legal environment on a relatively small and poor market. Businessmen from the western world could learn a lot from the local businessmen about creativity, adjustment, flexibility and stress management!
Which is the role of Pivara Skopje in the American Chamber of Commerce?
Pivara Skopje is one of the most loyal and oldest members of AmCham that became member back in 2001. Since then, Pivara has been one of the most active members, including the growing into a Patron member in 2008, participation as member in the Board of directors, direct sponsorship for 12 of our events and contribution to the content of our publications and events with speakers, and also providing its premises as venue for our events. Frankly, I might say that members like Pivara Skopje make AmCham a reality.
Among other, the American Chamber of Commerce is working on stimulating the corporate social responsibility among its members. How would you assess the cooperation with Pivara Skopje and which is the trace that this company leaves through its platforms for corporate social responsibility in the community where it is active?
We are very proud that our members are leaders in corporate social responsibility practices in the country. Being one of the oldest and most successful transitional companies, Pivara really invested in the local community. The long termed support from Pivara for various cultural and educational institutions is a significant pillar for the community, and not a short termed meaningless attempt to attract media attention.
What is the role of women in the business in Macedonia and is there improved representation of women on managerial positions?
I think there are many impressive women on leadership positions both in the business and in the Government of Macedonia, although officially they are on the second or third place in their organizations. I think this results from the Yugoslav policy of equality, which in certain segments (for instance, the parliamentary quota) is still in force. I personally have not experienced any gender discrimination in Macedonia and I think that this is one of the areas in which your country has better results than USA!
Do you manage to make balance between your professional obligations and your role of mother and wife?
You’d better ask my family, but I think yes. This is the main reason why we stayed so long in Macedonia.
After your professional obligations that you often finish after the working hours you have private obligations to your family. Is there any free time left that you can spend on active life and activities such as sport and recreation?
It is true that there are not enough hours in a day to do everything, although I find time for riding a bicycle, climbing and exercising. Skopje offers all these for relatively low prices and high quality.
Is there place for beer on your table at home? Precisely, do you admire the beer culture?
I come from Oregon, a US state which is relatively known for its micro-breweries. Also, I lived in Germany as exchange student and I would definitely say that I am fan of beer. My favorite tastes are light and corn bear, although I would try and enjoy any kind of beer.
