The latest edition of the podcast Business Club with Branko Azeski features guest Toni Jankovski, MSc, Product Development and Innovation Director at Diners Club Macedonia - Skopje. The discussion focuses on education, creating a favorable business climate, the digitalization of processes, and the importance of sports.

Jankovski began his professional career as an intern in the Franchise Management Department at Discover Financial Services in London, after which he worked at the auditing firm Deloitte in Skopje as a senior analyst in the Audit Department. He later founded and managed Ihde Dental Macedonia, where he was responsible for sales, finance, accounting, logistics, marketing, and event organization. Today, he serves as Product Development and Innovation Director at Diners Club Macedonia, where he plays a key role in transforming the brand through digitalization and innovative solutions.

He graduated from Bocconi University in Milan with a degree in International Economics, Management, and Finance, and completed his postgraduate studies at ESADE Business & Law School in Barcelona, majoring in Asset Valuation. Having experienced the educational systems in both Italy and Spain, Jankovski emphasizes that education in Macedonia does not follow modern trends and does not offer sufficient practical training in the real sector, nor does it enable the immediate application of practical skills upon graduation. He highlighted that many of the professors at the universities where he studied came directly from the real sector.

“Practical work is absolutely necessary. Theory should make up 20 to 30 percent of curricula, but the focus must be placed on practical training, skills development, and direct cooperation with the real sector. Companies need to open up to educational institutions in order to make use of quality labor,” he stated.

Regarding dual education—an initiative heavily supported by the Chamber—and practical training in higher education, which he is currently working on, Jankovski stressed that change is essential and will make a difference, but its effects must be visible.

“We need to implement reform, but it must be continuously aligned with modern labor-market trends, which the education system must follow. A true connection is needed between education and the needs of companies for such skilled workforce,” Jankovski added.

Later in the podcast, he spoke about infrastructure and digitalization. According to him, infrastructure is the lifeline of a country. To ensure fast movement of goods and services and the transit of people, modern roads and railways—and their efficient connectivity—are needed, as well as fast internet for communication.

In addition to his professional experience, Toni Jankovski was also a professional swimmer for the Macedonian national team (from 2005 to 2012). He competed at the European Junior Championships in the Czech Republic (2009) and the World University Games in China (2011), and is a multiple national champion and record holder. For him, sport is an essential pillar of the state—just like education.

“Sport teaches responsibility, consistency, and respect. Countries with a functional sports system have healthy and capable youth, which also means a prepared workforce,” Jankovski added.