The Companies Doing Good Forum 2025 brings together business leaders, innovators, experts, managers, policymakers to explore how companies can create engaging, purpose-driven workplaces that retain top talent. Through expert talks, case studies, and interactive discussions, the forum provides practical strategies for transforming company culture in the Balkans.
About the Conference
Why This Matters
Workplace expectations are changing fast, and for the first time, employees are putting workplace culture ahead of salary. Companies that don’t adapt risk losing their most valuable talent. Here’s what the latest research reveals:
of workers would quit if they don’t feel a sense of belonging at work.
have already left jobs due to toxic workplace culture
of companies want to improve culture but don’t know how to do it.
Speakers at CDG Forum 2025
Meet the thought leaders, business innovators, and industry experts shaping the conversation at CDG Forum 2025.
Keynote Speakers
Charlie Felgate (France)
Expert in Regenerative Leadership
Charlie is an independent consultant at Ferme Lecoq, guiding collective transitions toward a regenerative economy through leadership and business practices rooted in nature and inner development. A former Vision Leader at Decathlon, he emphasizes that systemic change requires embodied regenerative leadership, creating safe spaces for personal and organizational transformation.
Emma Stenström (Sweden)
Expert in Inclusive Work Culture
Emma is an Associate Professor at The Stockholm School of Economics and Director of the Center for Art, Business, and Culture. She applies action research to connect creativity, art, and business, particularly through the “Bubble Hopping” method. She is also engaged in civil society through “Fika,” an initiative fostering connections across social divides.
Francesc Aragall (Spain)
CEO of ProAsolutions
Francesc is President of the Design for All International Association and CEO of ProAsolutions. He promotes human diversity by improving environments, products, and services for all. He played a key role in accessibility projects for the 1992 Games in Barcelona and co-authored a guide on inclusive design in business. His work also includes major international accessibility initiatives.
Panelists & Industry Experts
Bojan Simić (Serbia)
Director, Clean Air Solution
Bojan Simić is a multi-entrepreneur and founder of several companies who believes in blending work with enjoyment. A father of three, he emphasizes trust, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to create an environment where people grow both professionally and personally. His leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork and long-term vision.
Saša Muhič Pureber (Slovenia)
Chief Commercial Officer at INEA
Saša Muhič Pureber graduated from the Faculty of Computer Science and Informatics in Ljubljana and has over 15 years of experience in research, development, and project management. As Chief Commercial Officer and co-owner of INEA, she actively promotes employee co-ownership through the IED’s Employee Co-Ownership Ambassadors Group.
Ella Maes (Belgium)
Diversity Consultant at Actiris
Ella Maes is a Diversity Consultant at Actiris, the Brussels Regional Employment Office, where she helps shape and implement diversity and inclusion strategies. With a focus on systemic change, she supports public and private employers in Brussels through tailored plans and strategic partnerships, turning inclusion into a key asset.
Frosina Tasevska (Denmark)
HR & Organizational Development at Pandora
Frosina is Director and Product Line Lead at Pandora A/S, driving transformation in fulfillment and delivery across the global supply chain. With a background in strategy and digital projects, she previously worked in a multinational biotech firm in Copenhagen. Originally from Macedonia, she holds degrees from Politecnico di Milano, Umeå University, and the Faculty of Economics.
Zorica Crnoshija (Macedonia)
Head of Marketing Execution at Studio Moderna
Zorica is Head of Marketing Execution for Macedonia at Studio Moderna, managing strategies and campaigns across various media channels. With over 23 years in marketing and direct sales, she drives results through strong planning, creativity, and clear communication. She also contributes as a writer, voice-over artist, and event moderator for local and international companies.
Nebojsha Ilijevski (Macedonia)
CDG Forum’s Co-Founder/ Content Director
Nebojsha is Transformation Lead at HolistiX, blending technical innovation with people-focused change. With a background in mechanical engineering and a master’s in blockchain and AI for sustainability, he supports organizations across the Balkans.Drawing on Otto Scharmer’s Theory U and NLP training, he helps uncover leadership blind spots to shape cultures where talent thrives.
Majid Raimi Khan (Hong Kong, China)
Founder MARK5 Psychology / Leadership Transformation Specialist
Majid is the founder of MARK5 Psychology, guiding leaders to drive organizational change through personal growth. His expertise in NLP and psychology helps executives understand how their attention affects team dynamics. Working with managers across industries, he highlights the importance of self-awareness and thoughtful leadership.
Join the Conversation – Register Now!
Join the CDG Forum 2025 Online and Gain Exclusive Insights!
Watch industry experts share powerful strategies on transforming workplace culture, retaining top talent, and fostering sustainable leadership — all from the comfort of your home or office.
Date: May 8, 2025
Location: Online (Live from Holiday Inn Skopje – Millennium 1 Hall)
Conference Agenda – CDG Forum 2025
Date: May 8, 2025 | Venue: Live from Holiday Inn Skopje – Millennium 1 Hall
9:45 - 10:00
Media Statements
Opening media brief and key event highlights.
10:00 - 10:30
Opening Remarks
Welcome speeches from:
David Oberhuber, Country Director of GIZ North Macedonia;
Minister of Economy and Labour (TBC);
Klimentina Ilijevski, Executive Director at Public;
German Embassy Representative (TBD);
10:30 - 10:40
Workforce Culture Insights: The Numbers
Introduction by Zorica Crnoshija, moderator
10:40 - 11:15
Beyond salary: the hidden leadership advantage in the talent crisis
Nebojsha Ilijevski (Macedonia) - CDG Forum’s Content Director and Systems Transformation Lead at “HolistiX”;
Nimet Reiner (Portugal) - Senior Executive and Leadership Consultant;
Majid Raimi Khan (Hong Kong, China) - Founder at “Mark5”, Psychology and Leadership Transformation Specialist;
11:15 - 12:00
Keynote: Towards a Regenerative Economy
Charlie Felgate (France) – Consultant on Regenerative Leadership, Ferme Lecoq;
"How regenerative leadership transforms businesses" + Interactive session & Q&A
12:00 - 13:00
Panel Discussion: Why Caring Business Culture Matters
Speakers:
Bojan Simić (Serbia - Clean Air Solution) – Sustainable Workplaces;
Frosina Tasevska (Denmark - Pandora) – HR & Organizational Development;
Klimentina Ilijevski (Macedonia - Public) - Executive Director
Saša Muhič Pureber (Slovenia) – Workplace Culture Expert;
13:00 - 13:15
Social mentoring in action: real results across the Balkans
Voices: Moderated session with mentors for work integration from the Balkans
13:15 - 14:00
Lunch & Networking Break
14:00 - 14:45
Interactive Workshop: Bubble Hopping - Meet & Connect
Emma Stenström (Sweden) – Professor, Konstfack University;
“LeaderSHIFT & the Bubble Hopping method – A new approach to inclusion” + Q&A and audience participation
14:45 - 15:15
Interview: Workforce Trends & The Future of Work
Speakers:
Ella Maes (Actiris) – Workforce Development Expert;
Aleksandra Iloska (Public) – Data Analyst on Workforce Trends;
"Key labor market insights & employee retention strategies"
15:15 - 16:00
Design for all: creating inclusive workplace environments
Francesc Aragall (Spain - ProAsolutions) - Director and President at Design for All International;
"The HUMBLES method: Human-centered business transformation
Practical applications for Balkan businesses "
16:00 - 16:15
Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
Key takeaways & final reflections.
Don’t Miss Out – Register to Watch Online!
Join CDG Forum 2025 virtually and gain insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you build a thriving workplace culture — wherever you are.
What Past Attendees Say About CDG Forum
💬 “Joining the Companies Doing Good Forum in Skopje was a powerful reminder that business can be a force for positive change. The energy, ideas, and commitment to impact shared by participants were genuinely inspiring. Can’t wait for the next event — where purpose truly meets action, and business truly makes a difference”
— Aleksandra Janeska-Iliev, PhD; Professor at Faculty of Economics-Skopje
💬 “The CDG Forum improved my understanding of how to align corporate and social interests. The event also provided valuable insights into how the private sector can contribute to “humanizing” the workforce by promoting sustainable job designs. Additionally, it allowed me to connect with key stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and businesses”
— Dushan Pavlovski, Project Leader at Visscher-Caravelle B.V.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The conference is open to business leaders, HR professionals, CSR managers, policymakers, and anyone interested in workplace transformation and employee retention strategies.
Yes! CDG Forum 2025 is completely free to attend online.
Please note that in-person attendance is fully booked, but online registration remains open and free of charge.
Yes! CDG Forum 2025 is a hybrid event—you can join us in person at Holiday Inn Skopje or follow the sessions online via a live stream
Simply click the “Register Now” button on this page and fill in your details. You will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.
The in-person event will be held at Holiday Inn Skopje – Millennium 1 Hall on May 8, 2025.
Yes! Whether you attend in person or online, there will be opportunities to connect with speakers, panelists, and fellow attendees.
The conference will be held in English, with live translation available in Balkan languages.