UACS Alumni of the Month: Interview with Stefan Chichaliev
“Dear Stefan, it is an absolute delight to have you with us today. Your journey as a UACS alumnus and your dedication to fostering social impact through entrepreneurship serves as an inspiration to us all. Your expertise and experiences are invaluable, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to delve into your insights and memories from your time at the University of American College Skopje.
Let’s dive into it:
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How do you believe your insight could benefit UACS students in the Entrepreneurship class?
The UACS students will discover that there is also a different way of doing business. A way where besides the traditional economic benefits you can create a societal and environmental impact. They will benefit from exploring the theoretical and practical way of doing social/sustainable entrepreneurship as an entrepreneurship model focused on achieving societal impact and change.
What message would you like to share with UACS faculty and students regarding your topic of expertise?
Social/Sustainable Entrepreneurship is the future of entrepreneurship. It is a fact that the new European legislation on Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance reporting, we can see that the regulation provides an obligation for corporations, but also for SMEs to provide reports on their environmental impact and based on their results they will be able to have more benefits.
Can you share your experience as a student at UACS? What are some key memories from your time here?
My experience as a PHD/DBA student at UACS was memorable. The classes were engaging, and being in a small group always allowed ample time for questions, debate and productive discussions with the colleagues and the academic staff.
What are the biggest challenges young entrepreneurs face today in Macedonia?
I will discuss the external and internal challenges that young entrepreneurs face. Traditional values and societal attitudes provide difficulties, and there is a need for modernization and support in various dimensions for a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
How can universities like UACS better support students interested in entrepreneurship?
UACS is in a position to significantly support students by opening facilities, connecting them with mentors, and operationalizing European best practices of creating support programs for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What advice would you give to current UACS students looking to start their businesses, or manage an existing business?
Just do it. Invest time in testing ideas, learning from mistakes, and staying resilient in the entrepreneurial journey.
What are your future goals, and how do you see your role in supporting entrepreneurship in Macedonia?
My future goals involve making SENIC a renowned global social impact consultancy. In supporting entrepreneurship in Macedonia, I aim to provide consultancy and tailored support to practitioners in the field.
How do you think alumni like yourself can contribute to the growth and success of UACS students?
By sharing experiences, and lessons learned, and advocating for programs that foster an entrepreneurial spirit, alumni like myself can contribute significantly to the growth and success of UACS students.
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Thank you, Stefan, for sharing your valuable insights and experiences. Your dedication to supporting entrepreneurship and creating societal impact is truly inspiring.
We look forward to witnessing the positive impact your work continues to have in the field!”
