Interview with employee Elena Veljanova-Martinoski

Elena Veljanova-Martinoski

1. How do you remember your first day at the company?

My first day at Alkaloid was 15 years ago, yet I still remember it vividly. It was a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but I was happy because I was driven by a strong desire to learn and a genuine motivation to get to know both the processes and my colleagues. From the very beginning, I felt part of a professional and supportive environment that helped me quickly integrate into the team..

2. What has changed the most from your early days with the company?

When I started, the Solid Dosage Forms Production Department was significantly smaller, with fewer employees and a simpler organizational structure. Today, it has evolved into a modern production system with substantially greater capacity, a high degree of automation, digitalized processes, and a continuous commitment to raising GMP standards. What has remained unchanged is the dedication of our employees, the strong team spirit, and the focus on quality in every aspect of our work. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the department team, whose professionalism and willingness to embrace new challenges have been instrumental in the growth and progress we have achieved over the years.

3. What has been the proudest moment of your career at Alkaloid?

Without hesitation, it is the completion and commissioning of the new Solid Dosage Forms production facility. This was a strategic, multi-year project that involved planning, construction, equipment installation and qualification, as well as the implementation of the highest pharmaceutical standards. This investment doubled our existing production capacity and created the conditions for the company's continued growth. I am especially proud to have been part of a multidisciplinary team of outstanding internal and external experts who worked together to create a state-of-the-art production facility that serves as a benchmark for industry best practices in the region and beyond.

4. What is the biggest difference between your job today and when you first started?

My professional journey at Alkaloid began as a scholarship recipient of the Trajche Mukaetov Foundation, continued as an intern and production specialist, and today I have the privilege of leading the largest production department within the Pharmaceuticals Profit Center. Over the years, my responsibilities have evolved, but each role has enabled me to better understand our processes and challenges from different perspectives. That experience continues to provide a strong foundation for decision-making, team development, and creating the conditions for long-term growth and operational sustainability.

5. What motivated you to stay, develop, and grow together with the company?

The trust and openness shown by the leadership team, the opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and the chance to work alongside outstanding professionals are among the key reasons I chose to build my career at Alkaloid. Personally, however, people have always been, and continue to be, my greatest source of motivation. Collaboration with colleagues, mutual support, and open feedback have helped us achieve our goals, successfully deliver projects, and overcome challenges together. It is precisely these shared successes that continue to be my greatest professional motivation.

6. What has remained unchanged for you throughout all your years at Alkaloid?

My belief that every process can be improved and every challenge turned into an opportunity for progress. To this day, I approach new tasks and projects with the same enthusiasm and proactive mindset because continuous improvement has always been a driving force behind both my personal and professional development.

7. What message would you like to share with new employees who are just beginning their journey here?

Be curious, hardworking, and open to learning. Equally important, practice active listening and learn from the experiences of the people around you. Alkaloid offers great opportunities for personal and professional development. Success comes through knowledge, continuous effort, and collaboration with colleagues. The combination of the experience of seasoned colleagues and the energy of newer generations is one of the company's greatest strengths.

8. Is there anything you would do differently or change about your time at Alkaloid?

Every day brings new lessons and opportunities for improvement. Rather than focusing on what I might have done differently in the past, I prefer to focus on becoming a better version of myself today than I was yesterday, and on working together with my team to create even greater value, continuously improve the way we work, and contribute to Alkaloid's further growth and development. It is a special privilege to be part of a company that has been setting standards in the pharmaceutical industry for decades and continues to invest in its people and its future.