Snezhana Petrovska

What did your first day at Alkaloid mean to you, and how has that impression changed over the years?

My first day at Alkaloid was also my first working day after graduating from the Faculty of Medicine in Skopje. It was a day filled with joy and excitement, but also with a degree of uncertainty, as I was entering a new field outside clinical practice. Looking back today, that first impression remains just as vivid, particularly because of the positive atmosphere, team spirit, and support from more experienced colleagues, all of which were crucial to my successful integration and further development. The desire to work at Alkaloid that I felt 25 years ago remains just as strong today.

How would you describe the company's development and the biggest change you have experienced?

Over the past 25 years, the company has continuously evolved and improved its processes, a progression clearly reflected in its performance and growth. A defining moment for me came in 2012, when I was given the opportunity to lead a team. Later, as part of an organizational restructuring, the Global Medical and Safety Department was established, which I lead today. During this period, new processes were introduced, particularly in the areas of pharmacovigilance and portfolio management. I am especially proud of the company’s investments in education, as well as the strong teams we have built together.

Which values have remained unchanged and continue to be the foundation of ALKALOID AD today?

Alkaloid is a system built across generations, founded on honesty, integrity, dedication, teamwork, and mutual respect. People have always come first, and that is a value that has remained unchanged throughout the years.

What does it feel like when a professional story becomes a family tradition?

I am proud that this tradition has continued for more than 60 years. I feel part of the large Alkaloid family, to which I have been emotionally connected from an early age, growing up with its products and brands. My mother, Dana Kechovska, spent her entire 35-year career at Alkaloid, and it gives me particular joy to see this tradition continue through my daughter, Anastasija Petrovska.

Have you ever thought about how rare it is for three generations to share the same professional environment, and what does that mean to you personally?

It is probably not a common occurrence, but I believe it is something that should be encouraged whenever the circumstances are right. For me, it represents belonging, connection, loyalty, and trust in the company. When that company is led by a Chief Executive Officer with a clear vision and strategy, who serves as an example of strong leadership, it creates an even greater sense of confidence and stability. His leadership continues to inspire and motivate me in my everyday work.

Which period of your career would you describe as the most challenging, and which as the most fulfilling?

I would single out the COVID-19 pandemic as the most challenging period of my career. It was an exceptionally demanding time that required rapid adaptation and decision-making to protect employees’ health while ensuring uninterrupted operations. Looking back today, I am proud that we successfully overcame that challenge. As for the most fulfilling moment, I would single out completing my specialization in clinical pharmacology, which was supported by Alkaloid. It was a significant milestone in my professional growth and development.

What did you learn from your mother about your approach to work, and what would you like to pass on to your daughter today?

From my mother, I learned that work is a reflection of one’s character. She always emphasized the importance of working responsibly, honestly, and with dedication, while showing respect to every colleague. From her, I learned patience, perseverance, and the value of trust, something that takes years to build but can be lost in an instant. She also taught me the importance of being a team player, fostering collaboration, and remaining loyal, even during challenging times. Today, I pass these same values on to my daughter, Anastasija, believing that success does not come overnight but is the result of persistence, dedication, and integrity.

What does being part of Alkaloid's 90-year story mean to you?

It is much more than a job – it is trust, tradition, and a legacy built across generations. I firmly believe that we will continue building this successful story together in the years to come.

Anastasija Petrovska

What does it feel like to begin your career at a company that is already part of your family history?

Starting my career at Alkaloid holds special significance for me. Being part of a company where my grandmother worked and where my mother continues to work today is both a source of pride and a great responsibility. This opportunity inspires me to follow their example of dedication, responsibility, and loyalty. I am grateful to have the chance to continue a tradition that has deep roots in my family. Their experiences and values provide me with a solid foundation on which to build my professional development. The combination of personal ambition and family tradition gives me a strong sense of belonging. At the same time, through my everyday work, I strive to build my own credibility and reputation and leave my own mark.

What does Alkaloid represent for you today, a tradition or a new beginning?

For me, working at Alkaloid represents the perfect balance between tradition and a new beginning. Tradition gives me a strong foundation and a sense of belonging, while the new beginning offers opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills that are important both for my professional development and for the success of the company. Thanks to my family tradition, I gained a clearer understanding of how the system operates, which helped me adapt more easily at the very beginning. Over the past year and a half, I have come to see Alkaloid as a company that values dedication, professionalism, and teamwork, while continuously investing in the development of its people. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in a supportive work environment and to learn from my colleagues in the Finance Department. Inspired by the legacy of previous generations, I will continue along the path they helped build with dedication and responsibility, while striving to contribute to the company's future success and, one day, become an example for generations to come. Being part of the Alkaloid family is both an honor and a source of immense pride.