Name: Novica Gijevski

Title: Empire Builder

Organisation: Gijevski

Two decades ago, Novica Gijevski boldly plunged into the business world, establishing himself as a formidable leader in marketing and sales strategy. With an astute understanding of market dynamics and an instinct for innovation, he has built a strong reputation as a trusted manager and director.

Prior to this, Novica excelled as the Head of Marketing Campaigns for the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and delivered unparalleled results as a freelance SEO and marketing executive for esteemed companies around the world, such as increasing website traffic by 200% for a US-based fintech company and boosting sales by 35% for a UK-based pharmaceutical brand and including companies in Canada, Singapore, France, Germany, Malta, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, the UAE, Switzerland, Türkiye, and Colombia.

His expertise spans multiple industries, but his relentless commitment to healthcare and IT truly sets him apart. In the healthcare sector, Novica tackles every challenge with a devotion to creating impactful solutions in remote patient monitoring, where he is involved in saving people's lives, which is the ultimate goal of every human being on the planet. His interest in the fitness industry is not just professional but personal due to the fact that he values health and wellness for himself and his clients.

Moreover, Novica is not only a guardian of humans but also a vigilant protector of digital frontiers, establishing himself in cybersecurity. His ventures into iGaming demonstrate his relentless drive to explore and conquer uncharted territories. He brings extensive experience working both in-office and remotely, and he has successfully leveraged cutting-edge AI trends and solutions for businesses across the globe.

Renowned for crafting impactful marketing strategies and delivering effective business solutions, Novica Gijevski perceives business as a canvas where innovation and precision converge. His exceptional approach to business is not just about solving problems but about transforming the industry with his creative ideas. Novica's exceptional approach seamlessly integrates vision with execution, transforming ideas into remarkable success stories.

Clients rely on Novica's exceptional ability to simplify complexity, delivering straightforward, strategic counsel that cuts through market noise. Novica has a remarkable ability to transform complex marketing strategies into clear, actionable steps, driving the success of numerous campaigns. The campaigns he wields are potent combinations of insight, experience, creativity, and tangible results, putting out a career defined by decisiveness, expertise, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Novica Gijevski is more than just a business participant; he is an actual Empire Builder. Through his strategic actions, he consistently drives success and helps the Gijevski brand grow even further.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Novica's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a business leader, one of the most challenging aspects I have faced is navigating the ever-changing landscape of market demands and technological advancements. The ability to adapt while maintaining a clear vision for my team and projects can be daunting. Balancing the need for innovation with the realities of operational constraints requires constant attention and flexibility.

Yet, ensuring all team members are aligned and motivated presents challenges, particularly in a remote or hybrid work environment. I strive to foster a culture of collaboration and open communication, but it can be challenging to address varying levels of engagement and enthusiasm among team members.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

A long time ago, I was walking downtown with a few friends when suddenly, we encountered a dangerous situation. A random kid took a gun out of his pants and pointed it at me and my friends. At that moment, I stayed calm and stood up with confidence. I pretended/bluffed that I had a gun too, placing my right hand on the back of my pants as if I could draw a weapon and shoot him.

His hand shook, and he looked surprised - he started running away. That was the moment that my friends and I realized that my abilities were even greater than being just a good friend. Also, I was playing amateur poker back then, so I knew what a bluff looked like.

I learned that being a leader means more than just achieving goals; it's about discipline and a great desire to win. I focused on myself first, on my actions to be an example for others. Once you achieve this, people will naturally gravitate towards you as they want someone they can trust as a person first to guide them through any obstacle. Life experiences can take you further, and my experiences are truly unique.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Discipline Fuels Success The ultimate driver of success is discipline paired with a rock-solid morning routine. Workdays are unpredictable - task delays, rescheduled meetings, or sudden employee absences are inevitable. That’s why my guiding principle is: "Remarkable achievements come from steadfast discipline".

Morning Routine I rise at 6:00 am sharp. My day kicks off with a 3-minute plank followed by brushing my teeth. For the first 30 minutes, I disconnect - no phone or computer. This clarity is essential, even though I spend over 12 hours daily in front of a screen, including weekends. From 6:30 am till 7:00 am I am having breakfast.

At 7:00 am, I review the day’s tasks and meetings to identify which task(s) can be completed early, helping to kick off the day effectively. The ones marked with red are the ones who are the most urgent ones that should be tackled as soon as possible. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, driven by the thought of an urgent task left unfinished. As a leader, I promptly reach out to my team, ensuring it becomes the top priority in the early morning.

I begin my exercise routine at 7:30 am in my well-equipped home gym, where I have everything I need for a complete full-body workout. I choose to work out at home instead of going to a gym because it’s efficient and saves valuable time. After my workout, I take a refreshing shower, and by 8:45 am, I am suited up to tackle my daily tasks with energy and focus.

PS I always start my day with an espresso between 8:45 am and 9:00 am - it’s an essential part of my morning routine along with making sure that I stay hydrated during and after workouts. Time is my most valuable asset, and I maximize it by working remotely from home, maintaining my fitness through home workouts, and having all my meals at home. Workday From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (CET), I collaborate with European and Asian clients. Lunch varies based on commitments, keeping me agile throughout the day.

From 3:00 pm (CET), I engage with clients across the Americas, primarily from the USA and Canada, staying available until 11:00 pm CET (5:00 pm EST). When working with Australian partners, I adapt effortlessly to early-morning or late-night meetings. Dinner typically falls between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, adjusted as needed for business calls or deadlines.

Commitment to Excellence My workday ends at 11:00 pm, and I’m in bed by midnight—ready to rise and repeat. I stay fully flexible for Macedonian, American, and global holidays, ensuring uninterrupted service. I also prioritize taking one impactful vacation each year to recharge and pursue extraordinary adventures. This approach not only revitalizes me but also enables me to dive deeper into my business with renewed energy.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

One of the most impactful lessons I have been reminded of as a leader is that calm decisiveness in high-pressure situations can shape outcomes far more effectively than sheer force or authority.

I recently faced a critical business challenge where multiple projects were approaching urgent deadlines, and unforeseen obstacles surfaced. It felt like being cornered in a high-stakes poker game where every move mattered. Instead of reacting impulsively, I took a step back and thought, "OK, good, now let's see how to act upon this". I assessed the situation, made calculated decisions, and prioritized tasks with precision. Being able to communicate clearly with my team, emphasizing trust, accountability, and mutual support, was the turning point.

This experience reminded me that authentic leadership is not about controlling every detail - it’s about staying steady, making bold yet thoughtful moves, and bringing confidence even in uncertain moments. It’s a lesson I live by, both in business and in life.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has profoundly impacted my leadership journey is Atomic Habits by James Clear. Its core message - that small, consistent actions lead to remarkable results deeply resonated with me. Early in my career, I was driven by the belief that success came from intense bursts of effort. But, as I faced increasingly complex challenges, I realized that sustainability comes from disciplined, intentional habits. Atomic Habits helped me rethink my approach - not just professionally but personally as well.

One particular lesson that stuck with me is the concept of identity-based habits: "Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become". I applied this mindset by creating a morning routine centered on fitness, planning, and preparation, ensuring that every day starts with purpose and clarity.

The vision of who I want to become in the next 5 years and how my life should look has been the driving factor in implementing a habits regime to achieve my goals. Simply having goals isn't enough; you need the discipline to achieve them, and that's where atomic habits come into play.

As a leader, this perspective has transformed how I set goals and lead teams. It's not about pushing for quick wins but building a culture of continuous improvement where small, positive changes compound over time. This shift has been a game-changer for my career and personal development.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Focus on building discipline above all else. Leadership is not about titles or accolades; it's about consistently doing the hard work, making the tough decisions, and leading by example, no matter the circumstances.

A genuine leader takes decisive action when a team member fails to meet expectations or misses a deadline. In these moments, it's crucial to address the issue head-on and find a resolution, demonstrating the standard for accountability. If the employee does not learn from their shortcomings, it may reveal that they are not fit for your leadership.

If you develop the habits of a true leader, such as responsibility, resilience, and integrity, success will knock on the door. Understand that your actions speak louder than your words, and others will follow when you demonstrate a relentless commitment to your mission. Lead yourself first, and others will naturally fall in line.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? One of the most meaningful stories from my leadership journey involves balancing multiple industries while managing both active and passive income ventures. Uncompleted work has always triggered me - even when I am technically "off duty". Knowing something is unfinished keeps me restless. Passive income might sound like effortless money, but to me, it's still a responsibility that demands constant oversight.

A defining moment came when one of my tech-driven passive income platforms experienced a critical system failure while I was leading a high-stakes project in another industry. The platform was designed to run independently, generating revenue around the clock until a backend issue disrupted operations, putting clients and revenue at risk.

Despite being fully engaged elsewhere, I could not tolerate the thought of unresolved issues. I immediately mobilized my tech team across multiple time zones, overseeing fixes while still managing my primary business obligations. For 48 intense hours, I led on both fronts until everything was resolved and stabilized.

That experience redefined leadership for me. It's not just about responding when problems arise in expected places - it's about taking responsibility for every venture you initiate, ensuring nothing is left incomplete. Authentic leadership means being fully accountable, even when the world thinks you are "off the clock".