Panel Moderator Macedonia 2025
First time on stage as a moderator. And it felt like my biggest milestone so far.
I’ve been part of Macedonia2025 for over 10 years now. Every year, I’d admire the people on stage – how confidently they spoke, how easily they engaged the audience. I still admire them.
When I see speakers like Mike, Nikica, Galena, I often think, “They’re naturals.”
But I also know this: what looks effortless is usually the result of hard work, practice, and a lot of preparation behind the scenes.
Moderating a panel is a different challenge from being on one.
You need to understand the topic deeply, learn about each panelist, keep the audience engaged, and… stick to the time! That last one is the hardest
In preparing, I asked a lot of questions. Big thanks to Andrew Wrobel for the advices – he’s a pro when it comes to moderating and his insights helped me a lot.
I’ve been practicing to speak more publicly, to take the stage more often. And this moment was a big leap.
As I like to remind myself: Do one thing every day that scares you.
Oh, and to make things even more interesting… I had a fever and a sore throat the whole day. Couldn’t even talk much outside the panels, for the first time. Still, I showed up. I can not let down people that entrusted me.
It was not easy moderating with a fever and sore throat – but growth rarely is.
Thank you Macedonia2025 for the stage and to everyone who helped shape this moment.