Interview with Ljubinka Chavdarovska: Millennial Women Transforming the World of Industry
We have created a platform for millennial women working in the industry who are ready to share their success stories. We launched a series of interviews to highlight their inspiring experiences and achievements, focusing on women who are transforming the world around them. In this edition, we spoke with Ljubinka Chavdarovska, Operations Manager at ProAxis Innovation in Bitola.
Can you tell us more about the company where you are working and its objective?
ProAxis Innovation is a factory in Bitola, North Macedonia, that makes CNC machines. We’ve been in the market for over 8 years and are proud of our high-quality CNC Plasma Machines. Right now, we’re also working on an exciting project to create a Fiber laser machine.
Our goal is to deliver top-quality, reliable machines that meet our clients’ needs. We aim to become the leading CNC machine manufacturer in the region by focusing on precision, customer satisfaction, and constant improvement. We not only serve the Macedonian market but also export our machines to neighboring countries. Recently, we’ve started preparing to launch an e-commerce platform in the USA to bring our products to even more customers worldwide.
What challenges have you faced as a millennial woman working in your industry, and how have you overcome them?
Working in a male-dominated industry as a millennial woman hasn’t always been easy. One of the biggest challenges has been proving myself in technical and leadership roles, where women are often underrepresented. I’ve overcome these challenges by staying confident in my skills and focusing on results. My background in project management, customer relations, and working with different types of teams, and leading them also, has helped me demonstrate my value. Building strong communication and trust with colleagues has been key, as well as continually learning and improving.
I’m proud to work in an industry where I can break stereotypes and show that women can lead and innovate. These experiences have also motivated me to help and encourage other women to step into fields they’re passionate about, no matter the challenges.
What competencies or skills do you believe are most valuable for millennial women in the workplace, and why?
To me, the most valuable skills for millennial women in the workplace are adaptability, emotional intelligence, and communication. Being adaptable helps us handle changes and challenges with confidence. Emotional intelligence allows us to connect with others, understand their needs, and build positive relationships. For me, communication has been especially important. It’s helped me lead teams, solve problems, and work toward shared goals. I also think having a growth mindset is key. Being open to learning new skills helps us grow and succeed, both in work and in life.
How can millennial women continue to develop and refine their skills in the industry?
Millennial women can continue to develop and refine their skills in the industry by staying curious and embracing continuous learning. This could mean seeking out new challenges at work, attending relevant workshops, or pursuing certifications that enhance our expertise. Networking with other professionals, both inside and outside of our industry, is also crucial for gaining fresh perspectives and staying updated on trends. I find that staying involved in projects that push me out of my comfort zone has been a great way to develop new skills. I also make time to read, learn from mentors, and get feedback from colleagues to improve and grow. It’s important to stay open to new opportunities for growth and to always be proactive in sharpening our skills.
How do you think millennial women bring a unique perspective to the industry compared to previous generations?
Millennial women bring a unique perspective because we’re open to new ideas and technologies, and we value working together and creating a good work-life balance. I think we’re more focused on inclusivity and diversity, and that helps create stronger teams. I try to bring both fresh solutions and respect for tradition to my work. I’m always looking for new ways to improve things while also making sure communication and teamwork are at the heart of what we do. I think this mix of innovation and care is something millennial women bring to the table.
How do you see the role of mentorship and support networks playing a part in the advancement and success of millennial women in the workplace?
Mentorship and support networks are crucial for the advancement and success of millennial women in the workplace. Having a mentor who can guide, advise, and challenge us can make a huge difference, especially in navigating career growth and overcoming obstacles. Support networks, whether in the form of colleagues, peers, or industry groups, also provide a space to share experiences, seek advice, and encourage each other. Personally, I’ve found that mentorship has played a key role in my development. Having people, I can trust for advice and feedback has helped me grow, especially in areas where I may have felt uncertain. At the same time, building strong relationships with my colleagues and learning from their experiences has been just as valuable. These networks create a sense of community and empowerment, helping us all reach our goals.
The Series of interviews are part of the project EMPOWERING – Empowering M-Women in Industry which focuses on millennial women (born between 1980 and 1995) working in manufacturing industries, aiming to support their professional education, skill development, and career advancement. The mission extends beyond individual empowerment to fostering European collaboration and networking, which are essential for success in today’s world.
Ljubinka Chavdarovska, Operations Manager
ProAxis Innovation in Bitola
