EPISODE 1 of 2 — The Extraordinary Journey of Mike Zafirovski
In this first half of a two-part conversation, we sit down with Mike Zafirovski, former CEO of multiple major corporations and a leader whose story embodies transformation, grit, and faith.
Mike takes us from his childhood in communist Yugoslavia… to his family’s immigration to the U.S… to a career that unexpectedly launched at General Electric and eventually led him to top global leadership roles. He shares how his early worldview was shaped, how America changed his trajectory, and how faith began to take root—even before he fully understood what it meant.
This episode covers:
Mike’s upbringing in Macedonia and life under communism
His family’s immigration story and cultural transition
How a “practice interview” at GE became a life-changing moment
His rise through GE, Motorola, and Nortel
How family and faith grounded him throughout his career
Early glimpses of the spiritual journey that would reshape everything
Part 2 will explore his halftime awakening, his mission statement, the family enterprise, and how he is building values-based leaders and organizations around the world.
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