Alina Timofeeva sits down with North Macedonia’s Minister of Digital Transformation to discuss the future of AI and digital innovation, and shares exclusive insights with Bloomberg.
Skopje, North Macedonia: Globally renowned digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) expert Alina Timofeeva delivered a compelling keynote address at the recent conference, “Accelerated Digital Transformation and the Artificial Intelligence Revolution,” hosted by Women on Boards Adria (WOBA) and Finance Talks by EoS in Skopje. The event united visionary leaders from academia, business, and government to explore the future of technology and its transformative potential.
As a multi-award-winning strategic advisor in Data and Technology, Alina Timofeeva captivated the audience with her powerful insights into the critical role of women leaders in driving digitisation and AI implementation. In her address, she emphasised, “Technology is not just about creating code—it exists to empower people.” Her speech underscored the necessity of inclusive leadership and strategic action to unlock the full potential of AI and digital transformation, cementing her position as a leading voice in the industry.
During the event, Timofeeva conducted an on-stage interview with North Macedonia’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mr. Stefan Andonovski. Their discussion focused on advancing the country’s technological development, with Timofeeva highlighting the importance of collaboration, innovation, and equal opportunities in the digital economy. Minister Andonovski echoed her sentiments, stating, “Digital innovations must be inclusive and diverse, ensuring that citizens, regardless of gender, have equal access to opportunities in the digital economy.”
In a televised interview with Bloomberg, Timofeeva further emphasised the urgent need to take decisive action against criminals who exploit AI and cyber vulnerabilities, putting individuals at risk—particularly women and children.
The conference served as a platform for actionable dialogue, with Biljana Breitweiser, President of WOBA and CEO of Sustineri Partners, remarking, “This conference is not just about discussion—it’s about taking action. With the talent and expertise we have seen, North Macedonia has a strong foundation for success in the digital future.”
Timofeeva’s participation reinforced her reputation as a thought leader in the tech space. Her ability to bridge complex technological concepts with real-world applications resonated deeply with attendees, further solidifying her status as a sought-after expert in digital transformation, AI, and cybersecurity.
A Vision for the Future
As the region continues its journey toward digital transformation, Alina Timofeeva’s leadership and expertise serve as a guiding force. Her ability to inspire action, coupled with her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and innovation, makes her a pivotal figure in shaping the future of technology.
“The rapid rise of deepfakes poses a growing threat to our society, as current laws fail to safeguard victims from reputational damage, psychological distress, and long-term harm. Remember: Criminals don’t pay taxes, but we, as citizens, are impacted. In the coming years, the time it takes to exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities will continue to shrink, expanding the range of potential targets. This makes predictive analytics crucial for identifying and prioritising threats quickly, alongside the urgent need for stronger legal protections for citizens. Collaboration across the entire ecosystem is essential to address these concerns.” – Alina Timofeeva
“Digital transformation is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity for companies that want to remain competitive.” – Dr. Katerina Boshevska, General Manager of EOS Matrix for Macedonia and Kosovo
About Alina Timofeeva
About Alina Timofeeva
Alina Timofeeva is a multi-award-winning strategic advisor in Data and Technology, guiding major financial organisations through complex transformations and regulatory challenges. Alina worked at top consulting firms (Oliver Wyman, KPMG, and Accenture) and was recognised by the industry as the Digital Leader of the Year, Cloud Professional of the Year, and Most Inspirational Individual of the Year. A LinkedIn Top Voice and TEDx speaker, Alina frequently addresses high-impact topics on Data and Technology at events like the World Economic Forum, London Tech Week, LEAP and Money 20/20, and she has spoken at renowned universities, including Oxford, LSE, and Imperial College. Her insights have been featured in BBC, Forbes, The Telegraph and The Banker by Financial Times. Her TEDx talk, "Fail but Never Give Up," has inspired over half a million viewers worldwide, translated into 23 languages, and was recognised among the top 10 most-watched TEDx talks globally in 2021. Alina’s expertise in technology is complemented by her compelling personal journey. As a first-generation immigrant female from a working-class background, she has rapidly advanced in a traditionally male-dominated field, captivating audiences with her story of resilience and determination.