Pythian Postcards: Skopje, North Macedonia

Vladimir Naumovski, Senior Director, Managed Services, shares more about his life in beautiful bustling Skopje, Macedonia with the Pythian team. 

Tell us about where you live.

I live in Skopje, the lively and historical capital of North Macedonia. Though I was born in Bitola, a charming town known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, I moved to Skopje for my higher education and have stayed here ever since. Skopje has it all – from centuries-old monuments to modern vibes, and it’s surrounded by mountains and rivers, which makes nature escapes easy. Despite being a busy city, it’s home, and it’s always a nice balance between work and family life.

What was your path to Pythian?

I’ve been with Pythian for 14 years now, and it all started with a colleague of mine who joined the company six months before I did. He was so impressed with the culture and opportunities that as soon as a position opened up, he gave me a nudge, saying, “You’ve got to check this out!” Well, 14 years later, here I am, still thriving and loving my journey with Pythian. And that same colleague? We’re still working together—he gave me a great referral, and I’ll forever be grateful for it!

What’s a typical day like for you now?

As a senior director, my days are definitely action-packed. I support teams across the globe, so I don’t really have "typical" working hours. It’s more of a round-the-clock rhythm. I’m constantly shifting between time zones, managing different teams, technologies and projects, and making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. But, amidst the chaos, I still find moments to squeeze in some outdoor gymnastic workouts. Staying physically active helps me stay sharp and grounded in the whirlwind of work!

How do you spend your time off?

When I’m not working, my family takes center stage. We love spending time together outdoors—going for nature walks, playing tennis, or just exploring the world around us. Building Legos with my daughter is one of our favorite pastimes (yes, I’m probably more into it than she is!). And when we need to unwind, we enjoy family movie nights—it’s our way of recharging and having fun.

What is the signature dish from your culture? / What is a traditional meal in your home country?

North Macedonia has a rich culinary tradition, but one of my personal favorites is Kukurek. It might sound a bit unusual to some—it’s made from lamb intestines that are cleaned and braided, then cooked to perfection. While seafood is a personal passion of mine, Kukurek is one of those traditional dishes that transports me straight to home. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for me, it’s pure comfort!

Describe an important custom from your country.

One of the most beautiful customs in North Macedonia happens during Easter. We dye eggs, but there’s a special tradition behind it. The first egg is dyed red before sunrise on Thursday, symbolizing health and protection for the household. That egg is kept safe for an entire year to protect the family, and it holds a deep significance in our culture. It’s an old custom, but it’s still very much alive in my home. My wife even uses the first egg to draw a cross on our daughter’s forehead for health and happiness. It’s a beautiful way to keep traditions going.

What is your favorite holiday or festival?

Without a doubt, Easter is my favorite holiday. It’s a time for family, tradition, and reflection. I love the egg-dyeing process, especially the part where we dye the first red egg before sunrise. That egg holds special powers in our tradition, and it’s fascinating to be part of something that ties generations together. Plus, the celebration with family, the good food, and the sense of renewal—it’s something I look forward to every year.