My Story

I’m an AI strategy and product leader focused on reimagining the customer journey through technology. My work sits at the intersection of AI, product, commerce, and human-centered innovation. But before any title, I’m a husband, a pet parent, and, according to me - the best uncle in the world.

From the Balkans to the Boardwalk

I was born and raised in the wonderful little country of Macedonia. My hometown, Veles, was for many years the most polluted city in Europe. We grew up post-war right after Yugoslavia split. Yes, there was a lot of poverty, but growing up in the Balkans is not as sad as the movies make it out to be. We had a wonderful childhood. We played on the streets, and there was a deep sense of humanity and camaraderie. Neighbors were always helping neighbors.

But I also saw the hard reality of that transition period. I had friends who lost relatives simply because they did not have access to modern medicine and technology. That sparked a fire in me. I wanted to know how I could make a difference and make life better for people.

At first, I thought the answer was non-profits. I got involved with animal shelters and human rights groups. Eventually, I decided to go to law school because I thought politicians and lawmakers were the ones who truly changed society.

The joke was on me. I soon realized that it is the technologists who are truly reshaping the world.

During my last two years of law school, I came to the US on a summer program and got a job making taffy in a candy store on the Ocean City Boardwalk in New Jersey. I worked three or four jobs simultaneously and clocked an insane amount of hours every week. I was never happier. It blew my mind that in the US, you could work as much as you wanted. It truly felt like the land of opportunity. I realized life was too short to stay where I was, so I decided to chase a business degree instead.

The Hustle and the Shift to Tech

I applied to universities in the States and got accepted into Stockton University in New Jersey. I transferred my credits, stayed two more years for a business degree, and eventually got my MBA. As an international student, I was not allowed to take out loans, so I paid for my schooling in cash by working every odd job I could find. I was a server, a bartender, and a landscaper. When I graduated, I had zero debt.

During my MBA, I fell in love with omnichannel retail technology. After navigating a long immigration process, I landed my first corporate job as an Omnichannel Analyst at Spencer's. It was a beautiful mess of business and technology, especially when COVID hit and we had to scramble to build ship-from-store and pick-up-in-store solutions overnight.

Wanting a new challenge, I joined Gap Inc. as a Product Manager, where I spent several years working across enterprise commerce and omnichannel product. I later transitioned into AI Strategy as the first hire in our newly formed Office of AI. Today, I lead consumer AI strategy and product, with a particular focus on AI across the customer journey — from Agentic Commerce outside our owned experiences to Agentic Experiences within them. The work spans emerging technology, experimentation, adoption, and scaling across Gap Inc.’s four-brand portfolio. One of the things I’m proudest of is helping move AI from something people were curious or cautious about to something teams actively use, build with, and depend on. That shift, from experimentation to meaningful adoption, is what makes this work exciting to me.

My Deepest "Why"

My passion for tech goes far beyond the corporate world. Both of my parents are sick. My dad has Parkinson's, and my mom has Alzheimer's. I have spent my free time building side projects to help them navigate their diseases. I built a custom GPT to translate Parkinson's medical literature into Macedonian for my dad, and a specialized medication reminder system for my mom.

My niece has special needs and is a true miracle child. She spent two and a half years in the hospital undergoing experimental treatments. If it were not for medical technology, she would not be alive today.

This is why the doom and gloom narratives around technology make me so angry. Fifty years ago, global life expectancy was around 45 years. Today, it is 80. Technology extends life, improves life, and gives us back to each other. I am a massive proponent of technology because I see what it does for the people I love.

Golden Retrievers and AI Adoption

When I met my amazing wife, she had a severe phobia of dogs. At the time, I had a Lab named Karlo (who was my best friend, may he rest in peace) and a Golden Retriever named Nemo.

We did not force it. We took it step by step. Small exposures and short walks with Nemo. Little by little, she defeated that phobia. Today, she and Nemo are absolute best friends, and he even sleeps in the bed with us.

I look at Enterprise AI the exact same way. People are naturally terrified of it. As early adopters and enthusiasts, it is our job to be patient. We have to treat AI adoption like introducing someone to a Golden Retriever. Take small steps, prioritize security and controls, and gently show people all the wonderful possibilities.

My Promise to You

Because I have seen firsthand how technology can shape lives, improve careers, and help sick people, I have made it my life goal to find time to contribute to my community.

If you’re reading this and genuinely need help, I’m here. Whether you’re a nonprofit exploring how AI could further your mission, someone looking for mentorship, or simply navigating a difficult problem, feel free to reach out. I’m also always happy to connect with people building at the intersection of AI, product, commerce, customer experience, and technology.

LinkedIn is the easiest place to find me.