Why this simulation?
Marketing is no longer just about managing campaigns—it’s about understanding the bigger picture. Today, marketers are becoming strategic partners, shifting focus from technical details to driving business decisions that deliver real impact. This simulation puts you in the driver’s seat to explore how marketing and business strategy work hand in hand. You will:
- Gain a high-level perspective on how business and marketing align to deliver measurable impact for businesses.
- Learn how to make strategic decisions—prioritizing solutions and adapting strategies for international markets.
- Develop a deeper understanding of effective communication with international clients, CMOs, and board members across diverse industries.
- Collaborate with a community of curious, growth-focused professionals passionate about tackling global challenges.
Note: While we won’t cover the fundamentals of performance marketing, we’ll suggest resources to help you prepare and make the most of this simulation.
Price: Free
Start date: [EXTENDED] Feb 14 (Friday)
Duration: 3 weeks
Format: 2-hour sessions every Friday after work
Location: 📍 Skopje
Application deadline: [EXTENDED] Jan 31 (Friday)
Note: Spots are limited which is why we have a selection process
Who is it for?
This simulation is for anyone passionate about understanding how business and marketing work together to drive growth. You don’t need prior experience in marketing or business strategy—just curiosity and a desire to learn. You might be a:
- Marketer aiming to step beyond the basics of campaign management and understand strategy.
- Business enthusiast interested in how marketing drives measurable business outcomes.
- Bold individual considering a career shift or exploring marketing and strategy as new area.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this simulation will provide you with the tools, insights, and inspiration to think strategically and make an impact.
How will the simulation work?
1. Before each session: You’ll get a real-world case study to dig into. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced professional, your curiosity and drive are all you need to dive in.
2. During the session: Gabriela will reveal how her team tackled the case in question, unpack strategies, share real-world insights, and answer all your burning questions. At the same time, it’s not just about presenting one approach—this is an opportunity to discuss ideas, explore different perspectives, and collaboratively uncover solutions to the business challenges we’ll tackle together.
3. Session lineup:
- Session 1: Explore the foundations of strategy—ask the right questions, audit performance, and outline actionable forecasts.
- Session 2: Dive into paid media strategies for platforms like Google and Meta, with insights tailored to real business challenges.
- Session 3: Build confidence in presenting—deliver strategies effectively to clients, CMOs, and board members.
4. Between sessions: You’ll have time to work through the case study, apply what you’ve learned and gear up for the next session. Whether you’re here to explore or refine your skills, this simulation brings strategies to life and shows you how to create real impact.
Meet the mentor
Gabriela Lazova | CEO & Partner
From having zero experience in digital marketing to becoming Lean’s CEO, Gabriela is living proof that your start doesn’t determine your finish line.
As one of the first partners at Lean, Gabi has dedicated nine years to scaling over 30 brands, elevating their marketing strategies and helping businesses achieve measurable growth.
In addition to leading Lean, she is a visiting practitioner at FourthRev, a digital education provider for the London School of Business, where she shares her expertise in digital marketing strategies and real-world problem-solving with students worldwide.
Looking ahead, Gabi is focused on redefining how businesses approach digital marketing, staying at the forefront of industry trends, and fostering innovation to tackle the challenges of an ever-changing market. Her vision is to empower the next generation of marketers and business leaders to think strategically and drive impactful results.
Selection process:
Seats for this program are limited, and participation is free. Our goal isn’t profit—it’s fostering a space for meaningful learning and growth.
That is why we’ve created a straightforward application process to find participants who share our curiosity and passion for growing businesses.
About Lean:
We’re a small team of curious, dedicated people who treat every client’s business like our own. We think about growing our clients’ businesses late at night—not because we have to, but because we genuinely care.
Over the years, Lean has partnered with more than 100 clients, all through word-of-mouth referrals. We’ve had the privilege of managing millions in ad spend and driving growth for companies like PlushCare, Miro, Rugs USA, and Udacity. For us, it’s about more than results—it’s about building partnerships that matter.