Miroslav Lajčák is a distinguished diplomat with over three decades of experience representing both the Slovak Republic and the international community. He served four terms as Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, also holding the position of Deputy Prime Minister from 2012 to 2016. His extensive diplomatic career includes ambassadorships to Japan, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Albania. He played a pivotal role in conflict resolution in the Western Balkans, notably overseeing Montenegro’s 2006 independence referendum on behalf of the European Union and serving as High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2007–2009). From 2020 to 2025, he served as the European Union Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other regional issues in the Western Balkans.
Dr. Lajčák has held several high-ranking international positions, including President of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (2017–2018) and Chairperson-in- Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe during Slovakia’s 2019 Chairmanship. From 2010 to 2012, he was instrumental in establishing the European External Action Service as its first Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia.
A graduate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and Comenius University in Bratislava, he has been awarded five honorary doctorates and has received numerous international distinctions. He regularly delivers lectures at leading academic institutions. He remains actively engaged in international diplomacy through advisory work.
He was born on 20 March 1963 in Poprad, Slovakia.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical working day begins with world news (reading plus listening to podcasts) so that I’m briefed about the latest developments. The day is filled with meetings. I also travel a lot, participating in international conferences and speaking at different gatherings. My daily routine begins and ends with walking my dog, Naya.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I am a doer, trying to turn every plausible idea into a concrete result. I don’t like leaving things ‘for later ‘; I try to address them without delay. Plus, I always keep a ‘To-do’ list on my desk, and I update it regularly, just to make sure I don’t forget anything.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m always excited when positive things get done and when I meet people with positive thinking.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I never pile up papers on my desk; I’d rather keep them so that I can see each one of them. That way I don’t forget about them. Plus, I need to deal with them to free up space on my desk.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Learn as many foreign languages as possible. And don’t take everything too seriously.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
It’s my life – work balance. Too much work, too little life.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Asking questions. Trying to understand things, not just repeat what others say.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Go out and do some physical activity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Professionalism and responsibility. Do not promise what you cannot deliver. Deliver on what you’ve promised.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There is no one failure, but there is one experience. When doing things, don’t count on the most positive scenario; be ready for the most negative one. Don’t underestimate any detail in planning, execution, but also public communication. Make sure you can credibly explain your decisions, even several years later.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Project reliability. Demonstrate your expertise and track record.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I’m a standard user of IT; however, I rely more on my human assistant than on any software. Lately, of course, I use AI to help me with the data I need.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?/
Professionally, a digital note taker. I keep it in my pocket, and whenever I get an idea or information I don’t want to forget, I record it. Personally – I have understood that the best way to spend your money is on your loved ones. They deserve it.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I listen to several podcasts about global affairs because it’s important to understand what is happening around us. And I love reading non-fictional books, particularly about leaders with vision, such as Lee Kuan Yew. One can get a lot of inspiration there.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I love James Bond movies because I love action, and I can watch Friends or The Big Bang Theory over and over again because I get a good laugh.