Draft:Marko Podgornik Verdev

Marko Podgornik Verdev

Marko Verdev

Born: October 23, 1973, Maribor, Slovenia

Nationality: Slovenian

Occupation: CEO of Mikro+Polo d.o.o., CEO of Lab Interior GmbH, Author, Speaker, Consultant

Years Active: 1992–Present

Early Life and Education

Marko Verdev was born on October 23, 1973, in Maribor, Slovenia, during a period of significant social and political transformation. Growing up in post-socialist Slovenia, he was exposed to traditional values and expectations, yet from an early age, he showed a strong inclination toward questioning societal norms and embracing openness and authenticity. His childhood was marked by curiosity and a drive to challenge the status quo, traits that would later define his career and personal philosophy.

Verdev enrolled in the Gea College of Entrepreneurship from 2002 to 2005, where he focused on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial studies. Although he did not complete a formal degree, the program provided him with a strong foundation in business management, innovation, and leadership. His academic pursuits were complemented by real-world experiences gained while working in various roles at Mikro+Polo, the company that would eventually become his primary professional focus. This combination of academic background and hands-on experience, along with his passion for innovative leadership, laid the groundwork for a dynamic career.

Career - Mikro+Polo: CEO and Visionary Leader

Marko Verdev’s professional journey began in 1992 at Mikro+Polo, a company based in Maribor that specializes in supplying laboratory equipment, consumables, chemicals, and diagnostics. Initially, Verdev started as a Sales Representative, working his way up through several roles, including Purchaser, Purchasing and Logistics Manager, and Assistant Sales Manager. His dedication and skill in managing operations, supply chains, and customer relationships positioned him as a key figure within the company.

In 2006, Verdev became the CEO and in 2011 Partner of Mikro+Polo, assuming full leadership of the company. Under his direction, Mikro+Polo expanded its market share and became the leading provider of laboratory equipment and solutions in Slovenia. The company’s offerings range from laboratory consumables and chemicals to the production of laboratory furniture. Mikro+Polo's growth extended beyond Slovenia, reaching Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the company has established a significant presence.

Verdev’s leadership style is characterized by a focus on innovation, employee well-being, and social responsibility. He believes that a company’s success is not only measured by its financial performance but also by its impact on employees, customers, and the community. As part of his vision, Mikro+Polo adopted a number of progressive workplace policies, including flexible working hours, unlimited vacation, and employee-centered wellness programs. These initiatives have contributed to a high level of employee satisfaction and retention, making Mikro+Polo a model of corporate responsibility in Slovenia.

One of Verdev’s notable achievements at Mikro+Polo was the creation of LAB INTERIOR, a subsidiary focused on designing and producing high-quality, ergonomically advanced laboratory furniture. LAB INTERIOR was launched in 2014, with a particular focus on export markets, especially in Europe. Verdev's vision for LAB INTERIOR was to blend functionality with design, ensuring that laboratories not only meet high technical standards but also provide comfortable and efficient working environments. This innovation further solidified Mikro+Polo’s reputation as a leader in laboratory solutions across Central and Eastern Europe.

Lab Interior GmbH: Expanding Global Reach

In 2014, Marko Verdev founded Lab Interior GmbH, a German subsidiary of Mikro+Polo, and took on the role of CEO.

Lab Interior GmbH specializes in exporting high-end laboratory furniture to European and international markets. The company is known for producing customizable laboratory equipment designed to meet the specific needs of scientific institutions, healthcare facilities, and research centers. With the innovative PREGL DIGITAL system—recognized as the world’s first smart laboratory furniture solution—Lab Interior has taken a pioneering step. This add-on transforms standard furniture into smart furniture, allowing for real-time inventory tracking, efficient sample management, and instant access to critical data, all while supporting sustainable lab practices. Under Verdev’s leadership, Lab Interior GmbH has successfully positioned itself as a competitive player in the global market, emphasizing quality, innovation, and environmental sustainability in its products.

Verdev’s expansion into international markets through Lab Interior reflects his forward-thinking approach to business. He understood the importance of diversifying Mikro+Polo’s product lines and geographic reach, ensuring that the company remained competitive in a rapidly globalizing economy. His strategic leadership and commitment to quality and innovation through tools like PREGL DIGITAL have made Lab Interior a key player in the laboratory furniture industry.

Leadership Style and Company Culture

What sets Marko Verdev apart from many business leaders is his emphasis on creating a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace culture. He believes that employee well-being is integral to the overall success of a business. At Mikro+Polo, Verdev has introduced a number of innovative workplace policies designed to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. These include:

Flexible Working Hours: Employees are given the freedom to structure their work schedules in a way that best suits their personal and professional needs. This flexibility has resulted in higher levels of job satisfaction and work-life balance.

Unlimited Vacation: Verdev introduced an unlimited vacation policy at Mikro+Polo, trusting employees to manage their time responsibly. This policy is built on the belief that a rested and happy workforce is more productive and creative.

Wellness Programs: To promote physical and mental well-being, Mikro+Polo offers free breakfast, fresh fruit, fitness and dance activities, and even child- and pet-friendly office spaces. These initiatives reflect Verdev’s commitment to holistic employee care.

Strong and Healthy Project: One of Mikro+Polo’s signature wellness initiatives, the "Strong and Healthy" project encourages employees to engage in physical wellness activities and healthy eating. This project exemplifies the company’s dedication to promoting health and wellness within the workforce.

Under Verdev’s leadership, Mikro+Polo has been recognized for its corporate social responsibility and employee-centered policies. The company has received numerous awards for its innovation in employee care and workplace inclusivity, positioning it as a leader in the Slovenian business community.

Authorship: Govorim

Govorim Book

In addition to his achievements as a business leader, Marko Verdev is also an accomplished author. In 2024, he published his autobiography, Govorim ("I Speak"), a candid and unfiltered account of his life experiences. The book explores a wide range of personal topics, including Verdev’s struggles with homosexuality, drug use, depression, and anxiety. It provides readers with an intimate look at the emotional challenges that often accompany success in the business world.

Govorim is notable for its raw honesty and its willingness to address topics that are often stigmatized in Slovenian society. Verdev openly discusses the challenges of coming to terms with his identity in a conservative environment and the toll that mental health struggles have taken on his personal and professional life. The book also reflects on his journey toward self-acceptance and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own life.

Through Govorim, Verdev seeks to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. His message is one of resilience, courage, and authenticity. The book has been praised for its relatability and for offering valuable insights into the often-hidden emotional side of entrepreneurship. It has resonated particularly with younger readers, who find inspiration in Verdev’s willingness to break taboos and speak openly about his experiences.

Public Speaking and Advocacy

As a public figure, Marko Verdev is a sought-after speaker on topics such as authentic leadership, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights. He regularly speaks at conferences and corporate events, sharing his personal experiences and advocating for inclusivity and mental well-being in the workplace. Verdev’s public speaking engagements have included appearances at TEDx events, where he has discussed the importance of embracing one’s identity and breaking down societal barriers.

In addition to his public speaking, Verdev is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in Slovenia. He has worked to destigmatize conversations around mental health, particularly within the business community, where such topics are often overlooked. His advocacy extends to promoting mental health support systems within companies, emphasizing the need for businesses to take an active role in supporting the well-being of their employees.

Verdev is also a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has used his platform to promote greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in Slovenia. His personal experiences as a gay man in a conservative society have informed his advocacy work, and he continues to push for greater inclusivity and representation in both the business world and society at large.

Personal Life 

Marko Verdev’s personal life is as dynamic and unconventional as his professional career. He is the father of three sons and is married to a younger husband. Verdev’s openness about his personal life, including his experiences as a gay man, has made him a prominent figure in Slovenia’s LGBTQ+ community. He has been vocal about the challenges he faced in reconciling his identity with societal expectations, and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights has made him an important role model for others in the community.

Verdev’s personal journey is marked by significant challenges, including struggles with mental health, but it is also a story of resilience and self-empowerment. He believes that true freedom comes from authenticity and that individuals must take responsibility for their own lives, regardless of the obstacles they face. This philosophy has guided both his personal and professional life, shaping his approach to leadership and his interactions with others.

Legacy and Impact

Marko Verdev’s contributions to the business world, mental health advocacy, and LGBTQ+ rights have left a lasting impact on Slovenian society. As the CEO of Mikro+Polo and Lab Interior, he has transformed his companies into leaders in their respective fields, while also setting a new standard for corporate responsibility and employee care. His leadership style, which emphasizes inclusivity, well-being, and innovation, has inspired other businesses to adopt more progressive workplace policies.

Through his autobiography, Govorim, and his public speaking engagements, Verdev has brought attention to important social issues, encouraging others to embrace their true selves and to support those facing mental health challenges. His advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights has also helped to create a more inclusive and accepting environment in Slovenia, particularly within the business community.

Verdev’s legacy is one of resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to making the world a better place for future generations. His life story serves as an inspiration to those who seek to break free from societal norms and pursue their own paths with courage and conviction.