A step back from the ego can make us more successful

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Elena Stoyanova and I am the Head of Human Resources at “Latecoere Bulgaria EOOD“. “Latecoere” is a global company, a pioneer in aviation, which dates back to 1917. “Latecoere” has been part of Bulgaria's industry since 2017 and is the only manufacturer in the aircraft construction sector with Airbus as its main client.

As the Head of Human Resources, I am responsible for the overall management of processes related to people in the company, building an employer brand, and strategic planning. My experience in the field of human resources is mainly in manufacturing companies. 

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I dreamed of becoming an opera singer. To sing on a big stage and to be part of the magic of the art of opera.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

Actually, I never received my first earned money. It was during the summer vacation of the tenth against the eleventh grade in high school. I sold books at one of the busy central stops in the city of #Plovdiv, where I was born and still live. My venture lasted no more than a week, as the promised reward remained only in words. Since I had no contract, I had no way to claim my rights. This experience made me extremely sensitive to dishonest employers who take advantage of people's naivety and ignorance. I do not look back at this incident with resentment, rather with gratitude, because while I was waiting for someone to buy a book, I managed to read numerous books that, at that moment, I could not afford.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an earlier age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

Family, environment. Art in all its aspects. The connection with nature and understanding of technology.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in a more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

After a serious illness and personal loss, I sought a coping mechanism that is not outside me, but within me. I walk the path of personal awareness, calibrating emotions, searching for vocation and meaning. I find them every day and every day I seek deeper into my heart.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, looking at it from today's perspective?

Where to pursue my higher education is my decision and full-fledged choice. My parents warned me that from that moment on, the responsibility  for my life is mine. They were the ones who taught me how free will is the most valuable lesson from parent to child. I was preparing for a completely different field of application and almost by chance ended up being a student of Primary Education with French language, who is just beginning to understand what it means to be an independent social unit in Student Town, Sofia.

Share with us more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

I write poetry, I can paint, music is still my passion. My calling is to help people meet those aspects of their human nature that make their choices successful. Or not. But not to stay where they are. 

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity capture your interest?

I love my profession, I put my heart and soul into it. I would give precedence to art in my life, but perhaps at a later stage.

They say that the personal brand is everything that people say about you when you are not with them in a room. What would you like to hear today?

Elena is the presence that provokes me to achieve success with myself.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills are key conditions for success in recent years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to be in good shape and mood?

I meditate, communicate with people who positively energize me, read. I observe myself and at the signal of disrupted balance, I try to get acquainted with my emotions, accept them, and focus my attention on future plans that will bring me joy and satisfaction.

What are the most important conclusions you have drawn so far about maintaining the right communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily  – colleagues, friends, relatives?

Accepting people in their entire range of values and behaviors is key to successful communication. Sharing perspectives leads to better decisions. A step back from the ego can make us more successful mainly according to our own criteria. It takes a lot of personal strength to be ourselves, but together.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money should not be an end in itself. They are a result and a means to maintain a standard of living. Money should be in motion to attract more money. Generosity is important to turn money into virtue.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

Follow your heart, it knows where to lead you. Without makeup, without pose, without force.