Choose the people you work with as carefully as the work itself

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..
My name is Yavor Kirkov and I am the CEO of the company UPLEASE. In this role, I have been since its creation as I am responsible for strategic development, vision, and operational management.

Tell us what the philosophy and values of the company you represent at the moment are?
The philosophy in our company is based on innovation, transparency, and collaboration. We believe that the value of a company lies in its people, which is why we are focused on creating a work environment that supports development, creativity, and mutual respect. Our values are responsibility, ethics, and customer orientation, as we strive every day to provide the best solution for our partners and clients.

How long have you been developing your current company? What are the most valuable lessons that what has happened during this period has taught you?
I have been involved in the development of the company from the idea to its creation – for more than 3 years. The most important lesson I learned is how important adaptability and flexibility are in business. The world is changing rapidly, and to remain competitive, we must constantly learn, adapt, and listen to our clients.

If you personally had to write a job advertisement, what would you highlight to attract the attention of a future employee?
I would emphasize the opportunity for personal and professional development, dynamic work environment, the culture of trust and support. We highly value people who are proactive, eager to learn, and create real value. We offer a workplace where everyone can leave their mark and express themselves.

What does your company do to organize a constructive and beneficial work environment for everyone? Should people in the team be friends?
We are focused on building a culture of open communication, respect, and mutual support. We strive to create an environment where people feel comfortableo to express their opinions and ideas. I believe that friendship among colleagues is a plus, as it enhances team spirit and motivation, but it is also important to maintain professionalism and corporate ethics.

What makes you enjoy going to work? How do you handle difficult and stressful moments?
The pleasure comes from the feeling that we are moving in the right direction and towards achieving the set goals. To cope with stressful moments, I try to focus on solutions, not on problems, while relying on the team for support.

What work model does your company adhere to – office or remote? What do you think about the possibility of offering options for flexible working hours, within which employees have greater freedom to allocate their personal and work commitments?

We have a hybrid work model. For some positions, remote work is fully applicable and we offer it as an option. In other cases, when constant team synchronization or direct communication is necessary – presence in the office is key.

We have a modern and well-equipped office that is designed to be a preferred place to work – with amenities, good location, and the possibility for effective collaboration between teams.

As for flexible working hours, we provide this opportunity when the nature of the work allows it. I believe that freedom within clear goals leads to a better balance and higher productivity.

How do the continuous technological changes in the world affect your business?

Technological changes are both a challenge and a huge opportunity. We see them as a driver of innovation, not as a threat. The fact that the world is changing dynamically prompts us to constantly adapt our processes, experiment with new tools, and remain open to transformation. In businessa, you must not fall behind, and that is why one of our core values is flexibility – it allows us to respond adequately to new realities, whether it is about the digitalization of processes, artificial intelligence, or changes in consumer behavior. I believe that sustainable businesses are not necessarily the largest, but those that manage to move in sync with changes without losing their identity.

How important is hierarchy and what does it mean to you? What kind of communication do you advocate in your company?

For me, hierarchy makes sense to the extent that it serves efficiency and accountability. I do not believe in strictly vertical structures that hinder initiative. That is why we have built an organization where everyone has the freedom to propose ideas, make decisions, and develop, regardless of their position.

I am an advocate of open and timely communication – in both directions. I believe that leadership is not about talking a lot, but about listening enough. Sharing feedback, constructive debates, and constant awareness are part of how we work and grow.

What is your career advice for all the people who are building a strategy for their professional development?

First – do not look for the “perfect plan”. The world is changing too fast for there to be one right strategy. Instead, build habits: keep learning, seek feedback, be open to change.

Second – create value. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or in a leadership position, strive to give more than is expected. This is always noticed and rewarded.

And third – choose the people you work with as carefully as the work itself. The environment in which you develop often determines not only the pace but also the direction of your professional path.