Don't be afraid of the 'different'

Introduce yourself in a few words..

I am Elena – I love to create value, inspire people, and learn every day. Professionally – I lead a business, strategic teams, and transformations. Personally – I love to travel because it makes me a more complete person.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

A way to connect with myself again. The world is like a mirror – in it, you see how small you are, but also how big you can be.

How many different countries have you seen so far? Share an interesting story or highlights from your travels?

I have visited over 30 countries, but the most memorable was Japan – a clash of cultures, precision, and attention to detail. There I realized that silence also communicates – and very strongly, that cities have their own smell – I will never forget that of Tokyo.

Do you like to repeat destinations?

Yes. Repeating travel is like meeting an old friend – you no longer rush, but delve deeper. I revisit places like Vienna and Barcelona – because they give me energy, taste, and culture that resonate with me.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional?

A trip to Budapest, Hungary by plane at the beginning of my career – impressive! The year is 1999. My trip was a reward. The city itself combines grandeur and coziness, history and innovation, strength and romance. I enjoyed it, it energized me, and inspired me to dream of many more travels.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural environment?

I like to step out of my comfort zone. I test how much I can adapt in an unfamiliar environment, whether I can influence people from another culture (I highly recommend the book Culture map by Erin Meyer), I check how broad my worldview is.

Do you think that traveling helps you expand your professional network? How?

Absolutely. Face-to-face meetings and shared experiences are irreplaceable. Business and learning travels have significantly influenced my career path due to meaningful conversations and friendships formed.

What skills do you develop the most when you travel?

Adaptability, empathy, cultural intelligence.

Is there a city or country that inspired you to start a new business or project?

Yes – San Francisco and more specifically the Stanford campus. I managed to break away from my routine, meet people from all over the world, focus on discussions and learning, and exercise every day.  There I saw how the symbiosis between the university and business works, it was super inspiring and I returned to Bulgaria with thousands of ideas.

When you are in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted?

More motivated. The new environment unlocks ideas for me. When things around me are unfamiliar, my observational skills and sensitivity sharpen.

Are there destinations that act as a 'restart' for your creativity and ambition?

I can't specify.

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure when you travel?

I don't have to think about balance. My work is part of my life, part of me. With good planning, it can combine work and pleasure.

How have travels changed the way you perceive the value of money?

Money has always been a means for me. Travels did not change this perception. Traveling gives freedom, experience, meaning.

Do you travel with the goal of finding new ways to make money?

Sometimes – not directly, but travels open new horizons. A new idea, a new perspective on a problem, a different model that can be applied here.

What lessons on financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?

That people find ways to live well with much or with little. Financial independence is a matter of priorities and actions.

Is it better to spend on experiences rather than material possessions?

Yes. A conversation in an unfamiliar city or an unexpected meeting stays with you much longer than things. Experiences shape our personality.

How do you see the future of digital nomad life?

It will become more normal, but will also require more maturity – discipline, emotional balance, self-management. And above all – the ability to create connections from a distance.

Are there specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?

Yes – for example Estonia, the Netherlands, Ireland. There is vision, infrastructure, and support for entrepreneurship, especially in the digital sphere.

If you could choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea, what would it be and why?

Probably Portugal – there is a balance between innovation and human scale, a friendly atmosphere, and a rapidly developing ecosystem for new businesses.

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend to visit and why?

Japan – for the cultural shock and respect for detail. Italy – for the aesthetics and life with taste. And Iceland – I haven't been there yet, but I imagine it is very calm and refreshing.

What is the career advice you would give based on what you've seen around the world?

Don't be afraid of the 'different'. The most valuable lessons come from places, people, and experiences that pull you out of your comfort zone. Experiment.