Don't wait for a special occasion to motivate you, take action

Introduce yourself in a few sentences.

My name is Gloria Nikolova – Director of “Client Relations” and member of the Board of Directors of “Expat Asset Management”, a leading company in trust management (wealth management) of investment savings accounts in our country. At the same time, I am also the Executive Director (CEO) of the CFA Association in Bulgaria (CFA Society Bulgaria) – an organization uniting over 300 highly qualified professionals in the financial industry.

My journey began in Vienna, where I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business and Economics from the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien). Before returning to Bulgaria, I held a managerial position at one of the largest Austrian banks – Erste Group Bank. My career development also included a position as a tax consultant at LeitnerLeitner, Vienna, as well as an internship at the European Parliament, Brussels.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

Something that few people know about me is that I am a big fan of football. So much so that in my teenage years I dreamed (albeit briefly) of becoming a football manager/agent and organizing big transfers. I even researched all the exam materials and requirements of UEFA for licensing. In my more conscious years, I realized that my desire was to focus on the field of finance – inspired also by my affinity for mathematics.

At what age did you earn your first money? Share an interesting story with us.

At the age of 11-12, I started helping in my parents' company. At that time, they were engaged in advertising and printing activities – producing calendars, notebooks, and other printed materials. In my free time outside of school and lessons, I participated in the production of notebooks, which my classmates actually wrote in at school. Today, I am endlessly grateful for this opportunity – it taught me from an early age not to take anything for granted and to value hard work.

One incident that I always remember – like every girl, I often liked new sneakers or shoes that I wanted to wear to school. One day, during another conversation about a new acquisition, my mother looked at me and said: “You are welcome to the office to make them yourself, so you can understand how new sneakers are bought.” It was then that I first realized, after long hours of work, how much effort and labor stand behind each of my desires. A valuable lesson – especially today, when it is more important than ever to appreciate efforts and achievements, rather than taking everything for granted in a world where many young people expect things to happen easily and without effort.

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

I believe that what shapes us as individuals at an early age is a combination of family, environment, and personal interests. Family is where our core values are formed, guiding us throughout our lives. The environment – school, friends, inspiring people – adds additional nuances to the way we see the world. Interests are the third key element. They drive us to develop, to seek new horizons, to dream.

My “recipe” for curiosity is simple – constant personal development, new knowledge, and the courage to step outside my comfort zone.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct today?

The decision of what to study was entirely mine – with valuable guidance from my parents. My mother often told me: “The more languages you know, the more opportunities you will have.” Therefore, my focus during school was to learn at least two languages that would give me the opportunity to choose what and where to study. Definitely, the choice to study abroad is one of the best decisions I have made. I believe that education abroad brings far more than a prestigious qualification – it builds valuable skills, teaches independence, organization, and coping with daily challenges when everything around you is new and you are far from family and friends.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies.

Hobbies for me are the real way to recharge and find balance. I love to travel and explore different cultures, read books, play sports, and spend time with my loved ones. Sports also often act as therapy after a busy day and help me “clear” my mind. Recently, I have been diversifying with different types of sports – Pilates, tennis, fitness, yoga, and running.

And one more thing that inspires me – although I still can't dedicate that much time, I recently returned to a childhood dream that had long been on the back burner – singing.

Would you change your profession today and which fields capture your interest?

At the moment – no. Rather, I would continue to build on my knowledge and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

Recently, I have been spending more time sharing my experience with young people who are just starting their professional journey. I believe that sometimes even a small gesture or timely advice can have a huge impact on someone's life or career path. This is one of the things that brings me true satisfaction and a sense of purpose.

What would you like to hear about yourself when you are not in the same room?

I believe that life is a reflection of who we are, not of what people think of us. And yet, if I had to choose what I would like to hear behind my back – it is that I have been a good person.

Achievements, recognitions, and successes are important, but in the end, the greatest recognition remains in the way we have touched the lives of others with our attitude. As they say: “A kind word can change a person's entire day.”

How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

I try to look at challenges through the lens of positivity. In a world that is constantly changing, our strength is not in controlling everything, but in the way we choose to respond to what is happening.

Recently, I read “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius and realized how important our perception of problems is. Instead of asking “Why me?”, it is better to ask ourselves “What can I learn from this situation?” and “What will it give me?”. A small change in thinking can turn every obstacle into an opportunity for change or inspiration.

How do you maintain proper communication with different characters you meet – colleagues, friends, loved ones?

Definitely – through approach. People are like entire universes – each with their own views, emotions, fears, dreams, and interests. That is why a universal approach rarely works.

The true art of communication is in the ability to sense the other person, to understand them, and to find an approach. For some, this comes naturally, for others, it is a skill that is built over time and attention. Communication is like a bridge between two different perspectives. Very often, difficult conversations are the key to building trust – both personally and professionally.

What do you think about money and its role in life? What is your advice to people who often wonder how much is “enough”?

Money is an important resource, but not an ultimate goal. They provide freedom of choice, opportunities, and security, but do not determine our happiness or value as people.

Working in finance, I know how important it is to approach wisely and build habits for managing our resources. Today, financial literacy is not just additional knowledge – it is a key skill.

And last but not least – money often gives us something extremely valuable: the freedom to leave places and situations that no longer serve us.

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

Be persistent and don't wait for the perfect moment to act – I say this as a perfectionist.

Many people wait for Monday, the new year, or a special sign to start something. But motivation and inspiration are temporary – they come and go. Persistence and habits, however, lead to real results.

Imagine it this way: if you sit in your car, enter the coordinates, but do not start the engine and do not press the gas – you will stay in the garage. Dreams and goals are the direction, but actions are what moves you forward. Real progress begins not when everything is perfect, but when you decide to act with what you have now.