Every destination can suggest interesting ideas

Introduce yourself in a few words..

In a professional sense - a marketer and advertiser with over 25 years of experience in the field. In recent years, my focus has been on sustainable business models and women's entrepreneurship, and my personal challenge with the advent of digitalization and artificial intelligence in work processes is related to the communication of balance, both among internal and external audiences.

On a personal level – a mother of a grown and successful son, a lover of art, travel, skiing and snowboarding. A fan of the Star Wars saga, London weather, Depeche Mode and mini American bullies.

My hobbies lately – recognizing paintings by famous artists that have appeared in American cinema films and visiting their exhibitions.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

Pleasure. Work. Expanding your worldview.

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

More than 40, but I have been traveling since I was little, due to my family. For this reason, there are many stories. One of my favorites is - I was 5-6 years old, traveling alone to my grandparents for the summer with  an international flight on BGA Balkan, naturally in the plane my ears popped, the candies were gone and the flight attendants very kindly offered me champagne – since then I love this drink. And the bubbles turned out to really regulate the pressure 😊

Do you like to repeat destinations? Give examples and motivation “for” or “against”?

In principle, no. Maybe only in London I love to return often, because my personal travels are related to culture and family.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional and can be said to have changed your thinking?

A business trip to Frankfurt for participation in an International exhibition of the food industry, with a team I had just joined. A long trip by car, requiring coordination with a second team that had already arrived on site, as well as with deliveries of products and presentation materials. More than 10 days of perfect teamwork, despite the situations we encountered. The result was more than team building and introductory training. After that trip – there were no impossible tasks for the team.

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

That I adapt quickly.

Have you met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career path?

Almost always. I just have luck – in some cases I come across an innovative product with market potential, in others – an environment sharing ideas and experiences.

Do you think your travels help you expand your professional network? How?

All my professional travels lead to the expansion of my professional network. But when I travel for pleasure, I use the time only for myself and my family, I respect the personal space of others, so it feels immoral to me to “make business contacts”.

What skills do you develop the most when you travel, and how do they reflect on your work?

Adaptability. Communication and presentation skills. Naturally, everything acquired is applied in a work environment.

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

My favorite story is related to Belfast. I was in the city for personal reasons and naturally, “shopping” was an integral part of the day’s plans. In the shopping center in Belfast, in the watch store, representatives from the largest English bank were conducting an explanatory training for the sales team in the store. I was interested and thus got a presentation and demonstration of a watch through which payments are made via NFC i.e. the watch was used as a debit/credit card. Returning to Bulgaria, I shared my impressions with partners and business teams in the bank, and after a few months we were the first bank in the country to introduce payments via phone Garmin.

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

I definitely feel more focused, regardless of the type of travel. The reason is always the schedule, which is maximally tight, regardless of whether I am traveling for work or pleasure. After all, I am a person who can visit one exhibition and two performances in a 2-day stay, and that without rushing too much.

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

I haven’t analyzed this exactly, but from every destination so far I have returned with ideas that I have largely implemented.

How do you balance work and pleasure when you travel?

I simply separate work from pleasure. When traveling for work, it is 100% work and vice versa.

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

Excellent question – they haven’t changed it. For me, money has always been a means to achieve goals, and in travels, this is best proven.

Do you travel with the aim of finding new ways to earn money?

So far – no.  But maybe it’s coming.

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

I was invited to a forum on early childhood financial literacy in Stockholm. This trip changed my view on early financial literacy. Particularly impressive was the Museum of Money, where training was conducted for children from preschool to school age. I am glad that I had the fortune to later work with my colleagues from Fibank  and with partners in the form of businesses and non-governmental organizations, to create the best product with a mission focused on early childhood financial education.

Do you think it’s better to spend on experiences, rather than on material possessions?

I wouldn’t say so, because for me balance is important.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

Personally, I wouldn’t be able to practice it. The corporate environment gives me the dose of discipline that I sometimes lack. But I admire all those self-disciplined and organized people who can afford it.

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

Of course, it depends on what exactly you are looking for.

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

London, because I love the multicultural environment and the potential of the multimillion city.

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

I am a fan of Antiquity – that’s why Asia Minor.

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

If you can transfer something as an idea for business, products, or a new way of communicating with those around you – do it. Take the best for yourself from every destination and apply it in your work and personal life. And  last but not least – enjoy every experience, it enriches.