I developed a business on 6 continents with people from all religions

Introduce yourself in a few words…

My name is Maya Gerasimova – an engineer by education, a marketer by calling, and a traveler by soul.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

The best investment you can make for yourself.

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

I don’t count them because for me, quality is more important than quantity. Definitely over 30, but there's no way to compare countries like India and China with Luxembourg or Monaco. 😊
India is my great love. My most challenging trip was a month-long adventure that started with only the first night booked in Mumbai and no plan for the next 30 days. I met incredible people, the experiences were unforgettable, and – most importantly – I managed to recover from a severe burnout caused by stressful work.

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

Yes. Usually, the first trip is exploratory, and on subsequent visits, you discover “hidden” secrets, less known places, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
For example, after a complete tour of Vietnam, I took a photographic trip in search of villages and crafts – this revealed a whole new side of the country.
I don’t travel to “tick off” destinations, but to experience, discover, and enjoy.

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

Maybe the USA – a brutally competitive country where only success is tolerated. There, everything is for sale.
And then India – where for 90% of the people, every day is a struggle for survival. People in both countries are extremely enterprising, despite the huge differences. It’s no coincidence that the largest companies by revenue are in the USA, while India is “the mother” of many of today’s CEOs of global corporations.
In both countries, I realized how good it is to live in Europe and how much we should appreciate it.

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

How similar we all are as people – despite the differences in cultures, climates, and economies.

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

Many ideas for products and concepts. More ideas than specific people.

Do traveling help you expand your professional network? How?

Yes, especially business trips. When I worked for Rice IP!, I had between 20 and 24 flights a year for two years.
It was challenging but incredible – doing business with people from all religions and six continents.

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

Spirit of discovery, planning, dealing with unexpected situations, budgeting, language skills.

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

Yes, but rather the idea arises after I return and reflect on the experiences.

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

More motivated. When I travel alone, I am constantly alert. I orient myself, plan, and deal with surprises.
That’s why I alternate solo trips with group ones, where you don’t have to think about everything.

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

I will repeat – India.

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

Working in marketing is mostly “in the head,” and we carry it everywhere. 😊
With modern technology, there’s no problem working remotely, as long as I have a laptop.

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

They haven’t changed it. Money has always been a means for me, not an end.
I invest in experiences, not in luxury – and I travel on a reasonable budget.

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

100%.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

With ChatGPT and other technologies, things are changing very quickly.
Soon they may displace many of the current digital nomads because it’s now more important what question you ask than what skills you have. The future will be challenging.

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

Thailand and Bali – warm, welcoming, with low living costs.

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

Bulgaria. Despite my passion for travel, I feel best here.

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend visiting and why?

I don’t give recommendations – everyone should discover for themselves what excites them.
My next destinations are Namibia and China. Asia is the continent I return to again and again.

What career advice would you give based on your experiences around the world?

Look for ideas from everything you see and explore, from the people you meet. The truth about the world is on the street, not in museums.
Understand what you are good at and learn to “sell yourself” in the best way. Especially in sales – you first sell yourself, then the product.
The happiest people and nations are not always those with the highest standard of living.