I prefer to let the place carry me and teach me at its own pace

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Irena Georgieva. I am a lawyer by profession and the founder of PPG Lawyers (ppglawyers.eu) – a boutique law firm, specializing in consulting on complex regulatory issues in the field of personal data, cybersecurity, AI, competition, consumer protection, cryptocurrencies, and more.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

A huge pleasure and necessity.

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

I strive to visit different places and continents. My last incredibly captivating trip was to Vietnam and Cambodia, where I found that in these places every European country is simply "Europe" and they do not differentiate between Bulgaria, France, Greece, or Germany. They are not interested in our problems and complex views of the world. This part of Asia offers a completely different harmony, as well as a focus inward towards oneself and one’s roots.

Cambodia is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. However, it turned out that the heavy authoritarian regime they live under is much closer and more familiar to us as a truly suffocating communism than the socialist republic of Vietnam, which the Cambodians themselves see as the freer state, which surprised me. Present-day Vietnam is demonstrated as open to the whole world and rapidly developing, although 70% of its population still subsists on rice fields. My heart stayed in Hanoi – the city of order in chaos and the kindest people I met on this trip.

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

I love to repeat destinations that I liked. The first time is always exploratory and more tiring. On a return visit, you can indulge in slow walks through small streets, random encounters, art galleries, small restaurants, and the tranquility of the place.

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

I don’t closely associate my travels with my development as a professional, but I would say that almost every new place changes my perspective and understanding. Staying too long solely in one’s own habitat limits you, and as Lewis Carroll said, "you have to run with all your might to stay in the same place, and to get somewhere, you have to run at least twice as fast".

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

Of course, adaptability is a skill that is learned through travel. I have found that I easily like different places and do not allow myself to have expectations of a certain country or city. I prefer to let the place carry me and teach me at its own pace.

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

Since I often travel to places where colleagues or clients live and work, with whom I have exchanged emails, ideas, and experiences for months or even years, recently I have been more consciously seeking them out because I would like to have a personal live contact with them, not just mediated online conversations. I enjoy meeting people face to face – our connection afterwards always becomes much more qualitative and genuine and elevates professional communication to a whole new level.

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

It depends on who and with what purpose I am traveling. When I visit interesting cultural landmarks, I am motivated to remember new things, but when I am fully dedicated to relaxation, I love to wander along winding paths without being particularly focused on anything.

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

Almost every trip that has been full of beauty and different experiences for me is a restart.

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

I have learned to clearly state when I am traveling for pleasure and strive not to mix work and relaxation. I have had unpleasant experiences in the past with working during trips and missing valuable moments with my family, and I allow myself to do so less and less. There are always exceptions, but I happily notice that clients show a very human understanding of the need for rest and enjoyment from travel.

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

Traveling has not changed the way I value money. I would express it the other way around – I value money in travels.

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

No. For me, traveling is a meeting of cultures, a time for sharing adventures with my family and friends, and accumulating life experience.

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

Definitely. Experiences save you in difficult moments, create memories, and build your life path.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

The Covid pandemic gave another boost to the percentage increase of digital nomads around the world. I believe this will be a trend that will persist in the coming years. However, I find this way of life to be closer and more suitable for young people. After a certain age, people need a little more "rooting" and stability.

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

I wouldn’t say so. The concept of "investments" is too broad to be narrowed down to specific countries. Every country can be favorable for different investments, but the key factor is the people you work with and the rules (laws) that must be considered.

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

For me, every profession must necessarily carry a touch of beauty, aesthetics, and elegance. What better place than Italy?!

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

It’s hard for me to point out a specific and mandatory place to visit. Everyone has different preferences for destinations. Some seek stunning nature, others are fans of wildlife, and others – architecture and culture. For me, immersing myself in the atmosphere of the city, feeling the people, and trying their local specialties is also of great importance.

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

Based on my recent adventures, I would say - immerse yourself in Southeast Asia. It brings peace and humility, which everyone needs if they feel that in Europe everything happens too fast and at any cost.