I try to absorb all the positives from the people and the place where I am

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Svetlomir Pandaziev and I am a traveler by soul and calling.

For you, traveling the world is?

Traveling is passion, an endless encyclopedia of life and wonderful experiences to share with grandchildren in old age by the fireplace.

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

I haven't kept an exact count, but at first glance – over 60 countries. Almost every trip is accompanied by interesting stories and challenges. For example, during my last trip, near the island of Oslob in the Philippines, we were diving in a bay with whale sharks. I wasn't sure at first if we would encounter any. The sea was rough, it was raining. It turned out that not only did we see them, but a solid specimen bumped me with its snout so hard that it threw me to the surface. Luckily, I turned out to be a big bite for its mouth and off the menu.

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

I rarely repeat destinations. The reason is that there are so many places for a person to see that it is not worth getting fixated on one destination.. Unless it is a very beloved one or if one wants to experience it with someone in a new way. For me, such a place is Cinque Terre in Italy. I often return there because I feel it is my place, it gives me peace and recharges me. Besides, it is close and fits well with my work.

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

My first trip abroad was to the United Kingdom. It was during the great economic crisis in our country and the so-called “Jean Viedenova winter”. It felt like I was going to another world – the World of Wonders. I was impressed by the order, security, and opportunities for every person who wants to develop professionally. This period taught me that a person can invest much more in a work plan than what they have given and assumed as possibilities for themselves.

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

When I travel, even subconsciously I compare culture, mentality, social-living conditions. I think it is normal. I try to absorb all the positives from the place and the people. I like the principle and adherence to business ethics and rules in my partners in Belgium and Germany, for example. There, a gentleman's word means much more than any written contract. In Africa and the southern latitudes of Europe, I like the total lack of stress and their attitude towards life and family. There, I believe the pyramid of needs is totally different compared to the rest of Europe and America.

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

It has happened that during my travels I received business proposals. To draw experience from good practices from the places I visit. I have met many interesting people and professionals who have likely left a mark on the way I do business, even if I don't realize it directly.

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

Yes, I definitely think that travels provide such an opportunity. With the right mindset and approach, they can be extremely useful and provide invaluable resources. The question is to be resourceful and to have the sense and the eyes for it. 

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

Since I organize a large part of my travels myself, each one helps me to be more organized, resourceful, to plan well, and teaches me multitasking.

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

I have met new business partners during my travels. At a later stage, these relationships have grown into friendships that continue to this day. One such project, for example, started in Paris and continues to this day.

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

When I travel, I manage to detach from daily tasks and clear my mind. This in turn helps to look at the big picture and for more creativity and new ideas. Often when I have planned tasks that require thinking outside the box, I leave them for an upcoming trip when I will be much more effective in that regard.

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

Yes, definitely after every trip, besides being recharged with energy and clearing my mind, I return with new motivation for work. Apart from that, the shared experience during business trips is extremely valuable in terms of ideas. Often with colleagues from other countries, we talk about so-called “best practices” that we could borrow and apply at the local level. In this sense, I can highlight Belgium as such a country, as most often meetings of distributors of Samsonite  

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

The balance is not easy and is often at the expense of sleep. Personally, this does not bother me. I am used to working during my travels, as well as those around me.. The most important thing is to determine according to the time difference a segment of the day that I dedicate to daily tasks and to limit myself only to that time, so as not to disrupt the balance. This way, work does not take so much away from the time spent with loved ones and does not affect the pleasure of traveling.

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

To be honest, I see money as a means, not an end in itself. Undoubtedly, they are and have always been an important resource that provides you with security and a certain standard of living, .. as well as opportunities for travel.  For me, traveling is a much more meaningful investment than material things. In the end, traveling is part of our experiences and part of our life journey. I would add a better one!

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

No, I have not had a trip that I would formulate in this way. There have been those that have introduced me to new business partners or established new contacts, but I have never set out with the mindset that any trip would bring me a new way to earn money.

According to you, is it better to spend on experiences than on material possessions?

Since I answered this question to a large extent in one of the previous ones, I would only add one thought from Augustine Blaezni – “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page”

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

Ironically, I myself participate in a football club called “Sofia Nomads”. It includes expats from all over the world, which I think , gives me some insight on the topic.

The digital nomadic life is one of the phenomena that received the greatest boost after the Covid pandemic. I believe it will become more popular and encompass more professional fields. Shared workspaces, remote work are well-accepted practices by many employers and this phenomenon in the context of globalization will strengthen.

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

Maybe the Philippines. There are several factors for this. First of all, from what I have seen, there is a lack of administrative burden and corruption in the state apparatus. There is an abundance of labor, and Filipinos are hardworking people. There is potential for developing business ideas and ventures. Healthcare and education are at a pretty good level. Last but not least, the nature and culture of the place itself is enchanting, and that is very important to feel good and make such a decision.

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

The destinations that I would strongly recommend to every traveler are Vietnam and Cambodia in Asia, due to the spirit and atmosphere in these two countries. The Angkor Wat temple complex is among the most impressive I have ever seen. And the floating villages on Lake Tonle Sap are extremely unique and amaze with their simple way of life. 

Of course, the Karnak temple is a must-visit destination if you are in Egypt. And the charm of small towns like Cienfuegos and Trinidad in Cuba will captivate the heart of every traveler.

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

I believe that young people who are growing up now are quite enterprising and innovative. They know how to think outside the box, are technically prepared, and have the necessary self-confidence. What seems to be lacking, in my observation, is patience and persistence. Consistency and discipline seem to be less valued these days, yet they are essential elements not only in career growth but also in doing business in general.