Inspire with your personal example

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Tsvetomir Stefanov and I hold the position of Head of the “Communications, Digital Marketing and Event Management” department at the company concessionaire of Burgas Airport and Varna Airport - “Fraport Twin Star Airport Management” AD. I am a holder of numerous awards in the field of communications, but the greatest pleasure comes from the opportunity over the years to conduct trainings and public lectures dedicated to corporate protocol, business etiquette, and career development, through which I can be helpful to hundreds of young professionals in their pursuit of improvement and successful paths in their chosen careers.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I dreamed of growing up as quickly as possible and being independent. And subsequently, I aimed for a quick start and professional success in the fields that attracted the most-greatest interest to me. As a child, I aspired to be a professional tennis player, but a serious injury changed my plans. Subsequently, I aimed for work in the media, and thus I had the opportunity to enter television, where I started, becoming the youngest “News” Editor in the history of Bulgarian television, and thus my career related to communications began.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us about an interesting incident?

From an early age, I have been raised with a sense of responsibility towards money. Since I was 18-years old, I have been working continuously for 17 years, and with my first earnings, I paid for my education, choosing the freedom to determine the discipline at the university that represented the greatest interest to me.

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 springs of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

Family, teachers, and the environment in which we grow up are undoubtedly key factors in shaping our personality. My recipe for curiosity is to try everything new without fear of mistakes and actively seek diverse sources of information – whether books, media, or conversations with interesting people who inspire us. And, although we live in a time when we are flooded with information and everything can be checked with “one click,” building critical thinking requires at least a few sources of information, and my advice is that at least one of them should not be “online.”

Has there been any significant difference in your perceptions in a more mature age about what Yand motivates you to do or not do something?

Yes, definitely! Today, I am motivated not only by my personal success but also by the opportunity to help others in their personal and professional development. I highly value meaning and usefulness in what I do, and this adds additional value to my work.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, looking back from today?

The decision was entirely mine because I valued the freedom to choose the field in which I wanted to develop, regardless of my parents' wishes or my friends' advice. From the perspective of time, I can confidently say that this was a bold, correct, and successful decision that helped me realize myself.

Share with us more about your interests, knowledge, skills and hobbies?

Besides my professional passion for communications and corporate business etiquette, I have an interest in sports, history, anthropology, and psychology. In my free time, I love to travel, play tennis, work out at the gym, and read books on personal development.

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity capture your interest?

I would not change my profession, but I would develop in related areas such as public speaking and writing books and articles. And these are indeed the things I have been engaged in lately. The areas that capture my interest are education and mentoring, especially when it comes to supporting young people seeking career orientation and advice.

They say that personal branding is everything that people say about You, when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

I would like to hear the same thing that I often hear about myself from many people, namely that I am a person who inspires others and whose advice and actions have brought real benefits to their professional and personal development.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in the last few years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

For some time now, I have been striving hard to maintain a balance between my professional and personal life, actively exercising, and spending more and more time with family and friends. This helps me recharge positively and overcome daily challenges more easily.

What are the most important conclusions you have drawn so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily  – colleagues, friends, relatives?

Over the years, I have learned that at the core of good communication lies not just the ability to speak well, but the capacity to actively listen to what others are saying. People are different – some need more attention, others – directness, and others – silence and time. The more adaptive we are to these differences, the more effectively we connect with those around us. I have learned not to always impose my point of view, but to find a common language, even with completely opposite characters. This does not mean losing oneself as a person – it means showing respect for the perspective of the person across from you.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is a tool, not a goal. They provide freedom, security, and opportunities, help invest in education and self-improvement, but do not bring happiness by themselves. Their influence on my life is balanced – I try to treat them responsibly, but not to completely submit to them. Otherwise, balance would be impossible. My peace does not come from the amount in my bank account, but from the fact that I am at peace with myself and that I do meaningful things.

My advice is: “Ask yourself not 'how much is enough', but 'what do I need it for'!. When you know what goal you are working towards, it is easier to understand when you have enough.

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

Do not chase success at any cost – chase the value in what you do. Build a reputation as a person who can be trusted, and professional success will come naturally. The best thing you can do for your career is to work in such a way that when you are not in the room, people still say good things about you. And one more thing – be patient. True success does not come with applause, nor is it expressed in awards, but comes through perseverance and is expressed in the gratitude of others whom you have inspired with your personal example.