It is impressive how quickly we form a team, even though we do not know each other before the flight

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Mario Bakalov, I am 44 years old, and I am a captain of an Airbus A320. Besides being a pilot, I am a motivational speaker and conduct online seminars on various topics such as "fear of flying" or "career development in aviation".

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?

I live with my family in a small town near Frankfurt called Bad Homburg. I ended up here because of the proximity to my workplace, Frankfurt airport.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

I left for Germany at the age of 9 with my father, and at first, I missed my relatives a lot, especially my mother and grandmother, as well as my room. Moreover, I did not speak German and communication with the children at school was initially almost impossible. The good thing is that I quickly got used to the new environment and soon felt at home. I also spent every vacation in Bulgaria, so I did not lose contact with my loved ones.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

Initially, I communicated mostly without words, only with signs and gestures. Soon my father started speaking to me in German, and I quickly got used to the language, although at first, it was very hard for me not to be able to speak normally with my father, my only close person in Germany.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

I did not use any. Children easily make contacts, and it was the same for me. I did not have serious problems with adaptation.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?

As a motivational speaker, I visit and have visited several companies in Bulgaria, and I can say that the work cultures in the two countries, although the clichés may be different, are quite similar. There may be a few differences; in Germany, there is an exceptional emphasis on tolerance and soft skills, which are considered key.

What values and practices in the workplace impressed you the most?

At my workplace, we highly value cohesion, trust, and as a result, psychological safety. It is impressive how quickly we form a team, even though we do not know each other before the flight. This is also one of the interesting topics I discuss in my lectures. People find it hard to imagine how we achieve teamwork within minutes.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have challenged you?

I notice how quickly and flexibly things are organized in Bulgaria compared to Germany, where preparation usually starts much earlier.

How does finding a job differ in your current country compared to your homeland?

I cannot assess, as usually in my profession and in the company I work for, there is no job change or employer change.

Have you faced prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?

A frequently asked question in Bulgaria, but honestly, in 35 years in Germany, I have never encountered visible prejudices regarding my Bulgarian origin. And the company I work for is entirely international with colleagues from over 150 countries around the world.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

Becoming a pilot in today's world is more easily achievable compared to 20-30 years ago. Moreover, the forecasts indicate that global aviation traffic will double in the next 17-18 years. Great prospects for all who dream of a career in aviation. Additionally, stepping out of the comfort zone is a key driver for personal and professional development. It opens doors to new opportunities, develops adaptability, and builds confidence in our ability to handle challenges. Every new path is a chance not just to learn something new, but to grow as individuals and professionals.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

I would absolutely choose the same path. Every step, every challenge, and every victory have shaped me as a person and a professional. I would not change anything.

What do you miss the most from your homeland in professional and personal terms?

In professional terms, I cannot say that I miss anything. In personal terms – yes, sometimes I miss my loved ones in Bulgaria, the memories of people who are no longer with us, the feeling of Bulgarian culture, and the way people communicate with each other. I miss those little human things and the beautiful moments that I carry in my heart.

Have you considered returning and under what conditions would you do it?

I would be lying if I said that I have never thought about returning to Bulgaria. But the truth is that even now Bulgaria remains an important part of my life. Together with my family, we spend almost all our vacations there, we regularly visit our loved ones, and professionally, as a motivational speaker, I am often in Bulgaria and work with various companies. So, although we currently live mainly abroad, I have never lost my connection with Bulgaria and continue to spend a significant part of my time there. Therefore, I do not feel an urgent need for a permanent return – Bulgaria is always close to me.

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

Money, of course, is an important part of our lives – they give us opportunities and security. But I believe that sometimes we give them too much importance. The true quality of life is not measured only in numbers. It is much more valuable to feel good in our bodies, in our thoughts, in the life we lead, among the people with whom we share our days, and in the profession that gives us meaning. If we add financial stability to this inner harmony – wonderful. But my advice is: do not chase only numbers. Take care first of your inner balance, of the joy of life – because true wealth begins from within.