It is not necessary to be the best, but to add value

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Angela Peneva and I am the founder of AVENTA Agency – the agency where we unite Human Resources and event organization. From the very beginning, my vision was to offer companies not just services, but comprehensive solutions that stimulate the development of human capital.

For me, true success is when business and people work together, build trust, and create value. I believe in the power of strategic partnership and that success is built on trust, professionalism, and sustainable relationships.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

I would describe my career as dynamic, turbulent and filled with challenges. This helped me build myself both as a professional and as a person. I went through various roles that helped me gain a deep understanding of the profession and the needs of business. In the end, I created my own company, where I invest everything I have learned along the way.

The truth is that behind this development lie many sleepless nights, moments of exhaustion, doubt, and hard work – including periods when I worked at several places simultaneously. But I never gave up. I have always believed that every effort made with desire and meaning pays off sooner or later. That is exactly what gave me the strength to continue – even when it was hard, I knew there was a reason.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

The most significant decision in my professional journey was the decision of which field to develop in, and it was far from just a professional choice. It was a life turn that affected not only the direction of my career but also the way I build partnerships and make decisions.

I have always known that I do not want to just work "something", but to do what will bring me joy and will have real benefit – for me and for the people I work with. Choosing this field showed me how important it is to know the human side of business, to create value through relationships, and to be part of the change in companies from within. That gave me the opportunity to build a career that reflects not only my skills but also my values.

What would you like to have known at the beginning of your career, but no one told you?

I would have liked to know that success does not come instantly and that patience is a key factor in achieving long-term goals. At the beginning of my career, I was impatient and expected quick results, but over time I realized that sustainable growth requires consistency, perseverance, and a willingness to make mistakes.

I learned that it takes time to build trust, experience, stability, and clarity about your direction. I also learned that mistakes are not a sign of failure, but of progress – as long as you have the courage to accept them and learn from them. If I had to give advice to that younger version of myself, I would tell her: "Don't rush, don't compare yourself, just keep going." Sometimes the most important thing is not to give up, even when you don't see the results immediately. Success is not a moment; it is a path along which we grow not only professionally but also as individuals.

How can one understand which profession is right for them?

The right profession is one in which a person feels motivated, engaged, and satisfied. I believe that when work brings joy and meaning, it does not feel like an obligation. I recommend everyone to experiment, to explore different fields, and to listen to their inner voice to discover where they feel most fulfilled.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

In the next decade, skills such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and effective communication will be particularly important. In a world of rapid changes and technological advancement, the ability to adapt, understand and manage our emotions, as well as communicate clearly and persuasively, will be essential for professional success.

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?

Participating in professional events, conferences, seminars, and communities provides opportunities for making connections. It is important to approach others with genuine interest, to listen actively, and to seek ways to be helpful without expecting immediate returns.

You do not need to be everywhere with a business card in hand. Be present. Show curiosity about people as individuals, not just as specialists. Building a network of contacts should be based on authenticity and mutual benefit. If you are natural, calm, and not trying to impress at all costs – you will make an even better impression. This is how truly valuable contacts are born. Those who will not just "help" you but will support you in the long term.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

One of the most valuable mistakes I have made – and I deliberately call it valuable – was putting the needs and expectations of others before my own. In my desire to prove that I can do everything, that I am always available, that I am the "perfect professional", I neglected my own boundaries. This led to burnout – a moment when I realized that I cannot give quality to others if I am emotionally and physically exhausted.

This mistake taught me something extremely important: that self-care is not a weakness, but a necessity. That setting boundaries does not mean being less dedicated, but more resilient and focused. And that to be useful to others – to your team, to your clients, to the people around you – you must first be true to yourself.

Today, I am not afraid to say "no" when necessary, and I believe that personal resilience is one of the strongest qualities a person can possess.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?

A toxic work environment is not always immediately noticeable – sometimes it accumulates gradually until it literally starts to affect our body and psyche. Lack of support, a sense of constant pressure, unspoken conflicts, or even hostile communication are just some of the symptoms. We often start to feel anxious, we start to sleep poorly, even though we are usually responsible, we feel a lack of energy, and in some cases, our immunity decreases and we get sick.

Our body starts to speak when the psyche can no longer cope. This is the moment when we need to stop and ask ourselves, whether this environment is healthy. Moreover, a toxic environment also affects our communication with others – we become more tense, distant, and find it difficult to build positive relationships

If work begins to negatively affect our emotional and physical health and our communication outside the office – this is a clear signal that it is time to make a change. Sometimes the boldest and healthiest choice is to leave. Not because we have failed, but because we have chosen to preserve ourselves.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

If I could start over, I would trust my intuition more and take more risks. Nevertheless, I believe that every step in my career, including the mistakes, has shaped me as a professional and as a person.

How to maintain motivation during stagnation?

Moments of stagnation are an inevitable part of any career, but they should not paralyze us. During these periods, it is important to remind ourselves why we chose this path and what our long-term goals are. Restoring motivation begins with internal reflection – asking ourselves what truly inspires us and what made us start.

Sometimes it is necessary to break away from the daily routine and set new, small goals that challenge us and push us out of our comfort zone. Seeking inspiration outside of work – from books, hobbies, or conversations with inspiring people – can give us a new perspective.

Additionally, investing in personal and professional development is one of the most effective ways to break out of stagnation. New skills, new knowledge, participation in training programs, or even in work projects outside of current responsibilities can restore enthusiasm and give new momentum to our motivation. We should not underestimate the small steps towards change – sometimes they lead to the greatest achievements.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

The balance between work and personal life is not just a matter of time management, but of the ability to prioritize what truly matters. Our lives are full of responsibilities, but if we do not manage to determine what deserves our attention, we can easily miss what brings us true happiness – family, friends, and personal moments that recharge us.

We must understand that a successful career does not have to come at any cost. Loving your work is wonderful, but to have a fulfilling life - boundaries are a necessity. There is no point in achieving everything professionally if in the end you have no one to share your successes with and instead neglect the people who are important to you, like family and friends. Balance is about setting boundaries – knowing when to say "enough" and dedicating yourself to what truly matters in your personal life.

And when that happens, you will find that you are happier and more productive both at work and in your personal relationships. True success is not only in professional achievements but also in creating healthy, genuine connections and being where it truly matters.

When is it time to change careers, not just jobs?

Changing careers is not an escape, but a reconsideration. When deep down you feel that the job no longer inspires you, that your values and interests have changed and that there is no path for development in a direction that brings you satisfaction, this may be a signal for the need for change. Changing careers is not just a decision for the momentary situation, but a deep process of reflection on who you are and how you want to live. When there is no synchronization between profession and personality, then it is time to make a serious change in the direction of life that will lead you to new horizons.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people seeking success, what would it be?

My advice is to discover your own definition of success and strive for it without comparing yourself to others' achievements. Success is not just in numbers or titles – it lies in the sustainable relationships, in the trust we build, and in the change we bring to the lives of others. For me, true success is measured not by KPIs or achievements but by the gratitude you receive from the people you have inspired, whom you have helped, and on whom you have left a mark in their lives.

What is Your definition of a "successful career"?

A successful career is not just a set of achievements. It is a journey that does not stop changing and developing you. It is a mix of professional progress and inner satisfaction, where every step is a chance to learn something new – both about your work and about yourself. It is a path that allows you to grow and rediscover your passion and curiosity without losing the sense of what truly matters.

A successful career is not about being the best at something, but about adding value to the lives of those around you and contributing to something greater. It is not measured only by achievements but also by the value you create – for your colleagues, for the organizations you work for, for society as a whole. Success is in the moments when you feel that what you do matters. When you not only move forward but also inspire others to walk with you.

This is a path along which you must not forget to be yourself. True success is not losing yourself in the pursuit of new heights but keeping the passion and desire to do something that brings you joy. It is in the ability to enjoy the process, to learn from your mistakes, and to celebrate successes with gratitude. For me, a successful career is about creating and contributing something that not only fulfills you but also changes and inspires the people around you.