Learn to manage your own energy, focus, and direction

Introduce yourself with a few words..

My name is Madlen Zhekova and I am the founder of Stellium Wellbeing – innovative organization that provides comprehensive solutions for measuring, development, and maintenance of individual and organizational wellbeing. Our products include Wellbeing Index (the first Bulgarian platform based on positive psychology and the PERMA model H, which measures and supports the building of employee wellbeing in a structured and scientifically grounded way and which supports ESG reporting in the direction of social) Kothe company provides various Wellbeing trainings, exclusive leadership events and retreats, team buildings, wellbeing concerts, and a network of certified specialists who apply our model in practice, ensuring Stellium Level of service.

Tell us what the philosophy and values of the company you are currently working for are?

Our organization works with the understanding that wellbeing is not a luxury, but a strategic resource. Our philosophy is built on six key pillars: mental, emotional, physical, social, community, and financial wellbeing. We create measurable solutions – through our Wellbeing Index, but also experiences with real transformational effect – such as trainings, leadership retreats, employee programs, and public events. We value authenticity, expertise, and applicability.

How long have you been working at the current company? What are the main motivating factors that keep you there?

Stellium started as a project a few years ago and gradually became a functioning ecosystem. What motivates me is the real feedback from people and companies we work with – to see how a team increases its effectiveness after internal work on wellbeing; how a leader finds a new perspective; how an entire company starts to be more effective, cohesive, and with clear common goal and vision, and human capital as an asset, not as a one-time resource. This is a sustainable impact that makes sense.

If you had to recommend the company to your acquaintances or friends, what would you share with them to attract their attention?

The company offers specific, adaptive solutions – from a digital platform for measuring employee wellbeing (Wellbeing Index), to personalized trainings, retreats for teams and leaders, wellbeing concerts, team buildings, stress prevention programs, consultations, and professional trainings for wellbeing consultants. 

What does your company do to organize a constructive and fruitful working environment for everyone? Should we be friends with our colleagues?

Our focus is on professionalism, openness, and a role of contribution. The working environment at our company is a result of clearly structured responsibilities and systems for internal support – including wellbeing protocols, working with specialists, and personal trainings. Friendship is not mandatory – mutual respect, communication, and shared goals are important.

Tell us a little more about your responsibilities in the company? What makes you look forward to going to work? How do you deal with difficult and stressful moments?

I lead strategic development, partnerships, certification programs, and innovations. I coordinate various directions – digital platform, trainings, event formats, and the consulting network. My work is dynamic, but what inspires me is the fact that we create measurable change in the lives of people. In difficult moments – I work with clear structure, priorities, and strong internal focus.

What work model does your company adhere to – office or remote? What are the advantages in your specific case and position?

We work in a hybrid and modular way – on projects, field events, consultations, and digital coordination. This allows maximum flexibility – both for us and for our certified specialists who work in different cities and countries. The advantage is that we can always organize support where there is a need – online, on-site, or through an event.

What have you managed to build most seriously in your work over time in this company?

We have created a scalable and sustainable system that combines a scientific model (PERMAH), digital infrastructure (Wellbeing Index platform), educational approach (employee and leader programs), as well as experiential formats (retreats, events, concerts). I have also improved my ability to build a team and a partner network that is not just expert but also carries our values.

How important is hierarchy and what does it mean to you?

The hierarchy at our company is based on clarity in roles and responsibilities – but not on static positions. Each project and initiative has its structure, but it is flexible. True leadership is expressed in responsibility, decision-making ability, and resilience in action, not in control. We believe in a role of contribution, not by status.

What is your career advice for all people who are building a strategy for their professional development?

Develop yourself as a platform, not as a position. Learn to manage your own energy, focus, and direction. Take care first of your inner clarity and stability – from there, strategies are built easily. Choose an environment that allows you to grow, not just to prove yourself. And invest in skills that will make you adaptive – such as emotional intelligence, systemic thinking, and the ability to work with people.