Respect does not come from position, but from contribution

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Ralitsa Sharkova – an explorer by soul, a fan of mathematical jokes and an admirer of value-added ventures. My journey started in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, passed through the big corporate IT world, and at the moment I am Senior People Manager at Telerik Academy School.

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

We believe that learning should not sting, but awaken. We are united by the belief that education is a living organism that must be adaptive and human. We are here not just to 'get the job done', but to leave meaning behind us. In short – we do important things, with people who care. And when you care – the results simply follow.

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

As we have talked before, it is important for me in my work to have “added value”, to have a cause. And what greater and more significant cause than education?! The job offer at Telerik Academy School came unexpectedly in 2022 and at a time when I was not looking for a new venture. Initially, I declined, but after a few more conversations, I realized that this is the mission and challenge I need.

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

When parents choose education for their children, they often think about the present – how to get good grades, how they will travel there, how they will cope. But the question is different: What kind of person will this child become?

Children grow up in a world where the digital environment is not just a convenience – it is their reality. If we want them to not just be passive consumers of technology, but thinking, logically grounded, critical and adaptive individuals, we need to start now.

At Telerik Academy School, we believe that digital literacy is not an "extra," but the new basic culture. Because the future will belong to those who know how to think and how to learn.

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

The truth is that to work well, you need to feel light - and the working environment should breathe, have space for ideas, for mistakes, for conversation. We have built a truly great team. If someone needs help – they say so. If someone is tired – they do not pretend. If someone needs a push, we all push. We talk openly, share our knowledge, hobbies, dance together, laugh (often at silly things), we trust each other.

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

People, the atmosphere, and meaning – these are my three main ingredients for happiness at work. I like that what I do brings real value, and that I am part of an environment where energy flows freely. And not least – we have a huge shelf full of sweet things, believe me this always helps.

I meet difficult and stressful moments with a lack of ego, calmness, and clear analysis. After that – a deep breath, a little humor, a big whiskey, and good structure.

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

At Telerik Academy School, we rely on a hybrid work model. We have fixed days in the office, where we gather for meetings, brainstorming, and discussions that require team synergy. During the rest of the time, we have the freedom to choose whether to work from home or from the office.

My position is engaged with the development of the team and the culture in the company – accordingly, there are tasks that require intensive meetings and active presence in the office. But also, there are routine tasks that can be done at any time and from anywhere, which makes the hybrid model great for us.

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

The real upgrade is in the chemistry we create between each other as a team. We have learned to work together without pressure, without ego, without competition. And that is exactly where the strength lies – in the feeling that we can lean on each other. The team is not just a collection of people who do work. The team is that quiet rhythm that makes even the most complex tasks easier.

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

Hierarchy is clarity – who bears responsibility, who leads, who supports. A well-built hierarchy provides direction, organizes processes, and creates a sense of security. It is important to remember that respect does not come from the position, but from the contribution.

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

The development strategy is not just about having ambitious goals, but also about building consistency and discipline in your daily life. Balance long-term visions with short-term steps that will lead you towards them.