Stay true to yourself, regardless of the circumstances

Introduce yourself in a few words...

I am Natasha – a mentor and a person who believes in the power of authenticity, empathy, and personal growth. With HR in my blood. 😊 I strive to create an environment where people can develop freely and sustainably.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

A path of constant transformation – through challenges, lessons, and the realization of my true values.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

A piece of advice from a dear friend – to choose a profession that was just beginning to emerge in Bulgaria at that time. Then – to place my meaning and values before comfort. To seek work that inspires me, rather than just following expectations.

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

That mistakes are not failures, but a necessary part of growth. And that the most important skills are not just the technical ones, but emotional intelligence, resilience, curiosity, and the desire to learn for a lifetime.

How can one understand which profession is suitable for them?

In my case – by trusting advice from someone I believe in, and then listening to my inner voice. Paying attention to what energizes us, not just what looks good "on paper". And last but not least – by testing different possibilities.

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

Critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively in a global, digital environment.

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

By connecting with genuine interest in the person across from us, rather than with the thought "what will I get". The strongest professional relationships start spontaneously and with a genuine human approach.

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

I stayed too long in an environment that did not support my development. I learned that loyalty to oneself is just as important as loyalty to the company.

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

When we feel constant stress, fear of being ourselves, and lack of support and respect. When work drains the joy out of our lives – then it is time for a change.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

Perhaps I would allow myself more experimentation in the early stages of my career, without fearing "deviation" from expectations. But I believe that everything happened for a reason and I have tried to make the most of it for myself.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

By reconnecting with the "big why" behind our work. And by allowing ourselves to recharge, instead of constantly "pushing" forward. Sometimes it is helpful to do something completely different – a restart.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

Balance is a dynamic process – it is not a static state. It is important to rearrange our priorities according to the stage we are in and to discover what energizes us.

When is it time to change our career, not just the job?

When we realize that the field itself no longer inspires us, regardless of the organization or role. When we do not see meaning in what we do and are not happy.

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

Build your path from the inside out – be true to yourself instead of following others' notions of success.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

A career that is in sync with my values, brings me satisfaction, happiness, and creates value not only for others but also for myself.

I believe that a career is a personal journey that starts from within – from who we are, what we believe in, and what brings us true joy. Success for me is not just a title or role, but a deep sense of meaning, freedom, and contribution – both in my path and in the team we are in or will one day build ourselves. Every stage, every mistake, and every step forward are part of our awareness and development. The most valuable skills we can develop are empathy, resilience, and the ability to remain true to ourselves – regardless of the circumstances and the environment around us.