Success is achieved step by step, with focus and persistence

Introduce yourself in a few words.

My name is Gloria Nikolova, Director of "Client Relations" and member of the Board of Directors of Expat Asset Management – a leading company in trust management (wealth management) of investment savings accounts in our country. At the same time, I also hold the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CFA Association in Bulgaria (CFA Society Bulgaria) – an organization uniting over 300 highly qualified professionals in the financial industry.

My journey began in Vienna, where I completed my bachelor's degree in "Business and Economics" at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien). Before returning to Bulgaria, I held a managerial position at one of the largest Austrian banks – Erste Group Bank. My career development also included a position as a tax consultant at LeitnerLeitner, Vienna, and an internship at the European Parliament, Brussels.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

If I had to describe it with a metaphor – it is like climbing a mountain. Sometimes you step confidently, other times you wonder, "why did I even take this on?" There are moments when you lose your direction. But there are also peaks from which the view takes your breath away and reminds you why you are there and how far you have come.

You meet people along the way – some stay for a long time, others come just for a short stretch, but everyone leaves some mark – a lesson, inspiration, a new perspective. It’s the same in a career – what you learn about yourself and the world, what you overcome, and what kind of person you become is valuable.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

Perhaps my decision to study abroad and my stay in several countries. I have often said that this was definitely one of the best choices I have made. I believe that education abroad brings far more than a prestigious qualification – it shapes you as a person. You learn independence, discipline, and organization. You enter a world where everything is new and unfamiliar (language, culture, environment), and to some extent, this often forces you to step out of your comfort zone and grow.

What would you have liked to know at the beginning of your career that no one told you?

That not everything is black and white. There is no ideal job, flawless organization, or perfect arrangement of things. And that is completely normal. However, every workplace provides certain experience, acquaintances with new people who can leave a mark on your professional path and help you understand not only what you are looking for but also how far and with what you can compromise to feel fulfilled in a work context.

What no one told me, but time showed, is that every step – even one that seems like a step back or a detour – has its value and is useful in the long run.

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?

By taking actions in the right direction. In my opinion, it is important for a person to start gaining real experience as early as possible. This will give them a vision of what they like, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what they need to work on more to build upon. At a younger age, a person is impatient, wanting everything to happen immediately – the perfect job, a senior position, a high salary.

Every internship, every task, every "this is not for me" teaches you, toughens you, and brings you one step closer to the direction that is truly yours. There is no need for everything to be clear from the start. It is necessary to move, to search, and to experiment so that you can face greater challenges skillfully and from a more mature perspective.

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

There are skills that never go out of style, regardless of the time. First and foremost, I would place adaptability – the ability to quickly adjust to a new environment, technologies, and requirements. The world is changing at a pace that does not wait for us. Critical and fast thinking, discipline, as well as the ability to approach rationally and without unnecessary emotions in a work context – especially when you have to make difficult decisions under pressure.

To this, I would add knowledge in the field of AI (artificial intelligence), which I personally believe will be of fundamental importance in the medium term.

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

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with appearing interested. On the contrary – that is exactly what distinguishes you. I am impressed when someone, especially a young person, is proactive, asks the right questions, is interested in opportunities, or simply wants feedback. This speaks of direction, energy, and character. It shows that you are not waiting for life to hand you something, but you are ready to build it yourself. My advice? Be direct and proactive.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

If I could start over, I would probably invest time in additional qualifications from an Ivy League university (for example, Harvard or Yale University). This is something I have considered many times during my studies at university. However, the circumstances at that time forced me to take a different direction, which put this dream of mine on hold. But it is never too late to return to your postponed dreams – they do not disappear, they just wait for you to give them a second chance.

How to maintain motivation during times of stagnation?

By not relying on motivation.

It comes and goes. In moments of stagnation, when you just want to stay in bed or take a break, what drives you is discipline and consistency. In such moments, continuing to do what you know is right – even when you don’t feel like it, when you are tired, when the results are delayed. Motivation can win you the sprint, but discipline and daily habits win the marathon. Success does not come from a one-time big effort, but from small steps and habits repeated with persistence day after day.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

By setting clear priorities. Of course, they change at different stages of life. When you are clear about your priorities, you can more easily say "yes" to things that matter and "no" to those that simply waste your time and energy. There is no perfect formula, and it will not always be balanced. There will be weeks when work will be in the foreground – and that is completely OK, as long as it does not become a constant state of exhaustion.

Here comes the rest, which we often underestimate. It is not a luxury or a reward for "enough work done." It is a necessity that keeps us effective, focused, and emotionally stable. Don’t wait for the weekend, vacation, or crisis to allow yourself to rest. Learn to take breaks and set aside time for yourself – for your hobbies, for sports, for the things you love and that recharge you.

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

Success is not something you find, and you do not wait for it to happen – you create it yourself. You work for it step by step, with focus and persistence. Success comes when you do what is right for you and according to you – what aligns with your values, your personal life vision, and what truly matters.

What do you want? What is important to you? What would you like to achieve? What would you do if no one was watching? It is important to build your own definition of success that brings you a sense of direction, value, and satisfaction. And then – to have the courage to follow it, even when the path is not easy or convenient.

What is your definition of a "successful career"?

A successful career is not necessarily the highest position, a perfect CV, or impressive titles. A successful career is one in which you create value and leave a mark. Where you feel that what you do makes sense not only for you but also for others. When you use your experience, knowledge, and energy to contribute – to people, to causes, to change.