The career is not a solo journey

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Elena Drecheva and I am the Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Bulgaria and Greece. I have been working in the company for 20 years. My work has always been related to the development of people, business, and innovation.

Tell us what the philosophy and values of the company you represent at this moment are?

Konica Minolta is a company with a long history and a strong vision for the future. Our philosophy is "Giving Shape to Ideas" – we help our clients transform their ideas into sustainable solutions. We value responsibility, innovation, collaboration, and above all – human potential. We believe that technologies are effective only when they serve people.

How long have you been developing your current company? What are the most valuable lessons that the occurrences during this period have taught you?

I have been leading the company since 2005 – a period of significant transformation. The most important lesson? Success is not equal to stability, but to the ability to adapt. I learned that sustainable results come through people – when you listen to them, develop them, and give them meaning, not just goals.

If you personally had to write a job advertisement, how would you attract the attention of a future employee?

At Konica Minolta we believe that people are our most valuable asset and we not only believe it, but we also show it. As part of our team, you will receive:

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Work in an international company with over 150 years of innovation history
• Opportunity to build expertise in diverse technological fields
• Access to established programs for training and skill development
• Chance to work with the latest technologies in the field of digital transformation

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

• A culture based on mutual respect and recognition
• Focus on work-life balance
• Mentors and leaders who support your development

SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

• Opportunity to help businesses transform digitally
• Working on projects with real impact on our clients
• Contribution to sustainable development and our environmental initiatives
• Participation in innovative solutions that transform the way we work

What does your company do to organize a constructive and fruitful work environment for everyone? Should people in the team be friends?

We encourage an open, respectful, and supportive environment. We believe that the team should respect one another, collaborate, and be able to argue constructively. Friendships are born naturally, but they are not a prerequisite. The key is trust and mutual responsibility.

What makes you enjoy going to work? How do you handle difficult and stressful moments?

People. Meetings, conversations, small victories, moments of “aha!”. And when it’s tough – I return to why we do it. I look at the bigger picture. And I’m not afraid to seek support – the team is a pillar, not just a responsibility.

What work model does your company adhere to – office or remote? What do you think about flexible working hours?

We have a hybrid model. I believe that trust and results are more important than location. Giving freedom in organizing time creates more engaged and responsible people – when there are clear goals and good leadership, flexibility is a plus, not a risk. We value performance, not presence.

How do the continuous technological changes on a global scale affect your business?

Technological changes not only affect our business – they are at its very core!

For our company, global technological evolution is both a challenge and an incredible opportunity. It drives our transformation from a printing device company into a provider of comprehensive solutions for digital transformation.

Continuous technological changes are like a strong wind in our sails – they push us towards new horizons, make us adapt and develop constantly. What seemed like a futuristic concept 5 years ago is now part of our daily lives – artificial intelligence, the internet of things, cloud technologies.

Specifically for our business, these changes:

• Expand our portfolio beyond traditional printing – towards intelligent video surveillance, document and process management
• Transform our business model from product-based to solutions as a service
• Require constant development of our people and acquisition of new competencies
• Open up entirely new market opportunities

The most exciting thing is that the faster technologies change, the more valuable our solutions become for clients seeking a reliable partner in their own digital transformation.

That’s why we don’t just adapt to technological changes – we embrace them and turn them into the foundation for our growth!"

How important is hierarchy and what does it mean to you? What kind of communication do you advocate in your company?

Hierarchy has its function as an organizational tool, but for me, its true value is determined by how much it helps, rather than restricts, the business.

In the company, we work with a hybrid model that combines a classic hierarchical structure with more flat and flexible elements. I am convinced that the future belongs to organizations that manage to be adaptive and responsive quickly, and this requires flatter structures.

Today’s technologies dramatically change the way we communicate and make decisions. They enable immediate access to information, direct communication between all levels, and greater transparency. This naturally leads to a reduction in the need for multiple hierarchical levels.

In our company, I advocate for open, direct, and transparent communication. I believe in:

• Accessibility of leaders to all employees
• Encouragement of ideas from all levels of the organization
• Fast communication channels without unnecessary filters
• Empowerment of teams to make decisions independently

A great example of this is our cross-functional project teams, where hierarchy is defined by expertise and contribution, not by position in the organizational structure.

Of course, a certain level of structure will always be necessary for clarity and accountability, but I believe that the balance is shifting more towards flatter, adaptive models – and this is a positive change for business

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

My career advice for people planning their professional development is to view career not as a linear ascent, but as a continuously enriching journey.

First, understand your true strengths and passions. The most successful careers are built on what you do naturally well and with pleasure. When work resonates with your inner strengths, you are not only more effective, but also experience greater satisfaction.

Second, be open to opportunities you may not have anticipated. Some of the most valuable stages in my career came from unexpected turns. Enriching yourself with different experience makes you more adaptive and broadens your perspective.

Third, continuously invest in new skills. In today’s fast-changing world, the most valuable professional asset is the ability to learn constantly. Technologies, business models, and markets change – your adaptability is what will keep you relevant.

Fourth, build authentic connections. Career is not a solo journey. Invest time in building true professional relationships based on mutual respect and support.

And perhaps most importantly – do not lose sight of your overall life vision. Professional development is just one aspect of your life. The most successful careers are those that allow you to be a whole person, with time for your personal values, family, and other important aspects of life.

Finally, remember that career is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes lateral and even downward movements can give you perspective and skills that will later propel you forward. Be patient, but consistent in your development.