The most important thing is to listen, not just to hear

Introduce yourself:

On my desk, I have a coffee mug with the inscription – mother, wife, boss. J In short – that’s it.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

A writer. I still keep a draft of a book somewhere that I started writing in my teenage years. J At one point, I wanted to write movie scripts. In the end, I decided to apply for journalism and worked as a journalist for almost 17 years.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

If we don’t count the scholarships for success in school, then maybe my first money was for my first report J At the end of the first year in the journalism faculty. I had to tell about a woman who cleaned the streets in the center of Sofia… I wandered for a long time to find one who would agree to talk to me.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests?

Family, teachers, friends. And since I started working at 18, I would add - and colleagues – who were older than me, smarter, with more life experience, with a lot of practice. In fact, regardless of age - different situations that a person encounters can shape them as an individual and determine the direction of their development. Sometimes chance can also play a trick on you and turn the direction of your life.

What is your “recipe” for curiosity, sources, and inspiration at this stage of human development?

A little bit of everything – reading, listening, watching. I like inspiring, personal stories – I love to tell and to be told. My family and my closest friends are those who ground me, or rather keep me afloat.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age about what motivates you to do or not do something?

Definitely. At a younger age, motivation often comes from outside – you seek recognition, success, results. Over time, priorities rearrange, and you seek more meaning, sustainability, and balance. It’s no longer important to do everything, but to do the right things. And most importantly – I know that battles must be chosen. Not always and not at any cost should one win.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking at it from today’s perspective?

For my first higher education, the decision was mine and my parents supported me. In fact, my father really wanted me to apply and study law. I did, but then I didn’t manage to get into that specialty. I was accepted to study journalism and started working at the end of the first year. My job helped me gain confidence and courage, to learn to deal with both people and problems. Years later, I still studied law. To be better at my current job. 

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies.

I am curious. I love beauty – in communication, in relationships, in nature, in people… I have a dog. I also love to learn different things. My goal is to be good at my job and to develop. Whether it’s about digital marketing, various  AI tools, or training in mediation…

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?

Not today. For tomorrow – I don’t know. And if it comes to that – it will certainly be something related to communication and writing.

They say that the personal brand is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

Ha-ha. Maybe - “You can count on her! She can find the most accurate solution, the right person, or phone number…”.

Unfortunately, I might also hear that sometimes I am more demanding than some people would like. Maybe I am not always calm enough. But these are the risks for a person born on the border between Gemini and Cancer.

How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

Walking the dog is a great way to recharge energy. I love to write. By hand. I record my thoughts, my feelings, my tension…. I don’t believe in the idea of perfect balance, but I do believe that a conversation with a friend, as well as music at max really helps if something worries you. And one more thing, a thought I read recently among the reflections of a wise person – motivation comes from acknowledging that you are human too. I would add – with all your hesitations, zigzags, doubts…

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, close ones?

The most important thing is to listen, not just to hear. There is no universal formula for communication, but there is universal respect that always works. Unfortunately, sometimes the emotion in me prevails. But whenever I have important conversations ahead of me, I think them through in advance to make sure I will be as clear as possible and will be understood.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is a tool, not a goal, right?! Financial security is important, but it’s also important what we will spend that money on. The most important thing is not to have to spend it on health.

What is the most valuable career advice you have received?

You can do more! My favorite literature teacher gave it to me in 9th grade.