The new places stimulate the mind and unlock fresh ideas
· Natasha Kumcheva
Every new place I discover enriches me not only as a person but also as a professional, reminding me that true growth begins where the comfort zone ends!
Introduce
yourself in a few words..
A curious explorer of the world,
passionate about personal development and building bridges between cultures, ideas
and people.
For you,
traveling the world is?
Traveling is a school of life –
a lesson in patience, adaptability, and gratitude.
How many
different countries have you seen so far? Share an interesting story or
highlights from your travels?
Over 30 countries. Bali is the place
we have visited 4 times – not only for its beautiful nature but
mostly for the incredible, warm-hearted people there. Tanzania also left a strong
impression with its wild beauty and the warm smiles of the locals.
Do you
like to repeat destinations? Give examples and motivation “for” or “against”?
Yes, I love it. Returning to
favorite places like Bali brings a feeling of home away from home – each new visit
reveals a different layer of the culture and spirit of the place.
It’s always nice to visit new places, but if you don’t feel any as your own, there’s
no need to return – just choose the next destination that can become a
new favorite home.
What was
your first trip that truly changed you as a professional?
My first business trip was
to the USA, and not just anywhere, but to Las Vegas, for an internal company conference.
The scale of everything there, the pace of life, and the encounter with a culture of directness,
openness, and independence taught me a new professional discipline and
confidence.
What do
you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural
environment?
That empathy and the ability to
listen are a universal language that opens doors everywhere. Being open to
the locals and soaking up as much as possible from their way of life and culture enriches and expands
personal perspective.
Have you
met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career path?
During my travels,
I met people and ideas that changed my understanding of career. An
entrepreneur in Bali showed me that success does not necessarily require sacrificing
freedom. Since then, I believe that the professional path should bring
satisfaction, support personal values, and provide space for growth
– and not be chased at any cost. For me, a career is a journey, not
a competition.
Do you think
that your travels help you expand your professional network? How?
Yes – travels often give me
the opportunity to meet people in a more informal and open environment, which sometimes leads
to surprisingly valuable professional connections. It’s not about replacing the work
environment, but about complementing it – every authentic human encounter is a potential opportunity
for collaboration and inspiration.
What skills
do you develop the most when you travel, and how do they reflect on your work?
Adaptability, creativity, and
patience – qualities that directly improve my work in a dynamic environment.
Especially patience, which by nature is not my strongest suit, but on which
I actively work.
Is there a city
or country that inspired you to start a new business or project?
Bali – not for a new business, but for
reflection and projects related to tranquility, balance, and dreams without
limitations.
When you are
in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?
More motivated – new places
stimulate the mind and unlock fresh ideas. However, sometimes I am also more distracted because
I try to be fully present and enjoy every second of
the experience. Kilimanjaro is a great example of this – motivation to reach
the summit and distraction for everything else.
Are there
destinations that act as a “restart” for your creativity and ambition?
Yes – Bali always recharges me with
harmony and inspiration. Also, the mountains of Europe – the Alps and especially
the Dolomites have a magnetic charm. The Chamonix valley reminds you how small
we are in the face of the greatness of nature.
How do
you manage the balance between work and pleasure when you travel?
I clearly plan the boundaries – I work
in blocks and leave myself time for full presence in the moment.
How
have travels changed the way you perceive the value of money?
I learned that true value
is not in the spending itself, but in the experiences and freedom that money can
provide.
Do you travel
with the aim of finding new ways to make money?
Not intentionally, but sometimes
opportunities arise on their own when the time is right.
What lessons
about financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?
That stability comes from the ability
to live within your means, to invest wisely, and to think in perspective
– happiness does not depend on money.
According to you,
is it better to spend on experiences rather than material possessions?
Yes – experiences create
memories and personal growth that no object can replace. In
our family, we have a rule to visit at least one new place every year and so far we have been
strictly following it.
How do you see
the future of digital nomadic life?
More flexible and normalized –
with global communities that unite work, culture, and free spirit.
Are there
specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?
Yes – Portugal, Estonia,
Saudi Arabia, and Dubai are excellent examples of a supportive business environment.
If you could
choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea,
where would it be and why?
Bali – because it combines
tranquility, inspiration, and entrepreneurial spirit in a unique way.
What are
the destinations you would definitely recommend visiting and why?
Bali – for the peace of mind and
the kindness of the people; Tanzania – for the connection with nature and the animal world;
Peru and Machu Picchu – for the magic and mystique of ancient civilizations.
What is the
career advice you would give based on what you have seen around the world?
Be flexible like water, but
resilient like a mountain – your career is a journey where your greatest asset is
yourself.
For me, travels are an endless source of
inspiration, learning, and self-discovery. Every new place I discover enriches me
not only as a person but also as a professional, reminding me that
true growth begins where the comfort zone ends.