There is not a single correct path for career development

Introduce yourself in a few words..

I am Gergana and I help startups understand what investors expect from them and how to successfully prepare for funding from venture capital funds (VC). I spent 5 years at one of the leading funds in the region – Eleven, where I met some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in Southeast Europe. Before that, I was part of the team at Paynetics, where one of my roles was related to seeking funding for the companies in the group. Other roles I have held over the years include Director of the Bulgarian Fintech Association, Program Manager of Visa Innovation Program, co-founder of 180 Degrees Consulting Sofia, as well as numerous mentoring positions in various programs (Teenovator, Founders Institute, Dea etc.)

How would you describe your career in a few words?

Diverse! For so many years, during which I have been professionally active, I have worn so many “hats”, delved deeply into so many different sectors (finance, investments, healthcare, education, consulting, fintech, blockchain…), that sometimes I feel, like I have worked much longer.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

The decision to return to Bulgaria after completing my bachelor's and master's degrees abroad. I had to change direction based on my realistic opportunities for career development here. I graduated in finance from Bocconi, most of my colleagues went to London, where they became investment bankers. However, that was not my path.

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

There is not a single correct path.

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

Based on what kind of life they want to lead and what their personal definition of success is. For example, if you are an extrovert, you thrive on interacting with others and love personal contact, then isolated professions that are 100% remote and only on a computer may not be the ideal choice. And if your main priority is to be free to travel whenever, wherever, and as much as you decide and to work from anywhere in the world – professions that require you to be always on-site may hinder you. For me, it is a mistake to choose a profession solely based on the understanding of how “prestigious” it is. It is much more important whether this is something that will make you happy – long-term, and will fit into your vision of a good life, not only professionally but also personally.

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

Soft skills, critical thinking, communication. My opinion is that with the rise of AI in more and more aspects of our lives, personal contact and authenticity in people will be valued more and more.

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

When we do not start the conversation at a moment when we already need it, but strive to connect with the person in front of us, regardless of their position. When we strive to get to know the person in front of us, to understand what excites them, and to reveal part of ourselves. An example from my experience – the most successful contacts with investors are built when you do not yet need an investment. Then you are able to have a non-binding and genuine conversation.

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

To expect recognition.

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

The signs can be many and varied, depending on the size, type, even geography of the company. A few examples are: employee opinions are not taken into account; it is taken for granted that 100% dedication to the company and overworking is expected; successes are not acknowledged, while mistakes are strictly punished; feedback is neither given nor received, and many others. It is time to leave when this environment and company stop contributing to our personal professional goals and development.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I don’t think I would change anything. I have learned an infinite amount from every single step along the way, from every person I have worked with, from the good and the bad moments. And I am thankful for all my experience so far.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

Something that I practice: I imagine where I want to be in 3 years, what my life will look like, what I will be doing. Then I envision the smaller steps needed to get there. And I get to work. There are productivity gurus who have outlined entire systems for goal setting, but I have never been able to stick strictly to any of them. For me, it is important to have a concept in my head and to be able to break down the 3 year plan into smaller steps.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

This is a question that I am also excited about. Since I have a child, with whom I often have to work from home, the boundaries have blurred and it happens that I “bring” work home or for the weekend. Still, I impose full-time breaks at times. I turn off my work notifications after 6 PM and on weekends, and I try not to check my phone while we are out. I do the same while training to have at least 30-40 minutes of peace.

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

When we realize that the path we can develop in this field does not align with our vision of a successful and happy life. For me, everything stems from the following: how we want to live? With a lot of travel or none at all? With a fixed schedule or a flexible regime? With many live events or zero communication with other people? Prioritizing status or free time, etc.

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

To define what success means to them. For some, success is raising their children, for others – climbing the corporate ladder to a leadership team, for others – enjoying full freedom in terms of where and when to work, and for others – to earn a lot of money, regardless of the type of work. You cannot seek success, if you are not clear about what your personal definition is. 

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

A successful career for me is not related to position, salary, or any other measure of status. For me, a successful career allows me to be free, to enjoy life outside of work, and to spend quality time with my loved ones. And one that enriches me, challenges me, and connects me with inspiring people. And how would I define myself as successful in such a career? When the people I work with leave with good impressions, recommend me, and wish to work together on other projects. And when I have not disappointed anyone I have worked with.