With age, changes in perceptions always occur

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Martin Dimitrov, I am 48 years old and I am a creative director and partner in the advertising agency “Nitram”. I have been working in the field of advertising for 22 years.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood years?

I have always wanted to be a journalist. That's how I started, as a journalist — from 1997 to 2003. To be honest, I have never stopped writing. For the last 11 years, I have been doing it for the magazine “L’Europeo”.

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

I earned my first money at the age of 16, selling imported soaps and cosmetics at a stall in front of RUM “Cherni Vrah”. The times were cowboy-like, in Bulgaria there was still nothing. I don't have a precise memory of how much I earned, I was on a commission from sales, but the money was more than good. 

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

At an early age, the engine of my curiosity was my grandmother. She ignited my interest in books and reading. As for curiosity and inspiration, I don't have a precise recipe. I try to make everything I do interesting to me. And often I succeed.

Has there been any significant difference in your perceptions in mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

With age, changes in perceptions always occur. Fortunately for me, the work still manages to motivate me. 

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, viewed from today's perspective?

I studied “Bulgarian Philology”, that’s what I wanted to study. And to this day I consider it a correct decision — Bulgarian philology is a true source of knowledge.

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

My hobby is reading. In a way, my work is also a hobby — I have never perceived it as something different.

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

The entire technological development of the world provokes my interest and curiosity. These leaps that humanity makes on the path to the unknown. All of this is devilishly interesting. And no, at this stage I would not change my profession: I still love advertising too much.

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?

I suppose I will hear absolutely polar opinions about myself. And at least in my opinion, that’s how it should be.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills are key conditions for success in the last few years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

More and more difficult, to be honest. Society changes, the work environment changes, and each one of us is obliged to adapt to a new reality with new relationships.

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

I don't have a precise recipe on this matter. But if someone has one, I would be thankful if they shared it.

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?

I have never placed money first. And I think that this is my mistake, because there are moments, of course, not all moments are like that, when money is of key importance.

I don't know what “sufficient” means. Sufficient to cover my needs and leave a little for some pleasures. Maybe that is enough.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

Never stop.