Your career and goals should be a reflection of your essence

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

Mikaela Tsvetanova founder of Qalb Communications Agency and Member of the Board of Vaisman Investment Group, an international investment company operating in Bulgaria.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

Medicine has always been my calling, I wanted to be a doctor.

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

I was 23, I co-founded a green business in the field of organic food. I didn't earn much back then, it was difficult even to get the company to breakeven. But I attribute it to the fact that coming from London, the market here was not yet mature enough for such a business, and sometimes it is hard to keep competitive prices and build a customer base when there aren't many companies in the segment, nor real demand. Not like it is today. 

An interesting incident is that we had coconuts at home, and we made a limited number of coconut rakia – the first in the worldJ

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

Definitely the family environment and dynamics. I have always been close to my father, and even in difficult moments I remember things he told me, but back then I didn't understand. Our interests are shaped by being open to life and new experiences, and most importantly, to have a mindset for growth.

What is Yourrecipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of human development?

Live communication with people, asking questions. Putting down the phone, and actually being present where you are. Try it, and you will see, that you will be surprised by the relationships you can build. This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Socrates - “Speak to me, so I can see you”. The truth about people does not lie only in their beauty, but in the choice of words, and the way they present them.

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

I learned that the word no is not always something bad - but actually a life redirection towards our true potential and purpose. I see one thing, that motivation is not something constant, we are human, experiencing days, emotions, situations. The most crucial is: discipline. And our approach to it.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study?

My dad's.

Was that decision right, looking at today's date?

Yes. But if we consider every decision we have ever made as right or not… we would not be the person we are today.

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

I love sports and pilates. Hiking in the mountains, spa days, traveling - I would like to visit Al-Hambra of Grenada, the 8^th wonder of the world. Sometimes I am a bit of a nerd.. I love to write, and I have been reading the history of literature for years. I can ride a horse, I try to be regular - near Plana there is a riding school. And lately, I have been obsessed with padel, I go in the evenings. I like restaurants, but not bars.

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity attract Youtoday?

Only Real estate.

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

I wouldn't want to hear anything. I let in a few people to my life, and I have convinced myself that behind words there is not always meaning. For me, the way people feel around me, and I around them - is indicative.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability and flexibility, as well as our soft skills are key conditions for success in the last few years.

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

I always plan and organize my time. I have said before, a woman is the connecting force in a house, to make it a home. For me, it is important to have personal time, time with the person next to me, time for little hands, and of course for my career. And I look at things like glasses, in which I maintain a certain level of water. Sometimes depending on moments, some get emptied, others overflow.

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

To be direct, diplomatic, impartial and no matter how difficult a certain conversation is - not to postpone it.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on life Inyou?

Money has taught me that they are an important means for a person to afford to have time for priority things for them.

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

Your career and goals should be a reflection of your essence.