Don't think about the money, but about the value you provide

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Borislav Donchev and I am an entrepreneur by heart and profession. I have founded several successful businesses, including the digital agency MAX Digital, the adult store Cleopatrabg.com, and Reviewly.bg – the first completed method for collecting customer reviews in Bulgaria. I believe in building sustainable companies that bring real value to the market.

With MAX Digital, we create long-term growth strategies based on real data, business logic, and strong digital infrastructure. We work with clients from various industries and I believe that success comes when a business develops both strategically and ethically.

I have been actively involved in business, trade, and marketing for over a decade. In 2025, I was included in the “Top 100 Executives in Bulgaria” ranking, which for me is recognition of the persistence and strategic thinking I put into every endeavor.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a police officer, and as a teenager – a competitor and coach in taekwondo. And that dream came true – I dedicated years to the sport, which taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to deal with the fear of failure. These were my first real lessons in leadership and personal growth.

At what age did you earn your first money? Share an interesting story with us.

I started early – I helped my father deliver goods to the markets. It wasn't anything grandiose, but it taught me discipline and respect for work. Then I became a general worker in a grocery store. I was a general worker – from arranging goods to cleaning. It was there that I realized that there are no “small” tasks – there is an attitude towards them.

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 of information, and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

Sports – specifically taekwondo – gave me discipline, focus, and a sense of boundaries. And independence came naturally – my parents worked constantly, so I learned to manage on my own. This shaped the habit of making decisions, even when I am not fully ready.

In plain text, I wasn't particularly excited about learning. I don't have a recipe for curiosity and information. Rather, I made more decisions faster than trying to inform myself beforehand.

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

Yes. Before, I was driven by the desire to prove myself. Today, I am driven by the desire to create something meaningful – not just for myself, but for the people around me. I increasingly say "no" to things that do not bring me inner satisfaction, regardless of how they look from the outside.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking back today?

Mine. I chose UNSS – Marketing, because from an early age I knew that economics, entrepreneurship, and marketing were my direction.

The decision was not correct and I regret not quitting earlier to have more time for my business. I knew it back then, but my parents insisted as if my future depended on it. :)

It is important to mention that alongside my studies at UNSS, I also enrolled in the digital marketing program at SoftUni Digital. There I received knowledge that I applied that very evening. What young entrepreneur likes dry theory from 100 years ago?

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

After excluding everything related to business and personal development, my love for fine cigars, martial arts, and dog training remains.

Over the years, I have gone through numerous hobbies and interests, always getting bored with something and starting something new.

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

I would not change direction, but I would definitely test different types of businesses. Entrepreneurship is in my blood – I will always seek, create, and develop ideas, regardless of the field.

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

“Bobi did exactly what he said.” Personal branding is not built with posts, but with daily decisions – especially when no one is watching.

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

Honestly, I often miss the right moment to take care of myself. And then I reach extremes – I disconnect from everything, restart myself, and start something new. Usually, this is a period in which I find a new direction and again enter a deep focus. It’s not a perfect mechanism, but it works for now.

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

People have different rhythms, depths, and ways to express themselves. The key is in patience and the ability to listen with the intention to understand – not just to respond. In the teams I work with, we value sincerity and specificity. Diplomacy is not saying “yes,” but telling the truth in a way that the other can accept.

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 earn the most money when I stop thinking about it. When I focus on the value I provide – money comes as a side effect. Peace comes not when you have more, but when you know you can create value from nothing.

My advice to people is to stop thinking about nonsense and take action.

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

To step out of their comfort zone. Skip a meal, take a cold shower, and go to a business networking event where you don’t know anyone and don’t know what to talk about with them.

I try to step out of my comfort zone every possible day, even for small things.