From a leap into the future in the USA to rethinking life in India

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Dimitar Galabov and I have been the executive director of Sutherland for Bulgaria since 2015, during these ten years the company in Bulgaria has significantly expanded in operational and financial terms, reaching almost 2000 employees from all over Bulgaria, serving millions of clients of 25 international companies from seven different industries. I have nearly 30 years of management experience in the field of business development and management of customer service centers, shared and outsourced services, and business processes. I have held management roles in international companies from various sectors – telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, automotive industry, information technology, and business process management.

For you, the journey around the world is:

Traveling is my way of rediscovering the boundaries of my thinking, as well as a source of inspiration, new emotions, and knowledge. I look forward to every trip with anticipation because it energizes me, opens new horizons, introduces me to different people and cultures, and gives me the opportunity to discover new perspectives – both for the world and for myself. I return from every trip richer, energized, and deeply inspired.

How many countries have you visited so far? Share an interesting story or highlights from your travels:

I have visited exactly 42 countries and I can easily list them because since the very beginning, back in the distant 90s, I started collecting a souvenir plate from each country, which I carefully keep in a special box. I have wonderful memories from so many places that it is hard for me to choose a specific story. My last memorable trip was to Goa, India, in the company of more than 20 compatriots with different professions and interests, living in different parts of the world. We rented scooters and for ten days we explored exotic places and interacted with the locals everywhere we stayed. India is a country that makes you rethink almost everything – how you perceive wealth and poverty, happiness and unhappiness. The contrasts, colors, aromas, emotions – everything is at the maximum level.

Do you like to repeat destinations? Why “for” or “against”?

I believe that truly getting to know a place begins on the second or third visit. On a repeat trip, one can discover new aspects, immerse deeper into the culture and environment, or relive something that left a strong emotion – this is undoubtedly an advantage. On the other hand, the world is so vast, and time is never enough. Therefore, I usually avoid returning to already visited destinations. Still, I make exceptions for two reasons – business trips or when I want to share with close people a place that has strongly impressed me. For many years, my daughter and I maintained the tradition of traveling to countries I have visited and spending time just the two of us in my favorite places. Now that she is independent, I continue this tradition with my son. Our next destination is China – we already have tickets, we have planned the route, and we eagerly look forward to immersing ourselves in a completely different world – history, technology, cuisine, way of life.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional?

The first trip that gave a serious direction to my life was to the USA. My parents went there in the early 90s with a green card, and I had the opportunity to visit them in the summer. At that time, Bulgaria was just starting to emerge after the changes, and many of the things we take for granted today were simply not available then. The contrast was striking – dynamics, business, infrastructure, level of services, goods, scale... This trip was like a leap into the future. There I saw how to run a successful and sustainable business, what the benefits of true competition are, how adherence to rules provides peace and predictability for everyone. There I understood what uncompromising quality means and how the details in service and business make the difference between average and global success. I returned with countless ideas, determined to work hard and honestly, setting a high bar for myself. I believe that this, along with the chance to be in an excellent working environment, was key to my development as a professional.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural environment?

I learned that flexibility, tolerance, adaptability, seeking different perspectives, and the ability to listen are extremely important. In a new cultural environment, your “working practices” may prove inadequate – you are left only with your human approach and the ability to build trust. Every new culture brings me different understanding of people and their perceptions – sometimes something that seems logical to you is completely foreign to your partner. I discover how others think and react in situations, and this expands my worldview, gives me new approaches, and enriches my philosophy of life and business. I believe that every culture is a huge wealth and should be respected, studied, and preserved.

Have you met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career path?

Definitely – both people and ideas. Every new acquaintance is an opportunity for new friendship, an unexpected business partnership, or simply new knowledge. In Israel, I met an entrepreneur who showed me the power of failure as a step forward, not backward. Since then, I regard failures as an inevitable companion on the path to the right product or service. Over the years, I have built valuable contacts with partners and friends around the world, with whom we mutually help each other in life and business, sharing experiences, knowledge, recommendations, contacts, and assisting each other.

Do you think that your travels help you expand your professional network? How?

Without a doubt. Every new acquaintance opens doors to new contacts and opportunities. I have noticed that the best business opportunities come not from formal meetings, but from spontaneous conversations at the airport or in a café. During my travels, I meet people with different professions and interests – each of them brings invaluable experience and knowledge that can prove useful in a given situation. I also believe that when you give and help selflessly, the moment inevitably comes when you receive something in return – exactly when you need it the most.

What skills do you develop the most when you travel, and how do they reflect on your work?

When I travel, I always observe, listen, be curious, and seek the new and different. I filter what I learn through my reality and find inspiration to improve the way I do my work. Adaptability, patience, and strategic thinking are among the skills that directly help me in managing teams, projects, and negotiations.

Is there a city or country that has inspired you for a new business or project?

From every trip, I return with at least one business idea. I often come across an unknown service or product that I could apply in Bulgaria, or well-known solutions elevated to a completely different and much higher level. A year ago, I was impressed by Oslo, where I spent a week with a group of Bulgarian businessmen. I realized that in Norway, sustainability is not just a trend, but a business model. This inspired me to think about projects that combine profit with care for the environment and society.

When you are in a foreign country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

When I travel for pleasure, I fully immerse myself in the local culture, cuisine, sights, and relaxation – then I am more distracted and strive to relax as much as possible. In business trips, it is the opposite – I am highly focused, always well prepared, and motivated to give my best. In these cases, I am completely focused on achieving the specific goals I have set for the trip.

Are there destinations that act as a “restart” for your creativity and ambition?

Yes – some places strongly inspire me. For me, such a destination is Dubai, where one understands the true meaning of the phrase “nothing is impossible”.

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure when you travel?

I always find a way to achieve balance – I have my tried-and-true methodology. When I travel for pleasure, I dedicate an hour in the morning to urgent and important work tasks, after which I indulge in a fulfilling rest. In the evening, before the daily program ends, I set aside another hour for work. In business trips, it is the opposite – I plan time, most often in the evening after work meetings, to feel the atmosphere of the city. I often leave a free day after completing business commitments to get to know the local culture and way of life. This way, the trip feeds both my professional and personal energy.

How have travels changed the way you perceive the value of money?

Money is an instrument whose value is determined by its ability to meet our needs and realize our goals and dreams. New knowledge, positive emotions, and experiences are invaluable wealth, and travels provide an abundance of all of this. I learned that the value of money depends on the context – with 5 euros in India, you can have a culinary experience that costs 150 euros in Paris. Therefore, I believe it is better to invest in experiences rather than in shiny packages.

Do you travel with the aim of finding new ways to make money?

Yes – every country is a market, every culture – a new way of thinking. Almost always, when I travel for work, I also look for opportunities for new business, investments, and expanding contacts.

What lessons on financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?

Financial independence is not simply measured by the size of income, but by the ability to live freely, without heavy dependencies, and with wise management of resources. In different economies and cultures, there are various approaches to building stability – for Thais, for example, minimalism and a moderate lifestyle bring satisfaction, while other nations rely on investments and savings. The pursuit of financial security is a universal goal for people around the world. The methods differ – in some places, real estate is a key instrument, while in others, stock markets or pension schemes dominate. For example, in Bulgaria, real estate is a key investment for many, while in India, the focus may be on gold or family businesses.

Is it better to spend on experiences rather than material possessions?

Material things age, memories – never. However, I would not place one before the other – the balance strongly depends on a person's life phase, their material security at that moment, and their personal preferences. If a person has unmet basic material needs - for example, if they urgently need a car to do their job, it would not be wise to spend resources on a trip to Dubai. But I believe that when those needs are met, investing in experiences is the best solution.

How do you see the future of digital nomad life?

Given the dynamics with which everything is developing, it is difficult to make an accurate forecast even in the short term. The digital nomad lifestyle is not my forte, but I believe that working from anywhere will become the new standard - but only for those who know how to manage themselves and their time.

Are there specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?

I believe that business can develop anywhere, as long as there is a clear vision, strategy, understanding of the market and local specifics, as well as adaptability. Every country has its niches, which are favorable for investments. Still, some countries offer a better environment - clear rules, stable economy, predictability, government policies, qualified workforce.

If you could choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea, where would it be and why?

I would focus on countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and others from the region that were once part of the Soviet Union. I believe this is a good but still undervalued market in terms of foreign investments and innovations with global potential.

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend visiting and why?

London - for culture and traditions, New York - for business courage and ambition, Lisbon - for balance and inspiration, Dubai - for scale and progress, Delhi - for culture and contrasts, Oslo – for balance between business, society, and nature.

What is the career advice you would give based on what you have seen around the world?

The world is vast and offers endless opportunities. Follow your dreams, set clear goals, and act boldly forward. The world does not wait, it changes – be part of the movement, not the status quo.