In the USA, I saw how one idea can be scaled to enormous sizes

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Mikhail Dimitrov – I am the founder of Swipe.bg, the first in Bulgaria platform for refurbished electronics, as well as a partner in Benjamissimo – a global producer of organic and vegan chocolate products. I have two wonderful sons – Philip (5 years old) and Martin (1 year old), with whom I try to spend every free minute. And when there is time for myself – I dedicate it to sports.

For you, the journey around the world is?

One of the most meaningful things in life. When I look back in time, the emotions experienced during travels stand out the most. I have always preferred to invest in experiences and new places rather than in material possessions.

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

I wouldn't call myself an avid traveler, but I have had the fortune to visit almost all continents. Among the more exotic destinations are Tanzania, the Maldives, Indonesia, Curaçao, and Aruba. The experiences are countless, but among the most memorable are swimming with wild dolphins in Zanzibar, diving with sharks in the Maldives, swimming with sea turtles in the Gili Islands, encountering an albino lion and hyena just meters away... the list is long.

Do you like to repeat destinations? Give examples and motivation 'for' or 'against'?

There is only one place I return to again and again – Fiskardo on the island of Kefalonia, Greece. Even during my first visit eight years ago, I fell in love with this peaceful and picturesque town. In other cases, I prefer to discover new places. I dream that one day I will have traveled so much that I will have no other choice but to return to where I have already been.

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

I grew up in a modest family and did not have the opportunity to travel as a child. My first trip outside Bulgaria was as a student on a work program in the USA. This trip changed my life fundamentally and charted my path forward. My impressions of America awakened in me a huge ambition for development, which I later realized there, making my first professional steps.

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

Contact with different cultures is invaluable — it provides knowledge and experience that cannot be acquired from books or formal training. In the USA, I realized that communication skills are at least as important as expert knowledge. From Tanzania, I 'took' the warmth and kindness of the locals.

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

Traveling and my life in the USA play a key role in my career. There, I saw how one idea can be scaled to enormous sizes. This perspective taught me to dream boldly and to develop continuously.

Do you think that traveling helps you expand your professional network? How?

Absolutely. Although we live in a digital world, nothing can replace personal contact. My strongest international contacts were born in informal circumstances, outside the work environment. This is how trust is built, which later turns into professional partnerships.

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

Traveling literally 'opened my eyes' to new business ideas, services, and products that are still missing in our market. Without them, I would remain limited to the familiar and would likely miss many opportunities.

Is there a city or country that inspired you to start a new business or project?

Cities like New York, Singapore, Chicago, and London impressed me with their dynamic business ecosystems. They have definitely inspired me to start new ventures.

When you are in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

I definitely feel more motivated. Navigating a new environment, getting to know the culture and people – all of this energizes and inspires me.

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

Every new place outside my usual environment acts as a kind of 'restart'. Whether they are islands in the Indian Ocean or volcanoes and jungles – they completely detach me from the daily routine and help me recharge my creativity.

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

I always try to separate the two. When I travel for work — I am completely focused on the goals of the trip. When I travel for pleasure — I completely switch off work, so I can enjoy and recharge.

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

I spend my money mainly on two things – my children and travels. Material possessions have never been a priority for me. The more I earn, the more I travel and collect unforgettable memories.

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

Yes. Part of my travels is related to building new business contacts and seeking new opportunities.

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

From the USA, I learned: work hard and take pride in your work — only then does success come. From Africa, I took the philosophy 'Hakuna Matata' — sometimes it is important to live lightly and trust that things will work out.

Do you think it is better to spend on experiences rather than material possessions?

Absolutely. This is the philosophy I follow. Experiences last forever, while things wear out and lose value over time.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

Since I have two small children who need a stable environment for growth and education, I do not practice this lifestyle. Therefore, I would not dare to give an opinion.

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

I believe in capitalism — the richer a country is, the more opportunities it offers. But there is one factor that is more important to me — family and loved ones. They are usually in my homeland, so I prefer Bulgaria over the 'perfect' markets.

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

The USA — without doubt. There, every idea has the potential to be scaled to the maximum. Unfortunately, the market is both very attractive and extremely difficult, which is why few European companies succeed there.

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend to be visited and why?

I wouldn't recommend a specific place — traveling is an extremely personal experience and depends on the character of the person. I prefer islands, oceans, and seas, but most importantly, it is to travel and create memories. Deprive yourself a little of the material and travel more — you will never regret it.

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

The success of countries like the USA, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland is rooted mainly in the culture of their people. If you want to succeed — travel, talk to the locals, understand their thinking and 'steal' from the mentality that will help you grow.