Strong is not the one who does everything, but the one who builds a system, a team, and trust

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Evgeni Venkov, or just Geca. A professional in digital marketing with over 8 years of experience, over 1000 consulted companies, and more than 200 strategic partnerships. At Netpeak, I am the New Business Manager, and outside the office – a competitor and 8-time champion in Men’s Physique.
In 2016, I heard the words: "you will become disabled, stop any kind of sport". Since then, I have been pursuing my dream – to reach the highest step: Mr. Olympia.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

Discipline. Building up. Dedication. A career without direct paths.
There is a maxim that I often remind myself:
“Short-term thinking = short-term gain and long-term consequences.
 Long-term thinking = short-term consequences and long-term gain.”

Example: Buying a TV on credit brings momentary pleasure, but long-term burden. On the other hand – investing in skills, a mentor, or your own project – provides returns that are not measured only in money, but in growth.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

Not to give up in 2016 when I was told that I might become disabled. Instead of stopping, I used the pain as fuel. I chose to build not just a body, but a brand, a vision, and a direction.

What would you like to have known at the beginning of your career, but no one told you?

That ego is the biggest obstacle in your 20s.
The Japanese concept Shu-Ha-Ri explains it perfectly:

• Shu (守) – Follow. Be a student, learn the basics, be humble.
  
  
  
• Ha (破) – Break. Start to adapt, understand why something works.
  
  
  
• Ri (離) – Free yourself. Create your own paths, you have become a master.
  
  
  

Many people want to start straight from the third level. But wisdom is born from the courage to be a student.

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?

By asking themselves two questions:
 “What would I do even without payment?”
 “When do I lose track of time?”

A profession is not just a source of income – it is a field for realizing your essence and potential.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

• Adaptation and lifelong learning – Technologies will not wait for anyone.
  
  
  
• Working with AI and new technologies – If we do not use them, we will be replaced by those who do.
  
  
  
• Emotional intelligence – AI has no empathy. People do.
  
  
  
• Creativity and communication – The ability to tell stories, inspire, and find new solutions.
  
  
  
• Teamwork – Nothing significant is done alone.
  
  
  

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?

By starting with “give”.
Give value, help without expecting anything in return. Share useful information, make an intro between two people who can benefit from each other.

Look at networking not as "taking", but as "adding value".
That is exactly what Robert Cialdini describes in the book “Influence” – the principle of reciprocity works flawlessly if you approach it from the heart.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

To think that I can do everything alone.
Yes, you can start alone, but you cannot grow alone. Over time, I realized that success is not about moving forward alone, but about moving with people who share the same direction.
Strong is not the one who does everything, but the one who builds a system, a team, and trust.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?

When internal motivation disappears.
When you wake up without desire, when every task feels heavy, when you see no meaning.
Daniel Pink in the book “Drive” explains that true motivation comes from:

• autonomy,
  
  
  
• mastery,
  
  
  
• and a sense of purpose.
  
  
  

If these three are missing – you are not just in the wrong place, but you are stopping your development.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I would seek mentors earlier.
True mentors – not just inspirers on social media, but people who have already walked the path you want to take.
Few people know that Alexander the Great was a student of Aristotle.
Every great figure had a great mentor.
You don’t have to make every mistake yourself if you can learn from others.

How to maintain motivation in times of stagnation?

By returning to our “why” – the long-term vision.

An example from my personal journey: last year I failed to win a pro card in Men’s Physique, even though I had three chances. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I sat down with a sheet of paper and a pen:

• What was missing in my preparation?
  
  
  
• Who can I work with to improve my shape?
  
  
  
• What strategy should I change – training, nutrition, mental?
  
  
  

I drew the lessons, created a new plan, and I continue. This year I will try again.
Motivation is not a “yay” moment. It is a decision not to give up – even after disappointment.

How to achieve balance between professional and personal life?

Balance is not a formula – it is a conscious choice. And it changes.

At 20 it may mean parties and Netflix. Later – family and peace.

For me, as a person with two careers – business and sports, balance means mental hygiene:

• Time for reflection – without noise and social networks
  
  
  
• Time with loved ones
  
  
  
• Judgment: what is really important, and what is just “urgent”
  
  
  

Do not seek uniformity. Seek clarity and peace with yourself.

When is it time to change our career, not just the job?

When the new position and higher salary do not heal the feeling of emptiness.
When not just your body goes to work, but your soul stays at home.
Then do not change the office – change the direction.

If you had to give only one piece of advice to people seeking success, what would it be?

Be disciplined and deal with your ego.
Motivation is an emotion – it comes and goes.
Discipline is a system. It is the habit of continuing even when you don’t feel like it.
Laziness and ego are a couple that kills progress – one makes you procrastinate, the other convinces you that you know enough.
True success comes when you continue to learn, do, and show up – day after day.