This profession is suitable for a person who does not need external motivation

Introduce yourself in a few words..
Vladislav Milev, executive director and member of the management board of ZK "Lev Ins" AD. Cheerful, motivated, chef and culinary expert, traveling taster. 😊

How would you describe your career in a few words?
Like an electrocardiogram of a hypertensive person. Mostly forward, up, and down. Thank God, in recent years – always up.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?
The choice is never just one. The path is shaped by a series of choices, risks, hopes and a little madness. In the last 10 years, this was the decision to transition from executive director in the automotive industry to operational manager in another sector.

What would you like to know at the beginning of your career, that no one told you?
That the knowledge in university is only one-tenth of what I will need. Also, not least – the illusion that you can achieve everything just with hard work. Patience is also needed. Career development is a process and in it “jumpers” are not accepted – time is needed.

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for him?
Unfortunately, it is again a matter of time. Choosing a profession is a complex process, encompassing not only the pure “doing of work”. It is related to environment, colleagues, self-motivation, and many other factors. A person rarely knows from a young age what they want to do, and as they develop, their attitudes change. This profession is suitable for a person who does not need external motivation to do it – the one where you go to the office in the morning with pleasure, not with a burden.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?
The world is developing quite rapidly. It is difficult to determine, but social skills will be at the forefront, as this is a factor that people already lack. Soft skills and motivation – that is the future.

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?
Carefully! In Bulgaria, social networks are still on a pedestal. Sending an invitation to a stranger is common, as well as participating in various events. I recommend not to refuse participation – bring your business cards. Keep in mind that there is also a shortage of social connections on the other side. The search is mutual. For it to make sense, the contacts should be based on interests – common work, hobbies, etc.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
The mistake is to “lean on your fear” and mislead or deceive the person you are working with – whether they are a manager, colleague, or subordinate. Fifteen years ago, I decided to hide my new job and lied that I would be resting. I still do not speak to that person, despite my efforts to apologize. In some moments, due to the specifics of characters, mistakes happen – but that is not an excuse.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?
The toxic environment is perceived differently by different people. If someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable – intrigues, false friendships and colleagues, gross behavior – there is no exact time to leave, but it is always later than it should be.

What would you do differently if you could start over?
I would not change anything except the mistake I made in 2010 that I described above.

How to maintain your motivation in times of stagnation?
Motivation is a multi-layered and constantly changing process. It should not stop, but rather develop further. And this depends on you, not on someone else. If the company does not provide proper motivation, that is not your problem – it is its problem. And what is stagnation? What are the criteria for defining it as such?

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?
In reality, such a balance does not exist – there is no reason to deceive ourselves. It exists only in movies. Personally, I separate work time from morning until the end of the workday (not until the end of working hours), and the rest – for family. I do not carry my problems from one place to another.

When is it time to change your career, not just your job?
When we reach the maximum in a given career and the opportunities for growth are approaching zero or outright impossible. I changed from the automotive industry to financial and insurance activities after 20 years. The important thing is to be at the top when changing – otherwise it is very difficult.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people who are seeking success, what would it be?
Perseverance, self-motivation, and clear goals! Sky is the limit.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?
To start from scratch and achieve the maximum. There are no middle options.