How a spontaneous decision can turn into an adventure for a lifetime?

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Veneta Behar and a large part of my life has been spent between France, Belgium, Bulgaria, and exploring the world. I graduated in economics in my country, specialized in France at EDHEC Business School, then Harvard Online, The Power MBA, and I continue to learn even today.
I have been part of Lesaffre for 25 years — I started from an administrative position in Lille and over time took on international responsibilities, mainly for Central and Eastern Europe. In 2014, I returned to Bulgaria and became the first woman general manager at Lesaffre. Today I lead the company here and am part of the regional board and the board of directors of the French-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce.
I believe that education is the strongest driving force and going forward I want to invest my energy and experience in projects that develop people and leave a mark.

For you, traveling the world is?

For me, traveling the world is a true pleasure. I love discovering new places, seeing how people live, and feeling the spirit of different cultures. This energizes me with new ideas and makes me more open to the world.

How many different countries have you seen so far? Share with us a curious incident or highlights from your travels?

I stopped counting how many different countries I have visited a long time ago. I have never collected numbers, but experiences and meetings with people. For me, things often happen spontaneously, without much prior organization — and that’s exactly what makes it charming! I always have a few destinations that “are waiting for me” and I know that the moment will come for me to experience them.
One of my favorite stories is related to our journey, with my husband, Camino — for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of this journey, we have shared more in the book “Camino – fast, easy, and for pleasure”. There we share how a spontaneous decision can turn into an adventure for a lifetime.

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

Yes, I love to repeat destinations when a place “speaks to me” in a special way. For me, traveling is not just a tick on a map, but a way to return to feelings and people who have given me something valuable. I have lived for 25 years in France and I always return with great pleasure to certain places there — each return feels like a little return home. In Spain and Portugal, I can return constantly — each visit there brings me new perspectives and small discoveries. In my opinion, there is no “for” or “against” — sometimes we need to see something completely new, other times – to return to where we have already left part of ourselves.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional and can be said to have changed your thinking?

My first trip that truly changed me as a person and professional was my first arrival in Australia in the early 90s. Back then, there was no internet, everything was much more unfamiliar and exciting. I will never forget the moment I saw the map of the world turned “upside down” — Australia in the center and everything else around it. This literally turned my worldview upside down and showed me that everything depends on perspective. Since then, I know that there is always another angle from which to see the world — both in work and in life.

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

When I am in a new cultural environment, I always immerse myself with great curiosity and see it as a wonderful chance to see something different. I look at everything through the eyes of a child who is just discovering the world, and I try to “absorb” as much as possible. I am most interested in observing the different “codes” of people — how they behave, how they speak, what their intonation is, how their meetings go. This helps me not only to understand others better but also to discover new things about myself and the way I work.

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

Meetings with people and cultures during travels have always changed me the most. My first trip to Australia and New Zealand in the early 90s — with the map of the world turned “upside down” — showed me that people there think and live in a completely different way. Then India taught me to see beauty in chaos and to appreciate how people keep their traditions amidst such a different reality. The same goes for Malaysia or Japan — there I met people with great respect for community and family, but with incredible ease to live “here and now”.
I love to immerse myself in cultures that have nothing to do with my world. A month in China and Tibet with my then 7-year-old daughter was an unforgettable experience — the people there welcomed us with such warmth and curiosity that I realized how important it is not to judge, but to listen, to accept things as they are, to be true to yourself, and to do good things.

Meetings with people along the way are my true capital — and I believe that they help me to be a better person and a better professional, and all these lessons have inevitably reflected on my work and my worldview.

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

Traveling certainly helps me expand not only my horizons but also my professional network. In recent years, I have had the fortune to travel with my husband and meet people from various horizons and professional fields — this makes my life truly colorful and meaningful. I enjoy that we have friends everywhere in the world.

I love having conversations with people from all over the world, hearing their stories, and exchanging ideas. All of this leaves a mark — both in me as a person and in my work and gives me new directions both professionally and in my personal world.

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

On the road, one learns to live here and now — develops senses, intuition, and observation skills. All skills that later help me in my work. The most valuable thing for me is that I become better at listening and understanding people who think and live in a completely different way. You start to catch small details that you would otherwise miss. You learn to talk to everyone — even if you don’t have a common language, you always find a way to understand each other.  And most importantly — you become more adaptable, you get used to adjusting according to the situation and “letting go” of control when needed.

This gives me ease and helps me see opportunities and find solutions, even when something doesn’t go as planned.

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

Every place inspires me in a different way, but I wouldn’t say there is a single city or country that has directly prompted me to start a new business or project. Rather, it’s the people, the meetings, and the little stories that happen on the road that give me ideas. Sometimes a walk in a small town or a conversation with someone who lives completely differently from me can spark an idea for something new. For me, inspiration comes from the combination of place, moment, and people who introduce me to new perspectives. It all depends on whether you are open to seeing the opportunities that are painted before you — they are often there, but you need to have eyes for them.

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

I rather feel more curious! When I am in an unfamiliar country, everything around me keeps me awake — the new streets, the people, the language, the small details. I can also be more motivated because my brain works at a different frequency — I am constantly gathering impressions and ideas. Yes, sometimes it may seem that I am “distracted”, but for me this is not distraction, but another kind of focus — on the new and the unknown. And that’s often where my most interesting ideas are born!

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

Definitely, there are such places! For me, a “restart” for creativity and ambition are destinations that are totally different from everything familiar — another world, another culture, another rhythm of life. For example, Japan, or Tibet,  Iceland, Africa, act exactly like that for me — everything there is so different that you can’t help but look at yourself and your ideas in a new way.

For me, such travels are like pressing a “restart” button — you return recharged, with a clear mind and a desire to start something new or to continue with a completely different energy.

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

For me, the balance between work and pleasure on the road has never been a strict “regime” — rather, I strive for both to intertwine naturally. When I travel, work goes with me — I meet people, have conversations, ideas are born. At the same time, I always leave time just to get lost somewhere, to feel the place without a plan. This “switching” helps me to be fresher in my work.

For me, pleasure is not separate from work — it nourishes it and makes it more meaningful. And I believe that when your work is a pleasure, you never truly work in the real sense of the word.

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

Traveling has certainly changed the way I view money. When you have traveled to different corners of the world and seen what money means to different people, you start to perceive it more as a means rather than an end in itself. I have learned to value experiences and meetings much more than things.

For example, on Camino, I have always been impressed by how simple it is — every traveler can take bread or apples from the baskets left in front of the houses and leave as much as they want or can. This reminds you that value is not only in money, but in trust, in the gesture, in sharing.

For me, the true value lies in where and with whom you spend your money — because a cup of tea in India or a spontaneous conversation somewhere along the way may cost almost nothing, but can give you a wealth that cannot be bought.

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

I never travel just with the idea of “how to make money”. Rather, I believe that when you are curious, open, and talk to people from different worlds, ideas come to you on their own — and some of them can turn into a new business and new income opportunities.

But for me, traveling is above all about gathering impressions, people, and perspectives. If something new arises from this that brings value and money — even better!

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

From different economies and cultures, I have learned that financial independence does not have a single formula — for each person and each society, it looks different. In some places, people may have very little, but still feel free because they know how to share and help each other. I have learned to believe more in flexibility — that it is important to have different sources of income, but also not to be a slave to money. Everywhere I see that true financial freedom comes when you know how much is enough for you and can live peacefully and with less if necessary. Travels have taught me that value is not only in the numbers, but in the ability to adapt and find meaning — even in the most modest conditions.

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

For me, it is always better to spend on experiences, rather than on things. An object will give you short-lived joy, but an experience stays with you for a lifetime — it changes you, teaches you, connects you with people and stories. Memories and stories have no expiration date, unlike things. It is very important for me who you share these moments with — who you travel with, who you laugh with, with whom you rediscover the world. Shared experiences are the greatest wealth. That’s why I believe that every trip or little adventure is the most valuable “investment” in who you are and how you feel.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

I think the future of digital nomadic life will become more and more diverse. More and more people are seeking the freedom to work from wherever they want and to combine work and travel. I am from the generation that has an office and loves to go to the office to work, to meet colleagues there, to talk to them over a cup of coffee, etc. — for me, this also has its charm and meaning. But I believe that models will mix more and more and everyone will be able to choose what suits them best. The best part is that technology already provides this opportunity — the question is to be open to see what works for you. And I think what matters remains the same: not where you are physically, but with whom you share your life and what you do has meaning.

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

Honestly, for me, there is no universal place that is “best” for work and investments — it all depends on the field, the idea, and most importantly, the people around you. Some countries are more open to new businesses, have easier administration or good tax conditions, while others provide inspiration and access to unique markets. For example, Central and Eastern Europe have huge potential for development, while places like Asia or Australia are catalysts for new ideas and different ways of thinking. For me, the most important thing is to find a place where you feel good, where you can build trust and work with people you believe in. This makes every investment more valuable.

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

If I had to choose only one place, I would choose one that gives me a sense of freedom, space, and new horizons — maybe somewhere close to the ocean or in a country that is completely different from what I know. For example, New Zealand has always inspired me with its nature and the way people there live more balanced and peacefully.
But honestly, I would also choose Bulgaria — because there are so many opportunities here and still many unfilled niches. There is still much to be done in areas like meaningful projects for children, education, healthcare, and communities that need new energy and ideas. I see huge potential and believe that there is room for bold ideas and for people who want to create something different and useful. For me, it is important that the place brings me silence for reflection, but also meets me with different people and perspectives. I believe that good ideas are born where you have space — both in your mind and around you.

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

I believe that there is no universal list of “destinations that must be visited” — what matters is which place will speak to you personally. But if I have to share my favorites, I would say Spain and Portugal — there I always feel lightness, warmth, the people are genuine and know how to enjoy life. India is a must if you want to shake up your perceptions and see the world from a completely different angle. Tibet and Africa — because the nature and energy there literally clear your head and remind you of the simple things. America — for the space and the feeling that anything is possible, as long as you have the courage to ask for it.
And France will always be special to me — not only because of the cuisine, the good wine, and the art, but also because of the way the French know how to live beautifully and appreciate the little pleasures. A nice coffee, the market on Sunday, a walk through small streets — even an ordinary day there is a celebration. I also love the contrast — from picturesque villages to vibrant cities filled with museums and theaters at every turn. France has taught me to enjoy life as it is.
And of course, Camino — this is a path that everyone walks in their own way, but you always leave as a different person. And Bulgaria… I would recommend everyone to see it with open eyes — we have mountains, sea, culture, and people who know how to welcome you genuinely. In the end, it is not important how many points you will mark on the map, but what you will take with you.

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

If I had to give one career advice based on everything I have seen around the world, it would be: be curious and open. The world is full of opportunities, but only if you have the eyes to see them. Talk to people from all kinds of places and backgrounds — the most valuable lessons often come from the most unexpected encounters. Don’t be afraid to change your perspective — sometimes a world turned “upside down,” like my Australia or India, can give you the clearest ideas.
And for me, career and work should always be connected to learning something new and doing meaningful things — for yourself, for the people around you, and for the world.

And never forget to enjoy what you do — because when your work is pleasure and meaning, you actually never work.