I strive to be a 'playing coach' and mentor at the same time

Introduce yourself in a few sentences!

My name is Bisera Ivanova. I graduated in Economics and Management of Industry at UNSS, and then in Labor-Organizational Psychology at SU 'St. Kliment Ohridski'. I have been working in the field of corporate real estate for 25 years. I am the founder of the first Bulgarian company for facility management with national coverage. I have held managerial positions in the field of corporate real estate management in the energy and financial sectors. Currently, I am the Head of the Building Fund and OSH Department at Festo Bulgaria EOOD. I teach in the master's program in Facility Management at the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I dreamed of becoming a teacher and I can happily share that through my teaching at the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University I am currently fulfilling this childhood dream.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us about an interesting incident?

I earned my first money while I was still in school, giving German language lessons to a neighbor's child, thus helping him improve his results at school. Then at the age of 18, I officially started my professional path in a trading and services company, where my area was organizing language and professional courses. At that time, the company was developing and expanding the first commodity exchange in the country, which was extremely exciting and interesting, and I was very happy to be part of this process. Also, at this company at 18, I received my first annual bonus - I was proud, happy, and satisfied.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources, and wells of information and inspiration in this stage of our human development?

The main factors and examples that shape us as individuals and influence the formation of our interests are, of course, first and foremost, our parents and family, followed by teachers, the school environment, and friends. I am happy to share that my wonderful parents raised me in kindness and dignity, teaching me to be grateful and curious about the world. The environment around us and the examples we see around us constantly influence us and contribute to our formation and development as individuals. The way we transform and apply what we have learned and seen depends on our deep inner world and we always leave our personal imprint on the abundance of knowledge we have received from others.

Art, a good book, a good movie, nature with its incredible wonders, travels, exploring different places and cultures – all of this gives me inspiration, a new perspective, and different viewpoints. This is how I broaden my horizons, gain rich information, and satisfy my curiosity.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

I definitely wouldn't say that there has been any significant change in my perceptions of what motivates me. Of course, over time and experience, a person changes to some extent the way they 'look' at things, but the essence remains the same. Perhaps I now value the resource 'time' differently – I appreciate it more and allocate it wisely and consciously. I have a more critical view of the hygiene of relationships between people, so I choose and approach carefully the level and depth of communication.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study?

The decision of where to pursue higher education and what discipline to study was entirely mine with the support and wise advice of my parents. I have always had the freedom to make my own decisions, to follow them, and to take responsibility for the choices made. The specialty I graduated in at UNSS – Economics and Management of Industry taught me to always seek and see the 'big picture', managing not to give more importance to minor details than they actually deserve. The additional qualification I obtained – Labor-Organizational Psychology was entirely my personal decision and choice, which complemented and enriched my knowledge in the field of psychology – a hobby of mine that interacts very well and supports my professional expertise.

Was this decision correct, viewed from today's perspective?

I think so. As of today, I believe that the specialty I studied was
the most accurate for me. I had the chance to enter the field of real estate, at a time when in Bulgaria we created the Association for Facility Management, we learned from each other, and created trends.

Share with us more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

My professional experience spans the field of corporate real estate management, administration, management, business development, leadership, behind which stand relationships, trust, and communication. I strive to simultaneously pass on experience and gather knowledge – working and communicating with young people is very inspiring for me and helps me understand different viewpoints.

Outside of work, my personal interests are in the field of art, literature, cinema, travel, walks in nature, and last but not least psychology, as I mentioned above.  I strive every day to do one new or well-forgotten old thing that brings me pleasure and inspires me. I believe, that I will succeed in turning this trend into a beautiful habit.

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?

I love my profession, the company I work for, and my colleagues,  I work with desire and enthusiasm. I strive to be a 'playing coach' and mentor at the same time, because I believe that relationships are built on trust, a smile, good attitude, honesty, and integrity. But if I think about what field I would like to work in - it is definitely sports journalism, because I am strongly attracted to all sports stories and topics.

They say that personal branding is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

I had the opportunity at a relatively young age to create in a team with wonderful specialists and colleagues a company from scratch. The feedback I have received from them: 'I have not had a better professional life than the time spent in this company', shows me that as the leading manager of this company I have managed to touch lives and leave a mark, and that makes me grateful and satisfied.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills are key conditions for success in the last few years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

Flexibility and adaptability, ethics and integrity, listening with understanding have always been part of my essence. I strive to develop and improve them every day with new steps in the right direction. I accept challenges with a smile and try to ask the right questions first to myself and to look at the situation from the perspective of an outside observer.

What are the most important conclusions you have drawn so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily  – colleagues, friends, close ones?

In communication with people, I always approach with trust, a hand extended and with the belief that every person is unique in their essence and carries an entire different universe  within themselves. When there is listening, understanding, synchronizing, adapting, and  of course always with a smile  it is much easier 'to step into the shoes of another' and feel their inner world.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is part of our existence – a necessity, which gives us security, comfort, and stability.  Everyone should find their own boundary of sufficiency to maintain their peace and freedom.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

Every day I live and work flexibly, with a plan that I am able to change at any moment, depending on the situation.

I strive to end each of my days with peace, filled with gratitude, lightness, and satisfaction.