Life is not like a two-hour movie filled with twists and travels around the world

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Yasen Guyev and I am engaged in investments and business consulting.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

I started as a journalist at BNT in the team of the economic show “Plus-Minus”. I went through work in a newspaper, radio, and website, and then I dealt with communications, marketing, relations with government institutions and regulations in various companies. I have also worked as an external consultant.

What was the mostimportant choice that shaped your path?

For me, the most important choice was my first job. Many are probably proud that their choice of profession was carefully considered and planned. It was not the case for me. As a student, I was looking for a job for the summer months. My mother had seen on television that there would be a competition for reporters for “Plus-Minus”. For several months I was a reporter, and then I also became the host of a show about mass privatization. At BNT, the key role for the chance I received was played by the head of the “Plus-Minus” team, Elena Valcheva. The second important choice came when the CEO of BTC, William Aylward, offered me to take over the “Communications” department of the company after its privatization.

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

In journalism, it was easy - you just need to study the topic and know how to ask questions and seek information. Caring for a company's reputation is a science that is quite young. I learned by working. That’s why a few years ago I wrote my book “Reputation strategy” because I needed to describe how to create a team, strategy, and how to measure the results of the work.

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

I have an answer to this question, but I don’t believe it will be particularly useful. After a long career, a person may start to wonder why instead of an engineer they did not become a doctor, a football coach, or a musician. For me, the main thing is to enjoy what you do and realize that no one else can make this choice but you.

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

The most important skill will be the ability to learn throughout your life and to adapt to changes. Artificial intelligence and robotization will change the world in a way that most people still cannot realize. Work on developing your natural intelligence - the artificial one can already write software, create web pages and applications, and analyze business ideas in seconds. Robots are already assembling both cars and all kinds of other devices. A lot needs to be read.

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

I will share a story. I was trained by an American journalist who worked for The Wall Street Journal. He explained to me that there are many different people and institutions interested in a given piece of information. It can be requested by the government, the central bank, politicians, independent analysts, or unions. If you are persistent enough, someone will eventually share something with you. With the information obtained, you are now in a position to request a comment from those who do not want to talk. With persistence, this approach will make you a sought-after interlocutor for many.

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

My biggest mistake has been giving second, even third chances to people who do not deserve it. A good team is the foundation of success. Good people see that a compromise is being made and this does not positively affect the work environment.

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

It is very difficult to orient yourself quickly. It usually takes several months to feel the communication culture. If you do not go to work with enthusiasm, the moment to leave has already come.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

Mistakes are only visible after you have made them - not before. I would probably make different decisions in some cases. At the same time, I hope that mistakes have taught me something and that I have become better. However, there is no guarantee for that.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

This is a matter of character. Life is not like a two-hour movie filled with twists and travels around the world. There are moments when nothing special happens and patience is needed before we make our next move.

How to achieve balance between professional and personal life?

There is no scale that measures this balance.

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

Changing careers is easy at the beginning of professional development. Then you can start in Customer Service and move to Human Resources or Corporate Sales. After 10-15 years as a financier, you will not be offered to work as the head of Security, but you will be offered a higher position in the Finance department. The only way for a radical change is to choose a new challenge yourself and start your own business. 

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

Do not believe that success is possible without putting in huge efforts in learning and work.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

To be able to look back and be satisfied with what you have achieved.