I dreamed of sitting shoulder to shoulder with Ani Salich and Yuxel Kadriyev

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

Hello, dear readers of Career Daily News!

My name is Dani Dyakova-Koycheva and I am the founder of a recruitment agency in the software field NEXA Talent, whose main focus is the iGaming domain. I have over 8 years of experience in recruitment, both in Bulgaria and abroad. I have worked with many recognizable names in the industry in the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, as well as in Bulgaria.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

As a child, I was extremely intrigued by journalism. I dreamed of sitting shoulder to shoulder in the news block with Ani Salich and Yuxel Kadriyev. A little later, around the age of 10, I developed a great interest in forensics and from there I turned to investigative journalism. My idol back then was Mirolyuba Benatova. I participated in several competitions, managing to win two independent scholarships with my essays.

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

I earned my first money at around 11 years old. I spent my summers in Kamchia resort, where my grandfather was a fisherman and had a boat for excursions that made tourist trips along the Kamchia River. At that time, there weren't many people who spoke English, and I started working for him a few hours a day as a barker and translator. My pay was 10 BGN a day, and I was extremely happy and proud of myself to buy ice cream with my own earned money.

I have also worked seasonal jobs by the sea during my student years. To be honest, I don't remember life without work. Since I was little, I know the value of work, as well as the value of laziness.

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

There are many factors, and even more examples. What has personally helped me develop my curiosity and love for knowledge has always been books. Even at an early age (perhaps also because I am a child of teachers), I discovered a whole new world in literature. I still remember every children's novel that made me dive into a new world and encouraged me to come up with new magic every day. My personal recommendations for children's novels are “Little Mook” by Wilhelm Hauff, the autobiography of Branislav Nushich, as well as “The Little Prince” by Exupery.

The recipe for curiosity lies in reading interesting books, movement, sports, playing outside, and a lot of love at home.

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

The change in my motivation is a constant process. As I grew as a person and accumulated life experience, I faced different challenges and priorities at various stages of life. This naturally changed the way I perceive what inspires me to act or refrain. In my younger years, my motivation often came from curiosity and the desire to try new things, while over time I began to value long-term goals, sustainable results, and the impact my actions have on myself and others more. I believe that this ability to adapt and rearrange priorities is the key to personal and professional development.

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

I have always known that I wanted to pursue higher education, but at first, I was hesitant about the specific major, as my interests were extremely diverse – from art, through finance, to archaeology. I started my studies at Veliko Tarnovo University in the field of “International Economic Relations,” but after two semesters, I received a scholarship for “Financial Management” at the University of Sheffield. Unfortunately, the scholarship did not cover the entire fee, and despite my parents' support, we could not afford to study there. In the end, I graduated with two bachelor's degrees – in Marketing and Financial Management – from a private university in Sofia with foreign accreditation. If I could turn back time, I would again decide to obtain higher education, but this time I would choose a major that attracts me by vocation, such as archaeology or history, and not just one that seems financially promising.

Was this decision correct, looking at it from today's perspective?

From today's perspective, I believe the decision was correct because it gave me a solid foundation, valuable knowledge, and skills that I still use today. The education I received opened doors for me professionally and helped me develop discipline and analytical thinking. At the same time, I realize that if I had chosen a major that reflects my personal interests more strongly back then, I would probably have had even greater satisfaction. For me, this is not a mistake, but an experience that taught me to find a balance between practicality and following my inner drive.

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

I love to combine creativity with strategic thinking, which is why I have developed skills in both the analytical part – finance and management, as well as in more creative areas like marketing, communication, and content creation. Over time, I developed strong organizational and coordination skills – for example, in the process of planning events and trips, as well as in a work environment where attention to detail and working with people is required.

My hobbies reflect the same breadth – I love to travel and explore different cultures, gastronomy is my weakness, but I also enjoy discovering new places for sports and activities by the sea. I am interested in psychology and personal growth, and in my free time, I love to create small projects that combine creativity and practicality. I believe that this diversity helps me look at tasks from different angles and find unconventional solutions.

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

To be honest, I would change my profession to something more creative and free. My love for the world beyond the one I know in Bulgaria is immense. I would turn to tourism - as a tour agent or tour operator, a guide, because I love learning foreign languages. Something that would allow me to easily fulfill my dream of traveling the world.

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 would like people to remember me as a curious, ambitious person dedicated to what they do. Someone who can be relied upon, who is constantly developing and striving to combine professionalism with creativity and openness to new ideas. I would like to hear that my contribution and enthusiasm leave a positive impression and inspire others to give their best.

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

For me, the key to good shape and mood is the balance between activity, personal development, and time for myself. I strive to maintain discipline in my work, but at the same time, I take care of my emotional state through movement, sports, and time outdoors – especially by the sea, which gives me energy and tranquility. Additionally, I visit a psychologist, which helps me process emotions and cope with challenges more effectively, and the support of my husband is a huge resource for me. Curiosity and interest in new knowledge also motivate me – reading, traveling, and discovering new cultures help me adapt and maintain flexibility in everyday life. I believe that when a person combines productivity, creativity, and self-care, they can overcome challenges more easily and with a positive outlook on life.

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?

The most important conclusion I have drawn is that successful communication depends on attention to the individuality of each person and respect for different viewpoints. I try to listen actively, understand the needs and motivations of the people around me – colleagues, friends, or close ones – and tailor my approach according to their character. Flexibility, empathy, and clear, open communication are key to building trust and harmonious relationships.

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?

For me, money is a tool – a means that allows us to achieve goals, develop, and provide security for ourselves and our loved ones. They matter, but they are not the ultimate goal; it is important to use them wisely and maintain a balance between financial stability and personal interests and values. My advice to people who worry about money is to focus on developing their skills and potential, to plan wisely, and to enjoy life – financial security comes as a result of this, not as a standalone goal.

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

The most valuable career advice I would give is to know yourself – your strengths, values, and interests – and to seek opportunities that are in sync with them. Success does not come only from a financial perspective, but from the satisfaction and meaning that your work brings. It is also important to invest in your personal and professional development, to build a network of contacts, and not to be afraid to take on responsibilities and new challenges – this is what distinguishes people who grow and achieve results.