I support organizations to adapt and develop sustainably, combining strategic thinking with a human approach

Introduce yourself in a few sentences!

Hello, my name is Milena and I am one of the three organizers of the conference Business Agility Bulgaria, which will be held for the second consecutive year in Sofia in October 2025.

By profession, I am an Agile Coach – I work with teams and leaders, helping them improve their collaboration, become more effective, and deliver greater value through flexible working methods.

For the last 15 years of my career, I have dedicated myself to supporting organizations to adapt and develop sustainably, combining strategic thinking with a human approach.

In short, it is called Business Agility.

Outside of work, I am a parent of two grown-up children and a proud owner of a Labrador dog.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I don’t remember a specific profession I dreamed of as a child – rather, many crazy ideas always crossed my mind. For a while, I was dedicated to sports and trained in handball, but my parents quickly convinced me that this would not be my successful direction. In my teenage years, I dreamed of studying design in Italy. One thing is certain - I have always loved being part of a group and realizing ideas together with it!

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

I earned my first money when my sister paid me to wash the dishes after her birthday party. For me, this was a big deal – I helped her and earned a decent “reward”.

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 of information, and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

Family and the environment in which we grow play a key role in who we become. The people we meet later - close friends, colleagues, even those we don’t get along with - all of them shape us as individuals.

No less important is the support we receive. Whether someone from the team will say kind words about our efforts, whether leaders will give us constructive feedback on our goals, or a colleague will share that we inspire them and it’s pleasant to work with us - all of this matters.

Support from family is also essential - the freedom to invest in our own development, both in time and resources, and the confidence that the people around us believe we will succeed.

My “recipe” is to be open to the unknown, to try new things, to communicate with different people, and to draw ideas from their experiences and perspectives. To surround ourselves with the right people - those who support us and help us become a better version of ourselves.

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

Yes. When I was younger, I was motivated by the desire to prove myself. Today, my motivation comes from the meaning of the things I engage in! Whether it contributes to the success of the team, the development of people, and the achievement of common goals.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking back today?

The decision was entirely mine and was guided by two main criteria: to study in Sofia - I dreamed of independence, and to apply with mathematics, as I was graduating from a mathematical high school. After reviewing the catalog of specialties, I chose “Informatics” at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University. At that time, I had no clear idea of what profession I would pursue after that, but I definitely do not regret my choice - it gave me a solid foundation for professional development.

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

I am interested in teamwork, facilitating meetings, and helping people achieve better results through collaboration and effective communication. I am also interested in new working methods that support these processes.

On a personal level, I am a wine lover – I enjoy tastings, visits to wineries, master classes, and meetings with the people who produce the wine. I love to travel, and the planning of the trips themselves is almost as inspiring for me as the trip itself.

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

I would not completely change it, but I would add new aspects to it – for example, in the field of training, consulting, and introducing creative approaches to problem solving.

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

That I am a professional, that I finish what I start, that I can be trusted, and that I inspire the people around me.

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?

I develop self-awareness about what brings me joy and what stresses me. I focus on positive emotions - walks in the mountains and time with my dog. I do not react immediately, but take time to reflect on what has happened. I accept that my approach is not always the only right one and I strive to listen and learn from the people around me.

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, relatives?

Listening is more important than speaking. I try to get into the other person's perspective, ask questions, and accept that people think and act differently - and this is a value, not an obstacle.

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 important and should be sufficient. For me, it is a tool, not a goal, and it gives me freedom and opportunities. My advice would be to invest in experiences, knowledge, and relationships with people.

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

Never stop learning, be flexible, and do not be afraid to change direction if you feel that you are no longer developing. Nature does not like stagnation.