Invest in your health - physical, mental, and emotional

Introduce yourself in a few words…

My name is Zhivko Dzhamyrov and I am a co-founder of the Bulgarian company for innovative sprouted and fermented functional foods “Ancestral Superfoods”.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

Extremely rich and diverse. Started in the field of philology, transitioned through entrepreneurship and starting my own business, followed by managing the Bulgarian branch of an international company, creating the first of its kind restaurant for entirely plant-based food in Sofia, and reaching the creation of the project of my heart for sprouted and fermented functional foods. 

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

The decision, after experiencing a very serious health problem, to focus on functional foods and gut health. When I realized how critically important the gut microbiome is for overall health, I decided to change the direction of my career, which led to the creation of our project and became my mission, because this way I have the opportunity to help people live healthier.

What would you like to have known at the beginning of your career that no one told you?

That entrepreneurship is a marathon that requires a great set of skills and, above all, resilience.

I wish I had known from the very beginning that every mistake costs a lot, as well as that it can also be a very big lesson, as long as one has the right mindset and wants to learn.

Another important thing is how critical it is to build the right habits, such as self-discipline, to be as dedicated as possible to your project/job and as effective as possible.

How can one understand which profession is suitable for them?

The one where there can be a balance between work commitments, pay, and opportunities for career development. In which one will feel in their element, which they will feel as their calling and which they would do every single day without feeling that they are compromising themselves or the people they love.

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

The ability to continuously learn and adapt, so that we can be relevant in the rapidly changing world around us and the increasingly rapid integration of AI into our lives.

Critical thinking and the ability to analyze data will also be key - especially in the age of misinformation and that of AI.

And finally - emotional intelligence and the ability for authentic communication. People will increasingly value authenticity and want to work with people they can trust. Emotional intelligence and the ability for authentic communication will also be very important in the age of artificial intelligence.

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

If we are not interested, then we cannot build a network of useful contacts. We need to be aware of what contacts are important for us and our business, and what we can give back to the other party. For me, the principle of “Give-take” is extremely important, because there are quite a few people who are used to only receiving without giving anything back.

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

That there are cases where making compromises can cost you too much, as well as that you should not deviate from the vision, mission, and goals you have set for your company, no matter what difficulties you encounter.

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

When instead of ease in work and communication with colleagues, there is constant tension, scandals, intrigues, etc., and when we do not feel like part of this work environment, then in my opinion it is time to leave.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I would be more patient with the process of building our brand. Quality business development takes time and cannot be rushed before a very solid foundation is established.

How to maintain our motivation in moments of stagnation?

To rely on our mission, when it is in sync with us and our views, then we will find the strength to get out of stagnation and continue boldly forward.

How to achieve balance between professional and personal life?

For me, balance does not mean dividing time equally for everything, but integrating my values into all areas of life. My work in the field of health is not separate from my personal pursuit of a healthy life - they complement each other.

Practices such as meditation and intermittent fasting are both part of my personal development and tools that help me be more effective at work.

It is also important to have clear boundaries - the time we dedicate to rest, recovery, and with our family should be just as important to us as the time we dedicate to work.

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

When we realize that the industry we work in is not in sync with our deep values.

Another indicator is when we feel that we have reached the ceiling in the current field and have no opportunities for growth in directions that excite us.

And finally - when we have a clear vision of what we want to move towards, and the willingness to invest the time and effort needed for retraining.

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

Invest in your health - physical, mental, and emotional. Everything else stems from that. When we are healthy, we have the energy and clarity of mind to pursue all our goals effectively.

Specifically, this means: regular work with the mind, quality nutrition to nourish our physical body, and time for rest and recovery to achieve emotional balance.

What is your definition of a successful career?

A successful career for me is when your work contributes to something greater than yourself and at the same time allows you to live according to your values. It is not just about financial return, but about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Success also includes the ability for continuous learning and growth - both personally and professionally.