It doesn't matter what heights you have conquered if your profession interferes with your relationship with your children

Introduce yourself in a few words..

Hello and thank you for the invitation to join the forum. My name is Petar Denchev and I am an expert in sustainable construction, restoration, and management of properties with historical and cultural value. I work as a project manager for the restoration of cultural heritage buildings of ensemble and national significance – Gallery 37 and Museum 37. I am also the chairman of the “Association of Plovdiv Hoteliers”. People say that I am a person who knows how to listen when I hear and see opportunities where the causes are “lost”. I believe in the potential of a person, their kindness, ability to develop, and gradation in personal and professional aspects.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

My path is filled with opportunities for rapid growth and capitalization, but… there is no direct path to happiness and sustainable success. If you want to maintain your authority, you must walk every step that brings experience, knowledge, and confidence. As a former professional athlete, I have built a character that does not allow me to stay down for long after a stumble – I analyze, take the hit, and rise stronger and more confident.

I am currently finishing my second bachelor's degree – “Operational Engineering Management of Construction” with a professional qualification of “construction engineer”. I hold a qualification of “construction technician” third degree, a first bachelor's degree in “Marketing”, and a master's degree in “Business Administration”. I have over seven years of experience in managing restoration, recovery, and operation projects of buildings and infrastructure facilities in a protected area (reserve) with a total built-up area of over 4000 sq.m. These are buildings from different eras – revival architecture from the XIX century and post-liberation urban architecture (neoclassicism) from the XX century, which I harmoniously integrate into the urban environment and manage after giving them new life as hotels. It is inspiring to see how the projects I work on, even if they are private, have an extremely positive impact on the urban environment. There is nothing greater than being part of the history of your country with your deeds.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

My decision to take matters into my own hands, realizing the responsibility, opportunities, and risks, but also giving me the freedom that inspires and drives me. I always strive for development and progress and I have realized that this cannot happen when the goal is only personal prosperity. My understanding of success is related to the development of the place, community, and collective in which I work, and that is precisely why I am extremely proud of the fact that we managed to unite the business and create one of the most cohesive industry organizations in Bulgaria, of which I have the honor to be the chairman, namely – “Association of Plovdiv Hoteliers”, which includes 23 accommodation places in the city of Plovdiv and represents the creative mass and capacity of hotels in the city.
You know, Plovdiv is a multi-layered, magical place that carries Bulgarian memory and history. I strongly believe that with the necessary efforts and the right focus - from the general to the specific, we can shine brightly on the world tourist map.

 

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

Many things were said to me at the beginning, many true and correct things. The truth is, however, that I was not ready to understand and realize the advice. I lacked the wisdom of experience, of the path that enriches with knowledge. No matter what they tell you, you must know that you have the power to change and make things happen, and the scale depends on how good you are as a professional and how human you are as a Person.

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

When they first understand and get to know themselves. When they know what makes them happy, what makes them sad, when they know what they find meaning in and what they believe in. When at the end of the day, fatigue, satisfaction, and a smile embrace each other - then you understand whether you are on the right professional path.

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

I am convinced that in the next decade, three skills will be key – adaptation, diversification, differentiation.
Adaptability will be crucial because the pace of change will become increasingly accelerated, and only those who can quickly readjust will maintain an advantage. Diversification will become a fundamental tool for sustainability – the strategic allocation of forces, energy, resources, and capital will distinguish leaders from the rest. And differentiation will be the key to true value – creating products and solutions that not only follow the market but change it because they bring uniqueness and a vision for the future.

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

A network of useful contacts is built most successfully when the focus is not on what we can get, but on what we can give. People sense when someone approaches them with interest as individuals, not as a “resource”. This means maintaining authentic conversations, being interested in their projects and challenges, and sharing knowledge, experience, or connections that may be useful to them – to give before asking to take. Over time, trust is built, and that is the foundation of any long-term professional partnership. It is not necessary to be at every event or meeting – what matters is that when we are there, our presence is active, engaged, and valuable. It is good to know that the network of contacts is not measured by the number of business cards but by the quality of the relationships we maintain and develop.

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

The blind desire to prove myself at any cost. The biggest mistake I have made is doing something to prove myself to someone and sacrificing myself. Nothing and no one deserves such professional self-sacrifice. If someone does not see my efforts and qualities today, I do not expect them to appreciate them tomorrow. I focus on my own belief in the meaning of what I do.

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

A very good question. Even in the best teams, factors and conditions for toxicity periodically arise, and then measures must be taken to address the source before the “fire” becomes impossible to “extinguish”. I am not a proponent of abdicating at the first difficulties. Still, to avoid turning it into masochism, the decision should be made when you start to feel a lack of meaning, inspiration, and your work becomes just work with each passing day. Then it is time to leave.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I do not want to make changes. I believe that every step – both easy and difficult – has shaped me and brought me to where I am today.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

By not focusing on stagnation. We adapt quickly and boldly make changes (small or large). Every change gives a fresh impulse and hope for new results.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

With the right person by your side.

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

When we stop loving what we do or have achieved everything in the field that was important to us.

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

Success is like happiness and it lies in the small things, in the small victories and sharing them with loved ones.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

Happiness in the eyes of my two sons and the People they are becoming. Only then can I boast of a successful career. If your professional path deprives you of the opportunity to be the Father or Mother your children need, then it doesn't matter what heights you have conquered. Balance, humility, and understanding of the truth that nothing is worth it when it is at any cost.