My travels have shown me that personal contact is invaluable

Introduce yourself in a few words..

I am Milena Georgieva – a scientist, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to molecular biology, epigenetics, and the science of longevity. I am one of the founders and the chief scientific officer of EPIX.AI – a company that integrates artificial intelligence and biology for better health and longevity.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

An opportunity to see the future through different cultural and scientific lenses.

How many different countries have you seen so far? Share an interesting story or highlights from your travels?

Over 30 countries – one of the most vivid experiences was in Dubai, UAE where I saw how science and vision come together in real solutions for health and longevity.

Do you like to revisit destinations? Give examples and motivation “for” or “against”?

Yes – because every time I discover a new layer, especially in places like Vienna, Rome, Barcelona, or London, which are both cultural and scientific centers.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional and can be said to have changed your thinking?

The first was in 2002 in Strasbourg, France. That’s when I realized that science is a global dialogue and must be translated into accessible language. In 2006 at the “Marie Curie” Institute in Paris, I felt how deep the divisions are between Eastern and Western Europe in science – differences in thinking, resources, and reality. At that time, I promised myself to work towards removing these boundaries through knowledge and collaborations.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural environment?

That adaptability is a strength – it helps me find a common language with people from all walks of life. Travels always open a door to the eternal learning of new things – about the world, about science, and about myself.

Have you met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career Vand path?

Yes, and many times. Abroad, I have had meetings with scientists whose ideas have changed the way I view science and my own path. Sometimes a single conversation after a conference has catalyzed a new project or given me the courage to take an entrepreneurial step. I am most inspired by people who can think outside the box and turn scientific discoveries into real solutions for society – such meetings have shaped my vision for integrating science, technology, and business.

Do you think that traveling helps you expand your professional network? How?

Definitely. Every face-to-face meeting is an opportunity to create a long-term partnership. Often, it is precisely outside of official panels – at dinner, during a walk, or in an informal conversation – that the most meaningful professional connections are born. My travels have shown me that personal contact is invaluable and often leads to collaborations that would not happen solely in an online environment.

What skills do you develop the most when traveling, and how do they reflect on your work Vand?

Traveling makes me more flexible, teaches me to think creatively, and to find a common language with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I develop the skill to listen carefully and to discover valuable ideas even in small details. Intercultural communication and adaptability are skills that I then transfer to science and entrepreneurship.

Is there a city or country that has Vinspired you to start a new business or project?

Yes, Dubai. There, I saw for the first time such a concentrated combination of vision for the future, technology, and health care. It was there that the idea for actively implementing medicine and the science of longevity into real practice was born, so that discoveries could benefit people today.

When you are in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

More motivated. The new always energizes me and brings ideas. Contact with a different culture, language, and atmosphere unlocks in me a desire to step out of routine and look at my work from a new angle.

Are there destinations that act as a “restart” for your creativity and ambition?

Yes – the Mediterranean. The sea, the sun, and the culture of this region act like pressing a “refresh” button. New ideas come there, and the feeling of balance between work and life is very strong.

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure when you travel?

I do not strictly separate them. For me, a scientific lecture abroad is an experience in itself, and an evening walk after a conference can inspire me for the next meaningful scientific research. Harmony comes when work and pleasure intertwine naturally.

How have travels changed the way you perceive the value of money?

I learned that true value lies in experiences and connections. Things lose their price and meaning, while the knowledge, experience, and relationships you carry from travels last for a lifetime.

Do you travel with the goal of finding new ways to earn money?

Rather, I travel for new ideas, knowledge, and partnerships. When these three things come together, revenue comes as a natural consequence.

What lessons about financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?

I saw that resilience does not come only from money, but from knowledge, networks, and the ability to invest in yourself. In some cultures, people build independence through education and community, which is a lesson I carry with me.

According to Vis it better to spend on experiences than on material possessions?

Always. Things lose value, but experiences turn into energy, inspiration, and new perspectives.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

I see it as the new norm. More and more people will combine work, travel, and personal freedom, and technologies will make this even easier. I believe that the key here is not only efficiency but also satisfaction – when a person works with meaning and in harmony with themselves, it leads to a longer and higher quality life.

Are there specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?

Yes – UAE, Singapore, and Israel. They show how vision, technology, and science can build ecosystems for innovation and entrepreneurship.

If you could choose one place in the world, where would you develop your next big idea, and why?

Space. There, everything changes – the perspective, the possibilities. Inspiration comes from the infinity around us and from the fact that we can combine science, innovation, and human consciousness to create meaningful and lasting solutions for life on Earth.

What destinations would you recommend to be visited and why?

Japan – for its exceptional balance between tradition and innovation. Italy – for the cultural and natural inspiration that always awakens creativity. Greece – for its history, philosophy, and the energy of nature that inspire thought and spirit.

What is the career advice that you would give based on what you have seen around the world?

Be curious, brave, and open to the different. It is precisely in the diversity of cultures, ideas, and perspectives that innovation is born.