At the core of intelligence lies curiosity

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Veronika Godeva and I am a professional with interests and experience in the field of Human Resources. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in "Biomanagement and Sustainable Development" from Sofia University, and later enhanced my knowledge with a master's degree in "Business Psychology" at MVBU. This combination of knowledge allows me to apply various methods and approach human behavior and motivation with a deep understanding.

In the past year, I have focused on the administrative side of HR processes.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

My childhood dreams were related to my desire to help people, as well as to teach them. Like most children, I often imagined that I was a doctor or a teacher, with my patients or students being my toys. Since I was little, I have had a huge desire to communicate and help.

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

My first job was during the summer vacation, between 11th and 12th grade. I worked as a waitress in a restaurant that had a hotel, where foreigners often stayed, as it was close to the airport. I will never forget one morning shift when a businesswoman ordered a cappuccino, and I had no idea how to prepare it and had to improvise. The result was served milk with instant coffee, a smile, and an apology from my side, but the lady was incredibly polite and accepted the "cappuccino" with a smile.

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

I believe that each of us carries within certain interests that gradually unlock and develop over time. Family is the factor that supports and guides us during the early stages of development. When it comes to curiosity, I would define it as the foundation of intelligence. Personally, I nurture mine by constantly asking myself questions of all kinds and nature. The search for answers leads me to various sources, and, of course, I often use artificial intelligence – through it, I quickly access information, but I also love to read books. This helps me reach answers on my own and not stop asking new ones.

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

Categorically, yes! At least for me, perceptions in a more mature age become more conscious. The decision on how to react and whether to do it at all is based on values, knowledge, and personal experience, rather than impulse. What motivates me to act are the real results that I can achieve in a specific situation.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, viewed from today's perspective?

The decision and choice were entirely mine. Higher education provided me with a solid foundation on which to build my future. It also gave me a different perspective. The contact with professors at Sofia University and MVBU definitely played a key role in shaping my behavior as a person. I would define my choices as the most correct.

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

I am extremely passionate about psychology to this day. My work is related to people, and the knowledge and skills in this field help me develop daily. My hobbies are more focused on relaxation and spending time with my family in nature. This helps me focus and clear my mind of the "noise" that accumulates in the work process.

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

No, I would not change my profession. I love my job because communication with people energizes me and gives me the opportunity to develop every day. In the work process, I enjoy solving various cases. The dynamics and variety of situations motivate me.

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 will be completely open and say that what excites me the most to hear is: "She is a good person." In my opinion, personal qualities and relationships with people are the foundation of every successful career. Of course, I would also like to hear that I have helped in someone's professional realization, as well as that I have assisted in the most correct way in a given situation. This would  delight any specialist in the field of Human Resources.

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 try to focus on the important things in my daily life – I make a task list for the day so I don't get distracted by trivial matters. I enjoy pleasant and constructive communication with my close circle of people around me.  My family is the engine and foundation of my good mood. The truth is that over time I have learned to enjoy and appreciate the truly important things in life – those that are present daily but remain unnoticed due to the dynamics in which we live.

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?

I have adopted as a personal motto that "every head is a different universe." This helps me approach people with understanding - towards their nature, temperament, and way of thinking. One of my strong qualities – empathy - has always helped me have meaningful and fulfilling communication, whether it is about colleagues, friends, or close ones. I strive to listen and hear what my interlocutor is saying and to react according to their personality and needs.

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, simply put – as one of my university professors loved to repeat – is a "universal medium of exchange." They are an important and necessary part of every person's life. Both the lack and abundance of them can cause problems – albeit of different natures.

I believe many people will agree that money is often a motivator, but my observations are that the enthusiasm they bring is short-lived. Therefore, I believe they should not be an end in themselves.

In the modern world, full of abundance and stimuli, questions related to money are completely normal. My advice is this: at the core of every question about money should be another question – "Is it worth it?"

Yes, it sounds clichéd, but we all know that the most important things in life are achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a stable value system.

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

To believe in themselves and not stop learning. The career path has ups and downs, often through wrong decisions. Every difficulty brings a lesson, and our desire to learn and develop drives us forward.