Fight – do not give up

Introduce yourself in a few words…

My name is Blaga Videnova and I have been part of Henkel Bulgaria for over 25 years – a company with which I have grown professionally and personally. I started with enthusiasm that still drives me forward today. Currently, I have the privilege of being the President of Henkel Bulgaria and to lead the department Henkel Consumer Brands.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

I started on April 1 – as a joke. I have been in the company since its beginning in Bulgaria. I started as a marketing intern, went through an introduction at the headquarters of the company, continued in the department “Sales” – as a “Key Accounts” manager, head of the department, and sales director. Later, I took on an expanded leadership role in another department. I developed from the lowest step.

Over time, I faced many challenges – most often I had to deal withindependently. This taught me resilience, flexibility and gradually – confidence.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path Inyour life?

There have been moments with difficult leaders or situations. Sometimes I wanted to give up, to seek a new beginning.
But Ichose to stay – I believeh that I can be the change I want to see.

It’s easy to give up. It’s harder – but more meaningful – to work for a good environment.
Maybe not immediately, but over time… things always get sorted.

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

Give yourself some understanding. I know you want to do everything immediately, as best as possible.

But if you don’t succeed – that’s OK. Take a little break. And try again.

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

You have to try – every experience enriches us, even when it’s not “ours”.

I dreamed of marketing and that’s why I left a large international company, to join Henkel, which was just starting out in Bulgaria.
Soon I was “profiled” in Sales – and I have no regrets.
Something that sometimes worries people in our company, but in my opinion is our superpower, is the expectation and opportunity for employees seeking development to gain experience in different departments – for example, marketing and sales. And for higher roles – also in the headquarters. This builds a broader and more strategic view of the business.

Which skills according to You will be key in the next 10 years?

A difficult question.
Big changes often come suddenly – like a leap.
With the advent of AI, I believe such a leap is coming.
I want to believe that “human” skills – today we call them emotional intelligence – will remain valuable.
They are our true value in an increasingly technological world

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

I don’t have a recipe.

For me, human communication and sincerity help – not pretense, not strategy, because it’s always obvious.
Maybe experience and a desire for reciprocity – to be of help, to share, not just to seek our own interest

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

My mistakes have often been related to working with people. I have given too many chances – when two would have been enough.
As one wise leader of mine used to say:
“Whoever doesn’t work – doesn’t make mistakes. The first mistake – ok. The second – questionable. The third – means you’re an idiot. And I don’t work with idiots.”

Such mistakes come back at the most inappropriate moment -  and for me it was no different.
In difficult situations, I repeat to myself another wisdom that helps me: “Better a terrible end than a terrible without end.”

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

In my experience – the environment can change. I believe that every environment has the potential to develop, when the people in it take responsibility.

Change starts with conversation. With a desire to be heard and understood. For me, it’s important to at least make an attempt – to speak openly.
From the position of a leader – I value honest dialogue. Even when it’s difficult.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

Honestly, I see no point in looking back, unless it’s for a lesson

And the most important are:

·       Give a chance, but not endlessly. Give  two are enough – the third is a compromise with yourself.

·       Speak openly, even when it’s uncomfortable. Difficult conversations lead to the most important changes.

·       Demand mature behavior. In the work environment, we all have not only rights, but also responsibilities. Everyone has a role in the way we communicate, solve problems and achieve results.

How to keep our motivation in times of stagnation?

For me, self-motivation is key. We cannot wait for someone to motivate us – it starts from within.
It’s normal to experience the difficulty in your own way, but then comes the moment to mobilize and start looking for solutions.

My motivation increases when I have already jotted down ideas and started working. Action brings energy.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

I don't know if there ism a recipe.
But if possible – to work at work, to be there at home.
To be more lenient with myself – not everything has to be perfect, as long as it is enough good.
And not to forget the time for myself – a book, sports, laziness … whatever recharges.

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

Surely – when we get stuck. When the feeling is not just fatigue, but a lack of meaning.
If an interesting chance falls to us – let’s not reject it. It might be exactly what we need.

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

Fight – don't give up.
Said more wisely: “Success is not an accident. It is the result of hard work, persistence, learning, sacrifices, and above all – love for what you do.”
— Pele

What is Vyour definition of “successful career”?

For some – titles, bonuses, glamour.
For me – to go to work with pleasure and to know that I have left a mark.