From Hostess to Director of Human Resources in 7 Years

New Position: Director of People and Culture

Company Happy: Bar&Grill

 

Introduce yourself in a few sentences and highlight key points from your career development so far?

My name is Iva Chavkova and I have been part of the team at Happy Bar&Grill for seven years now. I started as a deputy manager of a restaurant in the chain in Plovdiv, where I built a solid foundation in operational management and teamwork. After four years, I took on the role of HR Expert, where I gained in-depth experience in the field of human resources. Over the past year, I have been undergoing targeted training and preparation for my current role as Director of People and Culture, where I aim to build upon established practices and contribute to the development of corporate culture.

What motivates you to accept this new role and what are your main goals in the position?

My main motivation for accepting this role is the opportunity to be a strategic partner in the development of people and culture in the company, which I deeply respect and know from the inside. I believe that my field experience, combined with my HR expertise, allows me to connect business goals with human capital in an authentic and effective way. My main goals include: sustainable talent development, strengthening the leadership potential of managers, building a strong internal culture based on trust, engagement, and respect, as well as modernizing HR processes with a focus on digitalization and analytics.

What professional or personal qualities do you think will Helpyou succeed in your new position?

"I believe that the combination of strategic thinking and flexibility in daily work would help me succeed in this role. I strive to approach decision-making analytically, to understand organizational culture well, and to build relationships based on trust and respect. My experience so far has taught me to be adaptive, proactive, and to support the teams around me through open communication and good personal example. I hope that these qualities will also be useful in the new position."

What challenges do you expect to face and how do you approach change management?

I expect challenges related to managing change in a dynamic business environment, as well as the need for transformation of some processes and mindsets. I approach change through strategic planning, effective communication, and active involvement of key stakeholders. For me, it is important that every change is accepted, not imposed - therefore, I rely on dialogue, transparency, and phased implementation with a clear vision of the benefits.

What is Your approach to teamwork and building a strong internal culture? –

My approach is based on empathy, speed in reaction, and the ability to make informed decisions quickly and accurately. I work most effectively in synergy with a trusted team, where each member has clarity about their role and feels valued. I believe that a strong internal culture is built through consistency in actions, respect for people, and shared values that are lived, not just declared.

What would you like people to say about you in the company after a few months?

“I would like my presence to be perceived as a natural continuation of the work of Aglika Adamova-Grafovska, a leader who left a deep mark on the culture and development of people in the company. I strive for continuity based on respect for what has been achieved and confidence in the future. For me, it is an honor to build upon the solid foundation she created and to continue to develop the spirit she embodied in the company,” shares Iva Chavkova.