I completed three higher education degrees, but I am still studying today; without daily upgrading, a person has no chance

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Zhustin Toms and this is my real name J I have been involved in digital marketing and online presence since the dawn of the Internet in Bulgaria – since the late 90s of the last century. We created ABC Design and Communication as a web agency in 1998. That same year, I also started the BG Site competition, which we currently continue to hold under the name Site of the Year.
Over the years, I have worked for a large part of the biggest brands and businesses in Bulgaria, as well as for many smaller organizations, institutions, NGOs, personal brand consultant, and mentor to many young people.

Since 2007, I have been teaching at NBU, and now I am already an associate professor. I love working with young people; it inspires, teaches, and develops me.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

I really wanted to become an opera singer and an astronaut. Well, it didn’t happen J

At what age did you earn your first money? Share with us some curious incident?

In my time, there were brigades, and they were mandatory. In some places, I know they went on brigades even when they were younger. But in Sofia, we went in the beginning of 8th grade. That was my first brigade – at the canning factory in Ruse. I worked a lot, for one month, together with my classmates, of course. And I received a sack as a reward (this is so funny compared to today) and 80 BGN with which I bought my first denim jacket – a product that was hard to come by at that time, a luxury that few could afford. Haha, it really looks quite funny by today’s standards. I was very proud that I bought such a piece of clothing. I still keep it to this day!

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

Here, I probably won’t say anything very unexpected or new – the family plays a very key role, followed by friends, the environment, both in school and at university. For me personally, examples have been not only my parents but also many of my friends and teachers. I have always been in a supportive environment, which is very important, especially if a person starts their own ideas or business.

An additional stimulus for me has been books – I read a lot and definitely, books have been key in my development.

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

Certainly – we are human beings and we develop and change constantly. Again, the environment was very important for me and the opportunity to have people around me from whom to draw inspiration, to learn, to take examples.

In areas where I did not find enough support, I started creating ways to find it. Thus, I started various initiatives and businesses over the years that I have been involved with.

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

I studied a lot. I graduated from three higher education institutions – pedagogy, French philology, and philosophy. I made all the decisions myself, for which I am grateful to my parents for giving me freedom. I do not regret my time at university. It is clear that after that, fate led me in another direction, and I entered the digital business quite early; I was among the first in Bulgaria, which gave me an advantage. I had to constantly learn. I am still learning today because our field is quite dynamic, and without daily upgrading, a person has no chance.

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

My interests are quite broad. I love and speak several languages and am learning more. I read a lot – mostly contemporary literature. In recent years, my first historical novel was published – Clair de Lune. I am currently finishing my second novel.

I love nature and the time spent in it – mountains, sea with family and friends.

I love gardening. I also love the arts – theater, music – mainly jazz, rock, classical.

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

I would not change my profession. Although I have been involved in digital marketing for nearly 30 years – I still find it interesting, I learn, and see meaning in this work.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in the last few years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

I try to train, move a lot, and approach every situation with calmness and curiosity. I try not to rush, to take time for the important things. I think that helps a lot.

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?

A very big change in my attitude occurred when I realized that every person is valuable and can contribute, that if you approach with pure intentions and kindness – you receive the same in return. Also – I avoid whiny and unconstructive people. I don’t need to communicate intensively with such individuals.

Our environment is what we make it.

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 is never enough. Even the richest people want more and more and still never have enough.

If a person is focused on doing their job, not missing opportunities, getting better at what they do, and finding the right environment for them – money comes. They are not a goal, they are not an end in themselves, they are a means.

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

To know their strengths and weaknesses. To work on both. And to learn as early as possible what “works” for them, what environment is favorable, so they can seek it and develop in it.

We, humans, are very strong and creative. If we do not allow ourselves to be subjected to bad circumstances, to bad habits, but work, work hard, learn, but seriously and constantly, if we find our superpower – it will pay off.