I love turning ideas into tangible results

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

Hello! My name is Svetoslav Vasilev and I have been working in the IT sector for nearly 20 years. My path has always been connected with software engineering and leadership – two areas that inspire me and in which I continue to develop.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

As a child, I loved to craft and invent – I had a rich imagination and often assembled various things with construction sets or makeshift materials. Once, I even made a “robot” that unfortunately didn’t withstand the pressure… of 220V. Probably then I felt that I love turning ideas into tangible results. Today, this desire is realized in my professional path – through programming, I build software solutions, and through leadership, I help others unleash their potential and achieve success.

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

I was probably in 6th or 7th grade when I earned my first money. At that time, the game with paper cones was popular, so I rolled dozens of them and sold them. At the same time, I started working with wood – I crafted small items that I sold for money or organic products from the garden and farm. I even placed an ad in a sports newspaper for making wooden emblems of football teams and received a few orders. That’s when I realized how inspiring it is to create things that others value and use.

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?

Family plays a key role in shaping our personality. My older brother often included me in football matches with significantly older players, which taught me not to be afraid of big challenges and to believe that I can handle them. Sports gave me discipline and teamwork skills; I trained volleyball for many years. The discovery of computers unlocked my curiosity about technology, and participating in various Olympiads helped me challenge myself and seek solutions outside standard frameworks. My “recipe” for curiosity is to dive into new challenges, observe, ask questions, and seek how knowledge can turn into real value.

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

Yes, definitely. At first, I was mainly driven by the desire for personal success and validation. Today, my motivation has a different scale, as I add the success of the people around me to my personal success. Discovering talent, helping someone develop their potential, and knowing that I have left a positive mark – that is priceless.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking back today?

It was entirely mine. I had interests in various disciplines, but my choice was correct; I see it clearly from today’s perspective.

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

My interests are diverse – technology (currently especially AI), leadership, emotional intelligence, sports – football and volleyball, art – wood carving and music. Working with wood is my great passion – I have been engaged in wood carving since I was a student, and today I have a workshop. Rock and metal music is my other great love, as I attend numerous concerts both locally and abroad, and for a period, I was part of a band, which charged me with positive emotions. I am also a passionate fan of Manchester United, whose matches I regularly follow, both on television and live.

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

Honestly, no. But if one day it becomes necessary, I would turn to something creative – working with wood or music.

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 would like people to say that I am the person who gave them the opportunity to shine, who has noticed their potential and helped them develop it. The most inspiring moments for me are those in which, through support and advice, I help the people around me believe in themselves and achieve excellent results. I hope that I have set an example that motivates others to move forward.

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?

The key is to know yourself. I find balance through sports, working with wood, music, and attending concerts, which give me energy and bring me back into shape.

What are the most important conclusions you have drawn so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different personalities of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, close ones?

Every person is unique, and communication should be individual. It is important to be able to put yourself in the other person's shoes and sometimes just listen; this builds trust.

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?

My advice is to view money as a tool for achieving goals. They do not bring happiness by themselves, but they provide the freedom to create, help, and invest in oneself. Financial literacy makes this more effective.

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

Step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and be drivers of change! Be leaders, change the environment, and leave a positive mark on the people around you.