Invest in yourself, you are the most valuable capital

Introduce yourself in a few words…

My name is Yavor Kostov and I am a managing partner at Cushman & Wakefield Forton. I have over 18 years of experience in the real estate sector, and before that, I worked in fintech industry and electronics. I graduated in “Electronics” from the Technical University and master's degree in “Finance” from UNSS.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

I would describe it as dynamic and filled with challenges. I have gone through various sectors, but the common thread is that I have always worked at the intersection of business, people, and technology.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path In?

There are important choices at every stage of my professional path, but 2 stand out the most. One was when I took over the management of an investment company at the beginning of 2009 during a starting financial and economic crisis. I had to quickly orient myself in a completely new environment for everyone – to take decisive measures for personnel and company development. 16 years later, I would say the decisions and actions were correct. I thank the team I worked with then for their support in making these bold decisions. The second was the challenge of taking on the responsibility of managing partner in the current company. This gave me the opportunity to take responsibility not only for deals and projects but also for people, teams, and long-term strategy again in a very challenging time at the beginning of 2022, during a receding pandemic and a starting war with all the challenges of the time.

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

That a systematic approach, patience, and consistency are more important than quick results. At the beginning, one wants everything to happen immediately, but sustainable success takes time. I quickly realized that lasting success is built with a solid team that stands behind it.

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

Through trial and error. Experience in different roles and industries is the best way to understand where you are useful and where you find meaning. I myself went through medical technology, fintech, electronics, before discovering that my true strength is in investments and real estate. When a person does not go to work because they have to, but goes to continue creating value, they have found the right place for them at that moment.

What skills according to Inwill be key in the next 10 years?

Adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to work in a multicultural and digital environment. Technologies will change, but the ability to learn and adapt remains the most important. Aside from very narrow specialists in various fields, social skills are key for every person to be able to develop successfully in today's world. Everything is done between people and for people with the help of technology.

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

By approaching sincerely. When you truly care about the person across from you and provide them with value, contacts come naturally. It is important to build long-term relationships, not to seek immediate gain.

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

I have been lucky not to have a major mistake, but in my youth, one is under the delusion that everything depends on personal efforts. Relatively quickly, I realized that success is collective, and the greatest capital of a leader is their team. In this regard, it is very important for the leader what example they set and how they set it.

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

If there is a lack of trust and transparency, if one works in an atmosphere of constant fear or intrigue – this is a clear signal. When you feel that your work undermines you more than it gives, it is time for a change.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I would invest more time in mentorship from my early years – both as a student and as a mentor to others. Shared knowledge is a catalyst for development.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

To remind ourselves of the big picture and why we started. A systematic approach and consistency always yield results regardless of whether there is motivation or not. Motivation is often influenced by external factors and is not a constant value.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

With clear boundaries and priorities. Balance does not mean equal parts, but the ability to allocate meaningful time where it is most important at the given moment. My advice is not to mix them and for a person to be able to have full focus on their personal or professional commitments.

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

When not only the company but the industry itself no longer brings us satisfaction and perspective. Then it is time to seek a new field for development and find a sector where we will feel engaged and that we are creating value.

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

Invest in yourself and in the people around you. The skills, character, and relationships that you build are your most valuable capital. The most valuable capital is you!

What is your Indefinition of a “successful career”?

A successful career is one in which you have found a balance between professional achievements, personal satisfaction, and a positive impact on the people and environment around you.