Stagnation is often preparation for the next leap

Introduce yourself in a few words.
My name is Ivo Kyumurdjiev. For nearly 14 years, I have been the managing director of the Ukrainian division of Rijk Zwaan – one of the leading international companies in the world for the selection, production, and sale of vegetable seeds. I am responsible for the markets in Ukraine and Moldova, while also supporting the development of some other countries where the company still does not have its own representations.

How would you briefly describe your career?
My career is a journey from the lowest rung to a leadership position. I walked this path at Heineken, where I started with daily fieldwork with clients and felt the dynamics of fast-moving consumer goods. Later, I went through direct marketing and retail to reach strategic management and market development in the agri-sector. This experience allowed me to connect lessons from different industries and turn them into workable solutions for new markets.

What was the most important choice that shaped your professional path?
Actually, there were two. The first – to take on the challenge of moving to Ukraine in 2007 and building the Heineken business from scratch. This took me from the role of regional manager to a leader who builds a national organization and strategies for a new, large market. The second – in 2012 to return to Ukraine again, this time in a completely new sector for me – agribusiness. Leaving my comfort zone gave me a chance to combine a career with meaning and contribution to food security. And later, fate had me work in wartime conditions – something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but which also taught me new and unique skills related to resilience, leadership, and decision-making in critical situations.

What would you have liked to know at the beginning of your career that no one told you?
That starting from the “bottom” is an advantage – it teaches patience, perseverance, and respect for every role in the team. And that changing industries is not a loss, but a wealth – every new field brings lessons that can be successfully applied elsewhere.

How can one understand which profession is suitable for them?
When the work brings meaning and satisfaction, not just income. Then you know you are in the right place.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?
Adaptability – because I changed countries and industries myself and I know how important it is to learn quickly. Also, digital literacy, the ability to analyze data, and to work effectively with people from different cultures.

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?
With sincerity and a willingness to give first, rather than receive. Today’s digital world makes it easier to create contacts, but real relationships are built long-term. People value honesty and consistency.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
Sometimes, since I am a perfectionist, I delayed decisions waiting for the “perfect moment.” I learned that timely actions are more important than perfect ones. In the beginning, I also tried to do everything myself – I realized that success comes when you trust people and develop them.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?
When enthusiasm is replaced by constant stress and distrust, when efforts hit walls and energy goes into defense instead of development – then it’s time to leave, even if it means changing fields.

What would you do differently if you could start over?
I would probably enter the agri-sector earlier. But I would never miss the lessons from my early years – in the sales department of “Zagorka” I learned discipline, working with clients, and the price of every small step up.

How to maintain motivation during times of stagnation?
By remembering where we started and how far we have come. For me, this is always inspiring. And stagnation is often preparation for the next leap.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?
With clear priorities and discipline. Work can consume everything if we do not set boundaries. Family and health are the foundation.

When is it time to change our career, not just the job?
When there is no longer interest and we do not see opportunities for meaningful development in the industry as a whole, not just in the specific company.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people seeking success, what would it be?
Do not be afraid of change. A new industry is often where you will unleash your true potential. And be consistent and honest – trust and reputation are built over time, but they open all doors. Well, I guess I ended up giving two pieces of advice. 

What is your personal definition of a “successful career”?
A career in which you achieve results with meaning – you develop teams, markets, and companies, contribute to society – and at the same time remain true to your values and do not forget where you started.