Traveling makes me more flexible and open to the new

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Polina Toskova and I have over 18 years of experience focusing on card payments, with the last 9 years leading the commercial operations and business development of myPOS in Bulgaria. I build and lead sales teams in Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv, with a clear focus on sustainable growth, talent development, and real results for clients.

I have experience in developing strategies, launching new products, and localizing global business practices. I believe in empathetic leadership, the power of partnerships, and awareness as a foundation for success. Traveling and working with international teams enriches me and helps me view business with a broader perspective and understanding of different cultures and ways of working.

What does traveling the world mean to you?

Traveling for me is about “enrichment.” Every new place keeps me curious about new cultures, how people live there, what excites them, what makes them happy, which develops me as a person and an individual. It gives me freedom and helps me disconnect from daily life, to rest and recharge with new ideas and inspiration.  

How many different countries have you seen so far? Share an interesting story or highlights from your travels?

I have visited only 30 countries so far and I believe that the best travels are yet to come. I love turquoise waters and the feeling of freedom by the sea. 

Do you like to repeat destinations? Give examples and motivation “for” or “against”?

Yes, I love to return to favorite places because the feeling is different every time, even though it’s familiar, I can dive even “deeper” into its essence. I never get tired of turquoise water, the charm and class of Paris, and France, the cosmopolitan nature of London.  

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional and can be said to have changed your thinking?

My first trip to the USA, Florida - Orlando and Miami. Although I was on a family vacation, I felt how strongly the influence of business is felt in everything they do there, how they sell and manage to attract more and more clients with the right marketing and sales techniques. There I saw how strong the influence of everything related to self-service places is. Vending machines didn’t just sell coffee, as was the case in Bulgaria at that time, but also packaged, cooked food, accessories and electronics, children's toys, cosmetics, and popcorn. This helped a lot in my view of business here and what is to come in the industry.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when you are in a new cultural environment?

I learn about myself how important it is not to stop learning and to be even more aware of everything that brings meaning and change for me as a person, for family and parenting, and for leadership. I have learned to be quieter, to listen, to interact with what resonates with my frequency, to become an even better version of myself.  

Have you met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career path?

Every meeting with my colleagues from different countries influences behavior, reactions, attitudes towards the situations that each of us has and resolves.  I am grateful for the conversations and exchange of ideas that we share, because I believe that communities help a lot in building good practices.

Do you think that traveling helps you expand your professional network? How?

Yes, categorically. Traveling is not just about getting to know places, but also people - colleagues, partners, local entrepreneurs. Events, conferences, and even informal meetings often lead to long-term professional relationships. When you share an experience with someone in a real environment, the connection builds faster and remains deeper.

What skills do you develop the most when you travel, and how do they reflect on your work?

I develop adaptability, empathy, and intercultural communication the most. This helps me not only in building teams and partnerships but also in making decisions that are sustainable and considerate of different perspectives. Traveling makes me more flexible and open to the new - qualities that are extremely valuable in the dynamic fintech world.

Is there a city or country that has inspired you to start a new business or project?

I keep observing how card payments are developing around the world. I have visited cities like New York, London, Paris, and Miami, which set a high bar in technology, service, and customer experience. These places help me closely follow trends and bring good practices to our country - with adaptation to the local market and business needs. An example of such businesses is those where self-service technology can be implemented for speed and convenience. . 

When you are in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

More motivated - definitely. The unknown keeps me awake, observant, and inspired. When you are outside your comfort zone, new ideas unlock and you start to see opportunities even where you haven’t looked before. The feeling that everything is new enhances my curiosity not only about the place but also about myself.

Are there destinations that act as a “restart” for your creativity and ambition?

Sea destinations definitely have this effect on me - the endless horizon, humid air, and the sound of the waves help me clear my mind and look beyond routine. Places around the Aegean, Ionian Sea, Indian Ocean, or Caribbean Sea always act as a new beginning - I return with more energy and new ideas.

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure when you travel?

With clear prior organization and distribution of responsibilities. I try to separate my time and be fully present - when I work, I am focused, and when I am in relaxation mode, I fully dedicate myself to the place and the experience. But the truth is, with the right mindset and the right tools, traveling can be part of work, and work can be part of pleasure.

How did traveling change the way you perceive the value of money?

Traveling taught me that the value of money is relative - sometimes a sandwich on the steps around the Seine brings more happiness and satisfaction than dinner in a luxury restaurant. I saw that financial value is not always equal to human value, and that money is a tool and freedom, not a goal.

Do you travel with the aim of finding new ways to make money?

I have seen solutions in other countries that we then successfully adapt for our market. That’s why for me every trip is both a field for observation and inspiration for the next step.

What lessons about financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?

Working in an international environment, I saw how important adaptability is. In Western Europe, for example, long-term planning is valued, while in developing markets people often seek flexibility and quick access to funds. In the USA, I saw how important it is to experiment, to try, and if you fail, to start over. I learned that financial independence does not mean the same everywhere, but everywhere it starts with education, control over expenses, and proper use of technology.

Do you think it’s better to spend on experiences rather than material possessions?

Absolutely, yes! Experiences create lasting memories and personal growth. In business and personal life, I have learned the most during travels, meeting different people and cultures.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

Digital nomadic life is part of the new work order. We are already cosmopolitan and can work and live from different points in the world and be responsible, goal-oriented, and successful.  I believe we will see more hybrid professions and businesses that do not require a fixed location. More and more digital and mobile financial solutions will support a flexible way of living and working.

Are there specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?

Countries with developed infrastructure, stable regulation, and good connectivity are always a good choice. Bulgaria offers a great combination of talent, good infrastructure, and attractive tax conditions that make it appealing for professional development and life in balance between work and family.

If you could choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea, what would it be and why?

I am still waiting and searching for the “big idea.” When it appears, I will choose the place, but I believe I will start from Bulgaria, and there may be a search for growth opportunities outside the country.

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend visiting and why?

The Maldives are one of those places that leave a lasting emotion - because of the nature, the feeling of silence, and closeness to the water. Besides being extremely beautiful, it is also a destination that reminds how fragile the balance between nature and human presence is. 

What is the career advice you would give based on what you have seen around the world?

Be grateful for who you are, what you have achieved, and where you are at this moment. Don’t be afraid to start over and experiment – only then can you gain knowledge and valuable experience. Career growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.