We live in extremely turbulent times and for me, the career ends with death

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Kristiyan Mihaylov and I am a member of the Management Board of #PARAi – Professional association for #robotics, automation and innovations. One of the organizers of Robotics Strategy Forum, I actively work to turn Bulgaria into a leading engineering hub and location that creates end products – from robots to electronics.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

The more I learn, the more I realize that I don't know enough. In other words – by my 100th birthday, I will still have to have learned. We live in extremely turbulent times and for me, the career ends with death.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path for you?

There are several, but a key factor turned out to be my wife and my colleagues at PARAi. Throughout my career, I have had various factors that have helped me.  I do not underestimate my personal desire to always seek new opportunities. Experience also turns out to be crucial.

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

Create an environment and surround yourself with the right people. The right people are those who help you and do not speak empty words, but act. For this, you need to be a person who is trusted.

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

If there is a desire to develop in a certain field and curiosity about what is happening in it, these are good signals. Of course, until one tries, one will not understand.

Which skills according to you will be key in the next 10 years?

The ability to take decisions in critical situations, the ability to gain trust quickly, to be a person who knows how to unlearn and learn quickly. In the era of artificial intelligence, the need for critical thinking and managing various AI tools will be crucial.

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

Why is it bad that we are interested? We want to build a network to achieve a certain goal – financial prosperity, a career, or something else. We cannot do it alone and we always need more people who have similar values and motivation. It is important not to waste their time. We go with the clear goal that we are looking for something from them and if not now, then in the future we will be useful to them.

What is wrong with admitting that a person has a goal and needs help? A conscious person is a strong person and should be given a chance. We should give people a chance, if we want to be surrounded by successful people.

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

Not trusting my intuition and ignoring the red flags that shine from 200 kilometers away.

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

A toxic work environment does not give you opportunities to grow, even when you seek them.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

After graduating from high school, I should have started investing. I did it too late.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

Through strong will. Success comes with small steps, a lot of work, and slowly. At different stages of life, we may have different definitions of success.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

There is no balance. Balance is a mirage we have created to feel that we have control. I have not achieved such a balance and I do not think I ever will. I love my work and even find it necessary for Bulgarians to work more. Nowadays we compete with the world, not with North Macedonia. There are moments when we move forward a lot, and in others, we are worse than Africa. A lot of work with well- organized processes can bring us success. The question is, do we want it?

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

When the market opportunities in a given sector are exhausted. At the end of the day, we want to put something on the table. If we do not have the means for that, why are we working? If we have stopped creating value in a given industry, then let’s seek the opportunity to do it elsewhere.

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

Life is continuous learning. 

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

To build a community or business so well that they operate successfully without you.