Careerdailynews.com presents SofiaTalks: The future starts here

https://careerdailynews.com/ will be the media partner of the 3rd consecutive event of SofiaTalks -SofiaTalks Business Bootcamp, which will take place on November 16, 2025. in Sofia Tech Park!

Who are the creators of the youth organization, what are its goals and future ideas, we will learn from its founders:

Sofia Miteva, Economic and Social Sciences, Bocconi University

Together with Georgi and Yoana, we are the founders of the organization SofiaTalks. The idea for the organization emerged in our final year of high school, namely 2023. Together with Yoana and Georgi, we created a club at the American College (the high school we all graduated from in 2024) called “Economics 101”. The idea of the club was to provide its members with fundamental knowledge from the world of business and economics, which would help them navigate what they would like to study at university and prepare them for the application process. Alongside the club, an idea for an event arose – SofiaTalks Business – our first edition. Its goal was to show young people in Bulgaria, specifically – high school graduates starting university (just like we were at that stage), that it is worth giving Bulgaria a chance and that there is an endless field for expression and opportunity for development in the professional world. At the event, we shared that we chose not to study in Bulgaria; instead, we strive to gain experience and knowledge from abroad, with which we hope to return one day, and we wanted to share this idea and encourage other students to think about it. I believe we did wonderfully with this task with the help of our lecturers. From there, we decided that we would like to continue developing SofiaTalks as a brand and as a charitable organization, and that is what we are doing to this day.

Georgi Grancharov, International Economics and Finance, Bocconi University

Yoana Encheva, International Economics and Finance, Bocconi University

SofiaTalks for me is more than an organization – it is a cause that started from a small idea in school and grew into a national movement. From the very beginning, it was important to me that what we do brings real value to young people – giving them confidence, skills, and contacts that would be hard to find elsewhere. Within two years, SofiaTalks built a strong community and partnership network, and for me, the most valuable thing is that every new event proves what a team of young people can achieve when they have a common vision and work with dedication.

How did you decide to create SofiaTalks? What was your personal motivation to participate and develop the organization?

Sofia: As I already mentioned, for me, SofiaTalks was a natural continuation of the community we managed to create at the American College. Honestly, there was never a moment when I wondered if I wanted to participate in the creation of the organization. It was very exciting for me, and I felt it was a big step in my development, as I had not participated in such a project before. For me, it was absolutely sufficient to have the opportunity to create an event entirely according to our judgment, which would support the cause we believe in.

Georgi: Everything started from the club that Sofia talked about. Yoana brought us together and mentioned the idea for the event. Each of us wanted to organize an event that would have an impact on young Bulgarians. We noticed that many people in our circle did not think that success in Bulgaria was possible. We thought the opposite and wanted to show it through successful Bulgarians. We held the first event to present the stories of 6 individuals. In the process of preparing the event, I realized that in this way we are building a whole community, not just one event. We saw that our efforts had an impact on people, and we continued to develop the organization.

Yoana: For me, the motivation has always been personal – I wanted young people in Bulgaria to have access to inspiration and examples of success, without feeling limited by their surroundings. I often saw my peers thinking that development necessarily goes through abroad and that there are not enough opportunities here. By creating SofiaTalks, we wanted to show the opposite – that success has a face in Bulgaria, and that change starts with us. Every time I see a participant finding a new direction or creating a valuable contact at our event, it reminds me why I continue.

Tell us about the first events you organized from the start. What conclusions did each of you draw?

Sofia: The first two events were SofiaTalks Business and SofiaTalks Health. For the first event, I already shared what the concept was. SofiaTalks Health is an event that was organized again at the American College, but this time, with Yoana and Georgi, we played more of a role as advisors or mentors, the organization of the event was in the hands of Ina Dobreva, Viktoria Nakova, and Martin Georgiev (students from the American College). They did wonderfully, and I am glad that we had the opportunity to expand our scope to such a pressing and fundamental topic as health. Subsequently, we decided that for now we want to stick to the topic of business and professional development and started working on the idea for SofiaTalks Business Bootcamp. Perhaps the most important conclusion I have drawn is that you should never underestimate others' efforts and the amount of work they have put in. In most cases, things seem much easier than they actually are, for the simple reason that we are not familiar with the process behind them and therefore cannot comprehend the amount of work that is required. Accordingly, what we can do is respect others' efforts and be curious; everyone can teach us something.

Georgi: We held the first SofiaTalks event with the goal of showing that success is possible in Bulgaria; we gathered 6 individuals from the business industry who shared their stories, challenges, struggles, and successes. The goal was to tell how they reached the position they are in now. The upcoming event has a similar goal, but besides showing the success of dozens of Bulgarians, we will support the success of 800 determined and ambitious people seeking development. Our project helped me understand that, when you gather people who have the desire and share common goals and directions, no matter how many problems arise, your goals will be achieved.

Yoana: The first events taught us that people's trust is earned not with promises, but with results. At SofiaTalks Business, we saw how one stage can change the perceptions of 300+ students. At SofiaTalks Health, we felt how important it is to give other young people the opportunity to organize and be drivers. My most important personal conclusion is that every event is a test for the team – for our ability to delegate, to overcome crises, and to inspire when fatigue sets in. It is precisely these moments that make the organization grow beyond the events themselves.

In the fall, your next event is coming up. Tell us how you divided the work among yourselves and what your personal expectations are?

Sofia: I think Georgi described the general work process quite well. What I would add is that we try to optimize everyone's efforts according to what they are good at. Everyone in the team has different skills and has experience in various fields. I believe that a key part of driving such a process is for everyone to do what they feel most confident in and for which they have the greatest set of knowledge. I wouldn't say that I have expectations; I believe that the fewer expectations we create, the better the work goes, and the more satisfied we can be in the end; this applies to everything for me. I believe that the right approach is to avoid creating expectations; instead, we set goals and break them down into small steps.

Georgi: For the organization of this event, we approached it in a more structured way, creating four teams with one or two leaders for each team. Every week there is a leadership meeting where we discuss ideas, problems, solutions, etc.; additionally, each team has a weekly meeting to check in with each other. The best part is that everyone helps each other, regardless of which team they are from or what problem has arisen; everyone knows each other and are friends.

Yoana: In the preparation of SofiaTalks Business Bootcamp, we strive to think big, but also structured. We created four main teams – finance, marketing, logistics, and human resources – each functioning as a “mini-startup” with their own leaders, clearly defined goals, and specific tasks. For example, the finance team is working on a strategy to attract over 100 partners and sponsors, the marketing team is building a daily content plan for social media and partnerships with influencers, logistics coordinates the details of the day – from the halls to VIP areas, and the HR team is responsible for engaging and training over 50 volunteers and more than 60 lecturers.

My role is to maintain the connection between these teams and ensure that the individual “puzzles” fit into a common picture. Every week we have leadership meetings where we discuss progress, problems, and opportunities for improvement. It is important to me that every team member feels that their contribution is significant because that is what builds motivation and long-term commitment.

My expectations for the event are not just to gather 800+ participants, but for them to leave with something tangible – a new contact, an internship opportunity, inspiration for their own project, or specific skills from the workshops. I also hope to create an environment where companies and young people meet on equal terms – not as employer and candidate, but as partners in building the future. My greatest personal hope is that after November 16, the participants will say: “I want to stay in Bulgaria because there is meaning here and there are people who believe in us.”

How do you see the future of the organization? What would your next steps and ideas for implementation be?

Sofia: We want SofiaTalks to become the largest network for professional development in Bulgaria, supported by a community that believes in our cause and in which members help each other achieve their goals. This idea is also centered around the upcoming event in November, with which we want to establish contact between two sides, namely – employers who believe in a quality and qualified pool of young professionals in Bulgaria and are looking for them, and these young, educated people with a desire for work and development in their chosen field.

Georgi: With this event, we are expanding the organization and contributing to the development of ideas, dreams, and skills of students. Our main goal in the future is to continue to reach a larger audience and have a qualitative impact on them. As students, we cannot give people knowledge or experience, but we can select the best people, companies, and organizations, and provide them with the infrastructure to influence the largest possible audience.

Yoana: I see the future of SofiaTalks as a whole ecosystem for youth development – not just conferences, but also programs, internships, mentorship, and a community that continues to grow. For me, it is crucial to build something sustainable – a real business model, in which revenues are reinvested in young people and their ideas. I believe that if we continue to connect the most active students with the most open companies and entrepreneurs, we can turn SofiaTalks into the strongest platform for youth professional development in the country.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years, both as an organization and as individuals, and in what profession?

Sofia: As an organization, I believe we will continue to create new and increasingly grand opportunities for all who wish to be part of it, in one way or another, whether for our team or for all who choose to attend our event or be part of our community. In 5 years, the activities we organize may look completely different; I think it is important to evolve and adapt to current trends. What matters is that the core and purpose of the activities and the initial concept of the association do not change. Personally, I cannot answer yet; at this stage, I am trying many different things while I find my professional path. The field that currently excites me the most and in which I am trying to gain experience is sales.

Georgi: In 5 years, I want the organization to grow and be able to continue contributing to the development of young people's ideas, helping them turn them into reality. As an individual, I will continue to follow my interests, now and in five years, I want it to be the same way. For now, from a professional perspective, they are related to the financial industry.

Yoana: In 5 years, I want SofiaTalks to be a symbol of change – a space that has helped thousands of young people start their careers or businesses. Personally, I see myself still in the field of finance and entrepreneurship, but regardless of my professional path, I would always like to be connected to causes that have a real impact on society. I believe that success has no meaning if it does not bring value to others.

How much money should a student your age earn to be independent and live normally? What does it mean to "live normally" for each of you?

Sofia: For me, this is a question with many, many variables and to a large extent subjective. Only part of the variables are where they live, where they study, whether they need to travel regularly, whether they go out often, what established habits they have, and so on. I think it is impossible to answer with a specific amount. I also think the additional question of what is “normal” is actually very key. Normal again depends on what we are used to. What is normal for one is extremely insufficient for another. I believe it is reasonable to live according to our possibilities, even if that means not satisfying all our desires, especially at this age.

Georgi: For a person to be independent, they must be able to meet their needs. Money cannot buy everything, but in the world we live in, it is greatly needed. Besides their purchasing power, they highlight a person's character. For me, living normally means being healthy, being surrounded by people with whom you genuinely enjoy being, dreaming, and following your dreams, and being able to appreciate every moment of life. As humans, we take many of the things we have for granted; for one person, living normally means being able to travel every month, eating at nice places, seeing friends every day; for others, it means having access to water and seeing their family every day; for others, it is completely different. As long as you can meet your expectations from life, that is living normally.

Yoana: I agree that this is subjective. For me, “living normally” means being able to cover my basic needs – housing, food, transportation – but also having resources for new experiences, books, travels, courses that develop me. A normal life for a young person is not just about survival, but about the opportunity to invest in oneself. True independence comes when you can choose – and that requires financial freedom.

Where do you see your professional future - in Bulgaria or abroad and why?

Sofia: I really like the option to return to Bulgaria and at this stage, this is how I envision my future in the long term. Currently, I live and study in Italy and I really enjoy it, I think, that it is wonderful to gain experience, both life and academic and professional from places we are not used to. I would continue my higher education in Italy or another country, most likely again in Europe, after I finish my bachelor's degree. I am not closed to the possibility of working in a foreign country for a while during and after I finish my education, at least for the relevant moment. In the long term, however, I see myself in Bulgaria, I would like to return permanently at some stage. I would like to live, work and have a family in Bulgaria. I am a very optimistic person and I am very positive about the future of Bulgaria. I believe that even at the moment Bulgaria is one of the more favorable places to live in Europe.

Georgi: I see my professional future where I can develop in an optimal way, but I know that many other factors play a role. I would like to have the opportunity to spend time with my loved ones, to be able to return to where I have grown up, but at the same time, I would like to continue pursuing my goals. I don't know if this will be in Bulgaria or abroad.

Yoana: I believe in the power of experience abroad – it opens horizons and teaches discipline and standards. But I have always viewed Bulgaria as the place where I want to leave a lasting mark. Therefore, for me, the ideal scenario is to gain international experience that I can then invest here – in building businesses, initiatives, and networks that develop the youth.

Let’s finish with a piece of advice from the third. Address the young people in Bulgaria. What do you want to tell them?

Sofia: The best thing a young person can do for themselves is to try new things, in every sense. Work on different things in different places, even several at once, meet many and different people and ask them questions, don’t be afraid of change, only then can we provide ourselves with new experiences.

Georgi: If you know what you need to do and what you want, act.

Yoana: My advice is not to wait for the “right moment” – create it. If you have an idea, start it today, if you have a dream – talk about it. The greatest strength of youth is the freedom to make mistakes and still move forward. Don’t be afraid to seek support – there are always people ready to help. The wheel of opportunities always turns, as long as you find the courage to push it at least a little. When you are proactive, opportunities start coming to you even without searching for them.