Good people do not always shout the loudest – they simply do not give up on doing good

Introduce yourself with a few sentences!

My name is Valentin Vasilev. I am a professor in “National Security /Management of Human Resources in Crisis Situations/”. I am a lecturer, scholar, and practitioner with more than twenty-five years of experience in the field of human resource management, leadership, emotional intelligence, and organizational development. I am an inspirer and co-author of the brand #“Motivation 4.0”, part of which is the first educational board game with the same name (https://motivationfourzero.com/).

My academic career has passed through all positions – from assistant to professor, including administrative and managerial – deputy dean and head of department. So far, it has been associated with South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, Higher School of Security and Economics (VUSI), Plovdiv, and New Bulgarian University (NBU). I have been a long-time lecturer at the Institute of Public Administration under the Council of Ministers.

My career path is also related to holding the position of deputy mayor of Blagoevgrad Municipality, as well as representing the institution of Public Mediator (Ombudsman) of Blagoevgrad Municipality. I lead the activities of “Club-Blagoevgrad” under the “Foundation for the Development of Emotional Intelligence”.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood years?

Like most boys of my generation, my dream was to become a football player. I played, I dare say, at a decent level in youth teams, often being the captain of the team. I was expected to lead my teammates, inspire confidence in them, and calm them down. I got used to this role and seem to carry it throughout my life.

Of course, one of my first conscious desires for professional development was related to the feeling that I had the skills to influence the people around me – to lead them, to guide them. Probably from here arose the thought that I would be happy one day to be a football coach. And in a way, that is exactly what I am doing today – it has become my career. It is not directly related to training and preparing athletes, but teaching and management contain similar elements.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

  I haven't really thought about it. Probably my first money was earned during the summer mandatory activities assigned to us in school – collecting and handing over recyclable materials (paper, metal), herbs, labor days in cooperatives, and similar tasks. Without being completely sure, maybe that is the answer.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources, and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

I am categorical here – family! The traditions and values that come precisely from our roots. If your parents read a lot – you are “doomed” to do so too! One of my children's favorite photos is of my eldest daughter, perhaps around a year old, proudly smiling as she reads, turned upside down, “Law on Administration”!

I deeply believe in the words of Fredrik Backman in his book “The Winners”: “What we do not say to our children marks them more than what we say!” That’s it! I can only be deeply grateful to my parents and family for these values and examples.

On another occasion, I had the opportunity to share the following thoughts, which I would like to express here again: the people of the future are those who today learn to turn knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into kindness. True change begins with the personal choice to be a light – for yourself and for others, and every day is a new opportunity to build your character and create a world where kindness is a leading force.

Recipe? I remember a popular cooking show where the host recommended foods with up to five ingredients. Here is my “recipe”: Personal example! A rich library! Meaningful and honest conversations! Asking sincere questions! And to “plant” kindness – everywhere around us!

 

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

Interesting question. In my opinion, there is a difference, but it is more related to my personal maturation and going through certain life episodes. Otherwise, the values are the same – altruism has been leading for me since childhood. As a result, those who know me and have communicated and worked with me know what “ignites” me the most, namely – to make the place, the city, the environment, the institution, why not the country, a more welcoming, bright, and good place to live!

The role of perceiving the environment and the significant challenges for the modern person is indisputable for motivation. It is in connection with this that we created a new conceptual framework for motivation at the personal and organizational level – the brand “Motivation 4.0”, which includes gaming elements. Its development will continue in this direction, including its dissemination in English, Turkish, Russian, and Macedonian, because it turned out that the idea of the model is well received in other countries.

And one more thing – recently, a former student of mine, whom I am very proud of, now the mayor of a regional city that has changed beyond recognition in 10 years, published a post that literally struck my consciousness: “In fact, a person is not what they say, nor how they look, but the atmosphere they create with their presence.” And to avoid any sense of advertising or politics, I will thank him with just one letter – Thank you, K.!

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking at it from today’s perspective?

Entirely mine! Let’s not forget that in the 90s, information about specialties, professions, career orientations, and other similar things was scarce and was mainly obtained on-site. I am happy with my choice for many reasons! My coming to Blagoevgrad turned out to be crucial for my fate – both professional and personal. I do not regret it, on the contrary – I can only be proud!

In this city, I met the woman of my life, created a home and family, and I am raising my children. I dare say that I had – and I believe I still have – a modest contribution as a citizen and professional in its development. I am happy!

Share with us more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

My interests have not changed over the years – personal ones are related to rock and metal music, Manchester United, books, and movies. For each of these “weaknesses” of mine, I could give a separate interview – about what it brings me and why it is important to me. Perhaps these days I would talk about Manchester United a little less – for understandable reasons (those interested in football know why).

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity capture your interest?

No, I would not change my profession because I owe everything in my life to it! On the contrary – I try to encourage young people that it is worth engaging in both science and teaching, as well as being part of the public sector and public administration. My professional career has introduced me to incredible people from whom I have learned a lot! And I will use the words of a former supervisor of mine (without mentioning a name to avoid any sense of political maneuvering) and my life mentor, who used to say: “Valyo, management is a simple job for smart people!”, and I would add – “...and with the right values”. Thank you, Mr. P.!

As for the second part of the question – I would be interested in engaging in something creative, but unfortunately, that requires a certain talent, which in my family has been genetically passed on to my brother. Who knows – one day it may be transferred to our grandchildren and fulfill our dreams through them, as often happens in life.

They say that personal branding is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

You know, it may be a coincidence, but I again recall words from one of Backman’s magnificent books – “Björnstad”: “Good people do not always shout the loudest. They just do not give up doing good.” That is my answer! When you believe that good is possible, it begins to manifest.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in recent years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

The topic “Emotional Intelligence” has been my topic for many years, including professionally. I am very glad that this is a field, I would say an art, that is increasingly being given time. Soft skills are my professional area, and I dare say that I can talk about them a lot, a lot, a lot... Undoubtedly, they are the “rocket” of the next decade for personal, family, and professional well-being.

How do I cope with the “daily challenges of life,” as you called them? Well, first – do I cope? Who says that I do or do not cope? The element of the evaluative scale is very important!

Of course, outside the circle of jokes, I believe that everyone has their own tool, their own “magic” or “recipe”. My recommendation is, when we feel that something we do brings us a similar energizing or “cleansing” effect, to grab it, hold on to it, and turn it into a habit!

For me, for example, one such “ritual” is riding a stationary bike. In the summer of 2006, I discovered that it concentrates me, clears my thoughts, brings me ideas, and, of course, keeps me in decent physical shape. And so... for almost twenty years and more than 70,000 (seventy thousand) kilometers on this machine... at every opportunity, every morning, at 5:00 AM or a little after.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily – colleagues, friends, relatives?

You know, in my opinion, the skill of listening, understanding, and interpreting the behavior and communications around us is still underestimated. This is also related to your previous question about the role of Emotional Intelligence.

I will use the words of my favorite author Stephen King: “True wisdom comes when you stop listening to yourself and start hearing others.”

Ninety percent of everyday problems come from or are related to a deficit in terms of ineffective communication and low EI charge.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

We live in a consumer society. If we go back to the first questions in this interview, we will find an answer to this one as well – to direct our attention to family, values, and attitude towards money. Of course, money can make your life easier, but by themselves, they will not make you happy. Never make the mistake of assuming that everything can happen only with money. Happiness comes from within, and if you are not happy without money, then having them will hardly change the situation.

On the other hand, I recall a thought from W. Somerset Maugham: “Money is the sixth sense, without which you cannot use the other five.”

Balance, values, modesty!

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

Be! Change for the better! Do it for yourself, not for others.

With kindness! Positivism is the water of life – carry it with you. Negativism, however, spreads faster – like fire.

And for the finale – be sure: with kindness and faith – your life returns the best to you. And the best is ahead of you!