I love to dive deep and challenge myself, testing my limits

Introduce yourself in a few words..

Hello! I am Ivona Boyanova – a fighter and goal-oriented in life and a uncompromising professional in work relations. Welcome to my colorful career world, marked by bold decisions, diligent work, and focus on the most valuable resource for every (I hope) employer and leader – The Human.

Currently, I am Global Director of Transformations and Human Resources at one of the leading IT companies on the market. The challenges in my current role lurk around every corner and require a high dose of adaptability and creativity, but most importantly – good communication skills and clearly set goals towards the business, teams, and my colleagues, scattered all over the world. Yes, it sounds scary, but in fact, major transformations both personally and in the corporate world require exactly the opposite - courage and overcoming the fear of the unknown.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

As I hinted above - “Diving deep” is the most accurate description of my career path so far. I love to challenge myself and constantly develop. The comfortable environment for me is equivalent to stagnation. Perhaps that’s why life constantly puts me at a crossroads in work plans, to test my limits.

My career choices so far have always followed the path of the unknown, requiring me to adapt to the rapidly changing business environment while achieving high results. And as much as we may not want to, every area of life – be it politics, global pandemic, disruption of world peace, has a direct impact not only on the direction of a company's development but also on the individual and employee. Here I will mention the word “adaptability,” because it is my ingredient for success and best describes my path so far.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

You take me back in time when I chose to study Human Resources Management at university. The inspiring professors at that time unlocked my desire to develop in this field long-term. We have all heard that one should turn their hobby or passion into a profession. They say that then work brings satisfaction. I do not imitate clichés, but in this case, I confirm the above with both hands! And yes – in real life, to manage people and processes and to lead global transformations definitely has nothing in common with what is written in thick textbooks. Experience is the most valuable teacher for me.

On the other hand – shaping my path to today has not been a happy coincidence – on the contrary, I have always had a clear vision of where I want to be, what I want to do. Over the years, I have voiced my interests and in what direction I want to develop, I have worked diligently with myself to be “ready” for future career steps. And accordingly, I have been ready to seize the opportunities that have appeared on the horizon.

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

In the corporate sphere, nothing is irreparable and you always have at least two options for solving a critical problem.

Realized through experience truths that give me balance and peace in work plans.

How can one understand which profession is suitable for them?

What am I good at? What is the thing that brings me satisfaction? What stresses me? Where do I need to put in more effort than usual?

The answers to these short questions would give you direction towards the profession suitable for you. Of course, here we consider the hypothesis that the profession is not just a means of livelihood, but a calling and satisfaction in the long term. I urge all young people who are about to choose a career path to first make an honest self-assessment of their strengths and weaknesses, communication style, way of thinking/action, and only then bring the desired direction of development into the equation.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

A favorite topic of mine. Adaptation to current and future changes is crucial for the labor market's appearance in the next 10 years. Skills, combining an understanding of the new rapidly evolving technological world with a blend of human qualities will make us successful in the near future. If I say, that we will need to be multi-tech soldiers, I will not exaggerate.

I would focus on digital literacy, knowledge and skills for managing automated processes, as well as building such, creativity, and innovative “out of the box” thinking.

It is no secret that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the masses to keep up with the ever-changing technologies – automations, artificial intelligence, technologies. Therefore, I believe that at the level of personal qualities, the most valuable will be flexibility for constant improvement/ learning and the speed of acquiring new skills.

 

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

I believe that building a network of useful contacts comes through standing up for oneself in work plans and happens organically. Inevitably, you are surrounded by people with the same mission and views. And actually – do the exact opposite, be interested and show genuine curiosity, when you come across a kindred spirit or a useful contact.

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

If I have to be completely honest, I do not think that in our careers we can make a mistake. Our career is a series of choices, situations, and decisions. Accordingly, it also includes the consequences that go hand in hand with them. The lesson I have learned over the years is that in a situation or argument, there are at least two perspectives, and the most correct decision is always somewhere in the middle.

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

Do I feel good where I am – in the team, company? Am I missing something? Do I like what I do? Do I feel fulfilled? Is my manager supportive? Am I part of a successful team? Do I have opportunities for development?

For a long time, work has not been just a means to make money. The work environment greatly influences both our personal life and our relationships. Therefore, it is extremely important to feel good and valued in your work. I love to guide people towards the right choices with the help of two simple questions – “Tell me what is the thing that keeps you there, where you are? What can you not compromise on?” The answers to these two questions will give you clarity on whether the environment you are in is the right one or not for you. One thing is certain – you should not be afraid of change, it is for the better when you do not feel good.  

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I would not change anything. I am glad that I had the opportunity to build my career smoothly, going through each step. This provided me with an understanding of the business and the problems in depth and allows me to take the right political and strategic decisions today.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

We all know that motivation works differently for each individual, but generally, I would divide it into external and internal stimuli. External motivation usually comes in the form of sporadic stimuli – this could be the manager who motivates you daily; the company, which provides you with a bonus for your contribution over the past year; the colleague who is always by your side. But what happens when for one reason or another the external stimulus is absent? Often this leads to demotivation and a decline in results. The key to breaking out of the vicious circle is actually to realize that in the work environment, nothing is permanent and although external factors are a changing variable, each of us must find our internal constant motivation and stimulus to continue doing what we have started. And, what is your constant motivation? That is the spark that gives you a push in every endeavor.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

There is no better formula than clearly distinguishing between personal and professional life not only in practice but also in our minds. No matter how much we love our work, first and foremost, we are all human beings and we have needs for a healthy social and family environment. Few people realize that quality time spent with our family and friends is also crucial for productivity and the results achieved at work. Balance your time.

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

The moment you feel that you cannot give more of yourself at a workplace or that your daily responsibilities do not challenge you – it is time for a change.

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

Persistence and do not give up on your goals.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

Work, consistency, clear goals.