The positive attitude and the ability to be flexible are the strongest tools for coping with everyday life

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..
My name is Desislava Dushilova. I have been working in human resources management for over 15 years, with eight of those years having the privilege of holding leadership positions in the dynamic world of aviation. The most inspiring thing in my profession is the opportunity to support people in their development and to see how human potential turns into real successes. I believe that true leadership is based on empathy – being able to hear, understand, and guide people so that they can succeed in realizing their full potential.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
As a child, I had many different dreams – at one point I wanted to be a pharmacist, at another – a doctor and a clothing designer, and sometimes I just dreamed of discovering something meaningful. Over the years, I realized that dreams change along with us, but they all have something in common – the desire to be among people, to learn, to give, and to build. Today I believe that I have realized a large part of those dreams because my profession allows me to connect with people, support their development, and turn different talents into a common achievement. For me, dreams are not an end goal, but a direction that leads us to who we truly are.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story.
I don't remember the exact moment, but I know that I earned my first money at home – when I helped with something. This taught me that effort is always appreciated and that work, even the smallest, has meaning.

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?
At an early age, we are most strongly shaped by family, environment, and personal example. From early childhood, I learned that work and effort have value and that every help is valuable. This awakened in me a natural curiosity and desire to learn. My “recipe” for curiosity is simple – to ask questions, to seek different perspectives, to never stop reading, and to be inspired by the people around me. Inspiration also comes from the courage to dream – even when dreams change, they lead us forward.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?
Yes, over time my motivation changed – from the desire to prove myself, it shifted to the desire to create value for myself and for others. I realized that true motivation does not come from outside, but from within – from the feeling that what you do is in sync with your values and heart. Today, I am most motivated by seeing how people develop, how their potential becomes reality, and how their work is recognized.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking back today?
The decision was personally mine, although I was inspired by the example of my loved ones. I chose to study what brought me meaning and perspective. Today, looking back, I believe I made the right choice. My education and specializations not only gave me knowledge but also helped me build myself as a person and a professional.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies.
Besides my professional interests related to people development, leadership, and team management, I am inspired by topics related to aesthetics and modern vision. I believe that beauty and harmony in our surrounding environment positively influence our inner world. That’s why I love discovering new trends, I am interested in art, design, and everything that combines style and content. My hobbies are those that bring me balance – sports, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends, which recharge and inspire me.

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?
I would not change my profession because I love what I do. For me, working with people is a privilege and a mission. But if I had to choose another direction, it would probably be related to education, coaching, or social causes – fields where again the person and their development are at the center.

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?
I would be happy to hear that I am a professional who works with empathy and heart, that I am a person who inspires and builds trust, and a leader who supports people. The greatest recognition for me would be to understand that I helped someone believe more in themselves.

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?
I cope by trusting in balance – between work and personal life, between responsibilities and time for recharging. Emotional intelligence helps me view challenges as lessons, and empathy allows me to see the human aspect in every situation. For me, a positive attitude and the ability to be flexible are the strongest tools for coping with everyday life.

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, close ones?
I learned that the key is in the ability to listen – not just to hear, but to understand. Every person has a different style, temperament, and needs. The most important thing is to respect the differences, to be patient, and to adapt your approach. Communication is a bridge built on trust, respect, and sincerity.

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?
Money is an important resource, but it is not a goal in itself. It is a means for freedom, security, and opportunities. I believe that the true value of life is not measured only in money, but in satisfaction, meaning, and the relationships we build. My advice is to strive for balance – to value money, but not to make it the only driving force.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?
The most valuable advice is: choose a job you love. If you do something with desire and dedication, success comes naturally. Be curious, invest in your development, and never stop learning. And most importantly – be honest with yourself, because only then will you be able to be truly successful and inspiring to others.