Active listening is a skill that distinguishes good professionals

Introduce yourself with a few sentences..
My name is Glori and I am the founder of WE.Creatives and AdWinners. At WE.Creatives, we specialize in Social Media Marketing and Content Creation, and at AdWinners, together with Viktor Stoilov and Maria Lazarova, we create video ads for online stores that not only look good but also have performance logic and sell.

My interests are related to creativity, marketing, and personal development - I love to inspire people to pursue their goals and believe that they can create the life they want to live.

I believe in freedom, health, and balance, and in my work, I always rely on authenticity, good communication, and initiative.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a ballerina. My grandfather, after whom I am named, often told me that I would be a wonderful ballerina (without explaining why he thought so), and this awakened in me a strong desire and beautiful visions of dance. Since I grew up in a small town, this dream remained unfulfilled, but even today ballet continues to inspire me.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?
I earned my first money under 18 years old; in fact, I have been working since I was 16 and at that time I taught dance to children from 1st to 4th grade. An interesting story that comes to mind is when I received my first fee - I had no idea what the amount would be or when I would receive it. (It surely said in my contract, but who remembers to read it?) One day after a training session with the kids, the boss called me, and I thought there was some problem… but it was about my salary. I left very happy with my first earned money! I forgot the envelope with the money in the subway - but later I found it... :) 

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 believe that our personality is shaped most strongly in childhood - when we don’t have everything but dream of everything. I grew up in a family with limited financial means, which made me both very persistent and grateful for every opportunity. 

In fact, my dance coach, Dimitar Zhelev, was an example for me - I believe that a large part of my upbringing and values today is thanks to the time I spent with him.

Even today, I believe that curiosity comes from an open heart and from the courage to seek answers, even when you don’t have all the resources. 

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?
Yes, definitely. Over time and through various experiences in my work, I realized that true motivation does not come from the desire to prove something to others, but from the need to be true to myself and to feel fulfilled.

Before, I was often driven by the desire to achieve more in a short time, not to fall behind, even to overdo it in many work-related aspects.
Today, I am driven not by the ambition of the ego, but by the desire for meaning, balance, and inner satisfaction. I no longer do things “because I have to,” but because I feel that I want to and that I see meaning in them.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, viewed from today’s perspective?
I don’t know if for better or worse, but my parents never interfered in what and where I should study, so the decision, which I changed several times, was mine. Looking back today, I can say that I am grateful that I ended up at Sofia University with a major in pedagogy, and I believe that parts of what I studied still help me in my work with people.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?
I have a strong connection with nature and movement - I love hiking in the mountains, climbing, and horseback riding. They recharge me, clear my mind, and remind me how important it is to be physically active and in contact with nature.

I love to learn new things and constantly develop, and I believe that this happens both professionally and personally. I am interested in psychology, personal growth, and a healthy lifestyle, and my work in the marketing field allows me to combine creativity with strategy - something that brings me great satisfaction.

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

I would not change my profession; rather, I would develop it even further. When there is meaning and I know that I can contribute, I would teach. Something that brings me true joy is precisely this “passing it on.” 

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 often hear that I am very positive and that I work tirelessly, and that makes me happy. This is what I would like to hear.

But most of all, I would like people to say that I helped them with something, that I inspired them, listened to them, and supported them.

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?
Meditation helps me stay calm and balanced, especially in stressful periods. I try to be physically active because movement helps me maintain clear thinking and good mood, but sometimes, when work is intense, I spend the whole day in front of the computer, and that is something I consciously try to change.

I believe that when you work with people, emotional intelligence is key. It helps me feel my emotions, react calmly, and understand the other person's perspective. I try to be aware, flexible, and open in communication because I believe that this creates harmony both in work and in personal 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?
One of the most important conclusions I have reached is how valuable it is simply to listen to the person in front of you without interrupting them. Active listening is at the core of good communication, showing respect and creating a sense of understanding.

Today, this is harder than ever because we are constantly distracted - by our phones, by thoughts, by rushing... But it is precisely the presence in the conversation that makes communication real. I always try to give my full attention to the person in front of me because I believe that this is how trust, harmony, and meaningful relationships are built, whether it is about my client or a friend.

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?
The topic of money has always been complex for me. As a person who grew up in a family with limited financial means, I have a natural need for security - to know that I am protected and independent. At the same time, however, money is not something that worries me or determines my decisions.

I believe that money is a tool, not a goal. They provide freedom but do not bring happiness if it is lacking. For me, it is more important how you use them - whether you create value, peace, and a good life for yourself and the people around you through them.

My advice to people is not to measure success only in numbers. Money can always be made, but time, health, and satisfaction cannot be bought. Financial security is important - but true wealth comes from living with a sense of meaning and gratitude.

For more than 5 years, all my clients have come through referrals - something I value extremely highly. I believe this is due to my desire to always give more than expected. For me, “the extra mile” is not just an expression, but often my choice. I choose to walk it when I feel it will be worth it… not in money, but in satisfaction, trust, and meaning. And many people consider this foolish. 

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

What I find to be valuable career advice is to learn to listen truly. Active listening is a skill that distinguishes good professionals from exceptional ones. It helps you understand not only the words but also the needs, emotions, and ideas behind them.

And secondly, at the risk of repeating myself: always go the “extra mile.” Give a little more effort, attention, or care than expected. People feel this, and it is precisely these small things that build trust, respect, and long-term relationships - both in work and in life.