Organization where communication is a bridge, not a barrier

Introduce yourself in a few sentences – names, company, position in the current company.

My name is Desislava Ivanovich and for three years I have been the manager of Schwarz IT, one of the leading IT companies in the Bulgarian market. I started my career 20 years ago in the technology sector as a programmer. I joined the team at Kaufland IT Hub 10 years ago, and I have been part of Schwarz IT since its inception.

Tell us what the philosophy and values of the company you currently represent are?

The company is part of the digital division of the Schwarz group of companies. We are the first international hub outside Germany. Our culture is based on our values - respect, trust, achievements, belonging, and staying grounded. We foster a culture that thrives on genuine recognition and deep respect, open communication, and transparency. Through empathy and strong collegiality,  we create an environment where flexibility and responsibility go hand in hand. We work to stimulate positive change and actively shape the transition to greater social responsibility. In this way, we decisively contribute to the well-being of our community and the further development at the group level. Our actions are always aimed at being one step ahead and prepared for the future. A main goal for us is to transform into the leading ecosystem for a better life and future. Our current focus  is achieving 100% digital sovereignty, which we will secure with our rich portfolio of products, from Germany to Europe, for both internal needs and for our clients. A priority for us is the development of AI, automation, and transformation of processes and products, as well as protecting and securing the business.

How long have you been developing your current company? What are the most valuable lessons that the events of this period have taught you?

I have been here since the very beginning of the creation of this company in the Bulgarian market. I have participated in all transformations and processes that led to the establishment of a strong and sustainable brand.  For 3 years I have been the manager and what I learned is that only persistence, resilience, strong drive and motivation, adaptability, and readiness for changes to everything happening around us is what makes me strive to be better every day and aim for my next goals.

If you personally had to write a job ad, what would attract the attention of a future employee?

Great people work for Great companies.

Perhaps a strong message and the fact that we strive to provide our employees with that feeling, that the development of the business is responsibility and privilege of  each one of us.

With us, the ratio of work, professional development, and personal life is in a golden mean. And every employee can manage their time to their advantage. Last but not least, and not by chance, for the umpteenth year we have been certified as a Top Employer. This is the result of the efforts of every single employee of our company.

What does your company do to organize a constructive and fruitful working environment for everyone? Should people in the team be friends?

Here I can talk a lot. We care a lot that everyone feels good and in their place and that their work is valued, and their effort respected. In this way,  we strive for our employees to feel a true sense of belonging  to the company and this is the right place for them.

We have a number of good practices in this direction, on both local and international levels. For me, it is not necessary for people to be friends, it is enough for them to be good colleagues, to respect each other and to work towards a common goal, and if friendship arises from that, it would be wonderful.

What makes you enjoy going to work? How do you deal with difficult and stressful moments?

The dynamics of our daily life. Recently, my colleagues and I have been saying that we are in a VUCA world (...), and every day is different in its own way. There will always be something new, dynamic, and different, and that is exactly what makes me enjoy going to work - ready to face the next challenge. The positive atmosphere and our high-tech and innovative office spaces also contribute to the pleasure of work. We turn every challenge into an opportunity for change, for something new and better. I would quote Winston Churchill: “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, while the optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty”

 

What kind of work model does your company adhere to – office or remote? What do you think about the possibility of giving options for flexible working hours, within which employees have greater freedom to allocate their personal and work commitments?

We firmly stand behind flexible working hours. The work model is hybrid and we encourage the balance between work and personal life, as I mentioned above. We continuously encourage our employees to take all the deserved vacation for the year, we are flexible regarding office presence, as long as it does not affect work results. We also support young mothers a lot - while they are on maternity leave, they do not lose their development and continue to be part of all processes and changes in the company.

For us, employees come first.

How do the continuous technological changes on a global scale affect your business?

As a technology company operating in the European market, I boldly state that we are not only part of a world of digitalization and continuous transformations and innovations, but also leaders in the technology sector. We are also part of the so-called global mega cycles, as we strive to have a leading and foundational role in the future of the digital world.

How important is hierarchy and what does it mean to you? What kind of communication do you advocate in your company?

The truth is that both I and my colleagues, as well as the culture of the company, are built on an open and direct communication between people. We are not afraid to say things directly, nor to take the next steps in the relevant context. We want people to feel free and openly share their opinions or seek them, rather than burdened by having to strictly adhere to a hierarchical structure. Anyone can come up with an idea and it will be heard, anyone can come with a question and it will be answered.

What is your career advice for all people who are building a strategy for their professional development?

First and foremost, a person should love their job and never stop self-improving and developing professionally.