I love to infect the people around me with good mood
· Nencho Balabanov
I filter out and 'remove' from my surroundings only intrigants, negatively inclined people, complainers, and 'dissatisfied' ones!
Introduce yourself in a few sentences!
Nencho Balabanov. I am 45 years old. Actor, singer, television host, composer, producer, and proud father of two children. Married and a happy person.
What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
The most interesting thing is that I became exactly what I dreamed of and continue to develop. From a very young age, I felt my calling and seriously and purposefully pursued my dreams and my professional path.
At what age did you earn your first money? Share an interesting story with us?
I earned my first money through my own labor somewhere around the age of 12. The summer vacation seemed too long to me, and I decided to work something and earn some extra pocket money. I worked as a 'tree marker' and in a month and a half, I earned quite a good amount of money and bought my own dual cassette player. I was very proud that I bought it with 'my' money and felt how 'sweet' it is to earn and have 'my own money'.
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 of information, and inspiration at this stage of our human development?
Mainly self-discipline, tackling laziness at the earliest stage, and curiosity. From a young age, I had interests related to the acting profession, singing, and being in the spotlight. I loved the moments when I made the people around me have fun and laugh. I am truly happy that I did not waste my time and did not wander about what exactly I wanted to do with my life. During my early childhood, there was no internet and social networks, at least not for everyday use, and fortunately, this helped me discover books, magazines, and the library as an interesting place to visit. I will never forget the unique smell of books there and all the knowledge that was felt in the air. I was inspired by movies and series, as well as by the shows on television. I had my favorite actors and singers, and I was motivated to become like them when I grew up.
Did any significant difference occur in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?
Significant – I wouldn't say so. But I am very happy that I have never had to deal with 'uninteresting' things for me, and I managed to extract benefits and knowledge from every new endeavor. I started learning English very early because I liked it as a language and felt that it would be very useful for me in the future. At 7 years old, I was already attending private lessons in the town of Elena, where I lived. I sang constantly and everywhere and infected those around me with mood and what I like.
Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking back today?
I sincerely thank my parents for trusting me to choose what I would study and what I would do from the 7th grade. I made all my decisions absolutely independently regarding my secondary specialized education and then for higher education. I am 100% sure that I made the right choice to enhance my singing experience on stage until the age of 18, and then with the puppet acting school at NATFIZ.
Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?
I love playing tennis. Being in the gym and exercising. I love riding a motorcycle. These are my main hobbies that help me clear my mind and 'unwind' from my main job.
Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?
I have no such intention at all, but I always have a plan B, and if something prevents me from pursuing my acting profession (God forbid), I have at least three other things that I could do quite well. If I had to rank them, perhaps the first would be to become a salesperson – I know how to convince people of the meaning and need for something. Secondly, perhaps it would be a lyricist and translator from English, and the third is a teacher of acting and singing.
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?
"Nencho Balabanov is a worthy example for all Bulgarians that even in a small country like Bulgaria, you can achieve your dreams and realize yourself in what you feel is your calling."
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?
With movement and sports. They help me a lot, even though I started seriously exercising only at 29, and this is what helps me to be in shape both physically and mentally. The couch is almost an unknown territory for me, and I would say that I would find it very difficult to just sit and 'swing my legs'.
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?
I know how to communicate very well with people. With all people – regardless of what they do, what they are engaged in, and where they are on the 'ladder of career and money'. I find it extremely interesting to hear their point of view and to 'understand' them. I filter out and 'remove' from my surroundings only intrigants, negatively inclined people, complainers, and 'dissatisfied' ones. I try to maintain a healthy communication environment with people who think and view life in a way similar to mine.
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?
Of course, money is extremely important in today's world. I respect and value them. But I have never engaged in anything with the primary goal of making money. I have even refused commitments that would bring me a lot of money but would be contrary to my philosophy, mindset for life, and values.
What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?
Love yourself, discover as early as possible what you are sent to this Earth for and where you would be most useful and best realized. Be tolerant, good people, and try to infect others with positive energy every possible second!