A Career is Not a Waiting Room for a Better Life

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Daniela Uzunova, and I would describe myself as a "dreamer in numbers." In business, I love to look ahead - towards the future, but I believe that sustainable development stands on a solid foundation. And there, numbers always matter. I have many years of experience in various international companies in leadership positions. Today, I am a strategic and business consultant and the founder of Reformicca.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

My career is like corporate crossfit - high-intensity and diverse. It combines marketing, sales, management, leadership, and human resources. The disciplines alternate, but they are never the same - there's pushing, pulling, running. That's why boredom is not present.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

To take risks and to be guided not by "Why," but by "Why not." I have often made decisions that at the moment seemed even reckless. In such moments, I ask myself a simple question - "What is the worst that can happen?" And then... I jump, I take risks.

What would you have liked to know at the beginning of your career that no one told you?

That every moment today is just as valuable as tomorrow's. Work should bring you satisfaction today, now, and not make you wait for better days, not work for tomorrow. A career is not a waiting room for a better life.

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?

This is becoming increasingly impossible. Life is so dynamic, so interesting, and so unpredictable that many professions will not be the same even after a few years. Therefore, my advice is – invest in new skills, befriend artificial intelligence and be open to change. Most of us will change our direction more than once.

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

To adapt and embrace the new. But let’s not forget - humanity will never go out of style. Be, above all, human.

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

Create friendships, not contacts. Help unconditionally when asked. Being a good person is the strongest business card. Even when it sometimes hurts.

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

About the importance of a plan B. There were years in my career when my focus on achieving goals was so great that it clouded potential risks. I remember one annual meeting where I presented ambitious goals. I was asked if I had a plan B if the results did not come. I confidently replied that we did not need one - because plan A would succeed. Then COVID-19 came. That was my lesson. Since then, I think in scenarios, not in wishes.

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

A toxic work environment is like domestic violence - you often realize it too late. When you get used to it, you don’t even understand that this behavior is not normal. The culture in an organization always starts from the leader - just like in families. If you feel that you are being humiliated, yelled at, controlled, or expected to live for work - these are clear signals. You have two choices: change the toxic leader or leave. Never compromise with yourself.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

The same, but I would hurry "more slowly." I entered the business not knowing what to expect. And I have never regretted it.

How to maintain motivation during stagnation?

Ten years ago, I would have said – don’t give up, keep going. Now, however, I would categorically advise you - stop for a moment, take a break. Let’s learn from the best – athletes. Even the most successful among them have their moments of stagnation. And the brain, just like the body, needs a moment of rest.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

Choose carefully who you work for. If your leader sees constant busyness as a virtue, that is a signal for a problem. People who do not maintain their balance rarely respect others'.

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

When the only thing that gives meaning to your workday is waiting for it to end. Life is short, find something that is close to your heart.

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

First, sit down and draw on a white sheet what success means to you. How do you envision it? Are you alone or is there someone with you? How old are you when you achieve it? If you are not clear about what exactly you are looking for, you will not achieve it.

What is your definition of a "successful career"?

Not being alone on the journey. A career can only be successful if there is someone to pop the champagne with - both at work and at home. A person alone at the top remains alone.