Challenge Yourself, Push Your Limits, and Keep Learning

"Setting priorities means finishing tasks to the end and not letting details distract you," shares Kamelia Mineva, the latest guest in WorkTalent’s feature series.

Who is she?

My name is Kameliya Mineva, and I’m the CEO of one of the most modern banks in Bulgaria – ProCredit Bank. I was born in Stara Zagora, which remains one of my favorite cities to this day, and I completed my economics education in London. My journey with ProCredit Bank began as an intern, and I’ve now worked here for over 15 years. I’m happy to be part of the leadership team of an institution with broad international presence and strong values.

I love sports and traveling – both for work and pleasure. Outside of my profession, I’m a mother to a four-year-old son. I haven’t yet found the perfect formula for balancing family and work, but the combination of both makes me more productive and effective in the workplace, as well as better organized in my daily life. Focusing solely in one direction is not helpful – when you're too absorbed in just one thing, you lose sight of the bigger picture.

How did your career begin? Which moments from your early steps were defining and memorable?

My career in the bank started without a single day of prior experience in the field. Still, from the very beginning, I realized I shouldn’t be afraid of the unknown and that I should ask lots of questions. The great thing was that my colleagues didn’t expect me to know everything – they were open to teaching and guiding me. Perhaps the hardest part was overcoming my internal barrier to show that I didn’t know something.

I tried to listen carefully, observe, and learn something from every colleague to develop my own working style.

What was defining in my early career was the dynamic nature of the teams and locations, as well as the changes in roles and responsibilities. In my first six months, I had already worked in three cities in Bulgaria – Stara Zagora, Haskovo, and Sofia – and in three different departments.

Professional growth inevitably leads to personal growth. One of the skills I learned from the Bank’s Academy in Germany was how to accept constructive feedback. No one likes to hear what they’re not good at. Even though I graduated in an international environment and never had trouble with project work or communicating in English, I still had areas for improvement. At that point, it was crucial to understand that feedback wasn’t a personal attack but aimed at the potential I could develop. I believe I’ve carried this approach with me and continue to offer honest and constructive feedback to my colleagues today.

What are your three most valuable professional qualities?

I’m communicative and work well in a team. I enjoy discussing ideas with colleagues, listening to different viewpoints, and I’m open to changing my opinion if presented with strong arguments. I don’t approach situations one-sidedly and I don’t claim to be an expert in everything.

I think strategically and conceptually – I start by thinking about the goal and what needs to be achieved, and then structure the path to implementation. This helps me a lot in my work, and I’m not afraid to make changes to structures or processes if necessary.

I can prioritize and say “No.” To me, important goals – priorities – can be no more than three. Setting priorities means finishing tasks completely and not letting the details distract you. At the same time, we must realize we can’t do everything. We shouldn’t be perfectionists either – polishing details can slow us down and distract us without significantly improving the final result. The desk is always full of tasks; the key is to organize and manage them. Finish everything you start.

When do you go to work with pleasure?

Since I joined the bank, not a single day has been like the one before – that’s why I enjoy going to work. The environment is extremely dynamic and stimulating, both due to internal processes and external factors. I never imagined, for example, that I’d be involved in HR, marketing, or ESG topics. Because of our branch in Greece, I even started learning Greek.

What motivates loyalty to a company?

The team, the way communication happens, and the company’s culture.

How important is monthly compensation to you?

Monthly compensation should reflect the responsibilities and commitments within the institution. At the same time, it should be aligned with the market and the overall macroeconomic context.

Pay is important to the extent that it doesn't demotivate. If it becomes a demotivator, it will be the number one concern for employees. If it is adequate for the commitments and market conditions, it won't be the main motivator. In that case, other factors take the lead – development opportunities, training, teamwork, company culture, etc.

Should we be friends with our colleagues?

When you’ve been in one place for over 15 years, you naturally develop close relationships. At our bank, it’s hard not to be friends with colleagues. The atmosphere is open and friendly, and staying distant is difficult. But the short answer is “No.” For a manager, it’s important to maintain some distance. Friendship can cloud objectivity, and it’s essential to separate emotions from professionalism.

How often should we change jobs for career growth, and what’s the clearest sign it’s time for a change?

If there’s no dynamism and nothing new to learn, it’s time for a change. For me, that doesn’t always mean changing employers – it could just mean a different role, area, or set of responsibilities.

If I had to name a specific timeframe – perhaps around five years. About two years are needed to fully get into a role, and another three to bring energy for change and improvement. After that five-year mark, you become too familiar with the details, which can hinder creativity. Typically, that’s when the fresh, external perspective fades – the one we all have when encountering something new. It becomes harder to be critical, even of yourself.

Should we be cautious about what we post on social media, and how does it affect career development?

My general opinion is that social media shouldn’t present a different, distorted version of a person – in either extreme. They often serve as a mask that misrepresents someone. If they reflect reality, then yes – they’re part of our personal brand, and in that sense, we should be mindful.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Always be ready to challenge yourself and try something new. Step out of your comfort zone. I’ve worked in four cities in Bulgaria, as well as in Frankfurt, Germany. I still learn every day and seek new knowledge and experience.

I had been at the Bank for just nine months when the branch manager encouraged me to try a new position – working directly with business clients. At the time, he said: “Just try.” And I think that moment left a lasting impression – I’ve remained open to the new and different ever since, which pushes me out of my comfort zone and helps me grow.

And what career advice would you give?

The same. I live by the motto that a person should challenge themselves and keep learning continuously.