Try, challenge yourself, and keep learning continuously

"Setting priorities means completing 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 Kamelia Mineva, and I am the Executive Director of one of the most modern banks in Bulgaria – ProCredit Bank. I was born in Stara Zagora, a city that remains one of my favorites to this day, and I completed my economics education in London. My journey at ProCredit Bank started as an intern, and I have now been part of the institution for over 15 years. I am proud to be a member of the leadership team of a bank with a strong international presence and well-established values.

I love sports and traveling – both for work and pleasure. Outside my profession, I am a mother to a four-year-old son. I have yet to find the perfect formula for balancing family and work, but combining the two makes me more productive and effective at the office, as well as more organized in my daily life. Focusing too much on just one direction isn’t beneficial. When you become too absorbed in a single thing, you lose sight of the bigger picture.

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

My career path in banking started without a single day of prior experience in the field. However, from the very beginning, I realized that I shouldn't be afraid of the unknown and that I should ask a lot of questions. The good thing was that my colleagues didn’t expect me to know and be able to do everything – they were open to teaching me, guiding me, and perhaps the hardest part was overcoming my own internal barrier of admitting that I didn’t know something.

I made an effort to listen carefully, observe, and learn from each colleague to build my working style.

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

When developing professionally, a person inevitably changes on a personal level as well. One of the most valuable lessons I learned during training at the Bank’s Academy in Germany was how to accept feedback constructively. No one enjoys hearing about their weaknesses. I studied in an international environment, never had issues working on projects or communicating in English, and yet there were still areas I needed to improve. At that moment, I needed to understand that feedback wasn’t directed at me, but at the potential I could develop. I believe this has shaped the way I interact with colleagues to this day—I am open and provide honest feedback.

What are your three most valuable professional qualities?

I am communicative and work well in a team. I enjoy discussing ideas with colleagues, listening to different perspectives, and, if there are strong enough arguments, I am open to changing my mind. I do not approach situations with a one-sided perspective, nor do I consider myself an expert in everything.

I think strategically and conceptually – I first consider the goal, what needs to be achieved, and then structure the path to execution. This helps me significantly in my work, and I am not afraid to make changes in structures and processes if necessary.

I know how to prioritize and say “No.” For me, the most important goals, the priorities, can be a maximum of three. Setting priorities means completing tasks fully and not letting details become distractions. At the same time, we must accept that we cannot do everything. We also shouldn’t be perfectionists because refining details too much can slow us down and distract us without adding real value to the outcome. There are always tasks on the desk—it is crucial to be able to organize and manage them properly. To see them through to completion.

When do you go to work with enthusiasm?

Since joining the bank, I haven’t had a single day that feels like a repeat of the previous one—that’s why I go to work with enthusiasm. The environment is extremely dynamic and stimulating, both due to internal bank processes and external factors and innovations. I never imagined, for example, that I would be involved in HR, marketing, or topics like ESG. Because of our branch in Greece, I even started learning Greek.

What would motivate you to remain loyal to a company?

The team, the way communication flows, and the company culture.

How important is the value of your monthly salary to you?

A monthly salary should be adequate for the responsibilities and commitments within the institution. On the other hand, it should also be competitive in the market and reflect the overall macroeconomic situation.

Compensation is important up to the point where it does not become a demotivating factor. If it is demotivating, it will become the primary concern for employees. However, if it is fair and aligned with responsibilities and market conditions, it will no longer be a motivator for work. At that point, other factors take precedence—growth 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 inevitably form close relationships. At our bank, it’s hard not to be friends with colleagues. The atmosphere is open and friendly, making it difficult to remain distant. However, my short answer is “No.”

For a manager, maintaining a level of professional distance is important. Friendships can compromise objectivity, and it is essential to separate personal relationships from professional responsibilities.

How often should we change jobs to advance in our careers, and what is the clearest sign that it’s time for a change?

If there is no dynamism and nothing new to learn, then it’s time for a change. For me, this doesn’t necessarily mean changing employers but rather exploring different positions, fields, or responsibilities.

If I had to specify a time frame, I’d say about five years. It usually takes around two years to fully integrate into a field and another three years to have the energy to innovate and improve processes. After these five years, you become too familiar with the details of the job, which can limit creativity. At this point, the fresh, external perspective that everyone has when approaching something new tends to fade. It becomes harder to be self-critical.

Should we be mindful of what we post on social media, and how does it affect our career development?
In general, I believe that social media should not create a distorted, extreme image of a person. Often, they act as a facade, hiding someone's true identity and creating false impressions. If they reflect a person objectively, they become part of their brand, and in that sense, yes, we should be mindful of what we post.

What is the most valuable piece of career advice you have received?

To always be ready to challenge myself and try something new. To step out of my comfort zone.

I have worked in four cities in Bulgaria and Frankfurt, Germany. I never stop learning and gaining new knowledge and experience.

My experience at the bank was only nine months when my branch manager encouraged me to try a new position—working directly with business clients. At the time, he simply said, "Give it a try." I think that moment made me open to accepting new and different challenges—those that push us beyond our comfort zones and help us grow.

What career advice would you give others?

The same. I firmly believe that people should continuously challenge themselves and keep learning.