“We are all presenters”

With the upcoming “Workshop for Presenters” we talk with Prof. Desi Boshnakova about the ability to present our ideas.

How are our presentation skills in Bulgaria?

I will surprise the readers with their answer, but we are doing just as well in our country as in the rest of the world. The difference, however, is in the attitude towards the presentation. It is an indispensable part of our success in life and career because we “sell” our ideas. Changing our attitude will make us much better.

What do you expect from the participants in the training?

I expect them to be thirsty for improvement and ready for experimentation, so together we can find the best way for each participant to make a successful presentation.

What are the latest trends or changes?

I would not call them changes, but rather return to the foundation – the presentation should capture the audience and give her reason to “buy” the idea of the presenter. And this is done with both – techniques and passion.

What makes you a great impression in these workshops?

I am surprised how much the participants know and how cowardly they approach everything that is different from what others do. And my main task is to convince them that it is not just good to be different, but mandatory if they want to go up. You just have to be yourself.

Are there born Presenters?

We are all presenters, but some go more seriously to this task and that is why they are doing better. Others accept the presentation as annoying duty and the result is not what they want. Everyone can get better, but as with any other activity, there is a need for focused efforts to improve.

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Experience taught me that with discipline the talent is being trained!

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You are doing a training in BEIED RestArt Program in July. Art Practices – applicable in business. What attracted you to the idea?

The opportunity, through my own experience, to reveal the techniques of “art in business”. I think, however strange it sounds, they have common roots. The ability to work with people, in front of the audience and in the team is the same as in art. A good presentation is what we actually do on stage and in cinema.

Actors are trained for real challenges. What is the most important thing you think will be useful to anyone outside of this sphere?

Both actors and successful business leaders are under stress, pressure, working with time, and everything is happening now and only now. And if we assume that life is a scene, and that’s not a cliché, everybody can perfect their skills, play it more convincingly, through the techniques of art.

You have experience in such trainings. Do you reveal to the participants some of the tricks, methods and exercises to help them for their confidence and self-esteem?

That’s what I’m showing to them. A career would be unthinkable if we fail to present ourselves in the right light. I see many young people as well as established professionals with years of experience who have a huge potential but they do not believe in themselves or simply fail to uncover their potential at the right time in the right place.

You, yourself, are you still learning? Do you work on new skills?

Each of us learn every day, as long as there is a desire. Viewed from a business perspective, as Warren Buffett says “The more you learn, the more you will earn”. If I stop learning, if I stop looking for new ways to enrich what I am doing and developing, then I will betray the people I`m helping to.

Talent, discipline, experience? How do you grade these important elements of success?

Experience taught me that with discipline the talent is being trained!

On July 18th – “ReStart” with many exercises. What people do you expect in the group?

Everyone who is ready to develop themselves and like it! The desire to improve is a starting point for success. I always say it to the people I work with.

Yana Kuzova – Actress. A winner of the Asker Award for supporting female role in the show “The House of Wrath”. Rich theatrical experience with leading roles and participations in international theater festivals and scenes. Six years is part of the troupe of the National Theater Vuzragdane. Professional experience in leading media. She was starring in NOVA TV’s “Forbidden Love” series. As a child she is the lead of the teen “Clip Coupon” TV show of the Bulgarian National Television, part of the TV series “Links” on TV7, leading “AutoMotorShow” on bTV. Her voice is part of the Bulgarian audio books. She has experience in reading bestselling internationally books and contemporary Bulgarian authors. She has worked with directors such as Kamen Kalev, Sunny Suninski, Dimitar Sharkov, Todor Chapkanov and others. Her first role in American production gives her the opportunity to partner with Hristo Shopov, Stephan Rea and Bruce Payne. She participated in musical clips and advertisments for Kamenitza, DSK Bank, Arlet Stars, Beefeater Fashion Show, Tommi and others.

Yana has a great experience as a leader in many official events, fashion shows, events of big companies, private parties, opening of road sections, presentation of new products, annual awards of Sofia Municipality and many others.

Charismatic and positive, Yana has experience and skills in communicating with different characters. Exercises and preparation for stage and screen appearances that practitioners practice also help in our business and social engagement, learning us of useful skills. Jana has been doing trainings with practical assignments that enjoy excellent success.

We need knowledge that we can get through experience

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You are organizing “RestArt” training in July. Art Practices – applicable in business. What attracted you to the idea?

It’s summer . Restart time. The program includes only practical exercises and games. This is an effective way to learn new skills, to change thinking. We are overloaded with information. We need knowledge that we can get through experience.

What will happen in the class? Who will benefit from the workshop?

Different, proven exercises to develop skills such as creativity, communication, presentation, coordination, leadership. For each group we choose the most appropriate tasks. I think it could be useful for everyone.

From your long experience in education, who you think is the ideal “student”.

The one who thinks he has more to learn. It really is not a cliché. I’ve been watching it for years – the most curious, the most knowledgeable – they receive the most of the trainings because they are open, seeking, motivated.

We talk a lot lately about the difference in generations? Is there such one in the classrooms?

In our trainings, we have people from their 20s to 50s. Of course there is difference.  Digital communication, social media, information overload nowadays creates the feeling that you can learn everything by yourself, looking for example on the Internet. Easy access to knowledge is really great advantage. But if you do not experience the theory, if you do not make your own successes, mistakes, constraints – all will remain on paper / or video /:-) . Now we are looking for ready-made recipes, easy decisions, speed. The environment is dynamic and requires it, but it often leads to superficial approaches. It is an art today to be a successful manager. That’s why the name of our new training is not accidental.

Pepa Vasileva, MBA. Managing Director of BEIED Bulgaria.

The ability to create and generate ideas can be trained.

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BEIED organizes practical training on creative thinking in March.Do you think that we can learn to think creatively ?

As Professor Boshnakova mentioned /the lecturer of this seminar/  this is my favorite training theme from our joint projects. And yes, I think the ability to create and generate ideas can be trained. There are a lot of techniques, practices, games specifically created for this purpose.

For whom such a training would be most useful ?

To develop our ability to think outside of the schemes, to generate new ideas, new solutions to old problems is applicable in every sphere, profession, and private life. Today, the world is changing very fast and it is becoming more and more necessary to be adaptable, creative, innovative. We often go into the routine and if we consciously do not look for the new ideas, we are both professionaly and personaly frozen.

What are your observations from previous editions of this workshop?

The format is highly interactive – exercises, games, group tasks. It’s very fun, transforming and motivating. When people are relaxed and do not afraid to experiment or make mistakes then the results are excellent. In fact, release from fear is one of the conditions for generating new ideas. Companies that are tolerant for their employees’ mistakes and create an environment of experimental freedom have great success in developing new products and services.

What would you like to wish to the participants in the training?

Do not stop to be curious. As the famous advertiser Leo Burnett says, “The curiosity about life in all its aspects is the secret of the great creative people.”

5 Inspiring Advises to BEIED Alumni by Joseph Vogel

Dr.Joseph Vogel in action

5 Inspiring Tips :

1. Be brave and do not be afraid to create new ideas and solutions!

2. Embrace change and plan to rediscover yourself every 3 to 5 years.

3. Think of your time as the most valuable asset.

4. Treat people with dignity and passion, but do not suffer from fools.

5. Create and maintain lasting friendships.

Joseph Vogel, Doctor of Business Administration (Indiana) and Harvard MBA,

Recognized business leader and lecturer who brings rich international practical experience into innovative training programs. Vogel has worked on Ford’s first “world car”. He has run projects in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Nigeria for several multinationals. Based on his work on Sprint, MCI, Pacific Bell, Vogel is known as a specialist in changes in the telecommunications and high-tech industries. After receiving a Master’s degree from the Harvard Business School, Vogel also completed his Ph.D. in Business Administration and International Business at Indiana University. As a DBA, he received the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Award and the desired membership in the Ford Foundation. Vogel advises and teaches from his base in Seattle, Washington.

 

 

“Trust and integrity, it takes a long time to build a reputation and you can ruin it very quickly”

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Johan Winbladh, Master of Finance and International Business

As a lecturer in BEIED management programs, what is your main impression of the participants?

Participants are modern leaders who come to familiarize themselves with practical tools and find enthusiasm and new contacts. Participants show excellent business skills and business thought.

What is the most important skill today for today’s business leader?

A modern business leader, you need to know the practical tools and use them effectively. Communicating goals well and helping everyone to understand where we are going and why it is important.

Nowadays in management – what is the latest trend or big change?

The biggest change and challenge is that more and more people live their lives online in their online communities. Step there and get a good business.

What is the biggest challenge for top managers nowadays?

The biggest increase in competition from far and away. The world is now clearly global. Customers have the power. Several bad reviews online and you may be done.

If you have to say just one tip to the people in your classroom?

Serve customer needs. Never let a dissatisfied customer go.

Wishes:

I wish you will come up with a new idea, plan, organize and complete as an entrepreneur or within the company you are working in.

Important for Business Leaders:

Trust and integrity, it takes a long time to build a reputation and you can ruin it very quickly. Check out what happened to Volkswagen. In America they will suffer from a lack of honesty and transparency for a long time.

Professor Winbladt has experience in management consultancy for Ernst & Young in Stockholm and elsewhere in Europe and the United States. Ernst & Young has been a Certified Project Manager for various international financial institutions, working with quality assurance projects in financial management, as well as financial consultancy. After E & Y he worked for Trema software startup, with HQ and development center in southern France. Treme is a mini MNC (now bought by Wall Street Systems) with around 300 employees and offices around the world. There he was responsible for sales, management and motivation for the sales team consisting of people from more than 20 different nationalities. He is currently an associate professor at the CU / Collegium Manazmentu in Bratislava Slovakia, where he teaches high-quality organizations, operations management, and financial management. Johan also teaches at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing and Switzerland, Lucerne – BHMS (Business & Hotel Management School). His education is from the Stockholm School of Economics (www.hhs.se) one of the top business schools in Europe, ranked number eight and number one in the field of finance, according to the Financial Times rating of the European Business Schools for 2007.

“Always ask – now what do I do?”

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Borislav Botev, MBA, CPA, CMA, PMP

As a lecturer in the BEIED Executive Management Program, what is your impression of the participants?

In my opinion, Program Participants are professionals in their fields with an interest in the materials in the program with the desire to actively participate in the discussions that seek the practical application of the lessons learned.

What do you think today is the most important skill for a business leader?

To motivate your people to achieve more than they think they can.

In modern management – what is the most noticeable change or trend?

Being an adaptive manager.

What is the biggest challenge for managers today?

The enhanced role of political participation in the market economy, not only as a law but also as an inconsistency.

If you have to give only one advice to the people in the classroom, what will it be?

Always ask – now what to do ..?

Mr. Botev is a senior financier and project manager with rich Canadian and international experience in maximizing the profit and value of the shares of large and small public and private companies, including over 20 years in mining, production, Big 4, banking, gas, electricity, utilities, supply chain and port management. He has significant experience in accounting, financial reporting, SAP, IFRS, GAAP (ASPE), SOX, FP & A, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, debt finance / equity, project finance, business processes improvement, M & A, Restructuring, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Complex Inspection and Project Management with Complex Multinational and National Corporations, Team Building and Leadership in Culturally Diversified Teams. Mr. Botev is recognized in the definition and achievement of high standards. He teaches in Canada and Europe. A great value in his classes is the practical experience and the opportunity to talk with managers about real life and business experience. Mr. Botev works in Canada for the companies – M & B Consulting Inc. and National Project Management Inc. His previous experience in business includes leading management positions in companies such as: Bulgarian Energy Holding, Port Metro Vancouver, National Bank of Canada, Deloitte – Bulgaria, Port of Bourgas, KPMG, Central European University, Balkanbank, etc. organizations such as CMA Vancouver, AOTS Japan, CIMA UK, PMI, PADI.

“The most important skill of a business leader is to synchronize himself with what he wants to achieve in his organization.”

 

veneta andonova

Veneta Andonova, PhD. Business Administration (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Department of Economics and Business (with honors)

You are a lecturer in BEIED’s Executive Management programs. What is your main impression of the participants?

The participants are highly trained specialists and a very nice company for professional conversations. The desire to gain new skills and share their ideas enriches and loads incredibly.

What do you think is the most important skill of a modern business leader?

The most important skill of a business leader is to synchronize himself with what he wants to achieve in his organization.

In modern management – what is the most noticeable change or trend?

The most noticeable change is the constant change around us, which requires a new setting for constant learning and development.

What is the biggest challenge for top managers nowadays?

The biggest challenge for managers is to find talent and support it because human talent is a prerequisite for development and progress.

If you have to say just one tip to the people in your classroom?

Ask all the questions that come to your mind in a loud voice and share your knowledge with others generously.

Professor Andonova is a professor of strategic management and personality who receives attention and respect from the moment he enters a classroom. Her teaching is often described as challenging and realistic. She works in lectures and research positions in bachelor and master programs in Spain, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States of America. After a decade of research into strategy and management in South America, Andonova decided that analyzing Bulgarian data and case studies is the natural next step for a professional studying emerging markets. Prof. Andonova has a wealth of publications in the fields of management, entrepreneurship, communications, etc. She has won prestigious scholarships and an international award from institutions such as: Harvard Business School, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology, Brown University, the Mexican Science Commission and Technology, Hamburg Institute of Law and Economics. Ms. Andonova is a spokesman for seminars and conferences in Spain, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, the Philippines, USA, Canada, Chile, Switzerland, Hungary and others.

 

“Trends are changing so fast.”

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Professor Asli Goksoy, Ph.D., on Organizational Behavior.

You are a lecturer in Executive Management. What is your main impression of the participants?

They are very eager to learn passionate about their career, love to participate in discussions and share their own experiences with their classmates.

What do you think is the most important skill of a modern business leader?

Leadership, communication and innovation.

In modern management – what is the most noticeable change or trend?

To identify opportunities before competition, gather information to find out possible new directions for organizations and to be different and unique.

What is the biggest challenge for top managers nowadays?

To deal with change. Competition is moving so fast. Trends change so quickly.

If you have to say just one tip to the people in your classroom?

Understand your people and build a strong relationship with them because they are your most valuable asset.

Professor Asli Goksoy , Ph.D., on Organizational Behavior. Professor Goksoy has graduated from the US, the International Business MBA (PACE UNIVERSITY, New York, Lubin School of Business) and a PhD in one of Turkey’s leading higher education institutions for 124 years in the Marmara University in Istanbul. Ashley has lived in the United States for 14 years, gathering valuable international business experience and business practices in New York and Florida. Ashley has gained extensive experience in overall management and later in teaching and education administration. In Turkey and Bulgaria, Ashley has worked for educational institutions such as AUBG and ISTANBUL COMMERCE UNIVERSITY. Her experience in organizational behavior, principles of change management and management, strategic management and business communications are combined with her friendly and intelligent approach to students and an open, interactive style. Professor Goksoy has a rich list of published articles and papers, as well as the latest book in Germany on Lambert Academic Publishing. She is also the editor of a book titled Human Resources Management Change Management Strategies – IGI Global Publishing Company in the United States. Ashley publishes articles for many international magazines on topics such as Business Process Re-engineering, Change Management, burn out effect, employee response to change, organizational communications, conflict work – family, organizational culture, organizational justice, positive organizational behavior, leadership styles in paternalist parties and many others.

“I can not identify myself as a business leader if I stop learning …”

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Milena Nikolova, PhD in Business

 As a lecturer in the BEIED Executive Management Program, what is your impression of the participants?

The participants are a very interesting group, as they include professionals from many different spheres. All are active and with an opinion that makes the dynamics of learning very interesting and adds value to the knowledge shared by the lecturer.

What do you think today is the most important skill for a business leader?

It is difficult for me to formulate a single skill, but the modern business environment and the trends we see require business leaders to be sensitive to their surroundings and to follow many different processes by constantly asking themselves “What can this mean for our industry and the company – what opportunities or difficulties can arise and how to approach them? “. For me, one can not identify himself as a business leader if he does not stop learning, experimenting and looking for innovative solutions to the challenges.

In modern management – what is the most noticeable change or trend?

Dissolving of the borders we are used to: between online and offline reality, between different industries, between the private and public sectors, between social and business decisions.

What is the biggest challenge for managers today?

That many of the established models we know are not as effective in their pure form. Organizations and businesses increasingly need innovative and different solutions to experiment with, because dynamics does not allow the use of template solutions.

If you have to give only one advice to the people in the classroom, what will it be?

Do not stop learning.