Valchanova.me

Started as a personal blog, focused on marketing, growth and digital strategy, Valchanova.me was born out of the passion for sharing my knowledge and experience with digital professionals.

Now it's the hub for my consulting practice. I work with brands on markets all over the globe and I help them build meaningful relationships with stakeholders and scale them through digital channels.

Marketing, Growth, and Digital Strategy Consulting:
- Working with brands in industries from e-commerce to SaaS, from fitness to luxury design.
- Building digital strategies through hands-on customer research, data-driven persona building, and competitive auditing.
- Content marketing planning - building roadmaps and day-to-day team consulting about content production, distribution, and measurement.
- Performance marketing - creating strategies and managing budgets in paid channels from Google Ads and Facebook Ads to Quora and Reddit.
- Copywriting, landing page optimization, and CRO.
- Growth marketing - going beyond customer acquisition to activation, retention, and more.

Public Speaking & Training:
- An accredited lecturer at New Bulgarian University and Software University, guest speaker at Sofia University, having taught more than 2,000 students on Content Marketing, Marketing Analytics, and Gamification.
- Participated in more than 10 international events as a speaker on topics including measurement, content marketing, growth, and more.

Publishing:
- 300,000 readers accumulated through 10 years of content publishing.
- One of the top 20 blogs in Bulgaria, second most authoritative marketing blog (2010).
- Featured as a 'Must Read' on GrowthHackers.com.

Digital Marketing Strategist, Trainer, and Public Speaker

Ratio.bg

Responsible for all communication-related issues, including social media management, blogger relations, media relations, promotion of events, sponsorship proposals, etc.

Bragging rights:
- Led the full development of the event brand from 180 to 750 guests per conference
- Organized more than 50 events in different formats
- Overdelivered on guest expectations with an event NPS of 85 for the latest Ratio Science Forum
- Secured partnerships and sponsorships with national and international companies

Founder and Communications Manager

GrowthMentor

I'm dedicating some of my time to mentor founders, growth, and marketing leads through GrowthMentor, a curated platform of invite-only startup and growth marketing mentors.

I've so far had more than a 350 insightful discussions with companies in varied industries and sizes. Looking forward to talking with many more.

Check out my profile at the link below 👇

Mentor

Hypergrowth

I work to bring expert-led content to growth marketers and startup founders who can benefit from it. If you're curious about my work, check out the Hypergrowth Blog and our interview series Hypergrowth Talks.

Head Of Content

Enhancv

Enhancv helps you highlight your achievements, attitude, and personality to stand out and feel proud. The company has been featured at Forbes, Business Insider, Inc. Magazine, Lifehacker, The Hill.

Bragging rights:
- Optimized performance advertising efficiency and brought down CAC 3-fold in 6 months.
- Led the implementation of a full measurement strategy and implementing the data-driven approach for the whole team.
- Set up and led the first growth experimentation process in the company.
- Planned and executed an extensive customer research project through the Jobs-to-be-done methodology and implemented the findings in a product repositioning at the end of 2017 (team effort together with Enhancv's CMO and Art Director).

Digital Strategist

New Bulgarian University

Lecturer of Gamification in the Master's Department of New Bulgarian University.
Gaming elements, gamification strategy, and tactics, gamification mechanics, successful gamification implementation.

Already taught 3 years of students, undergoing a Master's Degree in New Media and Communications.

Lecturer - Gamification

Wishio

Creating and optimising the overall marketing strategy of the Wishio brand, including choice of channels, setting KPIs and conducting ongoing performance measurement. Managing an internal marketing and design team, as well as third parties for SEO, PPC and social media marketing. Keeping an active role in creating marketing campaigns, content marketing, promotion set-up and co-marketing campaign discussions with suppliers.

- Led the first marketing campaigns establishing the brand and reached some 150 000 targeted users through paid and organic channels.
- For 4 months served as project manager for the whole Wishio team of 8 people, analyzing company performance and keeping track of all major projects within the organization.

Marketing and Project Manager

Innologica Ltd.

Worked on the communication and marketing strategy of the content reader Inoreader. Developed an overall strategy with different consumer engagement and community building activities, including email marketing automation flows, media outreach to leading tech bloggers, content marketing and advertising management.

Product Marketing Manager

Ozone.bg

Developed the overall marketing strategy, marketing actions and programs for the company brand and specific product lines. Created the social media presence strategy and social media communications policy, determining the use of social media tactics so as strategic goals are met. Advertising planning and management, PR and blogger relations.

Managed all marketing budgets and did general oversight of a team of 5 content managers and 1 designer.

Bragging rights:
- developed the largest expansion of the site's target audience in overall history
- oversaw the transformation from a niche gaming brand to an entertainment and leisure brand with broader appeal
- created marketing campaigns leading the expansion of the company portfolio from 3 to 14 product categories with much larger and diverse target audience
- organized more than 20 events, such as gaming launches, product promotions and festival participations, including the largest gaming launch party in Bulgaria to date with 600+ guests

Head of Marketing

ASBIS

Worked for leading world tech brands like Dell, Razer and ASUS, developed locally the presence of ASBIS' private brands Canyon and Prestigio.

Bragging rights:
- led the establishment of Canyon as a lifestyle tech brand for teens and tweens, including the launch of 5 limited edition series
- introduced a local collaboration between Prestigio e-readers and famous Bulgarian authors
- created partnerships with off-road and drift stars to promote Prestigio GPS
- worked on community building activities with gamers for Razer, including many gaming competitions, product launch events and blogger outreach activities
- managed full year marketing budgets for Dell and ASUS and led all retailer co-campaigns

Marketing Coordinator

Content Strategist & Brand Messaging Craftswoman 💡 I help brands build meaningful relationships with the people who matter. ✨ Sharing strategic ways to create value-packed content and stellar brand messaging.

As a digital marketing strategist, I help brands build meaningful relationships with stakeholders and scale them through digital channels. I run Valchanova.me, a hub for my consulting practice and a blog on marketing, digital strategy, and growth.

My core competencies include strategic research and planning, content marketing, brand messaging, and copywriting. I have worked with brands in various industries, from e-commerce to SaaS, from business services to luxury design. I have also trained more than 2,000 students and spoken at conferences across Europe. In my spare time, I organize popular science events with Ratio, fueling the passion for science in those who don't know they have it yet.

I aim to share my knowledge and experience with digital professionals and inspire them to create impactful and engaging marketing campaigns. I am passionate about words which is the building block of both content marketing, brand messaging, and copywriting. You can easily get in touch by contacting me at v@valchanova.me. Read more at https://valchanova.me.

Vassilena Valchanova

Counting down the days to Friday for a great event! Just like last year, I'll be meeting fellow peers at Hyperscience's office in Sofia for the mini-conference of Women in Marketing - Bulgaria 🇧🇬.

If you're into events that provide practical value, you can check out the program below. If you're into events for the networking, you can check out the photos below.

If you can't come and join us live, there are virtual tickets available.

If you're based in Bulgaria and looking for a community you can feel at home in, apply – it's totally free and totally worth it.

You know the "there are two wolves" parable? Well, turns out it's valid in brand design, too 😅

Sarah Hart ✤ shared the interesting push and pull between:
👉 the von Restorff effect, thanks to which a distinctive visual brand stands out and gets etched in your customer's mind,
and
👉 the Bandwagon effect that makes us subconsciously crave to blend in with the pack and just drown in the sea of sameness of our industry.

In our live session this week, she shared practical ways to leverage von Restorff and fight against your subconscious conformist when designing for your brand. 

If you missed it, don't fret—check out below ⬇️

There are only two ways to manage your executive or senior management career.

1. The Reactive Way
2. The Bold Way

Most 6-figure figure senior managers and executives fall into the first category.

➡ You're hoping the quality of your work will speak for itself
➡ Quality opportunities are scarce because you're avoiding personal marketing
➡ You're successful but maybe not fulfilled
➡ You feel ready for the next level and are stuck on how to make it happen
➡ Or something happens to your job, and you don't have a net

Which is why you're feeling stuck and undervalued.

On top of that, you're probably struggling with a lack of career vision; "Is it too late to create something that fills me up and utilizes my potential?" "What do I want for my next chapter?"

Now, imagine that you're truly thriving in your career.

➡ You are in the right role for you now
➡ You get to do work that lights you up
➡ Your career is a fuel source for your life [lifestyle, energy, confidence]
➡ You're in the driver's seat of your career advancement

"How am I going to get to that stage?", I hear you ask.

Here's how.

The first step is getting you into the right job. If you're ready to make a career move, by following my proven 3-step program, we will take you from "stuck" to "starting your next-level role" in 3-4 months.

Phase 1 ➡ we'll remove Doubt and get you "Market Ready" by creating a winning strategy and materials
Phase 2 ➡ we'll remove Self-Promotion Fear to get you "Sales Ready" by helping you uncover and generate the right opportunities
Phase 3 ➡ we'll remove Interview Jitters and get you "Interview Ready" so that you'll interview and close confidently, ready to make the right decision

And we'll work with you until you land your next-level role.

The second step is managing the business of YOU. We have a unique, proven approach to advancing your career.

Our results speak for themselves:

"Two promotions since our first call - not bad." [Preston - VP & GM]

"Their transformative approach equipped me with high-impact assets, insights, and strategies, empowering me to take full command of my career journey and unlock my professional potential." [Lisa - CEO]

"Paid out 10X what I invested in services" [Matt - SVP]

"If you're looking to elevate your career, look no further!" [Brandon, Asst GM]

Back to you.

Are you tired of stagnating and not having the career journey you deserve? Are you ready to land your next-level role and advance your career?

Then let's talk.

I'm a 22-year executive career coach, ex. executive recruiter and MBA career centre director.

DM me here.

Ian Christie

Most of us try to earn trust at work by being perfect.

Spoiler alert: That's exactly what kills it.

I've spent years watching leaders struggle with this.

The ones who build the most trust? They do the opposite of what you'd expect.

Here are 11 "risky" moves that actually build massive trust:

1️⃣ Disagree with your boss (thoughtfully)
↳ "I see it differently - here's why..."
↳ Shows you care more about results than politics
→ Impact: Earns respect from both peers and leadership

2️⃣ Let others see you change your mind
↳ "I was wrong" are the 3 most powerful words in leadership
↳ Shows you value truth over ego
→ Impact: Creates a culture where innovation thrives

3️⃣ Take credit for mistakes BEFORE anyone notices
↳ "I made a call that didn't work out - here's how I'm fixing it"
↳ Speed of ownership = Speed of trust
→ Impact: Builds psychological safety team-wide

4️⃣ Bring conflicts into the open
↳ "We actually disagree on this approach..."
↳ Surfaces debates that others are afraid to have
→ Impact: Prevents costly misalignments later

5️⃣ Ask the "obvious" questions in meetings
↳ "Sorry, but can we define what success looks like?"
↳ Creates safety for real learning
→ Impact: Saves teams from assumption-based failures

6️⃣ Share your career uncertainties
↳ "I'm working on improving my strategic thinking"
↳ Vulnerability attracts mentors & sponsors
→ Impact: Opens doors to unexpected opportunities

7️⃣ Set clear boundaries
↳ "I don't work on weekends unless it's truly urgent"
↳ Clear limits prevent future trust breaks
→ Impact: Earns long-term respect and reliability

8️⃣ Celebrate when others prove you wrong
↳ "You know what? That's a much better approach"
↳ Encourages innovation & psychological safety
→ Impact: Creates an environment where best ideas win

9️⃣ Leave meetings you don't need to be in
↳ "You've got this covered - I'll step out"
↳ Shows genuine confidence & respects time
→ Impact: Demonstrates true leadership maturity

🔟 Share credit for ideas you improved
↳ "Building on Maria's brilliant insight..."
↳ Shows you amplify others' strengths
→ Impact: Builds a reputation as a multiplier

1️⃣1️⃣ Talk openly about what you're learning
↳ "Here's what I'm still figuring out..."
↳ Makes it safe for everyone to grow
→ Impact: Creates a continuous learning culture

The truth?
While others are playing it safe and chasing perfection...
...these "risky" behaviours create greater impact and make you stand out.

---
♻️ If this resonates, repost to help others grow.
✅ Follow Ian Christie to make next-level career moves, become highly marketable, and create the career journey you deserve.

💬 Which one feels scariest to you? Share below 👇

Career Coach ✦ Land your next-level role, Get promoted, Pivot to your Career 2.0 ✦ 2000+ management to C-suite clients ✦ Ex. Executive Recruiter & MBA Careers Director ✦ Follow for the career journey you'll celebrate

A page: The title reads "11 Counterintuitive Behaviours to Build Massive Trust at Work". What follows is a list of 11 ways to do that. 

You're not unlucky in your career.

You're unprepared.

Most people work frantically IN their job, then panic when they need to work ON their career.

They wait until the layoff notice. 
Until the toxic boss becomes unbearable. 
Until they're passed over for promotion again. 

Then they scramble. 

Update a dusty resume. 
Frantically message old contacts. 
Hope someone throws them a lifeline.

That's not bad luck. That's bad planning. I've seen it (and helped repair the damage) more times than I can count. 

Here's what "lucky" people do differently:

- They build while they're comfortable. 
- They invest in relationships before they need them. 
- They track their wins and amplify their visibility. 
- They make strategic moves during key career moments. 
- They consistently expand their opportunity surface area.

Small preparation habits compound: → Weekly industry reading → Monthly coffee chats → Quarterly skill investments → Annual strategic reviews

Bigger preparation moves create trajectory shifts: → Taking on high-visibility projects → Building cross-functional relationships → Developing your personal brand → Making smart, timely career decisions

Your track record becomes fuel. Your network becomes your safety net. Your reputation opens doors. 

Stop hoping for career luck.

Start creating it.

Ready to get "lucky" with your career? Get weekly career strategy in my free newsletter (see link in my profile) or DM me if you're ready for personalized help.

♻️ Repost to help others avoid this common trap. 
✅ Follow Ian Christie to ensure you feel "lucky" in your career.

💬 What's an example of when "luck" struck for you?

Image of a basketball player mid-leap for a slam dunk. The caption reads: "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. - Seneca"

Most people treat their careers like a neglected car:
Only looking under the hood when the engine starts smoking.

Not working ON your career proactively is THE biggest source of stalled, broken, and sub-optimal career journeys. 

Read that again. 

I have personally supported 2000+ senior professionals to C-suite executives with career planning, transitions and growth. And in an earlier life, I conducted hundreds of executive search assignments. 

Ignoring the journey while you're focused on your current job. I've seen this countless times. 

Here's what top performers do instead:

1. They Schedule Regular Check-ups
↳ Quarterly skill and risk assessments
↳ Weekly networking habits
↳ Weekly learning blocks

2. They Listen for Warning Signs
↳ Decreased project visibility
↳ Stagnant growth conversations
↳ Shifting industry trends

3. They Maintain Peak Performance
↳ Build relationships before needing them
↳ Document wins in real-time
↳ Invest in skills before they're required

4. And they create the conditions that generate new opportunities before it is needed. 

Don't let this be you. 

Prevention beats crisis management.
Your career deserves more than emergency response.

---
♻️ Resonated? Please repost. It will help others keep their career on track.
✅ Follow Ian Christie for more strategic career insights that help you stay ahead.

💭 What's your best proactive career move? Share below 👇

Image of a man standing in front of his car. The hood is open and there is smoke pouring out. The caption reads: "If you want a great career, don't only work on it when it's on fire."

Career advancement is a game. And most people don't know the rules. Use these 9 Strategies to advance →

I am obsessed with helping senior professionals unlock their career growth potential. Too many are stuck. Not pulling the right levers. 

If you want to advance, here's what you need to do: 

1. Make Things Better 
Make a difference through positive impact, not ego. Record your wins, then look forward: what opportunities do you see to create lasting change?

2. Self-Advocate & Seek Feedback 
Hard work alone won't get you promoted. Advocate for yourself with confidence. Seek critical feedback with humility. Act on it. Repeat.

3. Escape the Career Traps 
Recognize when you're stuck: accidental specialization, bad fit roles, pigeonholing, stagnation. See the trap. Decide it's worth escaping. Create your exit plan.

4. Don't Stall in Bad Situations 
You know when things aren't working. Bad job fit. Toxic environment. Unsalvageable boss relationship. Cut the time between noticing and acting.

5. Solve for Self-Sabotage 
Identify behaviours holding you back. Look for patterns in feedback and negative outcomes. What's getting in your way? Address it.

6. Build Communication & Story-Telling Skills 
Great leaders communicate vision, strategy, problems, and solutions through stories. Develop this skill: it leaves lasting impressions and accelerates advancement.

7. Build Sight Lines 
Being your boss's best-kept secret kills careers. Build visibility for your work. Cultivate relationships. Find champions. If they don't see you, they can't promote you.

8. Be Someone People Can Count On 
Earn a reputation for reliability, results, and taking care of people. When others know they can count on you to lead and deliver, everything becomes easier.

9. Create External Profile 
Internal performance isn't enough if higher-ups think you're invisible externally. Polish your LinkedIn. Network. Stay plugged into your industry. Show them they can't take you for granted.

The truth? Career advancement follows a formula. 

Most people just don't know it.

Now you do.

Pick one strategy. Do something with it this week.

Which one will you start with?

♻️ Repost to help others solve the advancement problem.
✅ Follow me, Ian Christie, for more on becoming highly marketable, making next-level career moves, and building a career you'll celebrate

💬 What have I missed? 👇

Your Career Advancement Playbook

The "Why do you want to leave?" question isn't a trap.
It's your moment to show you're not running FROM something. 

You're running TO something.

Most people blow this question because they focus on what's wrong with their current role.

The frustrations. The limitations. The politics.

Or they provide a vague, uninspiring answer that leaves the interviewer thinking that they are talking to someone who is failing in their current role. 

But here's what hiring managers actually want to hear: Where you're going.

1️⃣ You're ready for MORE.

What bigger problems, scope, or leadership are you ready for?

2️⃣ What's PULLING you?

What about this company, mission, industry, or role attracts you? 
What do you want to do more of?

Try this framework: 

Start with what you've accomplished. 
"I've successfully led three major product launches and built a team from 5 to 15 people."
Then show your readiness for growth. "I'm excited about the opportunity to scale operations at a larger organization and take on P&L responsibility."

Multi-pronged answers win:
"I'm looking for three things: the chance to work in fintech, lead a larger team, and contribute to a company's international expansion."

Remember this:

As a passive candidate, you hold more cards.

You're not desperate.
You're selective.

You're not escaping.
You're elevating and/or pivoting.

The hiring managers see that you have confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you want next.

Want more?
1/ Try my free newsletter for actionable deep dives on creating your bold career journey. View my profile for the link. 
2/ Ready for help? DM me "LEAVE".

What's the best answer you've heard to this question? Share below. 👇

---
♻️ Repost if this was helpful
✅ Follow Ian Christie for daily career growth posts for senior professionals

An image of a man being interviewed by two interviewers. The caption reads "how to answer the 'why do you want to leave?' question."

The best networking moments aren't in your calendar.

They live in random thoughts you usually ignore.

Last week, I thought of a business acquaintance. We hadn't spoke in two years. The same afternoon, he calls me. 

Recently, a newly landed client reached out to share how well her new role was going two months ina. 
... I was going to check in on her the same day. 

These 'coincidences' are not random.

They're your network intuition working its magic.

Here’s how to turn these moments into meaningful connections and relationship builders:

1. Act immediately
→ Don't just log "i'll reach out later" and forget: send it within 5 mins
→ Quick voice note > Perfect email that never gets sent

2. Share the trigger
→ "I saw an article on AI ethics that immediately reminded me of our chats"
→ "That project you led last year popped into my mind when mentoring on something similar"

3. Make it easy to respond
→ End with a specific question
→ Offer a clear next step (15-min catch-up call?)

4. Create connection rituals
→ "Random reach-out Thursdays" to 2 people/week
→ Use your commute time for voice messages
→ My buddy makes calls to friends when he's walking the dog
→ Block an hour every second Thursday AM for a breakfast or coffee meeting and fill it

5. Add value first
→ Share a resource that's relevant to their current focus
→ Make an introduction they'd appreciate

6. Turn digital into real
→ When travelling, check who's local and grab coffee
→ Convert online conversations into real-world meetups

The strongest networks aren't built systematically (although you should do that too). 

They're built on serendipitous, organic moments of genuine connection.

Your network intuition is trying to help you.

Listen to it.
 
---
♻️ Share to help your connections network better.
➕ Follow me, Ian Christie, for daily posts that help you create your dream career. 

💭 What's your go-to networking / relationship building tip?

Photo by Heather McKean on Unsplash

Image of a woman on a sidewalk talking on her phone. The caption reads "Make a habit of reaching out to people, just because you thought of them." 

The most common phrase I hear from senior-level clients...

"I wish I had met you 10 years ago."

What they're really saying is they now feel the power of compounding on their careers: 
- How small, consistent career investments would have transformed their trajectory.
- How building their brand early would have opened doors they can't even see now.
- How developing executive presence at 35 would have changed their entire 40s.

They can see how their options narrowed year by year.
- How they optimized for comfort instead of growth.
- How they said yes to everything instead of being strategic.
- Now they're trapped by their own success, watching younger leaders leapfrog past them.

Career momentum works both ways. 
Forward or backward. 
There's no neutral.

I've helped thousands of senior professionals change the trajectory of their careers. Take an action today. 

1/ Try my free newsletter and get access to the resource vault to get the actionable insights you need to build your bold career journey. https://lnkd.in/gRWCABbn 

2/ DM me if you want to ensure you're not saying this same thing 10 years from now.

♻️ Repost to help others avoid the too-late wake-up call
✅ Follow Ian Christie to build your dream career journey

A quote that reads: Career momentum works both ways. Forward or backward. There's no neutral." 

taplio

The Battle

Vassilena Valchanova

Ian Christie

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreVassilena Valchanova's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreIan Christie's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Vassilena Valchanova

Ian Christie

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Vassilena Valchanova's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreIan Christie's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreVassilena Valchanova's LinkedIn Performance