Let's get to know each other a little

If you're new to coaching, the prospect can seem daunting. When I tried it for the first time, I had no idea what to expect. It felt vulnerable to share my thoughts with a stranger. You might feel a similar way, and let me tell you - that's fair.

I will remain a stranger until we meet, but you can find out a bit about me first. This isn't essential reading. It's only here because I know that for some, it will provide ground for reciprocity.

I share so you can share.

In an old life, I worked as an interpreter and translator. I like languages, and I learned a few before I left my home town for good. That career path ended once I realised how little support there was for interpreters. I'd often be the only person in the room who speaks the language of the client, in the hospital, waiting for bad news, or at the courthouse fighting a tense custody battle. Back then, I didn't have the skills to put boundaries in place and would take the emotional load home with me every time. After a while, it was too much. So I chose a new direction.

I've always liked making things. Toys, sculptures, benches, greenhouses for ladybugs out of old food containers. When I got a bit older, I spent my spare time organising elaborate photoshoots and painting murals. I studied a creative degree and joined the Advertising industry before moving to Tech.

I wanted to be in that making space again - crafting experiences, products, services and processes. Over the years, my job roles evolved from UX Analyst to Design Lead, to Head of Design Strategy, and still, I just like making things. Either to fix something broken or to make it work better.

Being close to the ground, nature, and life is important to me. I'm not sure what got me started, but greenery became a hyperfixation. I've 'stolen' almost all of the plants in my home jungle by taking cuttings or growing from seed.

I moved to the coast 3 years ago and have felt the chalk, flint, clay and salt water shape how I see the world around me. I've watched the moon rise over the sea in summer. It has the most vibrant orange-red colour that a phone camera can never capture. I know the names of all the cats in the neighbourhood, mostly because they're names I've made up for them. They know me too. I forage for what I know is good, but never mushrooms because I don't want to die from a stew.

I make neon crochet covers for ugly everyday objects and un-brand company merch into wearable art. So you can keep your 'Google' jumper after the next round of layoffs is over.

I'm curious for curiosity's sake and actively resist the urge to always be productive. I've started seeing the difference between feeling busy and feeling happy, which is a big step for me.

You made it all the way to the bottom of a very long page. I salute your focus and appreciate your time. I will, in return, give you my attention, so we can both be curious about the same subject - you.

I'm from Bulgaria, although I've lived in the UK for my entire adult life. I've achieved that level of immigrant, where you feel like a foreigner in both countries and notice some nuances locals miss.

Translating

Making

Nature