Stanimira Koleva ─ an innovative leader with a track record of success in Europe and Asia.
December 8, 2020 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Stanimira Koleva
Executive Vice President,
International Markets
Sage
(Previously—SVP and GM Asia Pacific and Japan
Here Technologies)
Do you want to find a person with deep technology, business, strategy, growth, sales management, and the ability to work in different cultures? Now add-on to this list the requirement for a long track record of success in Europe and Asia. We know the person — Stanimira Koleva!
Stanimira’s unique ability to combine cultural business acumen with technical skills, as well as a passion for working with and developing her team have fuelled her successful track record. Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™ — Stanimira Koleva!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
That I can suffer a bad road rage when I am driving in Singapore.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I don’t have the precise count, however, on average I would fly 2 to 3 flights a month for approx. 5 – 12 hours duration per flight.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Turtle in red stew sauce in Hangzhou, China.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Achievement: Winning the CEO value award at 3Com for interim leadership of Central Europe, while I had a ‘day job’ of running 3Com Channels in Europe and Asia;
Failure: A couple of times in my career I knew I had to make changes to my team and I took too long to do it. Good learning to keep!
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
I would say mid-career I was lucky to have mentors. Most valuable lessons for me: ourselves are the biggest asset we own, so we need to manage it carefully. Life is not a sprint, but a marathon and in corporate life, don’t rush to win the battle as it may make you lose the war.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Manage your energy and ‘tune in and listen’ to the people around you.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I care. I keep my door open for them. I socialise with them and I remember many things happening in their lives.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Creating a business plan for expansion in the region, along with new investment in the company, plus exploring the business model of digital platforms.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I am investing in some formal continuing education and it is very rewarding!
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
To navigate the uncertainty of where we are, help the team see the light at the end of the tunnel, and get them re-energised.
