Issue No. 2: The Quiet Shifts That Shape a Career

Subtle Realizations to Lasting Impact
Ivan Nedyalkov on Clear Decision Making

1. What’s one decision, moment, or conversation that changed everything for you professionally?

There wasn’t a single defining moment, but rather a series of conversations and decisions that collectively shaped my path. Over time, I learned that the most transformative shifts often come from quiet realizations - like choosing to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, or take responsibility in uncertain situations. It’s these moments of clarity and adjustment, rather than dramatic turning points, that have consistently moved me forward.

2. Was there a moment where you felt like walking away? What did you do instead?

Yes, I had a moment where I seriously considered stepping away, triggered by a personal crisis that intensified everything. Rather than making a rushed decision, I took a full week off from work to create distance and gain perspective. During that time, I focused on understanding and addressing the personal challenges I was facing. Once I felt more grounded, I shifted my focus to my professional journey. I reflected on my progress, the achievements I had made, and the impact I had created. That pause helped me reconnect with my purpose and return with renewed clarity and focus.

3. What’s something you wish you knew in your first year that took you way too long to learn?

I wish I had understood the importance of patience and managing expectations—both my own and others. Early on, I often pushed for fast outcomes and overestimated what could be achieved in short cycles. It took time (and a few hard lessons) to realize that sustainable progress comes from setting realistic goals, communicating clearly, and allowing room for iteration and setbacks. Learning this has made me more resilient, strategic, and effective in driving long-term value.

4. What’s a skill or habit that’s made the biggest difference in your success but doesn’t show up on most resumes?

Time management. It's a skill that many people neglect and do not include in their resumes, assuming it is a universal attribute that can be easily acquired. While the latter is true, the skill itself is not one to overlook. In fact, it has proven to be highly beneficial in my current role, considering the substantial number of tasks I am responsible for on a daily basis.

5. Can you share a failure or mistake that ended up shaping how you work today?

Early in my career as a Product Manager, I was approached by a vendor offering a niche smart home gadget. Excited by its potential, I initially agreed to stock over 100 units - an amount that, in hindsight, was excessive and lacked a data-driven foundation. While I had included protective terms and conditions in the deal, it was a conversation with senior management that grounded me. They challenged my assumptions and highlighted the risks of overcommitting without market validation.

6. What part of your job or journey is invisible to most people but makes all the difference?

The deal-making and negotiations with vendors and brands. It's a behind-the-scenes process that demands strategic thinking, relationship management, and a deep understanding of both product and market dynamics. These conversations often shape everything from pricing and margins to launch timelines and inventory risk. While it’s rarely visible externally, the quality of these negotiations has a direct impact on product success and overall business outcomes.

7. What advice did you not take that turned out to be the right move?

I was advised to play it safe and avoid risks, but I chose to explore new areas instead. While I embraced uncertainty, I always backed my decisions with data. This approach led to growth and opportunities I wouldn't have encountered otherwise. Trusting my judgment, supported by data, proved to be the right move.

8. What do you measure that nobody else does?

I pay close attention to a brand’s overall history and impact - beyond just current performance metrics. This includes their long-term product quality, consistency in delivering value, responsiveness to market shifts, and how they’re perceived by customers over time. It helps me assess whether a partnership is sustainable and aligned with our standards, not just opportunistic. This lens often reveals risks or opportunities that surface-level data can miss.

9. What do you do when you’re off track mentally, professionally, or physically?

When I feel off - whether mentally, professionally, or physically—I usually take a step back and disconnect. I’ll take a day or two off and head to the mountains near Sofia or spend a full day in a quiet park. Being surrounded by nature and silence helps me reset and regain clarity. And when it’s a physical slump… I try hiking uphill - nothing like gravity reminding you that you’ve been sitting too much. It’s my way of clearing the noise and coming back with a clearer mindset.

10. No matter how much your career has evolved, what’s one thing that’s always been true for you?

Staying humble and respectful. No matter the role, project, or outcome, I’ve always believed that how you treat people matters just as much as what you achieve. It’s a principle that’s helped me build trust, navigate challenges, and stay grounded through growth and change.

11. What’s the most useful thing you learned that has absolutely nothing to do with your job title?

Being patient. It’s not tied to any specific role, but it influences everything - how I make decisions, handle setbacks, and work with others. It’s a skill that’s paid off in ways I couldn’t have anticipated early on.