Stanimira Koleva
Global technology executive with a heart for people and a passion for results
Stanimira has been a C-level technology leader for more than 30 years across four continents. During that time, she has had the chance to build businesses, change organisations, and help people grow. She has learnt that the most successful businesses combine strategic thinking with a real concern for the people who make it all happen, whether that’s in a Silicon Valley startup or a Fortune 500 company.
She has worked for Microsoft, Cisco, HERE Technologies, Sage, and Citrix, and has travelled from Bulgaria to Singapore, London to Dubai, and all over the world. She has learnt that the best business results come from knowing not only the technology, but also the cultures, markets, and people that make things work.
What motivates me
- Results through relationships: technology is powerful, but people make the difference
- Global perspective, local execution: understanding that what works in one market may not work in another
- Sustainable growth: building businesses that create value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders
- Breaking down barriers: she is a leader who loves giving people chances
Stanimira spends her time today doing both serious executive work, like interim leadership (aka ‘The Roving CEO’), strategic advisory, and business transformation, as well as her passion for building community. She loves sharing what she has learnt from investing in real estate around the world and bringing people from different cultures and markets together.
She is here to help whether you need a “roaming CEO” to get you through a challenging time, strategic advice for expanding your business internationally, or perhaps you just want to meet someone who has lived and worked all over the world.
People are what business is all about, and they deserve leaders who care about more than just making money.
It is a great pleasure working with Stanimira. She is great at leading people, communicating ideas, and keeping everybody in the loop. Stanimira is an exceptional presenter, she speaks clearly, is easy to follow and at the same time, her words touch the hearts of people. It is an uplifting experience to hear her speak.
Dmitry Hashimoto, CFO, driving growth and transformation in technology and AI.
Getting to know Stanimira
What drives your approach to business leadership?
I believe the best business outcomes happen when you combine strategic thinking with genuine care for people. I’ve learned over the past 30 years that technology is powerful, but it’s the human dynamics – understanding cultures, building relationships, creating trust – which really drives long-term success. Whether I’m leading a crisis transformation or helping a company enter a new on market, I always think about how to create value for everyone, not just shareholders.
You’ve lived and worked across different four continents. How does this global view affect the advice you give?
I learned that what works great in one market might not work at all in another, and that comes from the experience of growing up in Bulgaria, then moving to the UK, Singapore, and Dubai, as well as traveling the world with my work. It’s not enough to just change your product; you also need to learn about the local business cultures, relationship dynamics, and decision-making processes in each country and region. When I help businesses grow into new markets or navigate complex partnerships, I use this cultural intelligence along with my strategic framework. The setting is just as important as the content.
Your “RASK” methodology emphasizes both results and agility. Can you explain this balance?
The business world is different now, so you need both speed and substance. Agility means I can quickly respond to crises or changes in a company, but results mean we’re not just moving quickly; we’re moving in the right direction and getting results that can be measured. Working in technology for 30 years at companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and HERE Technologies taught me that the best results come from combining quick action with deep strategic thinking and cultural awareness.
People describe you as incredibly loyal and supportive. What does this mean for your work relationships?
I truly believe in the strength of real relationships. When I work with people, like a CEO dealing with a crisis, a startup founder entering new markets, or someone in my community looking into property investments, I’m not just doing a job; I’m making a connection. If you’re genuine with me and we build respect for each other, you’ll get more than just an advisor. You’ll get someone who will champion your success long after our formal relationship ends, because I genuinely care about people’s journeys. I’ve maintained friendships and professional relationships for decades because I really care about what people are going through. Business is personal to me, but not in a complicated way. I care about the people I work with on an emotional level. That’s probably why some of my best business opportunities come from referrals and long-term relationships instead of cold outreach.