Competing with yourself is a bigger goal than competing with everyone else - this is the development formula employees in many global companies that have offices in Bulgaria follow. Growing up in business but at the same time being responsible for those who come after you is an even higher goal, which is followed by a successful Bulgarian who chose to return to his homeland 20 years ago. Julian Mihov graduated in law from the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” He specialized in international tax planning in the Netherlands, and upon returning to Bulgaria gained experience as a legal and tax advisor to foreign investors and large companies. He is among the Bulgarians who in the 90s faced the dilemma of continuing their career abroad, or returning home. Julian chose the return trip to Bulgaria because he believes that despite being a small market, this country has great potential for development.  Currently he is Business Development Director, SEE at PWC (Pricewaterhouse Coopers). As a representative of the company, he received the 2019 Responsible Business Award in the Investor in Knowledge category, which was personally handed to him by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.

“The award is for an initiative we launched two years ago. It aims at financially supporting young Bulgarians through scholarships. The initiative in 2019 was dedicated to all students of pedagogical specialties in Bulgaria who wish to stay in the country and work as teachers. With the support and under the auspices of President Radev, all the funds raised from a charity event with the participation of renowned people working in the spheres of culture, science and art, were donated as students’ scholarships.

From the sale of handprint casts we raised enough funds to provide 15 scholarships. We organized a competition and asked these future teachers to describe why they want to work as teachers in Bulgaria and what the lesson they wanted Bulgarian children to learn was. Selected winners received these awards so that they could finish their studies because they were in their final years before graduation. We wanted to help them so that they could realize their concept and vision of education development in Bulgaria. The aim was to enable them, through our partners and business clients, to find their way into practical realization."

In the first year, the company supported 25 students, regardless of their specialty, but then, by decision of all partners and employees of the company, only future teachers with a cause remained in focus of the scholarships established.

"Our idea is to continue with the initiative, as we are currently choosing a new cause of social importance. We want to be useful in some way and invest in society. Anyway, the main focus for us is young people and we want to keep those who are here, as well as to invite those who have left to come back and find realization in Bulgaria. In reality, I also returned in 2000 after having worked abroad. I have been here for 20 years and I want more young people to realize that this is not just patriotism, it's not a slogan, but something truly meaningful."

English: Alexander Markov