5 minutes with Stefan Chilingirov

Stefan joined Nelson Bostock as an Account Assistant just one month ago and he’s already scooped a Winning Mind Award! Let’s find out more about the face behind the accolade.

Why a career in PR and Communications?

It’s actually something that I fell into by chance after studying journalism. I’m very creative and I knew I wanted to write, but not as a journalist. I like the organisational side of PR and I’m very curious! Tech PR combines lots of what I like into one job.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to join Nelson Bostock

I grew up in Bulgaria and first heard about NB two years ago, when I moved to the UK. I had such a lovely experience interviewing – it was like relaxing and speaking to friends. I decided to take an offer elsewhere – and then detour for a year to do a Masters in Marketing – but NB always stayed with me. I graduated my Masters during the pandemic and had no idea how tough the job market would be. I love tech, so was excited to grab an internship at Voi Technology. When the contract was coming to an end I noticed a role was open at NB and it felt serendipitous. I even got the offer the day after my birthday. Totally meant to be!

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Whilst in the States more than 10 years ago as an English language student at Juilliard, I was speaking to one of the teachers. Her advice was taken from a beautiful song by Bjork:

“You can find love and happiness all around you.”

So if you don’t like what you see, turn your perspective to another side and explore what’s there to find the positives.

Tell us a bit more about your interests – how do you spend a Saturday afternoon?

I’m so happy that lockdown is over – I love London and there is so much to explore. You’ll most likely find me at a show. I love musicals. Anything very art-related; cinema, theatre,…

What’s one thing that people should know about you?

People struggle to put me in a box. I love tech, science and space, but also love musical theatre.

What’s one thing that would surprise people about you?

I don’t like travelling that much! When I travel it’s usually for really big trips like my travels to China and Pakistan as a journalism student.

What makes you a Winning Mind?

While I won the award as an individual for my enthusiasm and proactivity, I don’t take it as a personal achievement. You can’t be a winning mind if you can’t collaborate. It’s the people around you that raise you up and inspire you to be the best you can be. Working with passionate people, those who are friendly and open is really what makes me a winning mind.

Any advice for future Winning Minds contenders?

The biggest rewards are the ones that come very naturally. Don’t set a goal to win an award – focus on the work you’re doing for other people.

The Winning Minds Award is given each month to the Bostocker who has most clearly embodied our values – open, honest, ambitious, proud and creative.