In Conversation with Nevena Nikolova

Nevena Nikolova: Partner in our Bulgaria office and CFO of Friisberg.

What do you enjoy most about your role – CFO / Partner/Consultant?

I’m currently wearing three different hats: Senior Executive Search Consultant, local Partner and people manager, and Finance Director for the entire Friisberg company.

What I really enjoy most is facing highly complex circumstances, projects and interactions that force you to think out-of-the-box, to stretch beyond your current knowledge and skills-set, to challenge the understanding of who you are and to constantly reinvent yourself.  I often try to do things that scare me and to constantly push the limits of the “doable” - as St. Francis of Assisi wisely noted: "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

Can you tell us a common misconception people have about Executive Search?

Some people believe that the Executive Search consultant is a magician or superhero capable of finding any profile (any combination of requirements) in any geography for any contractual terms without any communication/coordination or support from the client company. In fact, we have found solutions in cases of extremely challenging search projects but very often it is all about redefining the expectations without compromising with the goal and/or the mission.

In such a dynamic market, what’s a key trend you’re currently seeing?

What we as Executive search consultants face, are more and more complex requirements as part of the assignment brief. The search of the ideal candidate includes considering succession planning aspects, stronger emphasise on cultural fit and specific leadership style, diversity considerations, specific team role contributing to the Board efficiency/balance etc.  It is more and more the case of somehow contradictory requirements – both zoom in and zoom-out capacity, or team oriented but able to stand alone attitude, tough but empathetic personality etc.  In this challenging context the system thinking, the straight talk and the passion to pull it off are the names of the game.

How has your background shaped your approach to people?

I approach each human being with unconditional respect and genuine curiosity, I listen to understand, I try to be fair without judging. I believe in kindness, grace and generosity as being fundamental when working with people.

Which hobbies/passions help you recharge and bring a different perspective to your professional life?

I’m an aspiring independent filmmaker – I write, direct and co-produce short live action films - I have made five already.

How did you get into Filmmaking?

I started out as a stage performer, then briefly moved into theatre directing, but it was filmmaking that truly captured my creative heart. My journey has taken me from student shorts to international festivals.

My short films have screened across Europe, the U.S, and beyond - winning awards for direction, performance, cinematography, and more. Highlights include THE CREATURE premiering at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, L+T at the Cannes Film Market, and most recently, FRECKLES, which began its festival run by winning four major awards at TMFF Glasgow - Best Film, Best Director, Best screenwriter, Best Lead actress and was nominated for Best cinematography.

Each project has deepened my love for visual storytelling and my drive to explore emotionally powerful human stories through film.“

What are your ambitions?

I’m currently working on my first feature film project – the script is in development and with my producer we are exploring various options to finance it.

How does your filmmaking passion help you spot talent others might miss?

Hiring a perfect leader may be as hard as casting the perfect lead.

I’ve learned a lot from some of the most acclaimed movie directors that have discovered and nurtured rising stars.  Martin Scorsese is famous for casting actors not for their resume but for their raw energy and authenticity. He discovered the then unknown Lorraine Bracco (Goodfellas). “It’s not about experience“, he claims,“ but about instinct and truth.”

Steven Spielberg (discovered Christian Bale, among others) on the other hand values emotional intelligence and the ability to listen, to be present even in silence. Greta Gerwick is working a lot with emerging talent like Beanie Feldstein and Florence Pugh – she is casting for something unpredictable; she bets on actors that can surprise you.

But mostly, like Kathrine Bigalow, I’m looking for this very special spark in the eyes…

What can business executives learn from movie directors?

Business leaders and filmmakers might operate in different worlds - but both are tasked with turning vision into reality through people. Directors create compelling stories on screen. CEOs create impact in markets. Both must lead teams, inspire creativity, and make high-stakes decisions under uncertainty.

Below is some advice Executives could borrow from filmmakers

• Tell a Compelling Story: The best Business leaders are master story tellers, they need to craft and communicate narratives, about the company’s mission, the product’s impact, or the journey ahead. A strong story builds trust, loyalty, and meaning, evoque emotion and clarity to inspire teams and customers alike.
• Create a Safe Space for Creativity: Innovation thrives in environments where people feel safe to take risks. Directors set the tone for psychological safety, allowing actors and crew to experiment. Business leaders must do the same if they want breakthrough ideas.
• Use Constraints as a Creative Advantage: Limitations make you resourceful. Many iconic directors (e.g. Rodriguez, Aronofsky, DuVernay) started with tiny budgets. Constraints force prioritization, agility, and creativity - valuable traits in both film and business. Treat limitations as fuel for ingenuity, not a barrier.
• Embrace Improvisation and Adaptability: Some of the best movie scenes are born from mistakes. Directors often find magic in the unplanned - an improvised line, a shift in weather, a production delay. Business leaders, too, must pivot when conditions change, and sometimes even welcome uncertainty as opportunity.

What career advice do you often share with the senior leaders you work with, regardless of their industry?

Find something that you really love… and let it consume you! 😊