Woman Crush Wednesday - Iliyana Stareva
In continuation of our Woman Crush Wednesday feature on our blog this week we have loyal customer and friend of Siopaella, Iliyana Stareva answering some questions for us! She tells us all about her career and her fabulous wardrobe so keep reading to find out more!
1. What do you love most about your job at HubSpot?
HubSpot moves at an amazing pace of development and growth but not in a way that things are rushed but rather always staying ahead of the curve by being able to innovate. What I love the most is that because of this environment no day is the same. I feel challenged and inspired to exceed at my job but most importantly I never stop learning - mainly because of the amazing, intelligent people I’m surrounded by every day but also because of the unknown, cool projects I get to work on that allow me make a true impact.
2. Any tips for public speaking and what’s been the largest crowd you’ve spoken to?
Preparation is the most important thing when it comes to public speaking and many people don’t spend enough time thinking that they’ll just wing it. It doesn’t work that way. You need to spend hours on your story, hours on your slides to truly tell it in an unique, authentic way and even more hours on preparing how you’ll say things. But you do need to hit a balance between knowing what you are talking about and not sounding like it’s all being learned by heart. My biggest crowd so far has been at INBOUND16 in front of about 300 people - unbelievable experience!
3. What inspired you to start writing books?
I’ve been running my own blog for six and a half years. I started it with the goal to develop my writing skills and share everything that I was learning during university initially and then when I began my career. It’s that passion for sharing my knowledge that inspired me to write books because ultimately by sharing I feel like I help others. And what better way to do that than a book that’s available all over the world!
4. What is your favourite piece you have gotten from Siopaella?
The Tom Ford shoes!
5. What do you love most about shopping second-hand designer?
That you can discover unexpected items when you really don’t expect it! And many times they are untouched!
6. What is your favourite piece you have in your wardrobe you would never give up?
My Prada bag.
7. Have you gotten to travel to any amazing destinations for work?
Because I’m in a global role at HubSpot and I do a lot of public speaking, I’ve traveled in many places for work but so far South Africa is my top destination! Magnificent nature! Let’s see if my upcoming trip to Australia will top that!
8. Any advice to give to someone wanting to get into sales and marketing?
Do the HubSpot free certifications to 1) see what you are getting into and decide if it’s really for you; 2) elevate your current knowledge and really stay at the curve of the industry - that will impress your new employer.
9. Do you have an item you’ve had on your wishlist and would love to add to your wardrobe?
My next two are a Chanel bag and a Burberry trench coat.
10. Do you have any quotes you live by?
No quotes but I have my own three principles that I live by:
1. Always be learning
2. Always do your research
3. Always follow through
