Break the boundaries of your potential: Where the “career portfolio” holds more power than a predetermined path, showcasing flexibility and capability

In my life journey, I have been driven by a multitude of interests, always seeking different and new experiences and learning from a variety of opportunities. I used to feel like something was wrong with me because I was interested in so many things. It’s not that I wasn’t disciplined or unwilling to work hard — there was just too much worth learning and doing. To settle on one pursuit seemed like a mistake.
However, I often faced criticism and skepticism from those who believed that my lack of commitment to specialize in one specific thing would hinder my success. These views reflect society's boundaries, but there are new alternatives for us — multipotentialites. We're constantly bombarded with pressure to fit into predetermined boxes, yet many of us are designed for something broader: building lives filled with exploration, creativity, and growth across fields.
Over time, I realized that this way of living — embracing many passions and experiences — isn't a flaw to be fixed but a strength to be celebrated. It led me naturally to coaching, where I could help others recognize, develop, and fully utilize their own diverse talents and potential. Coaching became not just a profession for me, but a way to honor the very journey that once made me question myself.
For quite some time, I pondered whether it would be beneficial or detrimental to unveil the chapters of my life's narrative, but the hour of decision has arrived. Today, I know that sharing this journey is not only important — it’s part of the path that allows me to guide others toward embracing their fullest, most authentic selves.

Today, the world is changing rapidly, and with it comes new ways of talking about careers. Instead of just following a set "career path," more and more people are now focusing on building their own "career portfolio". As outlined in the Harvard Business Review Why You Should Build a “Career Portfolio” (Not a “Career Path”), it's becoming increasingly common—and even encouraged—to explore and develop a distinct professional persona. This trend is fueled by the evolving landscape of work, where adaptability and quick thinking are highly valued by major influencers shaping the future of employment.

"My Way" to Creating a Dynamic Career Portfolio...

Project coordinator: My journey began back in university, where I dove headfirst into practical projects right from the start. One project stood out among the rest—it was all about creating a business plan for a completely new company and presenting it at the end of the semester. This task was a real challenge, especially since it was a team effort. During the presentation, a representative from a top business magazine in Bulgaria was in the audience. He asked me a few questions, but honestly, I can't even remember what I said! But afterwards, as I was walking in the corridors, he stopped me and made me an unexpected offer: "Why not kick off your career with us?" I was thrilled beyond words! It felt like a huge nod of approval for both my presentation skills and the collaborative effort put in by me and my colleagues.

A-a-and so began my swift journey into the business world. They appointed me as the project coordinator for all the big events the media hosted. It was a challenge that not only allowed me to liaise closely with some of Bulgaria's most successful business figures but also introduced me to an entirely new world. I seized every moment to observe how they carried themselves, led, and even dressed for different occasions. As I immersed myself further in this new world, I began a quest for self-improvement. Eagerly absorbed books on personal branding and mastering the art of effective communication, refining my skills over almost four years. During this time, I grew more attentive in how I presented myself and the image I aimed to convey. Indeed, being a woman of style in today's society is no easy feat. In summary, my time there equipped me with the fundamentals of project coordination (terminology not commonly used in the IT industry), refining my ability to observe and engage with social dynamics, along with personal branding knowledge and business etiquette.

Development specialist in the scope of marketing & administration: For those who resonate with the multipotentialite mindset, like myself, there often comes a point when the current roles feel constricting. When I felt this way, I decided to look for a new challenge and joined a big IT company. Within this dynamic environment, my responsibilities expanded to encompass a multitude of tasks aimed at enhancing organizational efficiency and employee well-being. This included spearheading initiatives to boost productivity, tailoring training and development programs to meet both corporate and individual needs, orchestrating corporate events, and efficiently managing legal matters and travel logistics. It was a period of growth and discovery, where every challenge presented an opportunity for personal and professional advancement.

Lead of Bulgaria based Office Infrastructure & co-related activities: As the Sofia office expanded, so did the scope of my challenges. We began searching  for new office spaces in various cities across Bulgaria. In this endeavor, my responsibilities included defining and refining project scope, crafting project plans, establishing policies and procedures to facilitate project success, and structuring the project team's organization, among other tasks. It was a period of exciting growth and exploration, where each step forward brought forth new opportunities and obstacles to overcome.

Let's pause for a moment and reflect on the diverse array of skills I've accumulated—spanning various industries, serving different clients, and employing various problem-solving methods. When the time was right, my life partner and I made the decision to establish our own company (about the hurdles we confront daily while building a new company will be the focus of another article). Specializing in the IT sector, our consultancy focused on software solutions for service platforms, working with clients across the USA, Asia, and Europe. Naturally, with the birth of this new venture came a fresh set of challenges. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), I found myself grappling with issues related to employee management, administrative logistics, networking, and more. Despite the demands of my role, I remain dedicated, knowing that each day brings new hurdles and opportunities for growth.

Lifelong Learning - A Journey Without End...

Throughout this journey, I've remained committed to continuous learning. One significant milestone was the completion of my MBA program, marking just the beginning. Eager for more, I embarked on the EBC*L certification program, which showcases expertise in business management at an internationally recognized level. With presence in 31 countries and offered in 24 languages, the EBC*L certification is accredited by the international economy for its transparency. Coupled with my PM certification, I felt equipped to excel as a good leader.

But my journey doesn't end there. As someone who believes in the power of continuous growth, I pursued my coaching certification fully aware of its transformative impact. Now, equipped with a well-rounded career portfolio, I'm ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.

Today, as a certified coach, I help companies and individuals achieve their greatest goals. My approach is pragmatic yet deeply personal: I believe in delivering results clients can feel — and often making it look easier than it truly is. As Tim Gallwey said: "After all, in the self-esteem game, who’s the judge of whether you win? So I just said I won. As long as I am breathing, I won." Confidentiality, trust, and integrity are the cornerstones of every coaching relationship I build. Everything shared in our sessions stays between us, unless you choose otherwise. I create a safe space where you can be honest, vulnerable, and focused entirely on your growth.

In a world where so much feels beyond our control, one thing you can steer is your career portfolio. It's about blending all your skills and experiences, even the unexpected ones, to shape a story that's uniquely yours. Think of your career portfolio as your personal brand, reflecting what sets you apart, and it's something that can't be taken from you. With it, you're ready to seize new opportunities, making creative links between your abilities and the roles you aspire to.

Sincerely yours,
Simona Stefanova
Founder of Arete Coaching, ACC, ICF Member