site.btaBulgarian National Radio Director: Today's World is Greatest Lecture for Young People

Addressing the 9th International Summer Leadership Academy here on Saturday, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Director General Milen Mitev said that the world is constantly and rapidly changing, and the ability to adapt to these changes is key to success in today’s environment. The forum, titled  “Leadership Beyond Algorithms: From Data to Decisions”,  was organized by the University of Telecommunications and Post.

In his lecture at the forum, Mitev drew a comparison between the past and the present, noting that years ago access to information was significantly more difficult and limited, whereas today technology has completely transformed the way people learn, travel, and communicate. According to Mitev, the modern world that young people are shaping is “perhaps the best lecture” humanity has ever had. He cited the technological transformation in the mobile industry as an example, noting that companies that fail to adapt to new trends risk losing their market positions. As an example, he highlighted the market shift following the launch of the iPhone and the subsequent challenges faced by Nokia.

The BNR Director General also commented on digital transformation in the public sector, citing Estonia as an example of highly developed e-government. According to him, nearly all administrative services in the country have been digitized, and electronic identification allows citizens to conduct a large portion of their activities online. Among the factors for successful transformation, Mitev highlighted the clear formulation of goals, proper planning of steps, and the role of vision. In his words, a leader must be able to analyze the environment, know the organization’s strengths and weaknesses, and communicate clearly at every stage of the process.

Mitev underscored the importance of communication in management, noting that insufficient information or poor communication can derail otherwise well-planned processes. In this regard, he cited the Aviate, Navigate, Communicate principle used in aviation, which outlines the priorities for management during crisis situations.

Mitev also emphasized the role of leadership and teamwork, citing the example of sports coaches who manage to motivate their teams and achieve results, even though they were not always outstanding athletes or theorists.

Regarding the media, Mitev noted that public media have a mission to work in the public interest and reach all social groups. He noted that Bulgarian National Radio is undergoing a process of digital transformation to meet the changing expectations of its audience. The BNR Director General also outlined some of the challenges facing public media, including the need for a more active presence in the digital environment and reaching younger audiences. In his words, the media must adapt to new platforms and formats to remain relevant.

Mitev said that there are no universal solutions for success and that everyone must find their own approach to change and development in their professional and personal lives.

The International Summer Leadership Academy is an annual event that brings together undergraduate and graduate students from various Bulgarian universities, who exchange ideas and experiences with representatives from academia, business, government, and the media. The forum is aimed at developing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities in a dynamic professional and social environment. This year's edition is held under the President's auspices and is part of the events marking the 145th anniversary of the founding of the University of Telecommunications and Post.