Meet Kalin Varbanov, Project Manager at Do IT Wise. IT by heart, he followed his passion for working both with technologies and people. 

Kalin has one of the most exciting hobbies among the Wise team – free diving, which is his way to meditate and get to know himself even more. Find out more about him in the following paragraphs.

I am…

My name is Kalin Varbanov, and I am a Project Manager at Do IT Wise. Born and raised in Kozloduy, the town famous for the only nuclear plant in Bulgaria. Which, of course, was a topic of many jokes earlier in my life. 😀 I studied in the High School of Mathematics in Pleven, and there I found great teachers who taught me so much, and I will always be grateful for them.  

Professionally, I can describe myself as an economist by education and IT by soul. I have a bachelor’s degree in International economic relations, but I always knew I had another path. 

My first touch with the IT world was way back in 98’ when I got my first computer, starting with disassembling and putting it back together and collecting IT-related magazines.  

I started on the lowest level as a support engineer – fixing computers, printers, and networks. Then I went to the US for a work and travel program, and when I got back, I started a job as a Product Manager of a brand for printers. Then my journey continued in one of the biggest telecoms as an IT Account Manager, then transitioned to Business Analyst, and finally, I switched to Project Manager in 2008, where I found my true purpose. 

After that, I changed two software companies where I have gained most of my experience over the past 10 years, and in 2021 I joined Do IT Wise.

My role in Do IT Wise 

To describe it in a few words, on one side, I have to make sure the projects are on track – going according to the plan, within the timeframe and budget. On the other side, I have to manage the change for the client but also keep my team happy and satisfied.  

As we often joke in our field, a PM has to be like a mother, father, brother, and almost a lover to every person from the team involved in the project. You have to be an empath and really feel the pulse of the group to work well with people. But this personally is one of my favorite things about my job. 

With the clients, sometimes you keep it professional with a little distance. In other cases, you vibe so well that you become friends outside of work as well.  

You can say that we play a mediator role – the iron fist in a velvet glove. When there is a problem, we all have a common interest in solving it as fast and efficiently as possible. So, we sit and work together to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Why Do IT Wise? 

I found myself in a moment where I was not satisfied with the career development options ahead of me and decided to change my company. And in Do IT Wise, I found exactly what I needed – more software-oriented projects, a huge portfolio of international clients, and a great team, some of which I knew from before. So, of course, I have heard a lot of things about the company from my friends, and the feedback was so positive I couldn’t miss the opportunity to join. And I felt like going home.

What I love about Do IT Wise? 

Do IT Wise invests in people. Maybe that is the thing I value the most in our company. It is super rare to have the chance to get any kind of training you need for your professional development without big discussions and trying to convince the management. It is exactly the opposite here – if you see an opportunity to become better in a certain aspect, Do IT Wise is behind your back. Because investing in the people always ends up in a profit for everyone.  

The other thing I really love is the human approach to all the employees. For example, at the management meetings, we always discuss how our teammates feel, whether the projects are suitable for their personal and professional growth plans, and more. Here you are first a human, a friend, and after that worker. 

Welcome to my day 

Every day starts with coffee and sweet talks with colleagues. There are always new fun things to share, and begin working in a good mood.

My favorite moment in Do IT Wise 

It was a huge moment for me when I received my first feedback from the team on my work. It was so immensely positive, I couldn’t believe it. But I always give my best and put a lot of effort and passion into my work, so I am super happy that my colleagues feel that and enjoy the way we work together.

My most significant achievement 

On a personal level – I got to know myself from within. That is the most valuable thing for me.

Sharing is caring 

I am the type of person who learns by experience. So, all I can say is to try on your own, search for the knowledge you need, and put it into action right away. If you make a mistake, you will just learn from it. 

My hobbies

Gaming has been a passion of mine since childhood. I have so many sleepless nights with Heroes 3 or Quake III Arena. We have a tradition with a couple of friends to make a game night every Monday when we have the time. 

The other thing that people in the office know me for is diving – both free and scuba diving. It all started back in 2006 when I went on a holiday in Greece. On one of the days, I decided to get a mask, a snorkel, and fins because I felt a bit bored and started diving 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters… But then completely forgot about that, and later in 2018, I actually rediscovered that passion of mine and found out it is called free diving. After that, I started training regularly. It is my form of meditation where I can be alone with my thoughts and relax. 

Favorite book or movie

I would totally recommend “Leaders eat last” by Simon Sinek. The funny thing is while reading the book, I realized I have already implemented most of the suggested techniques in both my daily life and work. Great author with great insights. 

Favorite superhero 

The Flash because of his ability to move so fast and go to different places in no time. This way, you will be able to help many people in dangerous situations. 

Famous people, I would want to meet are…

Maybe Will Smith. He is an outstanding actor, I have watched all of his movies, and they played a big role in forming me as a person throughout my life. It was always fascinating for me how he could say so little but so truthful things that really harmonize with my perspective. 

When I was a child, I wanted to become…

I wanted to become a pilot. I am always chasing the feeling of freedom in any form. 

Something I would never do again is…

I would live the exact same way. You either gain experience or you get a lesson. It is a win-win situation. 😊 

My favorite destination…

When I am traveling, I don’t usually go to mainstream touristic places to explore museums or architecture. I am more interested in experiencing living like a local – strolling through the smaller streets, eating local food in unknown places, and mingling with the people in the bars. 

As for dream destinations, mine are all related to diving, and I want to go to Italy and Egypt next, of course, to dive there. 😊 

Meet more of the amazing people behind the success of Do IT Wise and learn about their personal stories in our blog.