People @ Proxiad SEE – Todor Kolev
Meet Todor Kolev, Technical Team Lead at Proxiad SEE! He joined our team over a year ago with a rich technical background in C and C++ technologies. Todor also has a creative side to him – a passion for photography. Some of his photographs have been published in magazines and have been part of different exhibitions. He’s also working on a captivating portrait photography project. Learn more about it and how photography fits in the daily life of a technical team lead in the latest People @ Proxiad article.
1. Let’s start from the beginning of your Proxiad journey. Can you tell us how you joined our team?
One of our Recruitment partners approached me when I was ready for a new career challenge. I saw Proxiad SEE as a perfect place because I am a francophone. On the other side, the offer came as an excellent opportunity to face new and exciting challenges. So, I accepted to become a Technical Team Lead in a team developing solutions for a leading global provider of medical device integration.
2. What keeps you interested in the work your team does in Proxiad SEE?
Our team works on a project base for one of the leading global providers of medical device integration (MDI) and information solutions for healthcare. This gives us the opportunity to constantly face new challenges. The biggest one before our team is system adaptability to various devices. This requires us to always think a couple of steps ahead when making a decision.
Another interesting part of our work is the constant communication with teammates in different countries to sync on all of the solutions we create. This way we can combine our knowledge and develop our knowledge and skills.
But the thing I love most about our work is the true impact we have – every solution we create helps specialists to save lives across the world.
3. In your free time you’re a photographer, but how did your love for photography come to life?
I’ve always loved photography as an art. But 14 years ago, I was surrounded by hobby photographers who used to give me their cameras to experiment with taking pictures. It was at the beginning of the digital revolution and the experience of capturing a moment and keeping it in really high quality made me fall in love with photography.
4. Can you tell us more about your hobby projects?
I’ve had different projects, but my favourite project is called “Ponosiya”. The concept came to my mind during one of my trips to Rhodope Mountain. The idea is to shoot different people, non-models, with their authentic traditional wear. So, I see it as an intersection between portrait and documentary photography because every region in Bulgaria has various embroidery, and every dress has a story to tell.
5. How do you manage to combine your work life and your hobby projects?
It takes time to do each photoshoot, so it’s challenging. So, I usually use my free time at the weekends or after work to photograph. However, it is important to me, so I always find the time to do it. It inspires my creative side in more technical day-to-day tasks and is like a mental rest.
6. Does photography help you in your day-to-day work tasks and vice versa?
I’m pretty introverted as a person and used to be very shy. Photography helped me to improve my communication skills. This is very important in my current role as team leader. When you photograph people, who aren’t professional models, you have to help them relax in front of the camera. So, in time I learned how to ease their insecurity and some of those methods I regularly use when doing interviews or one-on-one meetings with my team.
7. What’s the thing you love most in your work in Proxiad SEE?
The people here create a team with a special spirit. Everyone can find their place and feel accepted. Also, the people here know how to have fun, not only during teambuilding but also in our everyday work life.
