Kremena Yordanova
“I believe that resilience and compassion in leadership are crucial for the future.”
Kremena Yordanova is a leadership mentor and fractional CMO meditation teacher. Her tools for change are self-development, creativity, and marketing.
Kremena grew up in Bulgaria and Siberia. From an early age, she learned the importance of personal development, autonomy, integrity, and an open mind. She approached the world with curiosity and saw her life as a great continual journey. She learned from her mother that life comes with failures, and that you should embrace them.
“I remember well when my mother once gave me a gift because I had failed an exam. That ‘celebration of failure’ had helped me embrace uncomfortable situations in my career.”
This was reflected in her career path. After studying business administration, she worked for various large corporates such as Adidas and Reebok and quickly climbed the ladder to (marketing) management level. More than once, she was the only woman in the boardroom.
“With my CV and being a woman, I was hardly the most obvious choice on written applications, but my unique perspective and strong opinions got me in.”
Additionally, she had been practicing yoga and meditation for decades, which kept her grounded even in her corporate career. It allowed her to know early on who she was and where her integrity lay.
In 2023, she chose even more autonomy and continued her career as a freelance marketing consultant and fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer). Moreover, to only engage with companies and brands that want to make a positive impact, triggered by what she saw and experienced during her journey to South Africa, where she taught yoga classes in 2016. She still supports the Cape organization Freefoodkitchen.
“Nothing feels as good as giving something to another, whether that’s time, knowledge, or money. That’s what I wanted to dedicate my life to.”
Furthermore, she leverages her own experiences and knowledge from the corporate world to help other leaders and executives in top management lead with integrity. She does this as a mentor, through coaching, insights from yoga, meditation, and retreats.
Kremena is also working on a book and gives lectures and workshops focused on self-awareness, integrity, and compassionate leadership.
Kremena Yordanova is a leadership mentor and fractional CMO meditation teacher. Her tools for change are self-development, creativity, and marketing. Kremena grew up in Bulgaria and Siberia. From an early age, she learned the importance of personal development, autonomy, integrity, and an open mind. She approached the world with curiosity and saw her life as a great continual journey. She learned from her mother that life View more…
"There is more than one way to build a career without compromising your integrity."
“Dare as a leader to reclaim your autonomy and question existing systems."
Ambition and purpose go hand in hand
Kremena thrived as a marketing manager and team leader. Although it inevitably revolved around results, targets, and profit maximization in a corporate environment, she found the way you can pursue these results as a manager particularly interesting. How do you build a community of employees in an open, diverse, and safe culture; in short, an organization everyone is proud of. It all began for Kremena by exploring her own values, principles, and boundaries. She led large teams and saw it as her responsibility to speak out when something wasn’t right.
“I had to learn that staying silent built up inside me until I had no choice but to speak. I do this now with every little thing that crosses a boundary for me. It’s the only way to remain integral.”
Her journey to South Africa in 2016 changed her perspective on the world. Access to basic needs such as food and water, but also knowledge, is not a given there, and this touches her deeply. It’s the reason she still dedicates herself to Freefoodkitchen, an organization that provides food security for low-income families in Cape Town through yoga classes.
“How can you ever develop as a person if your basic needs are not being met?”
Her own experiences and strong connection with her inner world paved the path that was meant for Kremena. Yet she knows that many leaders and top managers struggle with dilemmas where ambition and integrity seem to be at odds.
They are willing to sacrifice everything for success, their principles and ideals, but for what? What if emptiness remains, and you no longer recognize yourself? According to Kremena, it doesn’t have to come to that.
“It’s wonderful to strive for something, and if that’s a ‘corner office,’ fine. But realize that a deeper connection with yourself and the world is needed to nourish your ambition and experience meaning.”
Yoga and meditation are powerful tools to look within, find that connection, and discover what integrity looks like for you. Moreover, it calms your nervous system, allowing you to feel more at peace and secure, and to deal with change more resiliently.
“As Hristo Iliev says: If we don’t meditate, we merely imitate.”
Additionally, Kremena wants to emphasize to leaders that responsibility is the price of power, and that your positive influence on your environment extends further than you think. It all starts with asking the big questions, and the answers can be found within yourself.
Would you like to book Kremena as a speaker?
If you would like to book Kremena as a speaker for your event, inquire about the possibilities and her availability.
Why invite Kremena as a speaker for your event?
1. Leadership
Kremena has worked for many years in the corporate world in top management positions. She recognizes the complex challenges faced by leaders and managers like no one else and openly shares her vision of integral leadership with you. She advocates for autonomy in leadership and the courage to question existing systems, sharing practical examples.
2. Holistic
Kremena speaks about conscious and authentic leadership and connects it to themes such as yoga, creativity, and marketing as tools for change. “I offer transformative insights that inspire and equip leaders and individuals to navigate and thrive in a complex world. My unique approach combines practical guidance with deep personal development.”
3. Resilience
With her approach, Kremena emphasizes the importance of resilience and compassion in leadership and personal growth. She helps individuals and organizations tackle complex challenges and effect meaningful change in a rapidly changing world.
4. Action-Oriented
Kremena draws from her own experiences, practical tools, real-world issues, and effective solutions in her lectures. She demonstrates the power and impact of community building in leadership.
5. Strenght
Kremena proves that kindness is not the same as weakness, and it is certainly not the opposite of strength. Standing firm for your principles and ideals, maintaining your integrity regardless of the opinions of others, is courage; that is strength.
1. Leadership
Kremena has worked for many years in the corporate world in top management positions. She recognizes the complex challenges faced by leaders and managers like no one else and openly shares her vision of integral leadership with you. She advocates for autonomy in leadership and the courage to question existing systems, sharing practical examples.
2. Holistic
Kremena speaks about conscious and authentic leadership and connects it to themes such as yoga, creativity, and marketing as tools for change. “I offer transformative insights that inspire and equip leaders and individuals to navigate and thrive in a complex world. My unique approach combines practical guidance with deep personal development.”
3. Resilience
With her approach, Kremena emphasizes the importance of resilience and compassion in leadership and personal growth. She helps individuals and organizations tackle complex challenges and effect meaningful change in a rapidly changing world.
4. Action-Oriented
Kremena draws from her own experiences, practical tools, real-world issues, and effective solutions in her lectures. She demonstrates the power and impact of community building in leadership.
5. Strenght
Kremena proves that kindness is not the same as weakness, and it is certainly not the opposite of strength. Standing firm for your principles and ideals, maintaining your integrity regardless of the opinions of others, is courage; that is strength.
Here, Kremena talks about
Do you want to book Kremena as a (keynote) speaker or panelist, for a conference, lecture, or event? Below you will find a selection of various keynotes. Customized program? Inquire about the possibilities.
A session with Kremena is always interactive and afterwards your audience will be ready to make an impact.
Lead from within
3 Lessons for conscientious and authentic leadership
In this keynote, Kremena shares her vision of leadership in a complex, constantly changing world. How do you shape an organization as a leader in a sustainable way? She utilizes various tools and highlights, depending on the specific questions from your organization, approaching each from different angles and perspectives. She follows three streams, which she has personally experienced in her professional and personal development: Self and soul realization for leaders, yoga and creativity, and marketing as a tool for change.
The keynote ‘Lead from Within’ is in English.
- Format: Interactive lecture
- Language: English
Lead from within
3 Lessons for conscientious and authentic leadership
In this keynote, Kremena shares her vision of leadership in a complex, constantly changing world. How do you shape an organization as a leader in a sustainable way? She utilizes various tools and highlights, depending on the specific questions from your organization, approaching each from different angles and perspectives. She follows three streams, which she has personally experienced in her professional and personal development: Self and soul realization for leaders, yoga and creativity, and marketing as a tool for change.
The keynote ‘Lead from Within’ is in English.
- Format: Interactive lecture
- Language: English
Interview with Kremena Yordanova
For Good: What does that mean to you?
“I know that life is not just about unicorns and rainbows. I am idealistic, but also realistic and pragmatic. For me, what is good is when leaders and people in high positions use their power to improve the well-being of their people. The more power you have, the greater your influence to do something good for the world. And I am convinced that nearly everyone has something to share with another; whether it’s money, time, or knowledge.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
I know how addictive the path to ambition can be; I have walked it myself. That’s why I also know how important it is to have an inner balance. I’m not talking about work-life balance; when it comes to integrity and living by your values, there is no line between work and private life. You are and remain the same person. Yet, that’s where it often gets tricky for leaders. Some join movements such as the 5 AM club to feel better, but that is pointless if you lack that deeper meaning. You must first go back to the core. That’s what I make leaders aware of and help them with.”
In whose shoes would you like to stand for a while?
“That’s a nice question that I can also answer quite literally. I worked for many years in the sports goods industry, where we sometimes had the opportunity to pick left-over samples from campaigns. You had to be lucky that they were in your size and taste. You could feel when it was YOUR shoe. I believe this is also how it works for our individual life paths; we all have our own journey to take, to leave our own footprint on the earth. So, let’s especially stand in our own shoes.”
What makes you happy?
“We put so much pressure on happiness; we must always be happy, otherwise something is wrong. Problems and feelings of discomfort or sadness are brushed aside, and we seek refuge in hedonism. But that’s just a distraction from the actual problem; it doesn’t go away. For me, leading a fulfilled and meaningful life is therefore much more important than pursuing happiness. I find meaning in connection with others, in conversations with people that broaden my perspective and enrich my world.”
What can the audience expect from you?
“I create space for possibilities in thinking, from positivity and show that pigeonholes we like to think in can best be stretched, so that something new is created.”
For Good: What does that mean to you?
“I know that life is not just about unicorns and rainbows. I am idealistic, but also realistic and pragmatic. For me, what is good is when leaders and people in high positions use their power to improve the well-being of their people. The more power you have, the greater your influence to do something good for the world. And I am convinced that nearly everyone has something to share with another; whether it’s money, time, or knowledge.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
I know how addictive the path to ambition can be; I have walked it myself. That’s why I also know how important it is to have an inner balance. I’m not talking about work-life balance; when it comes to integrity and living by your values, there is no line between work and private life. You are and remain the same person. Yet, that’s where it often gets tricky for leaders. Some join movements such as the 5 AM club to feel better, but that is pointless if you lack that deeper meaning. You must first go back to the core. That’s what I make leaders aware of and help them with.”
In whose shoes would you like to stand for a while?
“That’s a nice question that I can also answer quite literally. I worked for many years in the sports goods industry, where we sometimes had the opportunity to pick left-over samples from campaigns. You had to be lucky that they were in your size and taste. You could feel when it was YOUR shoe. I believe this is also how it works for our individual life paths; we all have our own journey to take, to leave our own footprint on the earth. So, let’s especially stand in our own shoes.”
What makes you happy?
“We put so much pressure on happiness; we must always be happy, otherwise something is wrong. Problems and feelings of discomfort or sadness are brushed aside, and we seek refuge in hedonism. But that’s just a distraction from the actual problem; it doesn’t go away. For me, leading a fulfilled and meaningful life is therefore much more important than pursuing happiness. I find meaning in connection with others, in conversations with people that broaden my perspective and enrich my world.”
What can the audience expect from you?
“I create space for possibilities in thinking, from positivity and show that pigeonholes we like to think in can best be stretched, so that something new is created.”
A selection of companies that Kremena Yordanova already had impactful collaborations with….
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“I am delighted to write this recommendation for Ms. Kremena, who recently spoke at our marketing event with a title, Building a strong brand on 30.3.2023 in Skopje, Macedonia. I cannot express how pleased and impressed I was with her presentation and the impact it had on our audience.
Kremena was an exceptional choice for our event. Her expertise in marketing was evident, as she engaged the audience with her vast knowledge and captivating storytelling.
Not only did Kremena deliver an insightful and thought-provoking presentation, but she also connected with the attendees on a personal level. Her ability to establish a true connection and create an inclusive environment brought the audience together, fostering a sense of unity and active engagement throughout their talk. It was truly inspiring to witness.
Moreover, Kremena brought a unique and refreshing perspective in our region. Her message was empowering, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to listen.
Beyond her exceptional speaking skills, Kremena was a pleasure to work with. She was professional, punctual, and approachable during the planning phase and effortlessly adapted to any necessary changes. Her passion for their topic and commitment to delivering a remarkable experience were evident from start to finish. I would definitely recommend her as a speaker to any event organizer in future!” – Zorica Buzharovska Boshkovska, General Manager
KARIEKA.mk
