"I call myself Mrs. Change"

Jordanka Shishmanova, Head of Finance at Xella Bulgaria

Jordanka, why do you call yourself Mrs. Change?

It started when a colleague gave me this name. But it is true, because I don't like to be in a comfort zone. I embrace change, I strive for change. I'm naturally curious and not afraid, trying to be provocative to get better results. A colleague once called me also "Lady Gaga" - I really liked that comparison.

In the finance business, I'm a strange creature because I'm not a strongly profiled financial person. I've always enjoyed learning about the entire value chain - from the very beginning. The purchase of raw materials goes through production, and ends with the sale of the product, in the best case with brilliant marketing. The finance department is the one that should be interpreting what's going on in the whole value chain. I always must know; I must find out.

When my learning curve is satisfied, I move on. Step by step, I go to the higher levels, which gives me a holistic view of the business. This was also the case at Coca-Cola company, where I worked for 15 years. I started as a financial analyst in a plant, and my last position was in supply chain and administration financial controlling.

What were the most important lessons and experiences you gained there?

Since the Coca-Cola drink is carbonated, I like to joke with myself that I found the bubbles in my blood - and I still try to keep them with me. The bubbles symbolize some sort of inspiring sparkling things, opportunities! I also see them at Xella Bulgaria. Now, I have autoclaved aerated bubbles!  Bubbles in my case play a significant role, as they pave my way for sustainable growth and continuous improvement.

Coca-Cola taught me a lot: what is important for a company, where the priorities should be, how to move forward and be successful, pursuing unique costumer experience every day by constantly adapting happiness factory. I started in a plant there, and now I am in a plant again. And that gives me energy because it is back to business, back to real things. Here I've learned my first lesson: that everything starts with WHY and that you always have to chase for the added value.

And now as Head of Country Finance in Bulgaria, what do you want to contribute to the development of Xella?

My motto here is: dare to be seen - not myself, but Xella Bulgaria. I want to do my best to let everyone see the potential of Xella Bulgaria. Xella is an exciting journey, and I would like to make it memorable in terms of opportunities and headwinds materialization, building trust at all levels. Success takes time – and progress comes from consistency, persistence and a lens adjusted focus on long-term impact.

What do you mean by that?

Colleagues told me that ten years ago the Bulgarian plant was one of the famous workplaces, one of the famous producers of building materials in our country. Nowadays, we are not in that position anymore. I feel this desire to challenge this status quo. I see the willingness to embrace change and to jump a little bit to climb the ladder. We have to chase and pursue the purpose, and articulate to our end customers that our products are the best way to serve them. Leading the change is my way of doing things that helps me to make a real and lasting difference.

Where do you see opportunities to grow for Xella Bulgaria?

For me, culture is the foundation, the soil. If you put the seeds there and if the soil is cultivated enough, then flourishing is possible. If we work together towards the same goal, we will be unbeatable.

People are the backbone of the company. To be a good motivator, to lead them effectively and to have leadership with the full content of inspiring and motivating. That also means passion, ownership and full dedication. Change is not one action, not one button. It is about encouraging communication and proactive thinking, and it works differently for different people.

What does success mean to you?

I love being part of a success story, wherever it is needed. If I can lead, I would. If I can support, I would. Any role in success is acceptable to me, but I don't like to sit in the comfort zone, stay stable, stay calm, take the safest option. I like to move forward. I'm not afraid of failure because it makes us able to learn from mistakes to do it again. Growth happens outside the lines of well-known; embracing discomfort truly reshapes what’s possible. The true essence is not in the comfort zone or cozy status quo.

How does your personal life affect your professional life?

In my personal life, I'm happily married with a son and a daughter. Never give up is my first motto, stay positive – the second one. Difficult times give perspective of how strong you actually are. And from my personal life, I know that I'm strong enough. And if I can adapt and change at home to give my children a good future, I'll be able to do it in my professional life. I am like Xella: contemporary construction - long-lasting, modern, efficient.