This is our inaugural episode, and we're kicking it off with someone who's practically seen it all. Rosen Plevneliev is the former President of Bulgaria from 2012 to 2017.

 

From 2009 to 2011, he served as Bulgaria's Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, overseeing the country's infrastructure, communications and development projects. 

 

Prior to government service, Plevneliev was a very successful entrepreneur. He managed more than 80 construction projects in Germany and Bulgaria, including the Reichstag, Federal Chancellor Building Berlin, Munich Airport and the Sofia Business Park, the largest office park in southeastern Europe. 

 

Plevneliev has been recognized globally for his contribution as a leading European and liberal democrat, receiving the highest national award of some 20 countries. 

 

In this conversation Plevneliev talks about why he entered politics, how he led Bulgaria through the crisis and also what advice he would give the next generation of leaders.