Expert interview with Dr Alia Bojilova, hostage survivor, military veteran and partner at Movac.
From talking her way through a hostage situation in Syria to selecting SAS officers, Dr Alia Bojilova knows pressure. Her experience of being an ‘other’ as a Bulgarian immigrant to a woman in the military has given her unique insight into how to navigate environments not designed with us in mind.
She shares practical tips for how we can navigate each day with a focus on ‘what matters’:
💡 Purpose always matters – Goals shift with circumstances, but purpose sustains us through the bumps. It actually helps us see those bumps as stepping stones. Alia’s purpose – to serve others – provides direction no matter what she’s working on.
💡 Unbridled curiosity unlocks solutions – When faced with 38 armed militia members in Syria, Alia (still!) paused to understand her captors’ perspectives. This same principle works in everyday interactions and conflict – find common ground to create shared outcomes.
💡 Realistic appraisal with unwavering commitment – In a pickle? Acknowledge your situation honestly while maintaining your direction. You need to know where your feet are without losing sight of where you want to go.
💡 Reduce wandering – When overwhelmed by possibilities, take small actions that provide feedback instead of overthinking. We all recognise when we’ve gathered enough information to form a picture. Then act, even if that action is asking for help.
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"Great interview with an impressive woman. She shared grounded, thoughtful ideas applicable to so many contexts. Thank you!"
"Amazing woman! And I love the ‘unbridled curiosity’ as we navigate through this very divided world."
