We are excited to welcome Todor Ranchev as our guest interviewer on our career blog. Todor is a graduate of the University of Surrey with a degree in Computing and Information Technology and the co-founder of TalentSight, an innovative AI-powered IT talent-sourcing platform. Despite his young age, Todor brings a wealth of experience to the tech industry. His pleasant personality and profound understanding of technology make him an exemplary figure to discuss career development in tech. We think he’s a perfect fit for our audience looking for a stimulus to create and innovate in the tech world!
1. Could you say a few words about yourself? What industry do you work in?
I’m a former competitive karate athlete who later became a software engineer and has always had a passion for building companies. Now together with my team, we are building an AI recruiter assistant for automating the active sourcing of candidates.
2. What’s one fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I can do a backflip.
3. What was your first job ever? How did it shape you?
I started working during summer breaks when I was 15 years old. Although the government doesn’t officially support such early work, I believe it’s crucial for shaping your mindset early on. I worked at my uncle’s tourism business near the coast, where they organized off-road trips for tourists, offering activities like horseback riding and ATV driving. My role involved helping with the care and maintenance of the horses. This job taught me an important lesson: above all, you need to bring value to others if you want something in return.
4. What’s the last thing you learned that really surprised you?
Australia (the continent) is moving with 7cm every year.
5. Can you share a mistake you made that ended up being a great learning experience?
A few years ago, I tried to develop a great software product, only to realize that the customers I was targeting didn’t actually need it. That experience taught me an important lesson: even the most amazing products or services are worthless if no one needs them. I learned that in business, the key is to focus on people and their needs above everything else.
6. What’s one professional achievement you’re most proud of and why?
I’m most proud about bringing extraordinary and smart people in the team that all contribute to the shared vision.
7. What’s one challenge in the industry right now that excites you to solve?
There’s an overwhelming amount of data everywhere, and the real challenge is cutting through the noise. This issue is present across many industries, but I hope we can find a solution, even if it’s just for one.
8. What do you think is the next big trend in your industry?
AI Automation.
9. What’s your dream project that you’d love to work on?
I would love to get involved in the space industry.
10. I am just a person willing to… *
jump in ice-cold water at 7 am in the morning.