Yana Dinchiyska
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
I believe leadership is about clarity, courage, and connection—not titles. After over a decade at 1-StopAsia, working across nearly every department, I now have the honour of serving as CEO. This journey has given me a 360° view of the company and deep empathy for every role.
My focus is on sustainable growth, empowering systems, and a culture where innovation and accountability thrive. I’m proud to lead a team that bridges cultures through language.
Outside of work, you’ll find me exploring new places, experimenting in the kitchen, or diving into a good business book. Travel resets me, cooking fuels my creativity, and my family keeps me grounded and inspired.
Our blog is dedicated to providing valuable insights and expert knowledge in the realm of Asian language services.
Interview
How many languages do you speak? Please write them in a list. Which is your mother tongue?
My second language is English and my mother tongue – Bulgarian. I know a bit of Russian but I am not very fluent in speaking it, although I understand it. Something interesting for me is that I can grasp approximately 30% of conversations that are led in any of the European languages without knowing the languages.
What is your favorite sport or hobby in your free time? Why is it so? Any interesting stories on it?
My biggest passion is travelling. This hobby gives me a sparkle for life, dreaming big and the possibility to discover other cultures and eras. I love the fact that it gives my brain and soul a respite from the daily routine and stress.
A funny fact I have up my sleeve is the fact that I have travelled so much around the country that I have visited most of the cities in it about 20 times each. I managed to be in all countries in Europe and now on my to-do list are places like Australia, Canada, and Alaska.
One of my Golden rules in my personal life is always to find time for some fun and trips. In the last 13 years, I never missed a chance during the weekends not to be away from home.
Top 3 things we don’t know about you? Might be something funny, quirky or strange 🙂
- I am addicted to all things yellow.
- I have had my own business for years now and I manage it by myself alongside my position at 1-StopAsia.
- I am a proud mum of a toddler.
What was the most surprising thing you learned about Asia while working here?
People are very kind and supportive when you ask them for help. It’s amazing what a big role hierarchy plays not only in families but in the business world, too along with the culture to follow rules. Asians also tend not to change their working place very often. Their culture and world is super different than the European lifestyle and understanding but at the same time, we are quite similar in other aspects of our lives.
Favorite book or a book that changed your mindset and why it did?
Truth to be told I have never had a favorite book. I am addicted to reading and I have a habit of mine that I’ve maintained for years now – I buy and read at least two books every month. After each book I’ve read, I feel becoming slightly different from when I started it. And that is the beauty of it!
Your most extreme experience so far in your life/biggest challenge in your life?
Now that is a big one and you’ll know why the moment I share it with you. I am aiming to learn to be an excellent multitasker in business, to keep my mind razor-sharp, and at the same time to balance well enough with my personal life – my family and the people around me.
Your top 3 goals in professional life for the next 10 years
This is an easy one as I have a few clear goals already:
- I want to complete my 3rd University degree, which is related to Risk Management and Strategy Development.
- I want to find my personal peaceful spot all the time. To be calm and approach any challenge with good reason and efficiency.
- Last but not least, I want to evolve as a person, which will then lead to me being a better manager and professional.