Tell us a few things about yourself. Where did you study, where do you work?

I am Boris Hristov and I spent my whole life in Bulgaria even though I also travel a ton – just last year I spoke at more than 20 countries, for example. For more than 6 years I worked as a database guy – I am still a SQL Server MVP and I was part of companies like HP and BULPROS. Recently, I started my own company that is helping a lot of IT people, but by it’s nature is not an IT company – it’s a presentation design and training agency. I truly believe it’s high time for all of us to level up the way we present because all across the world presentations are incredibly ineffective and that’s a serious problem no matter whether you are an individual consultant or an employee in a major organization.

What is your typical day at work?

Currently I am fully focused on my new company – 356labs. My days are a mix of either work for our clients or meeting them. Together with that I do write a blog post almost every single day and prepare or enhance the training materials for our current or upcoming courses.

What inspired you to be active in the community?

– It makes my heart sing when someone tells me that something they learned from me changed their life. It’s the one and only reason why I share my knowledge in every way possible – at conferences, events, podcasts, webinars or my blog.

Are there any things you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?

Yes. I wish I knew that being able to deliver great presentations is one of the most powerful ways to get ahead and advance in your career. It’s just mind blowing to me what opportunities one can get because of being a truly good presenter.

Could you recommend some books, resources that young IT professionals might find useful?

The world of each and every IT person changed a lot. Nowadays everyone is expected to present in front of their team or a bigger audience. Thus, my recommendation, hands down, will be for everyone to purchase and read the books of Garr Reynolds because they will make him/her a better communicator. And that’s important. Really important.

What you do to “recharge your batteries”? What are your hobbies? Do you have time for them?

I love doing sports. That’s, I believe, my biggest hobby and proven way of “recharging”. As for whether I have time for it – yes, I have. The reason why that’s the case is because I prioritize it as a “must do thing” and not as a “it would be nice to do thing”.

If you could go back in time and choose a different profession (outside of IT), what would it be?

Ha! Good one! I would either become a Porsche restoration guy or a DJ!

What do you think about ITCamp, and what brings you here?

Two very simply things – the Romanian community – I heard some great stories about it and I want to experience it myself and even become part of it. The second one is my passion to share my knowledge and help people grow and become better in what they do. It really is that simple.