The customer service and sales industry is vital for driving revenue, building customer loyalty, and enhancing brand reputation. In today's dynamic business landscape, effective leadership is the cornerstone of organizational success. An effective Managing Director not only sets the direction but also inspires and motivates their team, navigates challenges with resilience, and fosters a culture of innovation and excellence. Their leadership style often dictates the company’s operational efficiency, employee satisfaction, and overall performance. One such leader is Daniela Markova, Managing Director at Seasly.

Born in Bulgaria, Daniela has always been driven by the belief instilled by her mother: ’there is no I can’t, but I don’t want to.’ Her passion for the arts led her to study at an art high school, which opened doors to extensive travel across Europe, Asia, and America. This exposure to diverse cultures and folk psychology has made her more communicative and open-minded. With a background in Public Relations and an MBA, Daniela speaks five languages - English, Italian, German, Russian, and Bulgarian. Her professional journey includes notable roles at Bulgaria’s largest media group, Discovery Channel in London, and Tyco/Johnson Controls in Italy. These experiences have enriched her ability to integrate varied cultural and professional practices into her leadership at Seasly, where she continues to drive innovation and success.

The Global Women Leader engaged in a one on one interaction with Daniela Markova, Managing Director, Seasly, let’s hear from her.

What key areas of expertise have you developed as a business leader in recent years?

In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, innovation leadership has become a central focus of my expertise. I have cultivated a culture that nurtures creativity and translates innovative ideas into practical solutions. A standout project involved reimagining our services to address new customer demands during the pandemic. This effort not only enhanced our market relevance but also significantly boosted customer satisfaction.

Another crucial area of development has been strategic planning. I’ve honed my skills in analyzing market trends, anticipating potential challenges, and formulating comprehensive strategies that align with our long-term goals. This approach has been vital in strengthening our market position. By leveraging data-driven insights and setting clear, attainable objectives, we have successfully outpaced competitors and established a distinctive niche in our industry.

Additionally, team management has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my leadership journey. I’ve come to understand that the strength of a leader is reflected in their team, and fostering talent is essential for organizational success. By encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and creating an environment where every team member feels valued and heard, we’ve built a remarkable team that consistently exceeds expectations.

"To all the aspiring women leaders out there, as you prepare to face your next challenge, remember this: you possess capabilities beyond your imagination. The journey of a business leader is not for the faint-hearted; it’s for those who are courageous enough to embrace the storm and find joy in the rain. Your adaptability is not just a skill—it’s your superpower"

Introduce us to Seasly. Tell us about the key roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the company’s Managing Director.

Seasly is a global leader in addressing fire safety and security system issues on cruise ships, no matter where they occur. Since our inception in September 2019, we have built on 25 years of industry expertise. Our rapid rise in the sector is a testament to our knowledge, professionalism, and swift response capabilities, which have earned us recognition in a high-profile market committed to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew worldwide.

Our services extend beyond fire safety to encompass comprehensive solutions for CCTV, PA/ GA, and networking systems on both new and existing ships. As the marine market evolves, we continuously invest in and enhance our services to deliver top-tier solutions globally.

In my role as Managing Director, I am responsible for steering the company's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with industry trends and market demands. My responsibilities include crafting and implementing strategic initiatives and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders to drive Seasly’s continued success.

Can you shed light on the major obstacles you face in your current position? How do you navigate these hurdles?

As a business leader, I’ve come to understand that our path is rarely straightforward. It’s a winding journey, marked by unexpected turns, steep ascents, and occasionally, stunning vistas. Today, I’d like to discuss one of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered: adapting to global changes.

Imagine this scenario: you’ve just launched a company, everything seems to be running smoothly, and then suddenly, everything changes. The world as we know it transforms—COVID-19 hits, and chaos ensues. It feels like trying to construct a sandcastle just as the tide rolls in. Frustrating? Definitely. Impossible? Not at all.

The anxiety I felt was overwhelming, but that moment ignited a fire within me—a fierce determination to not just survive but to thrive in this new reality.

Adapting to global and market shifts requires more than just altering our business model; it necessitates a shift in mindset. It’s about learning to navigate uncertainty and discovering opportunities amidst the chaos.

After months of sleepless nights fueled by countless cups of coffee, witnessing our team's efforts come to fruition was truly magical. This experience taught me that adapting is not merely about survival; it’s about reinvention. I realized that the market will continue to evolve. It’s not a question of if, but when. It’s about capturing the essence of who you are and what your business represents and reshaping it for the new world.

We immersed ourselves in market research, filled our whiteboards with a vibrant array of ideas through brainstorming sessions, and yes, we made mistakes along the way. Yet, each error provided a lesson, and every setback became a stepping stone.

In your view, what are the most significant achievements you’ve made in your professional journey, and what is your ‘success mantra’ as a leader?

One of my greatest achievements is reaching my current position in the captivating marine industry, driven by passion and dedication. I take pride in having built a work environment that is both productive and inviting, where individuals feel inspired and motivated. My success mantra is rooted in the belief that each year presents 365 opportunities for growth and achievement.