How Dimitar Filipov challenges his thinking and leverages the benefits of the network

We are delighted to announce that January’s Member Spotlight is shining on Dimitar Filipov. Dimitar is an experienced IT management consultant and an engaged member of HiveMind Network. We caught up with him to talk about his experience and future plans as a member of the network.

Tell us about yourself

I joined HiveMind Network in December 2019, having previously worked as an IT consultant, Service Lead and Programme Lead as part of large digital transformation programmes for clients in the Finance Sector. I’m based in both London (UK) and Sofia (Bulgaria) and spend most of my spare time on the tennis court or in the clubhouse. I also enjoy using my free time to travel to new places and embrace new cultures.

What is your favourite aspect of the network?

When engaged on client transformation programmes, one tends to focus all efforts on the outcomes of the programme and on the individual client. However, TheHive keeps me relevant and helps me stay abreast of new industry developments by connecting me to similar-minded network practitioners at all levels and from varied communities.?

The diversity of network individuals and their unique contributions that are aligned to our values, are my favourite network elements.

How has HiveMind helped you develop your professional career?

TheHive has provided me with the platform and the contacts to challenge my thinking and develop my skills.?

In my early years of engagement in 2019-2020, I had the pleasure of working with a diverse team to launch and utilise the first HiveDigital accelerator (a digital maturity benchmark model). Later, I was then given the opportunity to diversify into an industry I had little familiarity with and to consult one of HiveMind’s largest clients, a FTSE 100 Manufacturing organisation, where I had to move out of my comfort zone in banking and finance and step into manufacturing.?

I’m still a part of this programme to this day, alongside many other HiveMinders. It has provided me exposure not just to a new industry, but also to a team of C-level and director-level stakeholders with diverse experience and deep industry knowledge.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently engaged through the network on one of the largest HiveMind clients, a FTSE 100 manufacturing organisation, in a massive global programme to digitally transform the IT organisation and re-position it as a trusted partner to the business.?

I’m providing advisory and consulting services to support the Global Director of Service Excellence in sourcing his new team and in creating a new industry-standard way of working, underpinned by global processes and leading tools. Part of my role is to also support the delivery of initiatives for the transformation programme while applying my long-term service management and service delivery experience.

Which HiveMind value do you most align with and why?

All HiveMind values work together as one integrated whole. If you take one away, the network will not operate the same.?

However, if I was to select the one that I believe I am mostly aligned with, it would be the value of demonstrating generosity of spirit, every working day, in every opportunity, and as part of all my actions.?

I firmly believe that knowledge and experience is gained to be shared. If you do not pass these on, then why gain them in the first place? And if you pass them on generously, others will respond with the same, and many will pay you back in abundance. That is how you enrich yourself, and as a result, enrich the network.

What would you say to experts who are thinking about joining the Network?

Join us—you can only win by doing so. We are growing, we have multiple groups of interest, and you are bound to find members that suit your experience and desire for new knowledge, diverse contacts, and challenge your thinking and way of working. The network will repay your invested time, and in some cases you’d be surprised at what you learn and whom you meet.?

The power of the network is more than the power of each single one of us - we are stronger together.

What are your future goals within the network?

The Hive is growing, which in turn means I expect to grow my own network, skills and client base too. I plan to complete further network training and stay engaged in one or more groups of interest. I will continue to chair the Industry 4.0 Community of Excellence, as I believe we have a strong team that will deliver more products and services to the network and its clients and will support future client advisory, consulting and delivery work.