One of the Toughest Decisions in my Life
3 weeks ago I had to make one of the most difficult decisions in my life - canceling the celebration of Webit Festival 2020 over 17-20 June in Valencia. Maybe only a few people can imagine what are the business and financial implication of such decision for Webit Foundation and me personally.I am not going to complain, actually I am proud of my decision and regardless of the harsh outcome - I would have done it again and again for the sake of the entire Webit committee, our team and myself!
But this was just the beginning!
As employer I've committed to another hard decision - not to lay off even a single person from the Webit Team and to make sure they all feel secure and motivated to continue following our mission making use of every opportunity out there and support!
As an entrepreneur and investor I had to make another tough decision and not only to swallow the financial loss (which is very significant for me) but further to invest heavily in moving Webit to the virtual space.
But I was not alone! We have received enormous support from our Global Webit Community from all around the world. Business, Policy and Academia Leaders supported us in this very tough moment. But above all - it was the Webit team and some of our technology partners from Bulgaria who made this miracle possible. I will share the full story at a later stage but I have actually invested and we have built something which is more complex than a television station and a production house!
3 weeks later we have already produced 2 successful programs of Webit Virtual (https://virtual.webit.org) and we have over 10 other shows already programmed till the end of this month. And hundreds to come next!
I have already announced 2 new programs today, but this one is special as it is with someone I have been following for the past 15-20 years of my life and who is the symbol of venturing and investments in the world!
I am honored to announce that Webit Virtual shall host and I will have a fireside chat with one of the world's thought leaders and symbols of venture capitalism Mr. Tim Draper - a legend!
Another amazing program of Webit Virtual powered by www.TheVirtual.Show!
Ask Tim your questions starting now and live on 23 April 2020 starting 17:00 CET using #webit over Twitter. https://virtual.webit.org/event-2020-04-23.php
------General Management The Art Of Living In Spain. --------------- Co-Founder YourID Foundation. -----------------
4 年Hi Plamen, as your know YourID has bought a EUR 650 start-up package from you and sent 4 emails to you and your assistant Borislava over the past few months to check what's happening since we did not get any communication from you. Nobody has replied to any of our emails. Can you please let me know what is happening with this event and our payment/participation?
?? see you at Cybersecurity Meetup Stuttgart: March 11, 2025 ?? Fraunhofer IAO #cybersecurity | #ot | #iot | #iiot | #cybersec | #infosecurity
4 年That is indeed very sad but seemed to be inevitable as the situation continued. I was supposed to come to Valencia with a bigger group and was very happy about joining Webit Festival again after the long break since 2015 in Istanbul. But I am happy to see that you did not lose your solution-oriented spirit and adopted the "all virtual"-conference-mode immediately. Keeping my fingers crossed for the next occasion to join the shakers and makers at the crossroads of innovation and business. Say Hi! to Aniela and stay healthy, guys!
Head, Strategic Engagement at United Nations' ITU ?? Chief, Strategy & Operations, #AIforGood ?? Building a bridge with the ICT industry to improve business, society and advance the SDGs
4 年Difficult but wise decision. We had to do the same with the AI summit but new opportunities are emerging and it’s a chance to further innovate, reach a larger audience and be more inclusive and diverse.
Founder @ FounderCentre
4 年Wow. This is massive. Thank you.
Founder & Partner - Grupo Chiquinato
4 年Congratulations for the brave decision and taking charge of the fear! Through though times, real leaders do not go down... they go up! NothingIsImpossible and you will be blessed for that. Have a great day!