The most outstanding female leaders in business, local government, and diplomacy were honored during the ceremony organized by Global Industrial Leaders. The gala final took place on March 10, 2023, in the ballroom of the five-star Hyatt Regency Sofia.
Colleagues of Elena Kumbieva and grateful patients alike agree that her greatest achievement is not just the prestige that the two clinics enjoy, nor even the strong and motivated team she has built. Her true success lies in the way young doctors and residents rely on her judgment, leadership, and unwavering dedication every step of the way.
She was previously awarded the “Inspiring Woman” prize as part of a project by 24 Chasa newspaper in 2021 and received the National Medical Management Award in 2017 in the “Hospital Management” category. Her excellence in leadership was also internationally recognized back in 2013 with the award “Person of the 21st Century.” In 2022, VISION received the Gold Statuette for Best Eye Clinic in the Balkans.
“The clinic became my home,” says Kumbieva. “I’ve always believed — and I try to pass this on to my colleagues — that nothing that comes easily is real! Knowledge is not gained overnight! Every experience must be lived through, reflected on, and realized in the best possible way in order to feel fulfilled. And above all — it’s not enough just to look; you must see the person!”
She recalls that when the clinic opened in 2003, the team was only five people. Today, it numbers around 120.
“A good manager builds and refines their skills and personal behavior every single day in order to earn their team’s trust — to be heard, understood, and most importantly, believed,” says Elena Kumbieva, who believes that success must be pursued daily, and that self-reflection is essential.
