Let's all accelerate progress together
The biggest challenge is not how businesses, but how consumers reduce their carbon footprint
Kamelia Slaveykova, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shell Bulgaria and Mrs Economy 2024:

© ECONOMIC.BG / Borislav Danchov for Economy magazine
Mrs. Slaveykova, how do you feel about winning the "Fisherman and the Goldfish" statuette and the Mrs. Economy 2024 award?
It's an amazing feeling. High recognition means a huge responsibility to all our customers and business partners, and to society, because then expectations from us become even higher. Shell is a global leader that sets standards which are strictly followed in our country. Yes, Shell Bulgaria uncompromisingly applies world-level standards and the level of service, the quality of the fuels and the products we offer is often much higher here than in other countries. Many of our customers have said so themselves.
As a business leader, what do you think makes you truly deserving of this award?
This is an award backed by my many years of experience as a leader in Shell Bulgaria. I have been with the company for over 30 years, 13 of which I have been an executive director, and for the last 3 years I have been the Chairman of the Board of Directors actively enforcing the company's positive vision for the future. This award is also a recognition of the united and driven team of Shell Bulgaria, which continues to maintain high quality of fuels and service, to apply the latest innovations in the development of fuel technologies that benefit customers. We bring the worldwide experience of this global business leader to the local level.
Over 30 years in the same company - what has kept you connected to Shell for such a long period?
The "secret" is that the company's values match my personal values. I work here with pleasure.
Our times are very dynamic. What are the main challenges for Shell nationally and globally?
We must be adaptable to the great transformations in the economy, in politics, in social life. There are also constant changes in the company itself. We need to develop adaptive intelligence for all of us. The challenges are many, but Shell has a clear vision for the way forward. Globally, the company has set itself the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, and every organization within the corporation must contribute to these results. Shell Bulgaria is also taking its steps in the energy transition. But no single company can achieve such global goals alone, as partnerships with other businesses play a role, broad dialogue and collaboration with various stakeholders is needed to fulfill the global ambition of carbon neutrality.
What is Shell's ambition in this energy transition?
Let's accelerate progress together.
What steps are needed to achieve carbon neutrality?
The company has its vision, goals and defined steps. The big challenge, however, is getting consumers to reduce their carbon footprint. Here comes the role of business, the media, and governments - they must educate and inform the public about the contribution that everyone can make by reducing their personal carbon footprint.
There is a drive to get fossil fuels off their pedestal. How do you see their use going forward?
In conditions of economic growth and increasing demand for energy, more and more fuels will be needed. In the coming decades, they will be present in the energy mix. Shell will offer more and more alternative energy sources and let customers decide which ones to use. Consumers continue to look for the best price on the market.
If The Goldfish could grant you one wish what would that be?
To live in a world with cleaner energy, cleaner air and water. All companies, just as we do, should be strongly committed and work together in this direction.