One of the Most Successful Bulgarians on Wall Street Georgе Balinov Delivered a Public Lecture at the UNWE and Supported the Creation of a University Investment Donation Fund

"On Wall Street 99% perfection is a failure — 100% absolute accuracy in every detail is required", shared to the UNWE students George Balinov - one of the most successful Bulgarians on the New York Stock Exchange and a leading professional in global finance.

He delivered a public lecture in Maxima Aula. The event was organized at the invitation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov, Head of the UNWE National and Regional Security Department and Secretary General for Digitalization and Cybersecurity, and Alex Behar, lecturer in the same department and Director of Information Technology at ZOTA - a global digital payment system. The event was held under the patronage of the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. The main focus of the meeting was the vision for creating the first University Investment Donation Fund at the UNWE, modeled after Harvard and leading American universities - a sustainable mechanism for long-term financing of education, scientific research and young talents development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, George Balinov and Alex Behar /from the right to the left/

As host of the event Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noncho Dimitrov emphasized that the initiative is the result of a consistent vision and work aimed at modernizing the University and its relation with the real business and global markets: "This event has a one-year history. In discussions about the future of UNWE, we talked about the cybersecurity, attracting capital and young talents funding". He emphasized the necessity to apply established global models for university financing: "The world's major universities do not rely solely on state funding. They build investment endowment funds that work for them for decades. It is the direction in which the UNWE should also go". Assoc. Prof. Dimitrov encouraged the students to be active, to take advantage of internship and practical training opportunities and to benefit from the University's extensive network of partnerships.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov emphasized on the importance of such events for the University's mission and student development: "It is a very good example of how a university should work, not only educating students but also providing them with additional opportunities for career development and general culture". He highlighted the entrepreneurial and start-up environment at the UNWE – a start-up office, business academies, master classes and participation in international competitions. "It is much more useful for you to actively participate in the University life than just attend lectures and seminars." The Rector also expressed his support for the idea of the Investment Endowment Fund: "When our graduates become successful, they should come back and help the University. This increases the value of the diploma itself in the long term".

In his role as moderator of the discussion Alex Behar introduced an international perspective and practical insight into contemporary business, finance, and technology: "My mission is to promote global business practices in Bulgaria and give students the tools they need to be competitive everywhere in the world."

He steered the conversation toward Wall Street's work culture, team management and the future of the fintech sector, paying particular attention to the economics of artificial intelligence: "Training the next generations of artificial intelligence models could cost hundreds of billions of dollars, making innovation in modeling key to the future of the sector".

During his lecture George Balinov talked about his personal journey - from Varna, through his studies in Europe and New York, to his position as Managing Director on Wall Street. He emphasized the role of education as a strategic investment: "I started with six-figure student loans, but it was an investment in myself. Education can change your entire career way".

Georgе Balinov described the work culture on Wall Street as an environment with extremely high requirements: "We work 120–125 hours a week. Often, after working all night, I go home just to change my jacket and then return to the office. And that's normal practice". He shared his experience in crisis management, including the bankruptcy of Silicon Valley Bank: "There is no space for emotions in a crisis. It's a mathematical problem – the discipline and the clear plan are key". Speaking about his work with global clients and billionaires, Balinov emphasized on the importance of trust and human relationships: "My clients entrust me with their entire lives - their companies. For them to trust you, you have to understand not only the issue, but the reason behind it".

Regarding the artificial intelligence, he outlined both its risks and its potential: "There is a risk of an investment bubble because the returns lag behind the invested capital, but in the long term, the artificial intelligence will change every industry".

In his address to the students George Balinov was very clear: "Find a strong internship as early as possible, build contacts, and set clear goals for 2, 3, and 10 years ahead. Your background doesn't matter – the discipline and ambition do". When dealing with people, it's important to understand the question behind the question, to "hear" the thought that have given rise to it. And if you reach that level, that's the "key to the kingdom." He also expressed his full support for the creation of a university investment endowment fund: "Philanthropy is not just a gesture – it is a strategic investment. The stronger the university, the more valuable the diploma of each of its graduates becomes."

The lecturer advised the students: "Very often, it all comes down to how you approach your goals and tasks, including the unattainable ones. To succeed, remove emotion and negativity from your approach. Make a plan, outline each step". He also appealed: "Stay in touch with your university and help whenever and however you can. Because the more your university's reputation grows, the more your diploma will be worth".

Prior to the public lecture the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov held a meeting with George Balinov, during which they discussed the concept of establishing the first University Investment Donation Fund at the UNWE, modeled after Harvard and other leading American universities. During his visit, the guest toured the Academic Hall, where can be seen the portraits of all the Rectors who have led the University throughout its 105-year history, as well as individuals who have been awarded the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE. The meeting with this emblematic part of the university's academic history gave the guest the opportunity to touch upon the traditions and continuity that establish the UNWE as a leading business university in Bulgaria and Southeast Europe.

You can watch the public lecture HERE