Desislava Smokova

Background

About Desislava Smokova

I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s in International Business Administration at the University of Twente - a lively, green campus where, like many of my peers, I was figuring out my professional path. I quickly learned that finding your passion is a lifelong pursuit that a degree alone can’t solve. As I explored fields from Finance to Brand Development, I discovered a personal truth: I connect much more with words than with numbers. This realization led me toward the multifaceted world of Marketing, and before I knew it, I was in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, studying at one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools. During my Master’s in Marketing Management, I learned that numbers are, in fact, at the heart of Marketing. Though not my natural inclination, I learned to master data - and even appreciate it - in the context of strategy and creativity. With my diploma in hand, I found myself once again exploring possibilities, and ultimately, decided to return to my roots in Bulgaria. Today, I’m part of The Recursive, where I help tech companies in the CEE region and beyond build their brands and reach broader audiences. While I’m still refining my direction, I feel closer to finding my place with every story we tell.