Redefining Leadership: Women’s Perspectives from Across Ingram Micro

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, leadership is being redefined – shaped by technology, changing expectations, and the growing importance of human connection. 

In the spirit of Women’s Month, we invited three women leaders from Ingram Micro Bulgaria to share their perspectives on leadership today and in the future – what it takes to lead, how to empower others, and what advice they would give to the next generation. 

While each perspective is unique, a common theme emerges: leadership today is not about authority, but about people, adaptability, and creating meaningful impact. 

Here’s what Aneliya Orloeva – Senior Manager Customer Support, Bilyana Kesar – Senior Manager Sales Operations and Fidana Tsenkova – Manager Accounting shared. 

Aneliya Orloeva, Senior Manager Customer Support 

“The leaders of today succeed not through authority, but through empathy, clarity, and connection.” 

How do you see leadership evolving in today’s rapidly changing workplace? 

Today’s workplace is evolving faster than ever driven by advancing technology, changing customer expectations, and increasingly global and hybrid teams, leadership today requires agility, empathy, and a strong execution mindset. Today’s leaders are expected tо create clarity in ambiguity, guide teams through constant change, and stay deeply connected to both people and outcomes. 

What leadership quality do you believe is most important today? 

If I had to choose one defining leadership quality, it would be to lead with empathy. The ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and respond thoughtfully builds trust – especially in fast‑paced, service‑driven environments.  

How do you create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute? 

I believe an empowered team starts with clarity of purpose. When people understand how their work connects to broader business and customer outcomes, they naturally take ownership. Trust plays an equally important role – giving teams the autonomy to make decisions while holding them accountable for results. 

Open communication, regular feedback, and recognition are also essential. When people feel heard and valued, they are more confident in sharing ideas, challenging assumptions, and contributing beyond their defined roles. 

What skills will define the next generation of leaders? 

The way I see leadership in the future is to be less about authority and more about influence, connection, and impact. The next generation of leaders can succeed by being digitally aware and focusing on cross‑functional collaboration; clear communication and of course having customer and results focus.  

What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership roles? 

Believe in your readiness, even when you don’t feel “perfectly qualified.” 

Confidence grows through experience, not before it – so take on challenges, speak up, and don’t wait for permission to lead. And, most importantly, stay authentic. 

Bilyana Kesar, Senior Manager Sales Operations  
“Leadership is not about position or authority – it’s about people and the courage to lead through change.” 

How do you see leadership evolving in today’s rapidly changing workplace? 

As technology evolves and workplaces continue to change, I see leadership becoming more people-centric and collaborative. Leadership is not about position, authority, or simply giving direction. It is about focusing on the real driver of change and success – people. In my opinion, good leaders create clarity in times of change and set well-defined expectations. Most importantly, they empower their teams to keep up with the rapidly evolving workplace, contribute ideas, and use innovation as a tool to improve how we work, collaborate, and grow. 

What leadership quality do you believe is most important today? 

I believe one of the most important leadership qualities is courage – yesterday, today, and in the future. Courage enables leaders to make difficult decisions that balance business priorities with the needs of their people. It also means having the confidence to act even when the outcome is not fully certain. In a world defined by rapid technological change, leaders need courage to adapt, embrace change, drive change. Effective leaders demonstrate the courage to take action, reflect, and continuously improve, acknowledging mistakes and learning from them, recognizing that both success and failure are valuable opportunities for growth. 

How do you create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute? 

I believe the foundation of empowerment is trust, built through consistent actions – showing up, delivering on commitments, and proving reliability over time. When trust is present, people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and take ownership. It is important to create an environment where everyone feels their voice matters and understands their role in contributing to a shared goal. In such an environment people move beyond simply executing tasks and start actively shaping outcomes and creating value for our teams, our clients and the organization. 

What skills will define the next generation of leaders? 

In my view, the next generation of leaders will be defined by their ability to navigate and adapt to constant change, while keeping people at the center of transformation. As organizations continue to evolve, leaders will need to empower their teams, foster a culture of continuous learning, and guide people through ongoing changes with clarity and purpose. I believe the leaders who will truly stand out are those who can turn change into opportunity, leveraging AI and technology to enable smarter and more efficient ways of working, while sustaining trust, collaboration, and a strong human focus. 

What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership roles? 

My advice would be simple: just go for it. Do not wait for the perfect moment, the perfect role, or the perfect conditions. Leadership often begins the moment you step forward and decide to take responsibility. Believe in your voice and in the value you bring, because women absolutely can lead, and they already do in so many powerful ways. It is about having the courage to speak up, to step into opportunities and open the door for others to follow. 

Fidana Tsenkova, Manager Accounting 

“Modern leadership is less about control and more about enabling others to perform at their best.” 

How do you see leadership evolving in today’s rapidly changing workplace? 

Leadership is shifting from authority-driven to people-centered and purpose-driven. In a world shaped by digital transformation and constant change, leaders are expected not just to deliver results, but to create clarity, stability, and trust. Hybrid work and diverse teams require a more intentional approach to communication and inclusion. For me, modern leadership is less about control and more about enabling others, fostering collaboration, and helping people perform at their best in complex environments. 

What leadership quality do you believe is most important today? 

I believe the most important leadership quality today is adaptability. The world is changing so quickly, and leaders need to be able to respond to new challenges while keeping their teams motivated and supported. This means being open to different perspectives, learning continuously, and helping people feel confident to contribute. Leaders who can balance flexibility with empathy create teams that are resilient, engaged, and always ready to improve, which is especially important in today’s fast-changing world. 

How do you create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute? 

Creating an empowering environment starts with trust, clarity, and consistency. I focus on open communication, encouraging different viewpoints, and making sure every voice is heard. It’s also important to recognize contributions and connect individual work to a broader purpose. When people feel valued and understand the impact they have, they are much more confident to take initiative and actively contribute. 

What skills will define the next generation of leaders?  

I believe the next generation of leaders will need to be highly adaptable and open to constant change, especially given how fast technology is evolving. It is no longer just about technical expertise, but also about being comfortable working in a digital environment and making data-driven decisions. Strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to work across cultures will be essential. At the same time, empathy, authenticity, and inclusive leadership will be what truly differentiates effective leaders. 

What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership roles?  

My advice would be to embrace your voice and perspective. In today’s world – where organizations are navigating digital transformation, diversity, and rapid change – different viewpoints are more valuable than ever. Build strong networks, seek mentors, and don’t hesitate to step into opportunities even if you feel you are still learning. Leadership today is about authenticity, collaboration, and creating impact, and women bring powerful strengths to all of these areas.