Our CEO Ivan Lekushev recently shared his vision on the future of the IT sector and of digital healthcare in an extensive interview with Katya Vassileva for Bulgarian National Radio’s Podcast 257. In this article we highlight some key takeaways from their conversation.
Future of the Industry and the Bulgarian IT Sector
“The only certain thing in life is change,” Ivan reflects. “The future of the IT industry belongs to those companies that clearly understand what problems need to be solved, and how this will be achieved – whether through artificial intelligence or through specialized professionals – is a matter of tools.”
He believes that just as they transformed BGO Software into the number one Bulgarian company in digital health, Bulgaria has the potential to become Europe’s largest digital health hub. By shifting from a general IT services focus to one specialized in digital healthcare, Bulgaria could maintain a competitive advantage on the global stage.
“For a long time now, our workforce has not been cheap, and we must rely on other advantages to attract foreign investors to Bulgaria.”
The New Bulgarian Entrepreneurs
Ivan likens entrepreneurship to being a sailor in a stormy sea, where uncertainty is constant. “You never know exactly what will happen, and there’s a huge amount of uncertainty that you have to tolerate every day. The good thing is that more and more young people in Bulgaria are deciding to take the plunge and lift the anchor of security that has kept them at the harbor to venture into the sea and see what will happen.”
He also sees the 21st century as a miracle, offering unprecedented opportunities.
“We live in the miracle of the 21st century, and that is that you can now live in Bulgaria and leave your mark all over the world. You can compete on an international stage with international companies, and that’s amazing because you can test your potential on a much larger scale.”
Digital Health
Ivan Lekushev comes from a family of doctors, but he chose a different path. Today, his company, BGO Software, which he runs alongside founder Ivaylo Ivanov, allows him to help millions of patients worldwide in a different way.
As he puts it, “You can’t escape your karma. My parents are doctors, and I chose to work for Digital Health. Now, I can contribute to the health of many more people around the world than my parents did in 40 years.”
He believes that digital technology is the future of every industry, and healthcare is the one that can make the biggest impact on society by saving or improving the life of every patient. He envisions a world where technology works seamlessly to enhance health:
“Imagine a world where your smart fridge talks to your smart device, and based on that data, it orders the foods your body needs for health and longevity. A world where your personal doctor has all the details about your body and prescribes treatment just for you.”
Ivan Lekushev and Katya Vassileva – radio host of the Bulgarian National Radio
For more on what a world with digital healthcare looks like, how recent changes in the global IT scene are impacting Bulgaria – trends, threats, solutions, and the future – what the differences are when trading with clients in Bulgaria versus Switzerland, and what happens when a Bulgarian entrepreneur succeeds, you can listen to the full conversation (in Bulgarian) between Ivan Lekushev and Katya Vassileva for Podcast 257 on Bulgarian National Radio.