It was 2012 or 2011. I was invited to join the managing board of the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agents (BATA). Donka Sokolova, the head of the organization, recognized the need for younger individuals with expertise and a fighting spirit to protect the interests of BATA members during a challenging period. This was a time when airline commissions dropped from 9% to 7% and then to 0%, payments to IATA's Bank Settlement Plan shifted from monthly to weekly, the national carrier failed to honor incentive agreements with agencies, and foreign carriers imposed hefty penalties for minor mistakes.

Despite the need for my skills, I encountered resistance from members of the BATA managing board, many of whom were past their fighting age and had their focus and expertise directed elsewhere rather than towards the association (including the renowned climate guru Prof. Georgi Rachev). During this time, I met a client and friend, Ivan Lekov, one of the best football referees we've ever had and a well-respected UEFA delegate. In an informal conversation, he warned me that working for the public benefit without the support of my peers would only bring me frustration.

After a few months, I decided to resign from my position. And I still know it was the right decision.