People of EL BAT: Nadezhda Ivanova – translating with respect, understanding, and a smile
To translate means to understand more than what is said. At EL BAT, this mission belongs to Nadezhda Ivanova – the person who finds the right words even when they seem to be missing.
“Valuable things last through time.
Foresight. Growth. Sustainability.”
– Nadezhda Ivanova
This is the story of someone who doesn’t simply translate, but creates understanding — between languages, cultures, and people. In an industry where precision and trust define success, her role bridges the company’s expertise with the world beyond.
EL BAT communicates daily with partners from three continents, and 95% of our projects and clients are based outside Bulgaria. In this dynamic international environment, Nadezhda is the voice that ensures clarity, precision, and mutual respect in every conversation. Her professionalism and empathy turn communication into trust — something invaluable for every successful team.
Some words don’t need editing. Nadezhda’s are among them.
Here is her story — a journey told in her own words.
How long have you been part of EL BAT, and how did your story here begin?
On a summer morning in 2007, I met Mr. Dimitar Popov and Mr. Nikolay Bazhlekov at Sofia Airport — and accompanied them to Italy. They were about to decide which manufacturing company to trust to build a plant for the separation of the elements of used lead-acid batteries. They made their choice and reached an agreement — after long negotiations. I’ll never forget the day we sat down at 3 p.m. around Mr. Popov’s large office table, discussed the contract for hours, continued with dinner around 10 p.m., and finished at 3 a.m… But the result was worth it: the plant was put into operation, and I had the opportunity to assist the operators during their training on the new machines.
Ten years later, in 2021–2022, I took part in commissioning the next battery recycling line, followed by the commissioning of the new metallurgical facilities… A story without an end, with many continuations.
For 12 years EL BAT was my client, and later became my employer. In early October 2025, I celebrated six years as a full-time translator and interprеter in this continuously growing and rapidly developing company.
With each passing year, Nadezhda has not only remained at EL BAT – she has become part of its growth, its technological advancements, and the implementation of new production lines. She is both witness and participant in a sustainable story that keeps evolving.
EL BAT has grown a lot over the years. What does it mean for you to be a witness and participant in this development?
From the very first moment I stepped into this field – the recycling of waste whose components can be recovered and reused almost 100%, creating value and providing jobs while protecting the global environment – I was impressed and deeply inspired. I told myself: “This makes sense. There truly are such meaningful initiatives in the world around us.”
And since this is a sustainable activity, it is not surprising that it continues to thrive. Its visionary leaders keep building, diversifying, and leading EL BAT forward. Of course, this comes with a lot of effort and challenges, but what truly matters, in my view, are their guiding principles: to move forward and upward, and to carry responsibility – persistently overcoming difficulties and preserving people’s livelihoods.
You are the person who translates, who in fact interprets not only the language but also the spirit of the company. How does it feel to be that link between the team and international partners?
Oh, it is such a great responsibility… For me, the company’s good name and image always come first, and I strive to contribute to them as much as possible. A smile and a positive attitude are an important part of communication – people need to feel that you are genuine and sincere. I do my best to understand everything said, not to miss a thing, and to ensure that my translation is perceived correctly. It is not always about words – sometimes you interpret meanings and emotions.
And here’s a small secret of my craft – one I trust will remain a secret: the interpreter is also a mediator. In my case, however, I am a mediator who protects my employer’s interests while maintaining maximum courtesy and warmth toward the other side. After all, EL BAT works with wonderful people, and it’s important they know we see them as such.
Has there ever been a situation where the way you translated something helped avoid a misunderstanding or achieve a better result?
I won’t go into details here. I’ll just say that this is an inseparable part of my everyday professional life.
An interpreter is not just a voice – they are attention, empathy, and clarity in communication. And in an industry as specific and complex as recycling and metallurgy, that role becomes a true art.
Is there a term or expression from the industry that has always been your favorite or particularly difficult to translate?
You learn the terminology – the challenge arises when you encounter it for the first time, especially during live interpretation, and particularly in a field that is unfamiliar to you. The key is to find your way out of every situation – you ask questions, your brain races, you adapt, and when needed, you translate descriptively – in other words: you interpret. The rule is that the people you interpret for must understand each other – you must never mislead them. As an interpreter, there is no place for unnecessary pride, and you must never pretend to know something you don’t.
Our management has often told me: “Nadia, you’re a machine.” No, I’m not a machine – not at all. I’ve simply reached a decent professional level and know what I’m doing and how to do it. But there’s always room for improvement – without a healthy dose of self-criticism, you don’t just stop moving forward, you start falling behind.
I can share a favorite anecdote from my first translation for EL BAT back in 2007. Before my first assignment for the company, I tried to prepare by reading about battery recycling… but it’s a whole new terminology universe. You can’t really know it until you step into it and live it. So there we were – Mr. Popov, Mr. Bazhlekov, and I – in Italy, attending a meeting at the office of the manufacturer of our first recycling installation. They began talking about a “mill” and “hammers.” Everyday words I knew in both languages, but what could they possibly have to do with a separation plant?!
They said the mill had this many hammers and that many hammers… Hesitantly, I translated it literally – hammers were hammers, a mill was a mill – watching the reaction on the other side. A nod. Another nod. Understood. Then the Italians repeated it – the mill this, the hammers that. What a relief!
How do you adapt to the different communication styles of international companies – for example, European, Asian, or African partners?
The approach is universal: listen and observe, and if possible, prepare in advance. Most importantly – always show respect, without belittling yourself or underestimating your interlocutors.
In our globalized world, communication styles are largely unified – yet many differences remain, stemming from national ethnopsychology and religion. A smile and goodwill still go a long way – the desire to connect and understand people always matters.
And last but not least: when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
If you had to translate the word “sustainability” in a way that makes people feel it, not just understand it – how would you do it?
An extremely difficult question – or rather, a complex topic that educated people have long discussed and written about.
If we look at the English term, it’s a play on words: sustain/ability – to sustain stability in the long run.
For me, sustainability means maintaining stability over time.
Is there a phrase or principle that guides you in working with people – something that reminds you why this profession brings you satisfaction?
I love my profession; it truly gives me satisfaction. Through my work, I help people understand each other – and they are often grateful, pleased with the results, sometimes even relieved: “It wasn’t that hard to communicate after all!”
I deeply value that positive energy directed toward me.
What would you wish for your colleagues – and for the next generation that will continue connecting EL BAT with the world?
To work with a positive attitude and to perform their duties diligently. To think about what they do – not to be mere cogs in the machine. Not to be indifferent. Never to stop developing professionally.
“What you give is what you get” – this principle applies perfectly to our company as well. It’s a life truth that stands firmly both in general and within EL BAT.
Today, Nadezhda continues to be the voice of connection – between EL BAT and the many cultures, languages, and partners we proudly work with.
Nadezhda Ivanova is not just a translator and interpreter. She is the human compass guiding EL BAT’s communication with the world – a careful listener and precise mediator who, with every translation, protects the company’s voice and spirit. Her work reminds us that behind every meaningful partnership stands understanding – and behind that understanding stands a person.
For us, it is both an honor and a pleasure to have her as part of our family.
