A Leader Who Blends Courage, Empathy, and People Growth
“COTRUGLI didn’t just shape my professional path, it transformed my personal one too.”
Denitsa Stoyanova-Stanese leads People & Culture at AstraZeneca’s Balkan Cluster, overseeing Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Born in Bulgaria, with chapters of her life and career in Romania and Austria, Denitsa truly sees herself as a citizen of Central and Eastern Europe, both personally and professionally. Married to a Romanian, whom she met during her COTRUGLI EMBA journey, her story is one of movement, growth, and purpose.
How an MBA Shaped Not Only a Career but a Life
“Sometimes I ask myself, what would have happened if I hadn’t joined COTRUGLI?”, Denitsa reflects.
When she started the program, she was part of UniCredit Bulgaria’s HR team. Midway through, she moved to Romania with her three-year-old daughter and into a completely new role as Digital Banking Project Manager.
“It was a huge change – new country, new job, a toddler, and an MBA. But that year made me realize where my true impact lies – in HR, working with people.”
By the end of the program, she returned to HR, this time in Vienna, as part of UniCredit’s central team. “In a way, my career evolved in parallel with the MBA. COTRUGLI didn’t just shape my professional path, it transformed my personal one too.”
Evolving Leadership: From Execution to Inspiration
Denitsa describes her leadership journey as a series of milestones — defining moments that shaped her outlook.
“In the early days, I was impatient, very execution-driven, and less focused on people. Over time, through experience and learning, that changed. I realized that leadership is not about doing everything yourself, it’s about creating the space where others can grow.”
Her international assignments across different cultures also played a crucial role. “Each move, each challenge, taught me something new.” During COTRUGLI, she also discovered that she wasn’t just an HR leader; she was a business leader capable of driving impact across an organization.
The Future of Leadership: Agility, Courage, and Cultural Sensitivity
When asked about what skills future leaders need most, Denitsa doesn’t hesitate.
“Learning agility comes first. Today, it’s not so much about what you already know, but how fast you can learn, adapt, and act with courage in times of ambiguity.”
She adds that cultural sensitivity is becoming more important than ever. “We work in multicultural environments, and soon maybe even with avatars! Empathy and cross-cultural awareness are essential leadership skills of the future.”
On Risk and Courage
For Denitsa, risk management and courage go hand in hand.
“Courage is about balancing risk and reward. Every decision carries some risk, and that’s fine as long as you’re aware of it and prepared. What matters is not letting fear hold you back. It’s not recklessness, it’s courageous accountability.”
Mentorship and Paying It Forward
Mentorship is something Denitsa feels deeply passionate about, especially when it comes to supporting women early in their careers.
“The best feedback I’ve received is that my team feels I help them grow, not by micromanaging, but by trusting and empowering them to act. That’s what helps people truly develop.” At AstraZeneca, she has helped establish a structured mentoring program that connects leaders across markets and integrates with succession planning.
“I was fortunate to have leaders who believed in me and gave me opportunities. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward.”
Shaped by Challenges and Parenthood
When reflecting on what shaped her most as a leader, Denitsa points to two things: failure and motherhood. “Failures are invaluable. If you don’t fail early, you miss a learning opportunity. Challenging roles and difficult moments teach you resilience and perspective.”
Becoming a mother was another defining moment. “Parenthood changes your leadership style. You learn to prioritize, to be empathetic, patient, and mature. It refines who you are, both at work and in life.”
If she could speak to her younger self, Denitsa’s message would be clear: “Be courageous. Don’t hesitate to take opportunities because of the risks involved. Acknowledge the risks, but don’t let them stop you.”
Although she’s an HR professional, she’s not a fan of rigid career paths. “They can limit you. You should have a long-term vision, but stay open to different routes that can take you there. Be curious and flexible – that’s where growth happens.”
Learning agility and a growth mindset, she says, are the keys. “Every tough situation brings learning. It makes you a better leader and a better person.”
What Success Means Today
“For me, being a successful leader starts with being a good human being,” Denitsa says.
“It means living according to your values and leaving a positive footprint. I would never compromise on integrity and respect. Being kind, fair, and consistent — that’s the foundation of true leadership.” She also emphasizes the importance of feedback. “A strong leader surrounds themselves with people who think differently and who aren’t afraid to speak up. We don’t know it all, and that’s okay.”
Finally, she concludes with conviction:
“In today’s world, you can’t be an overly cautious leader. Complexity and ambiguity are here to stay. Success comes from being brave enough to act, even when not everything is clear.”