Work & Travel Quiz with Maxim Behar: Around the World in Ideas, Stories, and Lessons

Please introduce yourself briefly:
Maxim Behar – Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Seychelles in Bulgaria, a passionate traveler and adventurer, a PR expert in love with his profession, a father, husband, and dreamer.

What does traveling the world mean to you?
Knowledge, emotions, and photos. These three words summarize the hundreds of thousands of miles I’ve covered—by plane, on foot, by ship, train, and all sorts of vehicles. Knowledge also comes from the hundreds of books I’ve read and the movies I’ve watched during my travels. But in truth, the real knowledge comes from the people I meet and the stories I live through.

How many countries have you visited? Tell us a fun story or highlight from your travels.
Certainly more than 60, but I’m not sure the number matters that much. It’s more about the people I’ve met—thousands of them—and the memories we’ve created. Dinners together, attending global forums, exchanging ideas… even just the photos that bring me back to those moments.

Do you enjoy revisiting destinations? Give examples and your take on whether it’s a good or bad idea.
Absolutely. I love the United States, especially our road trips through different states with my wife. We go back every year. And of course—my beloved Seychelles. I've been going there annually for nearly 25 years, sometimes even multiple times per year. I go with love, excitement, and great anticipation, always eager to see what’s changed.

What was your first journey that truly transformed you professionally or changed your worldview?
Two key moments: first, my studies in Prague, where I worked for a unique magazine with a multi-million print run. I learned perfect Czech, top-level journalism, made lifelong friends, and gained invaluable experience. The second was my time in Warsaw as a correspondent, witnessing the fall of communism and Poland’s first steps into a market economy. These two three-year periods completely reshaped my worldview and professional values. Every journey changes me a little—but these two were life-defining.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills when immersed in a new culture?
I believe in the saying: If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. I seek out brilliant minds to learn from—professionally and personally. I’ve had lunch or interviews with kings, queens, presidents, economists, and intellectuals. Cultural environments truly change people, while everything else is just detail. But you need the right sensors—to absorb, analyze, and build on what you experience. It’s not just about taking sunrise selfies or posting about fancy meals.

Have you ever met someone or encountered an idea while traveling that influenced your career path?
All the time! Long flights give me time to reflect on things I usually don’t have time for. At 10,000 meters, you really do feel above it all, which allows for a philosophical, analytical perspective on life and business. My best ideas usually come from two places: in the shower and on a plane. And of course—during the journeys themselves, through conversations and idea exchanges.

Do your travels help you grow your professional network? How?
Absolutely. Travel is a vital part of my work. Once at the Davos Forum, a CNBC journalist asked what I expected from the event. I replied, “Just one sentence.” When she asked why, I told her, “If I remember one single sentence from this forum, the trip will have been worth it.” That’s my travel formula—one sentence, one meeting, one photo. If there’s more—great. But always have a goal in mind. That one sentence could change your life.

What skills do you develop most when traveling, and how do they impact your work?
Many of my travels are work-related. I meet top professionals who say they learn from me—but I’m always focused on learning from them. It always pays off.

Has a city or country ever inspired you to start a new business or project?
Definitely—London. There I meet top professionals in my field, serve on the PRCA’s Advisory Board, and used to have an office while I was President of ICCO. I return every year and host a small luncheon in the House of Lords. I always stay at the St. Giles Hotel—David Bowie’s favorite—with his portrait at the entrance. I spend hours in Foyles bookstore on Tottenham Court Road, walk out with a bag full of books, and later buy the same ones for my Kindle to carry with me.

When in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more focused or more distracted? Why?
Much more focused and inspired! I’m seeing new things, discovering new cultures, meeting new people, and trying new foods… Everything feels fresh.

Are there destinations that act as a “reset” button for your creativity and ambition?
Yes—Seychelles. I feel both at home and abroad. I relax, feel happy and carefree, and realize life can be simple and beautiful. That’s a full reset for me, and I return to Europe renewed every time. It’s been that way for 25 years. I recommend it wholeheartedly. The beaches are lovely, but the real magic is in the people and their outlook on life.

How do you balance work and pleasure while traveling?
For me, work is pleasure, and travel is work. A simple formula that keeps things light and enjoyable.

How has traveling changed your view on money?
Money matters only when booking plane tickets. Otherwise, good planning can make any destination affordable. Seychelles, for example, has a luxury reputation, but we often spend less there than we would in Greece, Turkey, or even Bulgaria. We stay in a simple beach house, shop at local Indian-owned stores—it’s all about planning and knowing the place.

Do you travel with the intention of finding new income streams?
Never. But the ideas I get while traveling often lead to new and unique projects—for both my clients and my company.

What financial lessons have you learned from various economies and cultures?
The main one: money doesn’t matter if you’re a good person—but it does matter if you’re a good person who wants to run a successful business. That’s true everywhere I’ve been.

Do you believe it’s better to spend on experiences rather than material things?
Both are important and interconnected. Experiences bring ideas and knowledge. Material things—laptops, cameras—are essential tools for modern business. But without experiences and insights, no creative business can thrive.

How do you see the future of digital nomad life?
It’s not the future—it’s the present. The 2020 pandemic changed everything, especially communication. Remote work became the norm overnight. It reshaped our thinking and future strategies. We must focus on the positives—remote communication is here to stay.

Are there countries you consider especially favorable for work and investment?
Yes—and I believe Bulgaria is one of them. We tend to complain a lot, but Bulgaria has the lowest taxes in Europe, and some of the most educated, motivated young people I’ve ever met. Sure, we face challenges—corruption, media freedom, bureaucracy—but the momentum for change is strong. I’ve also worked in the Czech Republic and Poland, and both have great business potential. But to me, Bulgaria still offers the best chance for success.

If you could choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea, where would it be and why?
Seychelles. It’s a small country—around 80,000 people—but I know everyone, and everyone knows me. I understand the culture and mindset deeply.

Which destinations would you recommend as must-visits and why?
Definitely the Camino in Spain—it was a life-changing experience for me and my wife. We returned refreshed, purified, and even wrote a bestselling book about it. Iceland is also amazing. And each American state is like its own country—we can’t wait to explore more of them.

What’s your top career advice based on what you’ve seen around the world?
It’s very universal and works well: Do what makes you happy, no matter where you are. But if you’re abroad, you must truly love the country you live in. If you don’t, your career won’t thrive either.