How Quiet Leadership Transformed Bulgaria’s Policy Landscape With Svetla Kostadinova

In this episode of Atlas Network with Michael Caruccio, we sit down with Svetla Kostadinova, Executive Director of the Institute for Market Economics (IME) in Bulgaria.

For over two decades, Svetla has led IME in pushing groundbreaking policy reforms — from abolishing minimum capital requirements for businesses to preserving Bulgaria’s 10% flat tax. But what truly sets her apart? A leadership style that is calm, quiet, yet powerfully influential.

We discuss:

• How IME became Bulgaria’s most respected think tank

• The secret to influencing politicians from all parties

• Lessons from growing up through hyperinflation

• How being a mother shaped Svetla’s leadership style

• Why listening is more powerful than speaking

• The impact of Atlas Network on global freedom movements

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction to Atlas Network

00:33 Meet Svetla Kostadinova

01:16 IME's Role and Impact in Bulgaria

04:32 Leadership and Motivation

10:47 Significant Achievements of IME

15:11 Influencing Public Opinion

17:36 Personal Journey and Education

22:42 Partnership with Atlas Network

32:31 Advice for Future Leaders

36:35 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

38:04 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Whether you're a policy nerd, liberty advocate, nonprofit leader, or just curious about how real change happens — this conversation is for you.
Learn more about IME: https://ime.bg

Visit Atlas Network: https://www.atlasnetwork.org