Magdalena Zhisheva, shares her experiences working in the Collaboration Tooling team in Sofia, Bulgaria. Learn how Maggi navigates life with a disability while driving accessibility and inclusion at the FT through her role as co-lead of FT Access. Gain insights into her personal and professional achievements, her team’s innovative work, and the unique, inclusive culture of the FT Sofia office
Can you tell me about yourself?
My name is Magdalena Zhisheva - or just Maggi, and I've been with the FT since the summer of 2021 as part of the fantastic collaboration tooling team. Based in Sofia, Bulgaria, I am a wife, a mother to an amazing 6-year-old, and a woman navigating life with a disability. Living in a country where accessibility remains a challenge has its difficulties, but my disability is just one part of who I am—it doesn’t define or limit me. I’ve learned to embrace adaptability and maintain a solution-focused mindset, which I believe can help anyone, disabled or not, turn challenges into opportunities.
These qualities are at the heart of my role at the FT, where my team and I work to simplify and improve the daily workflows for our colleagues. By managing tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Zapier, and the Lucid Suite, we enable others to work more efficiently and collaboratively, ensuring that technology meets the unique needs of every team across the FT.
How has your journey been since joining?
When I first joined the FT, I was excited but honestly had no idea how big the company really was or the amazing benefits it offered! Since then, I’m still amazed by the opportunities and the work-life balance we can enjoy here. It's been over three years now, and although I’ve faced some personal challenges along the way, I’ve always found support and understanding at every step. The FT really does have your back!
Currently, I’m on a secondment with another fantastic team, which is a wonderful opportunity to learn new things, develop my skills, and gain inspiration from the best practices other teams are following.
What excites you most about working in your team?
I know it sounds like a cliché, but my team is a dream team! We genuinely support each other and face challenges together, which is how we grow both as a team and individually. Every day I get to collaborate with different colleagues and their requests keep me on my toes. Each new tool or system inquiry is a chance to improve how we work and I love that constant opportunity to learn and develop.
What has surprised you most about working at the FT?
One of the biggest (and nicest) surprises is how I can truly be myself at the FT. No one has ever looked at me weirdly or with pity because of my disability—and in Sofia, where reactions can sometimes be unpredictable, that’s huge! At the FT, you’re seen for who you are, not for any perceived limitations. It’s like one big, inclusive family. ❤️
What makes the FT Sofia office a unique and enjoyable place to work?
The Sofia office is like a little oasis! We’ve got great spaces to just chill out, play some board games, or piece together puzzles with colleagues. I also love spending time in the nearby park—sometimes, I even sneak in a bit of work there. Nature definitely helps me focus (and yes, it's just as productive as it sounds!).
Can you tell me more about the Employee Resource Group (ERG) you are part of and how it’s impacted your experience at the FT?
Absolutely! I’m a proud co-lead of FT Access, where our mission is to mitigate the barriers people with disabilities face by raising awareness and ensuring our processes are accessible. Being part of FT Access lets me bring awareness to physical disabilities and the daily challenges we face. It’s so rewarding to be able to make a real impact in this area.
Could you share some of the personal successes or achievements that you are particularly proud of as an FT employee and FT Access representative in Bulgaria?
I’m incredibly proud to be part of the FT. It’s a well-oiled system where everything is connected. If I do my job right and support my colleagues, they can do theirs, and together, we help the FT achieve its goals. On a personal note, I’m especially proud of our hiking events through FT Access. These events spark meaningful conversations, and I can see how my colleagues start to understand the challenges of living with a disability. I believe those discussions ripple out to their families and friends, sparking broader societal change. That’s how we move towards a more inclusive community in Bulgaria.
What opportunities for professional development or growth have you found most valuable during your time at the FT?
Where do I begin? FT offers so many opportunities! Personal development time, secondments, certifications—you name it. These initiatives have been invaluable for my growth, both professionally and personally. It’s like they hand you a toolbox and say, “Go build something awesome!”
The FT's values are Ambition, Inclusion, Integrity, Curiosity, Trust and Subscriber Focused. In relation to your role at the FT which of these values speaks to you most and why?
Honestly, they all resonate with me, but if I had to choose just one, it would be inclusion. As a mother, a woman, a wife, and a person with a disability, I truly feel included here, and that’s something very special.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career at the FT?
Get involved in an ERG that aligns with your values—or try a few! Every ERG matters and contributes to our amazing work culture. And be honest with your colleagues and managers. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something’s not right. That’s how we’ll continue to grow and build a healthy, thriving work environment.
Join a diverse and supporting community and start your journey with us. Check out our vacancies here.