Aneliya Vlaykova🇧🇬

About Aneliya Vlaykova

Software Engineering Manager at SumUp

I help engineers and engineering managers regain clarity and confidence when they feel stuck, uncertain, or hesitant about change.

Over 20+ years in software engineering and leadership roles, I’ve supported engineers through career transitions, leadership opportunities, burnout recovery, and difficult decisions.

My coaching style is short, focused, and question-driven. I don’t give ready-made answers—I help people think clearly, overcome internal barriers, and take meaningful steps forward.

I bring my experience from fast-paced fintech companies where my focus was on both payments and risk domains. I have the advantage of formal Software technologies education, executive MBA and the practical experience of both Software engineer and Engineering manager.

I believe in coaching people how to think, not what to think.

On more personal side, I am mother of three children and for all parents out there - I feel you! I feel your daily struggle to have meals prepared for a big family, the house to be organized and clean and to resolve all those conflicts arising between siblings. Juggling tasks, responsibilites and staying productive at work can be exhausting. Together, we can create a structured plan on how to feel less overwhelmed and build more positive moments for your family!

Expertise

Sessions with Aneliya Vlaykova

• Career Clarity for Engineers (30 min): Feeling stuck or unsure about your next step? This session is for engineers who want clarity about their career direction, role changes, or future growth. We will: Clarify what feels unclear Identify what matters most Explore realistic options Define one concrete next step Bring one situation you want clarity on. Short descriptions are enough.
• Engineering Manager couching (30 min): Leading a team is about much more than delivery. This session is for new and experienced engineering managers looking for a thinking partner to navigate the challenges that don't come with a playbook. We can work on topics such as: * Building healthy team dynamics * Execution and prioritization * Stakeholder management * Managing up * Difficult conversations and conflict resolution * Influencing without authority Navigating organizational dynamics Growing your confidence as a leader My coaching style is direct, practical, and question-driven. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all advice, I'll help you think through your situation, explore options, and identify your next step. Bring one real challenge you'd like to discuss.
• Let's Unpack Your Challenge (30 min): Not sure which mentoring session is right for you? Start here. Bring any career, leadership, or engineering-related challenge you’re currently facing. You don’t need to have it figured out beforehand — start by giving me the wider context. I’ll listen, ask questions, and help you narrow down what’s really at the heart of the situation. From there, we’ll identify a practical way forward and decide whether one focused session is enough or whether a few conversations could be useful. My approach is coaching-first: I won’t give you ready-made answers. I’ll use my experience and questions to help you see your options, gain clarity, and work out your own next steps. You bring the challenge. We’ll figure out where to start.

What mentees say

“I have had nothing short of an amazing experience. Aneliya was not only wise but also easy to approach for a person of her standing. Anyone could and should benefit from what she has to say. I wish we had more time to talk honestly. I have only praise for her. Which is not what I have for the platform itself.”

“I had three mentoring sessions, and each gave me a valuable new perspective: how an Engineering Manager may perceive my profile, how to present my experience more clearly, and how to demonstrate senior-level signals during interviews. The sessions helped me better understand my strengths and identify areas for improvement, especially structuring my answers, communicating with confidence, and…”

“I had an outstanding experience with my mentor, who truly cares about her mentees. Her amazing communication and deep subject knowledge made our session incredibly insightful. She excelled in problem-solving and motivated me to reach my goals. I highly recommend booking a session if you are looking for guidance that exceeds expectations.”