CluneTech’s Got Talent
At CluneTech, our team is as diverse in their hobbies and side activities as they are in their professional expertise. In this article, we shine a spotlight on five of our talented colleagues from different locations, sharing their unique passions and creative pursuits that fuel their lives outside of work. From artistic endeavours to athletic passions, these stories showcase the wide range of talents that make our team truly special.
Mitko Mitev, Support Specialist at TransferMate Education
This summer, our very own Mitko I. Mitev, a TransferMate Education Support Specialist, became a World Champion by winning the Muay Thai World Championship title at the KWU Senshi World Cup for Amateurs. Here’s what Mitko shared about his win and his love for martial arts:
“Before I joined our company, my life goal was to become a UFC fighter. I've competed in nearly every martial art since I was a 10-year-old kid. I’ve been a European champion, a national champion, and this year, I became a world champion. Sports have taught me discipline and self-belief. Not long ago, I suffered a major loss, but now I am fighting to get back to the top rankings and my story to be an inspiring one.”
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Silviya Krasteva, Marketing Data Analyst at Benamic
Our colleague Silviya Krasteva from Benamic is the owner of Library Unbounded, a YouTube channel dedicated to her love of reading. On her channel, Silviya shares monthly reviews, book hauls, reading wrap-ups, and reading challenges, offering valuable insights into book titles from all over the world. With 160 videos so far and over 3.4k followers, it’s a real gem for all book lovers!
Here's what Silviya shares about her passion:
“I've always loved reading, it's been my favourite thing ever since I can remember being a person. And the one thing that's better than disappearing in a good book is gushing about it with someone (or complaining about a bad one). Back in 2022, after moving to a new city, I found myself reading a lot but having nobody to share it with. So, on the advice of the people whom I was constantly annoying with my book talk, I created a YouTube channel (so I could annoy strangers instead). Since then, I have read over 300 books, posted over a 100 videos, and found many new friends.The channel has given me the opportunity to consider my reads on a deeper level, exercise creativity, and more than anything, blather on and on about books to my heart's desire.”
Evgeniia Sukhopliueva, Sales Executive at Visa First
Zumba isn't just a workout for many—it’s a vibrant, energetic experience that blends fitness with fun. For those who love it, like Evgeniia from our Dublin office, it becomes a weekly ritual of joy, movement, and connection. Here’s how she describes the magic of Zumba in her own words:
Every week, I find myself eagerly counting down to Zumba class—a workout that feels more like a celebration. As soon as the Latin beats kick in, I’m swept into the music, moving to rhythms that feel both freeing and energizing. I’m surrounded by a lively group of people who share my love for this joyful workout, and together, we push each other to let loose and give it our all. Not only does Zumba keep my body active, but it also sharpens my mind, as I focus on each step, each spin, each beat. For me, Zumba isn’t just a hobby; it’s a reminder of how powerful and fun movement can be.
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Veneta Racheva, Auditor at Taxback International
Veneta Racheva, a member of our Audit Team in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, has a creative side that extends far beyond her professional work. Her passion for design and hands-on craftsmanship has led her to explore a variety of projects, from fabric accessories to educational toys. Here’s a glimpse into her creative journey and what inspires her:
“As a child, I loved to draw, which led me to decide early on that I wanted to become a designer. Initially, I made clothes for my dolls, and later I applied to a program in Modelling and Clothing Construction, where I was accepted. This marked the beginning of my sewing journey in 4th or 5th grade. Over time, however, I realized that my true passion wasn't in creating clothes, but in making toys and accessories for both children and adults.
In 2015, I accidentally came across a photo of a silent book on the Internet. I had a strong desire to make such a book myself. From then until now I have created about 60-70 books. However, my enthusiasm and desire to implement new ideas did not allow me to limit myself to creating only books. I continued with other similar ideas: educational toys for children, such as cubes and rugs. While playing by unbuttoning and fastening different types of buttons, zippers, buckles and patches, children learn new skills, developing their fine motor skills, and with the help of the different patterns on the fabrics, they learn different colours, animals, fruits, vegetables and shapes. Gradually, I started to make things for older children that help them learn the alphabet and numbers, as well as various accessories for daily life for children and adults. Recently I discovered the world of machine embroidery. The more things I discover and implement in my work, the bigger the wish and motivation are for enriching the horizon of my skills and goals.”
Deirdre Phelan, Senior Channel Marketing Executive at Taxback International
Our long-time colleague, Deirdre Phelan, reflects on her lifelong passion for camogie, a sport that has shaped both her personal journey and her connection to the GAA community. In the following rows, Deirdre shares how the game has not only influenced her character but also deepened her commitment to supporting and celebrating the role of women in sport, while inspiring future generations.
“GAA, and especially camogie, has been a passion of mine since I first picked up a hurl at 6 or 7 years old in my local parish of Danesfort, Kilkenny. Camogie holds a special place for many GAA enthusiasts, drawing them into the rich heritage and dynamic energy of the sport. For those who cherish it, camogie is more than just a game, it's a deep rooted tradition that blends athleticism, teamwork, and community spirit.
The early days of training with friends, learning the fundamentals, transform into years of hard work, dedication and exhilarating matches that shape both character and connections. The fast-paced nature of camogie and the displays of skill and strategy captivate players and fans alike, while the camaraderie and sense of belonging in the GAA community are unmatched.
Over the years, my love for camogie has only deepened, instilling resilience, leadership, and a lasting appreciation for the unity it brings. Playing camogie has also given me a deep appreciation for the growing importance of women in sport, inspiring a new generation of young girls to pick up the hurl and embrace the sport and their potential.
Seeing the legacy of the game continue in Danesfort, connecting people to our local club and Irish culture, fills me with pride and hope for the future of camogie. Whether cheering from the sidelines or participating in training sessions/matches, this shared passion embodies the pride that makes the GAA so beloved and enduring.”
CluneTech Pics Hall of Fame
CluneTech Pics is our quarterly photography competition, offering photography enthusiasts a chance to showcase their creativity. Each quarter, we give you the opportunity to win great prizes by submitting your best photos. In addition to the prizes, our winners have their photos featured as the background of Core for the rest of the quarter.
In each newsletter, we spotlight the winners from the past two quarters, giving them a chance to share the story behind their submitted photos. Check out what our latest winners had to say!
Eoin Dunphy – Taxback International – Q3 Winner
“This picture comes from a very simple story! During the Summer, my wife, daughter, our Golden Retriever (Josh) and myself, were down on Dooks beach, Co. Kerry. It was very early, but there we randomly met a lady with a young child and a Golden Retriever called Fiadh! The two dogs were of the same age and started to play and chase each other into the sea! The lady was under a bit of pressure with her young child, so we offered to bring Fiadh with us on our walk and drop her back to her house which we could see from the beach! We continued down the strand taking great pictures and videos of the dogs sprinting and jumping on the doons and into the sea – they couldn’t have been happier! It was Josh's first holiday romance!” 😊
Svilena Kostadinova – Taxback International - Q4 Winner
“I took this photo of the Devil’s Bridge on a beautiful autumn day this year. The bridge is located in the Rhodope Mountains near Ardino, and it is said that you can see the face of Satan if you look at the waters of the Arda River at noon, when the bridge and its reflection form a circle. Unfortunately, I visited later in the day when the sun was almost hidden behind the hills, but I was lucky enough to still catch some sun rays kissing the yellow leaves of the surrounding trees. I also had to wait quite a while for all the tourists to leave the bridge so I could take the photo exactly as I imagined it. A zip-line is nearby, so I used the time to have fun and “fly” over the river. ☺”
While CluneTech Pics has been running for over two years, we’d like to refresh your memory on the competition process and rules. In our most recent Workvivo article, we’ve shared an overview of how CluneTech Pics works. Make sure to read it, especially if you're planning to participate in any of our upcoming editions.
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Finally, to properly recap the year, we're excited to share the full gallery of winning photos from all past editions of the CluneTech Pics competition. We're sure you'll be amazed by the stunning, professional-quality shots taken by our talented colleagues. If you're curious about the story behind each photo, head to our Newsletter Library, where you can find short interviews with all our winners so far.
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Great Place to Work Events: What You Need to Know
Our Great Place to Work events are a key component of CluneTech’s #OneTeam culture, playing a crucial role in boosting employee engagement across our global workforce. These events provide an invaluable opportunity to connect, network, and build stronger relationships with colleagues from across the organization.
Attending our Great Place to Work events during work hours has been fully approved by our CEOs, who recognize how important these gatherings are for fostering team spirit, supporting employee well-being, and enhancing engagement.
In this edition of CluneTech’s Newsletter, we’ve addressed some frequently asked questions to help you gain a better understanding of our Great Place to Work events.
Can anyone attend our Great Place to Work events?
Yes, there are no restrictions on who can attend. As long as the event is in a location that’s convenient for you and you are a CluneTech employee, we’d be more than happy to have you join us. Please note that preregistration is always required, and due to limited space, registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I suggest an event?
Of course! As with many other initiatives within the company, our annual Great Place to Work program is based on your suggestions. We rely on your feedback to create a program that appeals to your interests.Our dedicated global Great Place to Work team leads the organization of these events. If you have an idea for our next event, you can always email your suggestion to gptw@clunetech.com or speak with your local Great Place to Work representative.
Do I need to make up the time spent on Great Place to Work events?
While you don’t need to make up the time spent at these events, please note that you will still need your line manager’s approval to attend. This ensures that the needs of your team and operational requirements are considered when scheduling your participation.
This being said, we’re excited to share some of our favourite moments from our Great Place to Work events from H2 2024. Take a look and enjoy the highlights from the past six months!
Art Class in Varna, Bulgaria
Big Grill Festival in Dublin, Ireland
Padel & BBQ Afternoon in Kilkenny, Ireland
Racing Time with our colleagues in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Halloween Cooking Event in Varna, Bulgaria
Spooky Friday in our Dublin Office
Varna Christmas Party. See the full gallery from the event here.
Veliko Tarnovo Christmas Party. See the full gallery from the event here.
Ireland Christmas Party. See the full gallery from the event here
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