In a world that glorifies busyness, what if we told you that taking just one hour for yourself could be the most productive thing you do all week?
Sounds counterintuitive, right? We’re wired to believe that the more we work, the more successful we become. But here’s a little secret – sometimes, stepping back can propel you further forward. Welcome to CHAS za NAS, an initiative born out of challenging times, but one that has become a cornerstone of personal and professional growth at Ocean Investments.
It all started in 2020, when the world hit pause, and the once predictable rhythm of life turned chaotic. For many, the lines between work and life blurred, stress levels soared, and the future felt uncertain. But Atanas Simeonov, the visionary at the heart of Ocean Investments, saw an opportunity amidst the crisis. He believed that the key to navigating such unprecedented times was not in pushing harder, but in creating space for reflection, growth, and personal well-being. And thus, CHAS za NAS was born.
And here’s a fun trivia: the title CHAS za NAS (Bulgarian: ЧАС за НАС, meaning ‘An HOUR for US’) isn’t just about giving us all a moment for ourselves – it’s also a playful nod to Atanas. The Ocean guild fondly calls him ‘NAS,’ so the title becomes CHAS za ataNAS – an hour dedicated to both us and him!
The Birth of an Initiative: A Ray of Light in Dark Times
Launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, CHAS za NAS began as a simple yet powerful idea – to offer Ocean Investments’ employees one hour of their workday to step away from their desks, focus on their personal development, and take care of their mental and emotional health. At a time when fear and uncertainty gripped the world, this initiative acted as a positivity-infused energy drink.
Through regular webinars, the CHAS za NAS team – led by Atanas himself – brought employees together to focus on three key pillars: health, wealth, and happiness. Far from being mere buzzwords, these were values deeply ingrained in Atanas’ and Ocean’s philosophy, ones he believed could truly help people thrive in both their personal and professional lives. The feedback was immediate and overwhelmingly positive – colleagues eagerly awaited each session, hungry for that hour of rejuvenation, connection, and inspiration.
More Than Just a Pandemic Fix
When the pandemic began to wane, many initiatives and programs created during the crisis were shelved. But CHAS za NAS was different. It had become a vital part of the culture at Ocean Investments, something too valuable to let go of. The program continued, evolving beyond its initial scope.
Now, CHAS za NAS is much more than a series of seminars. It’s a multi-layered platform designed to help employees tap into their potential, explore new ideas, and find balance in their lives. From podcast episodes featuring Atanas’ personal insights (often with special guests) to academies and training sessions for teams, CHAS za NAS keeps growing. It’s more than just stepping away from work – it’s about making the most of that hour to invest in your own growth.
The initiative also brings employees together through charity events, farmers’ markets, and team-building activities that foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It’s a blend of personal growth and collective well-being, which is exactly what makes it so unique.
The poster for our Easter Charity Market that we did in 20242024: Taking CHAS za NAS to the Next Level
In 2024, the team behind CHAS za NAS decided it was time to share this powerful concept beyond the walls of Ocean Investments. After three years of internal success, we launched Season 1 of the CHAS za NAS podcast, where Atanas Simeonov shares 10 inspiring and practical lessons centered around the theme of RIGHTEOUSNESS – one of the core values of Ocean Investments.
These episodes go beyond abstract ideas, offering practical insights that anyone can easily apply to their daily lives. Each podcast episode is designed to spark that much-needed reflection on how we can live more meaningfully by aligning our actions with our values. You can watch Season 1 on YouTube (make sure you subscribe to our channel 😉):
Or, you can listen to the episodes on Spotify:
But that’s not all. Ocean Investments also opened up the CHAS za NAS archive to the public. Since 2020, the program has featured incredible conversations with inspiring guests such as Lyudmila Filipova, Maria Laleva, Ivaylo Kunev, and Prof. Atanas Semov. Dr. Dilyara Marinova is another regular guest who tackles health-related topics, offering wisdom on how we can all live healthier, more balanced lives. Now, all these valuable discussions are available on the CHAS za NAS YouTube channel, giving everyone access to years of accumulated wisdom and insights. You can check out our archive episodes here:
More Than Just a Podcast
CHAS za NAS holds a very special place in the hearts of everyone at Ocean Investments because it is far from just another corporate wellness initiative. It’s a movement aimed at reshaping how we think about productivity, success, and well-being. We’re very proud to be creating a culture where individuals are encouraged to prioritize their health and happiness, knowing that this is the key to long-term success – both personally and professionally.
Atanas Simeonov’s vision for CHAS za NAS was never about quick fixes or trendy wellness hacks. It’s about sustainable, meaningful growth. His belief is that if we unite our mind, body, and spirit, and develop good habits, we can unlock our full potential. And this belief forms the very core of the initiative.
What started as a way to cope with the challenges of a global pandemic has now evolved into a lifelong philosophy that Ocean Investments continues to champion. Giving people the tools and the time they need to be the best versions of themselves, in every aspect of their lives, has become our biggest passion.
The Journey Ahead
As we move further into 2024, CHAS za NAS has evolved into Atanas Simeonov’s personal podcast (in addition to the ongoing internal initiatives at Ocean Investments), and the journey is only just beginning. Season 1 is packed with inspiring lessons on RIGHTEOUSNESS, but the future holds even more. Upcoming seasons will dive deep into the topics that matter most – how to be healthy, wealthy, and happy. And you can certainly look forward to an exciting lineup of guests who will join Atanas in exploring these timeless themes in 2025 and beyond.
So, what’s next for you? Why not take that one hour for yourself? Tune in to CHAS za NAS, explore the archive, and let the wisdom and energy of this movement inspire you to invest in your future. After all, sometimes the best way to move forward is to step back and give yourself the space to grow.
Remember – in a world obsessed with constant hustle, we need a reminder that the greatest investment you can make is in yourself. CHAS za NAS is our reminder. So, what are you waiting for? Join the journey, and give your future the attention it deserves.
Where to Follow CHAS za NAS
Want to keep up with CHAS za NAS and dive deeper into its inspiring content? You can explore past episodes, stay updated on upcoming seasons, and engage with us on various platforms. Subscribe to CHAS za NAS on YouTube and follow us on Spotify, Instagram, and TikTok:
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Instagram
• TikTok
Tune in, get inspired, and join the movement that’s helping people invest in themselves, one hour at a time.