Bilyana Hristovska (or, shortly and effectively, Billy) is a Talent Acquisition team member, driving Amusnet’s future by efficiently hiring and growing the talent that powers the company.
Known for her sharp focus and practical, time-savvy approach, Billy is about getting results and building thriving teams.
When it comes to managing a busy schedule, effective prioritization is a must. How do you prioritize tasks when there are so many competing demands?
When it comes to handling multiple tasks, I believe that one size doesn’t fit all. I use different techniques depending on the nature of the task—larger projects require a different strategy than smaller, day-to-day tasks.
For bigger, long-term projects, I favour the MoSCoW method, which helps me categorize tasks into 4 key groups: "MUST-haves" (essential for success), "SHOULD-haves" (important but not critical), "COULD-haves" (nice-to-have if time allows), and "WON’T haves" (tasks that can be excluded). This framework ensures I prioritize what's crucial while staying flexible with less important tasks.
I also rely on the Eisenhower Matrix for bigger tasks, which helps me sort tasks by urgency and importance, allowing me to focus on what really moves the needle. For smaller, day-to-day tasks, I prefer more agile techniques like the 2-Minute Rule, 1-3-5 Rule or Pomodoro to stay efficient and keep momentum going.
What time management technique do you think people overlook, and why is it effective?
The Pomodoro Technique is like a productivity game-changer. You work in 25-minute bursts/intervals (called pomodoros) with short breaks (5min) in between. It’s almost like giving your brain mini sprints, perfect for those working in agile and scrum environments. In IT, where everything is fast-paced, Pomodoro fits right in, helping you focus intensely without frying your brain. It’s a practical way to manage time effectively in an environment that demands flexibility and quick adaptations.
What’s your take on multitasking? Do you think it helps or hinders productivity?
I have a love-hate relationship with multitasking. :) I don’t mind multitasking for certain tasks—it works well when dealing with repetitive or mechanical activities that are second nature to me. But multitasking distracts me and kills my flow when working on something requiring creativity or problem-solving.
It’s crucial to debunk the myth that we can focus on multiple things at once. Research shows that our brains are built to focus on one task at a time. What we often call multitasking is really rapid task-switching, which drains attention and can reduce the quality of work. While some can train themselves to switch faster, they’re still not truly focusing on multiple tasks at once. That’s why I advocate for time-blocking and single-tasking, especially when the task needs full attention and creativity. It’s about channelling focus where it counts most.
How do you handle small tasks that pile up?
I follow the 2-minute rule for small tasks: if it takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately. This prevents a backlog of tiny tasks that, when left unattended, can create unnecessary stress. However, for larger, recurring tasks, I prefer to schedule them using a Kanban board or time-blocking in my calendar. That way, everything has its place.
Why do you believe time management is such a crucial skill, and what motivated you to focus on it?
Time is one of the most precious resources we have, and the truth is, once it’s gone, it never comes back. I became deeply interested in time management because I want to make the most of every moment—to be productive, create space for creativity, and truly enjoy life. By managing time well, we can balance achieving our goals and savouring what matters most. I genuinely believe that if people take the time to optimize how they use it, they’ll be more effective and happier. It’s about living more fully and intentionally, and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to make the most of their time.
