Success begins with conversation – the more people you meet, the more doors open

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Lili Drumeva-O'Riley and I am a country singer, musician, songwriter, journalist, festival organizer, and director of a foundation. Recently, I have also become a passionate bridge player and compete in tournaments. I have released 13 albums with my band “Lilly of The West” and solo, as well as a music book “Mood with Lili – music 50 themes”. For 8 consecutive years, I have been organizing the international festival for sung poetry “ Sofia Singer Songwriter Fest”, and for 11 years I have been the manager of a Bulgarian-American foundation that deals with entrepreneurship. I graduated in Tourism Economics from the University of Economics in Vienna, Austria. I speak German, English, Russian, and French. 

 

How would you describe your career in a few words?

I worked for several years in the field of finance and tourism and realized that this is not my thing. Since I was little, I was drawn to music, I listened to a lot of radio. When I graduated, I met a country musician who taught me to play the guitar and ignited my passion for this genre. We formed a duet, I started buying records, studying the specific singing style, and gradually got to know the music guild. When I returned to Bulgaria, I formed a band that has existed for 30 years. Gradually, I left economics and finance and fully focused on music. Along with it, I also entered the world of radio. My teacher and mentor became Toma Sprostranov (the voice of BNR). Country music became the meaning of my life. It is my style, my calling, my mission, and philosophy. I could talk forever about how beautiful, quality, and valuable it is, but we don't have time for that. Through country music, I met an American – the financier Larry Beal. He invested the money of the first High-Tech millionaires in Silicon Valley (California). Together we created a foundation that supports Bulgarian entrepreneurs, and the focus right now is on Bulgarian community centers and local communities.  

 

What was the most important choice that shaped your path inyour life?

Definitely, it is country music. I think it found me, not the other way around.

 

What would you like to know at the beginning of your career that no one told you?

What someone should have told me (a parent or teacher) is that to work in a government job in Bulgaria, a higher education is required. It doesn't matter what, where, how, but the important thing is to have a diploma. My advice to young people is to finish some higher education quickly, and then follow their dreams and do what they like. In life, other types of skills are needed, for example: communication with people, networking, persistence, determination, following your goals, and working hard. It is very unfortunate that when I was young, I didn't have a mentor, teacher, or someone to admire, to emulate, and to guide me on the right path. This is extremely important.

 

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?

As I mentioned before, country music found me. I did not choose this path; there are no musicians in my family. When you strongly desire something, that desire leads you on the right path.

 

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

Computer skills and communication on social networks.

 

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?

From my experience as a musician, I think it is important to meet as many people as possible. This happens by going out in the evening and attending events. The goal is to meet at least 5 new people each week who can be potential new fans, listeners, or just useful in some way. Online communication through emails and social networks is also important.

 

What is the biggest mistake you made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

I wasted a lot of time as a young person on unnecessary things. Years of my life during which I wondered what to pursue, what I want to work on, where to live, and so on. And now I don't have enough time. I shouldn't have paid attention to parental advice. That is a mistake. They know themselves, not me!

 

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?

After I graduated, I worked in various public and private institutions with an 8-hour workday. I realized that this is not suitable for me. I escaped and thus protected myself from the toxic environment. I feel good when I work for myself, in my own way, and in a small team.

 

What would you do differently if you could start over?

I would start developing as a musician from a young age. Instead of studying things that are not close to my heart and do not attract me. I wasted a lot of time, but in the end, I fulfilled my dreams.

 

How to maintain motivation during times of stagnation?

In my opinion, the appropriate tactic is to change the focus, to start something else. When it takes off, motivation rises.

 

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

This happens when you find a partner who understands and supports you.

 

When is it time to change your career, not just your job?

When the job is not what you want. I worked in a financial house and at the same time played in clubs with my band. Gradually, the concerts and tours became so many that my vacations were not enough. At one point, I had to make a decision about which path to take. I chose country music and I do not regret it.

 

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people seeking success, what would it be?

The most important thing is to know what you want to achieve and to put in effort and hard work.

 

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

Follow your heart, work hard, and things will happen.