Be problem solvers, not excuse seekers

Introduce yourself in a few words..
My name is Trayyan Trayyanov and I am the founder and Managing Director of a Bulgarian BPO & ITO company specializing in outsourcing services. I graduated with a bachelor's degree from Sunderland University – in the UK, with a major in Business Management. I returned to Bulgaria because of a family wind project 26MW, which we developed as a family, and then I started working in the outsourcing industry. I have 15 years of experience in the industry, helping technology companies grow through quality outsourced services, technical support, and multilingual contact center solutions in 25+ languages.

How would you describe your career in a few words?
Evolution from sales to strategic leadership – a path built on the understanding that success comes from creating value for customers and building strong teams. I have gone through some of the largest outsourcing companies in Bulgaria and realized that I am ready to create something of my own that aligns with my vision for business.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?
The decision to focus on myself and to build a new company. I saw the niche for quality, culturally close services with better time overlap for European clients.

What would you like to have known at the beginning of your career that no one told you?
As it is written in the thick books: “If I knew how hard it was, I would never have started.” Well, I would still have started!

How can a person understand which profession is suitable for them?
Look for the intersection between what you are good at, what you like, and what the market will pay for. Experiment early and don’t be afraid to change jobs. But always give your all, wherever you are!

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?
Adaptability to AI technologies, emotional intelligence, multicultural communication, and the ability to manage hybrid teams. Undoubtedly, the world is changing and AI is part of that change.

How to build a network of useful contacts without appearing interested?
Focus first on providing value. Share knowledge, make useful connections between people, be genuinely curious about others. Reciprocity comes naturally over time.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
I learned that it is better to lose a deal than to lose reputation through unfulfilled promises. Also, that I have trusted too much in people who do not deserve it.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?
When communication is one-sided, there is a lack of transparency, and your contribution is not valued. If after 6 months of trying to improve nothing changes – it’s time. I have always sought dialogue in the work environment, no matter how busy we are, without it we cannot move forward.

What would you do differently if you could start over?
I would invest earlier in automation systems and I would build stronger documentation of processes from the very beginning and I would invest from day 1 in marketing!

How to maintain motivation during times of stagnation?
Return to the “why”. Set micro-goals, seek feedback, invest in training. Stagnation is often preparation for the next leap, but it must be used as intended, otherwise it works in the opposite direction. You need to be dedicated, patient, and persistent!

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?
An interesting question, for which I have read many books, but as Jeff Bezos says: “Why do you think you can reach work-life balance? I still haven’t done that.” But at the same time, no mediocre person has achieved anything great! Set clear boundaries and stick to them. Delegate effectively. Quality time is more important than quantity – both at work and in personal life.

When is it time to change your career, not just your job?
When the industry no longer aligns with your values or when technological changes make your skills obsolete without the possibility of adaptation.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people seeking success, what would it be?
Be problem solvers, not excuse seekers. Focus on what you can control and take action. Never wait, be proactive in all directions, give yourself!

What is your definition of a “successful career”?
A career in which you create measurable value for others, continuously develop, and have the freedom to make decisions that align with your values.