Lachezar Atanasov (’10) embodies the quintessential Silicon Valley journey: facing unknowns, embracing challenges, and relentlessly pushing forward.
But his path to success began far from the famed tech hub, in Bulgaria, where his family faced significant financial hardship. Despite this, he nurtured an ambition that transcended his circumstances: to attend the prestigious English high school in Sofia, known as “Drujba.”
His academic path started with an admission to “Drujba” English school, but the reality of his family’s financial limitations nearly derailed his dream. On the eve of his first day, he faced the realization that his family couldn’t afford for him to go to school. Knowing his potential, his family refused to let financial constraints extinguish his dream. Through a combination of sacrifices and sheer determination, they secured the necessary funds, allowing him to step into a world that held both promise and daunting challenges.
This experience instilled in him a profound fear of failure, a fear that would become a constant companion and, paradoxically, a driving force. He was determined to succeed, not just for himself, but for his family who had sacrificed so much.
AUBG: Finding Community and Conquering Fears
The American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) was his next ambitious target. Recognizing the scarcity of scholarships, he spent his summers in the United States, working a series of demanding jobs. “I was a food server, dishwasher, line cook, landscaper, and pool attendant,” he recalls. “Starting before dawn, I’d work five different jobs, with only half a day off every three weeks.” He meticulously saved every dollar, returning each fall to AUBG with just enough to continue his studies.
Campus life presented a stark contrast to his upbringing. Surrounded by affluence, Lachezar felt the weight of his financial constraints. “I was intimidated,” he admits. “The fear of failure was a constant presence.” Yet the friendships forged at AUBG became his anchor.
“The amazing people I met there made all the fears melt away. They created a sense of belonging and support that helped me overcome any obstacle.”
After graduating from AUBG, Lachezar set his sights on San Francisco. Without a work visa, he returned to familiar fear territory, waiting tables at the Hard Rock Café. A chance encounter led to a door-to-door sales position, which eventually evolved into a database administrator role at a telecom company, paving the way for him to secure his visa.
Google and beyond
His path ultimately led him to Google, where he’s been delving into the complexities of AI and advertising for more than 11 years. Along the way, he furthered his education by earning an MBA in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
As the first in his family to attend college, Lachezar felt a deep responsibility to pave the way for future generations. He remained committed to his family, supporting his parents through health challenges and mentoring his nieces and nephews through college, determined to ensure that everyone after him had the opportunity to earn a degree. Lachezar readily acknowledges the vital role his support network played in his success.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing people in my life – my friends, AUBG alumni, coworkers, and everyone who has been there where I needed the most.”
Their encouragement, guidance, and support were crucial to his ability to navigate the challenges and persevere through tough moments throughout his journey.
Driven by gratitude for the sacrifices his family made for his education, his ultimate goal is to extend that same opportunity to children in need. He envisions leveraging his expertise to create a business to help them access higher education, providing them with the chance to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential.
“It’s something I’m actively working towards. Google has been an amazing place to learn and build relationships, and it’s given me the foundation and inspiration to pursue this dream.”
Atanasov’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the enduring strength of family ties, and the unexpected ways in which fear can fuel ambition. His journey is a reminder that adversity can shape character, and that success is often born from a combination of determination, resourcefulness, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference. It’s a Silicon Valley story forged not in privilege, but in the crucible of hardship and an unwavering will to succeed.
His AUBG family looks forward to hearing about the next chapter.
