Having one of the largest QA departments in Macedonia is both a privilege and a responsibility. Maintaining a resilient and cohesive team requires a significant amount of energy and investment in people. These investments ultimately result in the development of leaders who create value. Dimitar Stojanovski is a prime example of this. His unwavering dedication to excellence has led him to become our VD Practice Unit Manager. The following is his remarkable journey towards becoming a leader.
When did you become a part of ⋮IWConnect?
I’ve been working at ⋮IWConnect since March 7, 2016, so it’s been 7 years now!
What was the first project you worked on?
My first project at ⋮IWConnect was for the world’s largest musical instrument retailer. The objective of the project was to test a mobile Point-of-Sale (POS) solution that could be operated via a tablet, with the aim of enhancing the organization’s service delivery and customer experience. The project involved integrating a complex Order Management System that was already in use within their retail system. The primary objectives of the project were to expedite the sales process, ensure that product information was accessible from any location within the stores, improve mobility, and establish a well-organized system for managing specific orders.
Describe your growth path in the company.
During my early days as a QA Consultant at ⋮IWConnect, I faced the challenge of adjusting to a new environment and acquiring numerous new skills. However, I embraced these challenges and eagerly stepped forward when opportunities arose. As a result, I was promoted from Junior to Technical Consultant within the first year.
Following my promotion, our team underwent changes, and I was appointed as the QA Team Lead for our project. This role brought forth new obstacles, including team leadership, effective client communication, and task delegation. Meanwhile, our company hired a professional coach to help us develop our soft skills and leadership mindset, which was tremendously beneficial for my growth in these areas.
Within 3.5 years of working at ⋮IWConnect, I achieved the position of Senior QA Consultant. Since then, I have led various projects and managed teams of different sizes, ranging from 5 to 23 members. These experiences have contributed significantly to my growth as a QA Consultant at ⋮IWConnect.
What is your profile of a VD Practice Unit Manager?
As a VD Practice Unit Manager, I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within my team. With a focus on mentorship, training, and motivation, I will empower my team members to reach their full potential and contribute to the company’s success. By offering constructive guidance and feedback, I will inspire my team to strive for excellence in their work and collaborate effectively to deliver high-quality software. My ultimate goal is to empower our clients by maintaining high-quality standards and driving the success of the company.
It’s important for me to be adaptable and flexible in my approach to problem-solving. I understand that each project is unique and may require different methodologies, tools, or approaches to deliver high-quality software. I’m always open to new ideas and approaches, and I will encourage my team to share their insights and perspectives. Additionally, I place a strong emphasis on building a culture of transparency and trust, where everyone feels comfortable sharing their feedback and concerns. This helps foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
What was the biggest challenge in becoming a VD Practice Unit Manager QA for you?
One of the most significant challenges I faced when aspiring to become a VD Practice Unit Manager QA was deciding on my future focus. With this position, I understand that I will be required to shift my attention away from the technical aspects of the job and focus more on leadership and business-oriented skills. However, I recognize that this role offers a tremendous opportunity to empower and support my practice and clients more effectively. To be successful in this position, I must remain up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends while strengthening my communication and leadership abilities. I am eager to take on this challenge and leverage my expertise to drive the success of our company.
Name one thing you have been most proud of in the last 5 years workwise.
I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a wonderful team environment within the QA practice. I’m extremely proud of my QA colleagues for their unwavering support and always having each other’s backs. It feels like a family here, and this is evident in our high retention rate. We form an unbreakable chain that consistently delivers exceptional results and can overcome any challenge thrown our way. I’m grateful to be part of such a fantastic team, and I’m excited to see what we will achieve in the future!
