Doncho’s Journey at MarketStar: From Newcomer to Team Lead in Just Six Months

A Bold Beginning 

Doncho’s journey at MarketStar began when he was contacted via LinkedIn for a Senior Workday administrator role. However, during the interview process, he met Dave Huggard and Meggan Higgins, who saw potential beyond the original role and offered him the position of Senior Enterprise Application Administrator. This role expanded his scope to overseeing multiple critical applications, including Workday, DocuSign, FreshService, Luminance, Cangrade, and PayFactors. 

From the very start, Doncho was struck by the professionalism and communication of his hiring team. His first impression of MarketStar was overwhelmingly positive—he felt a warm welcome from colleagues and leadership, saw a strong commitment to employee well-being, and recognized a wealth of opportunities for learning and growth. 

The First Steps: Laying the Foundation for Success 

Starting in January 2024, Doncho quickly immersed himself in his role, learning the intricacies of multiple enterprise applications. He didn’t just focus on maintaining these systems—he actively sought opportunities to optimize them. His curiosity and dedication made him a key resource for his colleagues, who soon started looking to him for advice and guidance. 

MarketStar’s emphasis on employee well-being and development provided the perfect environment for him to thrive. The company offered extensive learning opportunities, and Doncho took full advantage, completing a series of advanced courses, including: 

• Workday Compensation and Benefits Fundamentals 

• FreshService Fundamentals, Admin, and Agent training 

• DocuSign University Certification 

These certifications not only expanded his technical expertise but also built his confidence as a subject matter expert within his team. 

Rising to the Challenge: A Leadership Opportunity 

By the time Doncho reached his six-month mark, his impact was undeniable. Recognizing his contributions, MarketStar promoted him to Enterprise Applications Team Lead. With this new role came greater responsibility—he became the main escalation contact for all the applications he had been managing, ensuring smooth operations and mentoring others on best practices. 

It wasn’t just about a title change, it was a turning point in his career at MarketStar. Doncho had moved beyond executing tasks to influencing processes and guiding others. He was no longer just a skilled administrator—he was a leader. 

The Power of Support and Mentorship 

Reflecting on his growth, Doncho credits much of his success to the support he received along the way. His managers, Dave Huggard and Meggan Higgins, played a crucial role, always ensuring he had the guidance and resources needed to succeed. His teammates, particularly Andrea Ward, also provided invaluable mentorship, helping him navigate the complexities of MarketStar’s business. 

Their encouragement reinforced what Doncho had come to believe—growth isn’t just about personal effort. It’s about being in an environment that challenges and supports you at the same time. 

Lessons Learned: Advice for Future MarketStar Employees 

Having advanced so quickly, Doncho is passionate about sharing what he’s learned with others who are just starting their journey at MarketStar or anywhere else. His advices are simple but powerful: 

• Never give up. Challenges will come, but persistence is key. 

• Never stop learning. The more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities open up. 

• Learn from your mistakes. They are stepping stones to success. 

• Work hard and stay positive. Effort and attitude go a long way.

• Be kind and grateful. The right relationships can shape your career. 

For those looking to build a global career, Doncho emphasizes the importance of passion, collaboration, flexibility, and openness to feedback. These qualities, he believes, are what truly set successful professionals apart. 

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future 

With his rapid career progression at MarketStar, Doncho is excited about what’s ahead. His goal is no longer just about his own growth—it’s about inspiring and supporting others in their journey. Having gone from a new hire to a team lead in just six months, he now wants to help others see that MarketStar is a place where ambition is rewarded, and hard work leads to real opportunities. 

As he continues his journey, Doncho remains committed to learning, leading, and making a meaningful impact. His story is proof that at MarketStar, growth isn’t just possible—it’s expected for those who are ready to seize the opportunity.