Meet Strahil, our Skopje Site Lead and engineering manager with a serious learning passion and a love for new challenges.
Known for stepping up and solving problems like a pro, he’s the guy you want in your corner when the going gets tough. When he’s not leading the charge, you’ll find him wandering through the office and discussing various topics with our colleagues. Lifelong learning? Yep, he’s all about it.
Professional Journey
- How did you get started in delivery management, and what has your career journey been like?
I was lucky to have a chance to work for great companies and could change many roles in my career: from system engineer, solution architect, project manager – and today to delivery manager. My early experiences in pre-sales showed me that listening and understanding the client’s pain points, and then helping them overcome them, can be a rewarding experience.
- What’s been the most exciting or rewarding project you’ve worked on?
Recently, I worked on a project for an American client, a global gaming commerce company. It was an exciting experience because we had an amazing technical team, which gave me new insights into mobile app development. Plus, collaborating closely with our Professional Services team showed me how agile and scrum processes work at their best. It was a fantastic example of cross-team collaboration.
- What is your go-to approach when things don’t go as planned?
Mistakes are part of the process – especially when you’re taking on new challenges. I don’t shy away from them. Instead, I use them as opportunities to learn and grow. If I can take something positive from them, I try not to stress too much.
- Can you share a work-related challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
The toughest project I’ve worked on was a massive government one. There were constant changes in requirements, unexpected additional tasks popping up, and the pressure and emotions were intense. It was a highly regulated environment, mixed with political drama and public attention. In the end, it all came down to solid communication and managing stakeholders, plus really getting a handle on the local laws…unless you wanted to go to prison, that is.
- How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within a development team?
I usually try to step back and let the team work things out on their own for as long as I can – though, I’ll admit, that’s not always as easy as it sounds! It’s key to quickly gauge how serious the conflict is. If it looks like it could hurt the team or the business, I’ll step in sooner. But in general, I’m happiest when the team finds its own way to resolve things.
- What’s your preferred method for learning new things and developing new skills?
I like to start with a book – it might sound old-fashioned, but it helps me break through the initial barrier and get a solid grasp of the terminology and concepts. From there, I dive into white papers, blogs, and use tools like ChatGPT for additional research. To really solidify my understanding, I create a presentation on my findings and share it with my peers.
- What’s your favorite tech blog or website for staying updated in the industry?
https://www.theneurondaily.com/, https://newsletter.genai.works/
Various podcasts about: Fintech, Embedded Finance, SW Engineering Business and similar.
For some time, I have also been actively following the Bulgarian podcast Радиоточка 2 с Васи Гошева.
- What’s the best advice that you have received from a peer?
Take it slow. There’s a long road ahead, and you don’t have to rush through it. (Tactical) Procrastination can be good for you!
Personal Life & Interests
- When work’s done, how do you like to kick back and enjoy yourself?
After the office, my time is usually reserved for my family, trying not to think about work-related stuff and responsibilities. I try to practice digital detox as much as possible, and mobile internet is off between 21:00 and 09:00.
- How do you manage to maintain work-life balance, especially with all the responsibilities you juggle?
I usually start my mornings at the gym or a cardio to Vodno. This keeps me energized and calm through most of the working hours. The last thing before bed, I read books on various topics that interest me. This takes my mind off daily problems and distractions. This balanced day-night routine has kept me going for many years (and hopefully for many more).
- We all have those little things people at work don’t know about us – what’s something that might surprise people?
In high school, used to go couple of weeks every summer to these outdoor scout camps in Macedonia and Serbia. They were a bit like survival camps as they were based in remote places without any electricity, tab water or similar, and you basically needed to rely on nature and instincts.
- If you weren’t working in IT, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t in IT, I’d probably be doing something in science or research. It’s something I find calming, yet intellectually stimulating.
- What’s one non-work-related achievement you’re proud of?
Finally – an easy question! 😊 Raising and supporting my 7-year-old son. He’s my pride and joy!
- What’s one thing that’s still on your bucket list that you’re itching to do?
Take a couple of months sabbatical leave, as I ‘ve been continuously working for too long. Attending one last Pink Floyd concert wouldn’t hurt as well😊
- Do you have an unusual destination you’d recommend everyone to visit?
I’ve had the chance to work in Morocco and Tunisia, and I’d recommend visiting Marrakech if you enjoy old, fortified cities with historic and cultural sites. But personally, I enjoy London and Dublin the most, I think it’s due to the spirit of the hard rock and blues geniuses that created unforgettable music there.
- What is the last book you’ve read that has made an impression on you and you’d recommend?
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist has been the most recent author I’ve read, with his “Originals” and “Think Again”. In short, he argues that originality is not a trait reserved for a select few, but rather a mindset and set of behaviors that we can nurture ourselves. Amongst many, some of my other favorite authors include Cal Newport and Simon Sinek.
- What is your favorite playlist on Spotify?
On Spotify, I usually listen to some great guitarists from the past, such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clapton, Gilmour, Hendrix and such. Therefore, I first choose some of those players, and then select Spotify Radio and get a playlist like this one.
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