In our latest Beyond Code series, we sit down with Yoan Todorov, a Scrum Master at Anthill, whose career trajectory is a vibrant narrative of growth and adaptability. From his early days as a fresh graduate to steering teams in the dynamic realms of fintech and digital healthcare, Yoan’s journey is full of of learning and evolution. At Anthill, he embodies a pivotal role, nurturing diverse teams toward success while fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. Join us as we delve into Yoan’s path where personal interests seamlessly intertwine with a fulfilling career.
Q: Tell us about you and your career journey as a Scrum Master.
Yoan: It’s been a wild ride since day one. I got my first role as an IT project manager back in 2017 when I was just fresh out of uni. It was a jump in the cold water for me as I had to get neck deep into technical work very fast, but I put some elbow grease into it and soon got on top of it. From then on, it’s been an exciting journey through some of the most dynamic software companies in fintech, automotive and digital healthcare. One thing I did notice, though, is that with each next role I took, I got more and more interested in team dynamics, soft skills and process optimization, so the transition to the Scrum Maste role came as the natural next step to me.
Q: Can you describe your role at Anthill and what a typical day looks like for you?
Yoan: I’ve been a part of the Anthill team for over a year, collaborating with several key partners during this period. It’s been a mutually enriching experience, with both the company and I evolving significantly. Currently, I serve as the Scrum Master for four development teams at Allane Mobility Group, one of Anthill’s principal partners. My role involves liaising with team members across various continents and cultures, facilitating their success by implementing best practices, and serving as a reliable point of contact for any concerns they may have.
Q: Please describe your job in a way that a 3-year-old would understand it.
Yoan: Imagine it’s your first day at kindergarten. I’m here to show you around, introduce you to new friends, and ensure you have a great time. I organize fun activities, help you learn new songs, and ensure you’re always happy and comfortable, just like a helpful friend in the playground.
Q: How do you stay current with the latest technologies and trends in software development?
Yoan: To stay up-to-date, I actively engage in networking and collaborate with a diverse group of professionals in the IT sector globally. This approach allows me to focus on real-world applications and trends, rather than getting lost in the vast sea of online content. I prioritize acquiring skills that add substantial value to my role and the company, aligning with the industry’s current demands. At the end of the day, you are only worth what you can bring to the table in terms of added value to the company, so I just make sure that I spend time on skills that add to that value and are needed within the industry and in my role.
Q: What was your motivation to join Anthill’s team?
Yoan: Initially, the prospect of working with a renowned partner company drew me to Anthill. However, over time, I developed a deep connection with Anthill’s vibrant culture and the remarkable team, which eventually solidified my decision to build a long-term career here instead.
Q: How does Anthill support the career growth and development of its software developers?
Yoan: I believe that what makes Anthill different from any other IT company on the market is the fact that there is a very tailor-made approach when it comes to hiring, onboarding and developing employees. When you start here, you can be 99% certain that your role will be the right fit for you, thanks to our great recruitment team who go out of their way to ensure that every candidate is tailor-fitted to their best possible match in terms of role and responsibilities. And, of course, should the 1% happen, where you just realize you want something else after all, there’s still enough options to explore thanks to all the different opportunities that Anthill has available across our partner network.
Q: How does Anthill encourage and support its software developers to pursue their own interests?
With the risk of getting into HR territory, here are just a couple of the initiatives that we currently have in that regard: starting from day one, we have a very well-established onboarding process and buddy program so that everyone feels welcome and part of the team. Then we also have quarterly goals which are set together with the direct manager from Anthill. What’s more, we also have hack days off to work on our own ideas. We also have access to learning resources, individual mentorship and so on.
Q: Can you share a project that you are currently working on that you find particularly exciting or challenging, and why?
I am currently transitioning into a functional leadership role within a key product pillar at Allane Mobility Group. This role not only allows me to utilize my existing skill set but also encourages me to develop competencies beyond the traditional scope of a Scrum Master, which I find both challenging and exhilarating.
Q: Last but not least, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about horology. I am an avid watch enthusiast and an emerging collector, dedicating time to research and appreciate the intricacies of watchmaking. Additionally, I enjoy playing the guitar, watching Formula 1, and indulging in a good barbecue session.