In this Team Talk, we sat down with Katja Škof Žavcer, our Head of Quality Assurance (QA) at Comtrade Gaming, a trailblazer with over twenty years of outstanding dedication. Join us as we explore Katja's inspiring journey, her pivotal role in shaping the QA landscape, and her influential contributions to our organizational culture and vision. From her initial steps in the IT industry to leading a dynamic team, Katja's story is a blend of professional evolution and personal passion.
Can you briefly describe your career journey at Comtrade Gaming, from your early days to your current role as Head of QA?
My journey started back in 2000, when as a student of informatics, I was exploring the IT industry, torn between programming and testing. Over the first ten years, I gathered a lot of experience in testing within Hermes Softlab and Comtrade, contributing to over 25 diverse projects. This included working on enterprise management systems, embedded systems, and with telecommunications operators. Many of these projects involved international companies. Each project brought a new team composition, offering me valuable insights into working with people from varied backgrounds and mindsets. This experience unknowingly laid a strong foundation for my people management skills.
What are some pivotal projects or milestones that have played a significant role in your career at Comtrade Gaming?
Joining Comtrade Gaming in 2012 marked the beginning of a crucial phase in my career. The Genting and Dafabet projects, in particular, stand out as key milestones. They involved challenging areas in the iGaming platform, such as real time bonusing and payments, and marked the start of my journey as a QA Lead. This role was instrumental in my personal and professional development and in shaping the approach I bring to each project.
How have you contributed to the development of Comtrade Gaming's mission and vision over the years?
I've always aimed to embody qualities such as being well-organized, independent, positive, and flexible, with a strong focus on quality and solutions. My role often requires working under pressure to meet tight deadlines, which has honed my ability to motivate teams and achieve successful releases. Being able to work effectively with on-site teams has also been a significant part of my contribution.
Could you share a specific achievement or moment at Comtrade Gaming that stands out as a highlight of your career?
A highlight for me has been my ability to connect with people beyond just professional interactions. I've been recognized as 'Best of the Best' (internal recognition project) four times in the last ten years, which not only boosts my motivation but also affirms that I'm on the right path, putting my heart into my work.
What experiences and skills have been instrumental in your progression from your initial role to becoming the Head of QA?
My journey to becoming Head of QA at Comtrade Gaming has been shaped by a myriad of experiences and skills. This includes my educational background, technical skills, understanding of various testing methodologies, and strong communication skills. Additionally, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and leadership and management skills, particularly in adaptability, have been crucial in my growth.
In your role as Head of QA, why is QA and testing critical in the iGaming industry, and how has it evolved at Comtrade Gaming?
QA and testing are vital in the iGaming industry because our iCore platform must always operate smoothly and efficiently, especially during high-load periods like popular events or promotions. Our QA team ensures this stability and performance through manual and automated testing across a vast spectrum of test scenarios. The evolution of QA and testing in gaming, particularly at Comtrade Gaming, has seen a significant shift towards automation. Rapid updates of new functionalities in our iCore product demand meticulous planning, agility, and efficient testing. Our team adapts weekly to the fast-paced development methodology and agile practices, embracing risks to ensure the reliability of new features in our platform.
Outside of your professional responsibilities, how do you manage to achieve a work-life balance and prioritize relaxation and personal interests?
Achieving work-life balance is a blend of professional dedication and personal growth. At work, maintaining positivity is vital for team morale and collaboration. My mottos, "Leaders become great by empowering others" and "Great achievements in business require teamwork," highlight the importance of personal well-being for professional excellence.
Outside of work, I balance relaxation and excitement through my hobbies. I enjoy Latino Solo dance and especially love activities that involve speed, like skiing, cycling, and driving. A memorable experience was my 1100 km cycling trip around Slovenia in 10 days, combining the challenge of endurance with the joy of rapid movement. In the evenings, I unwind with movies, TV shows, and crocheting, a hobby dear to me since childhood. These activities are vital for my well-being, positively impacting both my personal and professional life.
Our discussion with Katja brings to light the essence of a successful career intertwined with personal fulfillment. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of dedication, adaptability, and positive connections. We thank Katja for sharing her invaluable experiences at Comtrade Gaming, leaving us inspired to pursue our own paths with passion and balance.