The Mentorship Mindset: MarketStar Bulgaria’s Commitment to Developing Talent

At MarketStar Bulgaria, mentorship isn’t just a corporate policy—it’s ingrained in the very fabric of our culture. Our commitment to mentorship stems from the belief that fostering growth and sharing knowledge benefits not only our employees but also the broader professional community. By encouraging both formal and informal mentoring, we strive to create a culture of continuous learning and personal development.

Mentorship as a Pillar of Our Culture

MarketStar Bulgaria believes that mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for professional and personal growth. We support a range of internal and external mentorship initiatives that allow our employees to pass on their expertise, nurture future talent, and develop their own leadership skills.

One of our key external programs is Mentor the Young - Bulgaria , where team members actively collaborate with youth by developing real business cases and guiding them through solving real-world challenges.

Teofil Shikov, our VP of Bulgarian Operations, is a strong advocate of mentorship and has been actively involved in programs such as ABLE Activator, AIESEC, Teenovator, and initiatives with the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) for over a decade. His commitment sets the tone for how deeply embedded mentorship is in our company’s DNA.

Supporting Our New Hires

Internally, we’ve created the New Hire Mentorship Program—a structured, three-month initiative designed to guide and support new employees during their first 100 days at MarketStar . This program pairs new hires with experienced employees who help them navigate the company culture, develop specific skills, and achieve personal career goals.

The success of this program speaks for itself. Participation has doubled in recent cohorts, and it now spans across our NAMER and EMEA regions. The program’s flexibility allows mentorship to focus on either general career development or specific skills based on the needs of the mentee. It is this tailored approach that ensures both mentor and mentee grow and develop in meaningful ways.

The Benefits of Mentoring

For MarketStar, mentorship is a two-way street. By giving back to the community and mentoring young professionals, we not only contribute to shaping the next generation of talent but also enhance our internal capabilities. Mentors develop new perspectives, strengthen their communication skills, and become better leaders through these interactions.

More importantly, mentorship plays a pivotal role in fulfilling our broader mission: to support and empower the next generation. Our employees grow into more adaptable, creative, and proactive leaders, qualities that are crucial in a constantly evolving business landscape.

Developing Skills Beyond the Classroom

One of the challenges we observe in today’s labor market is that while students graduate with strong theoretical knowledge, they often lack the practical skills needed to excel in the corporate world. Our internal Ascend Program is specifically designed to address this gap, supporting the development of leadership and professional skills at every level of our organization.

This program connects employees with senior leaders as mentors, creating a dynamic exchange of knowledge that strengthens the leadership pipeline within MarketStar. In addition to structured learning resources from leading global providers, our Talent Development team ensures that new hires have the support they need through regular onboarding checkpoints within their first 90 days.

Mentorship and Hiring

While we don’t use mentorship programs as a direct hiring method, they certainly help us identify motivated and high-potential candidates. Those who engage actively in mentorship often exhibit greater drive, creativity, and adaptability—traits we highly value at MarketStar. In turn, employees who take on mentorship roles develop strong coaching and leadership abilities, further strengthening their impact within the organization.

A Global Perspective on Talent

At MarketStar, we approach each candidate individually, focusing on their skills, potential, and motivation, rather than where they obtained their education. While studying abroad can offer added advantages such as cross-cultural communication and a broader worldview, it is by no means a prerequisite for success.

We have outstanding employees who graduated from Bulgarian institutions, like the American University in Bulgaria and Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski , and they continue to thrive in our fast-paced, dynamic work environment. Ultimately, what matters most to us is how candidates apply their knowledge and whether they have the drive to keep learning and growing.

A Personal Note from Teofil Shikov

“Mentors have always played a crucial role in my personal and professional growth. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible mentors since I was 15 years old, and they’ve been a guiding force throughout every stage of my career—from school and university to my time working in India, my entrepreneurial ventures, and now, in the corporate world.

Today, I feel it’s my responsibility to give back. That’s why I actively participate in several mentorship programs, including a nearly two-year collaboration with the founder of Mentor the Young, Alexander Gramatikov. When I mentor, I always respect the individual experiences of those I work with and encourage them to adapt my advice to their own context. I believe the final decision should always be personal, not influenced by external factors.” - Teofil Shikov, VP, Bulgaria Operations at MarketStar

Conclusion: A Future Built on Mentorship

At MarketStar, mentorship isn’t just a part of our employee development strategy—it’s a cornerstone of our company’s philosophy. Through our internal programs like Ascend, Aspire, and the New Hire Mentorship Program, as well as external initiatives like Mentor the Young and AUBG Clubs, we create an environment where employees not only grow professionally but also inspire and guide young talent.

Our mission is to foster growth, build trust, and create lasting relationships with future professionals. By championing mentorship, we aim to demonstrate how sustainable business growth is driven by investing in people and their development.

For additional perspectives on mentorship and its impact on talent development, you can explore more in Капитал ’s latest article on the subject.