Every skill you acquire doubles your chances of success

Introduce yourself in a few words:

Hello! My name is Kaloyan Parchev and I am the founder and managing partner of Zetta Systems – a Bulgarian technology company specializing in DevOps as a Service, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and 24/7 support for critical business applications for clients in Europe and the USA. Together with my partners, we have over 20 years of experience in the IT sector.

My role is focused on discovering new business opportunities, defining the overall strategy of the company, and creating innovative solutions that accelerate the digital transformation of our current and future clients.

I believe that IT companies should create something unique – at Zetta Systems, that’s exactly what we do. We offer personalized and effective solutions instead of following mass trends.

What are the philosophy and values of the company you represent?

We believe that technology should serve people, not the other way around. The values that unite our team are:

Build it. Own it – We take full responsibility for everything we create – from the idea, through implementation, to maintenance. This is inspired by the DevOps culture, where the team is the "owner" of the product.
Skin in the game – As Nassim Taleb says: “Real decisions come only from those who bear the consequences of their actions.” We actively participate in our projects and take responsibility.
Explorers and Early Adopters – We always test new technologies and seek unconventional solutions.
Transparency – We maintain open communication both with clients and among ourselves.
Continuous self-learning and development – We believe that true learning begins after formal education, in real professional life.

How long have you been developing the company and what lessons have you learned?

We have been developing Zetta Systems for 11 years now. During this time, I have learned several invaluable lessons:

Adaptability is key – The technological world changes rapidly, and the ability to adapt determines success.
The team is the most valuable asset – As Steve Jobs used to say: “Great things in business are achieved by teams, not individuals.”
Mistakes are teachers – Every failure has made us stronger and wiser. Success is proportional to the lessons learned from failures.
Trust is the foundation of everything – Business is primarily about relationships, not just transactions.

What would you include in a job advertisement to attract new employees?

We are looking for not just specialists, but people who solve problems – Problem Solvers. Those who think creatively and do not limit themselves to the technical framework. We expect our colleagues to be responsible, committed, and willing to experiment.

At Zetta Systems, everyone is part of the solution. We are looking for team players with a desire to learn and grow. Our culture is oriented towards growth and self-improvement.

How do you create a constructive work environment? Do colleagues need to be friends?

It is not necessary for everyone to be friends, but it is critically important to have mutual respect, transparency, and professional synchronization. Natural friendships are welcome, but our main goal is to build a cohesive community of professionals.

We regularly hold meetings with teams and team leaders, where everyone can express their opinion. Trust is built not through team buildings, but through consistency, transparency, and being heard.

I love to quote an African proverb:
“If you want to go fast – go alone. If you want to go far – go together.”

How do you handle stressful moments?

Stress is inevitable. When crises arise, we focus on the solution, not the problem. We always act as a team.

Personally, I rely on dialogue with my partners and conversations with friends outside the professional sphere – they often give me a new perspective. Additionally, I exercise and take long walks, which help me maintain mental clarity.

Office, remote, or hybrid model?

We work in a hybrid model that combines the best of office and remote work. We have designated days for presence in the office – for teamwork and meetings, while the rest of the time can be worked remotely.

I believe in flexible working hours – the result is what matters, not the hours in front of the computer. Each person has a different rhythm and personal commitments – when we respect them, productivity and motivation increase.

How do technological changes affect your activity?

Technological changes are both a challenge and an opportunity. They require continuous learning and adaptation, but open new niches and paths for innovation.

We use an approach of “managed adaptation” – we monitor trends but approach them critically. We do not blindly jump on every new technology – we first assess its real value for the business.

Example: We are already using AI for automating various processes, but we always measure its effectiveness and practical benefits.

What is the role of hierarchy in your company?

Zetta Systems has a flat organizational structure with clearly defined responsibilities. The hierarchy in our company is functional – it facilitates the flow of information and defines specialization, not rank.

We maintain open and transparent communication – we encourage everyone to give ideas and feedback, regardless of their position. We use both formal channels and informal ones, such as team buildings, which blur hierarchical boundaries.

Your career advice?

My advice boils down to three main directions:

Invest in yourself – continuous learning, new skills, keeping up with trends.
Build a network of valuable contacts – help others without expecting something in return immediately.
Find the balance between deep expertise and a broad perspective – every new skill doubles your chances of success.