Donnah Excels in NetSuite Consulting by Blending Soft Skills with System Expertise

I joined Staria in 2018 literally from the other side of the world. I grew up in the Philippines, and I had worked there as consultant at Oracle NetSuite, Atticus, SGV (affiliate of Ernst & Young). My time with these employers was very valuable as I learned the ins and outs of NetSuite, honed both my functional and technical skills, and gained valuable experience working with international clients. Also, I was exposed to large-scale system implementation projects, which gave me a strong foundation in consulting and project management. I gained valuable experience in collaboration, adaptability, and clear communication.

I first connected with Staria when I was working in the Philippines at an offshoring company and after a year of handling NetSuite implementations remotely, Staria offered me the opportunity to join their core team in Finland. It was a big decision to move to a new country, far from my family and everything I knew. But I was excited by the challenge and the chance to grow both personally and professionally. I have always believed in the company, and they have continued to believe in me, plus I didn’t want to live with the thought of “what if” for the rest of my life, so I packed my bags and took a huge leap of faith.

To new beginnings

At Staria, I started as a Senior Consultant, working on NetSuite projects for international clients. Over time, I took on more responsibility and transitioned into the role of Principal Consultant. My work now often blends the responsibilities of a principal consultant and an architect: I oversee projects, ensure systems work smoothly together, and help clients get the most out of their solutions. I enjoy guiding clients toward the best options for their needs, even if that means recommending against heavy customizations they wish to have. I always want to make thorough analysis and calculations to find out what are the best options to each client, and it’s very rewarding when clients appreciate honest advice and see real value in the solutions we deliver.

I was nervous about starting over in a new environment but from the moment I arrived, my colleagues at Staria made me feel welcome. Their kindness and hands-on support made all the difference, and I quickly felt at home in Turku.

Compared to Senior Consultant, my work is now more strategic, comprehensive and complex. I architect end-to-end solutions, set standards and best practices and lead some of the most complex, high-value, or strategic projects. Instead of just focusing on project delivery, I also help clients in addressing business process challenges and optimizing their NetSuite systems for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Teamwork and clients’ appreciation fuel motivation

A typical day for me is busy and varied. I spend a lot of time in meetings, configuring systems, and supporting both clients and colleagues. I help frontline consultants tackle complex questions, and while the days can be hectic, I genuinely prefer being busy than sluggish.

However, the most important skills in my role aren’t just technical. Patience, understanding, and a positive attitude are essential, especially when stepping into challenging projects or working with clients who’ve had tough experiences in the past. I don’t allow myself to be affected by these situations and I do my best to gain the client’s trust and face them with positivity. Of course, I can’t convince them fully alone, and what I like about working at Staria is the fact that no matter how busy we are, we have the mindset to always be collaborative, and help is always available.

My work is mentally demanding, and while solutions don’t always come immediately, some of the best ideas emerge after taking a step back. I’ve learned that maintaining perspective, recharging, and approaching challenges with a clear mind are just as essential as technical and functional skills.

Some of the most memorable moments in my career have come from overcoming challenges and witnessing the real impact of my work. I still remember when my insights helped save a client from significant issues, it reminded me how powerful it is to truly understand a client’s needs. Another unforgettable moment was receiving a heartfelt message from a client who appreciated how quickly I had taken over and delivered a project that someone else had started. The one that will always stay closest to my heart was when my director surprised me with a beautiful orchid and she thanked me for the great work I had done and for bringing sunshine to the team. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do — because behind every project are real people who value your effort, growth, and heart.

Thriving in an awarded team

I’m grateful for the growth I’ve experienced at Staria, I recognize that my story is one of a kind. Moving from the offshore team in Philippines to the core team in Finland was a big step, and not everyone gets that chance. Luckily Staria has flexible remote work possibilities and I’m able to visit my family in Philippines every now and then. I tend to travel back especially during winters, coincidentally!

At Staria we’re encouraged to expand our knowledge and career growth is supported through regular reviews, guidance from team leaders, and opportunities for certifications. My growth has been made possible through a combination of personal effort and the guidance and support of those around me.

I’ve worked at Staria for many years now and I still like it here as I get to work with colleagues that are top professionals and supportive, no wonder Staria has been awarded by Oracle NetSuite many times. I enjoy being part of a team that is so skillful, we elevate each other higher.

Of course, there are challenges in every work: juggling multiple projects, prioritizing urgent tasks, and finding solutions to complex problems can be a challenge. But the satisfaction of making customers happy and seeing their success makes it all worthwhile.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing. My aspiration is to reach solution architect role someday and I also love teaching and mentoring others – that’s something I look forward to. However, perhaps an even more challenging goal I have set for myself is learning Finnish – apua!