The ServiceNow ecosystem thrives because of its community – practitioners, developers, architects, and leaders who don’t just use the platform but actively shape its future.
Two programs, Rising Stars and MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals), recognize individuals who embody this spirit of contribution.
For those currently holding the Rising Star badge, the next logical step may be to aim for MVP status. But what does that actually mean? And why might it be worth the commitment? Here we explore this further, drawing on the experiences of two ServiceNow MVPs, Harneetsingh Sital and Mahathi Veena, who shared insights into expectations, support, influence, and the benefits of the program.
Defining Rising Stars and MVPs
First things first, what’s the difference between a Rising Star and an MVP?
Rising Stars are emerging leaders in the ServiceNow community – individuals who show promise, contribute consistently, and demonstrate passion for the ecosystem. MVPs, on the other hand, are the more established voices in the ServiceNow community.
“A Rising Star is someone who is budding in the ecosystem, and they still want to give their all to the community with whatever knowledge they have,” says Veena. “When it comes to an MVP, they’re a little bit more experienced in the ecosystem. They probably have more ideas on how ServiceNow can be implemented.”
In short, Rising Stars are emerging voices; MVPs are proven thought leaders with technical depth, influence, and consistency in giving back.
Key Expectations of MVPs
Importantly, the MVP program isn’t about checking boxes – it’s about consistent, visible impact across the community, according to those that we spoke to.
Contributions can take many forms, such as:
- Writing LinkedIn posts and technical articles.
- Hosting or speaking at developer meetups.
- Recording YouTube tutorials or podcasts.
- Answering questions in forums and Discord channels.
- Participating in major ServiceNow events like Knowledge.
“You can do anything to support the community and encourage people using ServiceNow,” explains Sital. “You can put an article on LinkedIn, you can create videos on YouTube, conduct meetups, speak at Knowledge… There’s also a community where people post questions and give an opportunity to answer those questions.”
“You definitely have to give back to the community in some way, and they are also expecting you to be technically sound or technically more progressive when compared to a Rising Star,” adds Veena.
In essence, MVPs are recognized not for a single activity but for sustained contributions that inspire and elevate the community.
How ServiceNow Supports MVPs
One of the most compelling aspects of the MVP program is the access and support that ServiceNow provides.
“We get to talk to product managers…they come on to these sessions, and they talk about that product, and more information is shared with us. They ask us to test everything out, see how things are, build a new skill, and post how experiences have been [to the] community,” says Sital.
Veena echoes this, pointing out insider access to beta features and product initiatives: “You get sneak peeks into releases. We have MVP meetups every month where we get to discuss the different areas of expertise that each MVP belongs to. Preference is given to an MVP [in] product research initiatives.”
This level of engagement not only benefits MVPs personally but also amplifies their ability to provide value back to their peers and customers.
Influence on ServiceNow’s Roadmap
MVPs don’t just consume information; they help shape the direction of the platform.
According to Sital: “Before it’s launched to the public, they reach out to us MVPs and see our feedback on the products. So yeah, we can influence, we give our feedback, and then it’s sent back to the product managers, [who] then consider if it needs to be incorporated or not.”
Veena shares a similar perspective: “It gives you an opportunity to get insight into ServiceNow in multiple areas, and your ideas also play an important role over there,” she says.
“They have a user Advisory Council… It’s more like an insider view. You are not directly working for the company, but then you get an insider view of a lot of initiatives that they bring in and that will actually shape the product in the future.”
For customers, this influence translates into real value: MVPs can anticipate platform directions and bring those insights back to their organizations.
However, MVP status isn’t permanent – it must be renewed annually, with evaluation based on ongoing contributions. This ensures that MVPs remain active and aligned with community needs, rather than resting on past achievements.
Here, Sital emphasizes the role of feedback and evolution: “We have a monthly call with the community team, and they incorporate any feedback we give them. It’s constantly evolving.”
Collaboration Across Regions
The MVP community is global, which creates an opportunity to collaborate with peers at home and across regions. Sital has previously hosted a podcast with fellow MVP Ishaan Shoor. He also points out that virtual and physical meetups are commonplace.
Veena highlights the power of monthly meetups: “Every time there’s a discussion that is happening amongst the MVPs, each one brings in their experience to the table. You get to learn a lot of things from there.”
The Benefits of MVP Status
Becoming an MVP and maintaining that status is a commitment, in terms of time and effort. But both Sital and Veena are clear: the rewards outweigh the costs.
“The biggest one for me is a career boost,” says Sital. “That gives my resume a really good boost and stands out from other technical architects…because then the person knows that I’m actually contributing back, which shows leadership skills, communication skills, and compassion about the platform.”
For Veena, key benefits include exposure and growth. “You get good exposure. You get to see a group of individuals who are equally, or even more, experienced than you. That networking…is great exposure. I feel every time there’s a discussion, I keep learning, I keep upskilling, I get a lot of things,” she says.
Add to that recognition ServiceNow swag, free access to ServiceNow Knowledge, and direct product influence, and MVPs remain invested in the program year after year.
Final Thoughts: Should Rising Stars Take the Leap?
Both MVPs agree: if you’re a Rising Star, the MVP path is worth considering.
Veena recommends building on existing momentum: “I would recommend [Rising Stars] continue what they’re doing and keep upskilling themselves. If they’re more of a video person, there are multiple options. If they’re a non-technical person, then I would ask them to focus on more of the processes. Basically, what happens is it’s an added advantage when they look for opportunities outside as well.”
MVP status combines recognition, access, influence, and community impact. For Rising Stars who are already proving their passion, the next step is natural.
As Veena puts it: “Everybody’s journey is different.”
But for those Rising Stars considering the leap, MVP status offers a chance to amplify their influence, accelerate their careers, and be part of the inner circle shaping the future of ServiceNow.