Hi there! I'm Anna. I come from Ukraine, but now I live in the UK. I'm 23 years old. I joined avilo during the last year of my studies. I started as an intern and really enjoyed the work and the team. After my internship, I was lucky enough to get a full-time position here. Over time, I worked my way up and now, I'm proud to say I'm the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). I've been with avilo for about two and a half years, and it's been a wonderful experience so far!

That's an impressive journey, Anna! What motivated you to pursue a career in marketing?

Actually, when I was applying to university, all I knew was that I wanted to study business with the goal of setting up my own company someday. I graduated with a degree in International Business Administration and a minor in Marketing.

While I was at university, I found marketing naturally more interesting to me, so I started taking more courses in that area and decided to make it my minor. What I loved about the marketing courses was that they were very practical. I got the chance to gain a lot of hands-on experience, which I really enjoyed.

I also believe that marketing is one of the key areas of business. It plays a crucial role in understanding customers, building brand awareness, and driving sales. That realization motivated me to pursue a career in marketing, and it's been a perfect fit for me.

It's great to hear how your interest in marketing developed and led you to your current role, where you truly shine. So far what is the most rewarding part of your job as CMO?

Thank you! I would say that the most rewarding part of my job as CMO is showcasing the great work and solutions developed by our team to the world. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the projects come to life and receive recognition.

Another highlight is seeing all the positive feedback and results from our work, whether it's a product presentation or a social media post. Knowing that our audience appreciates what we do is really rewarding.

Teamwork is also a big part of what makes this job rewarding. We always brainstorm and develop ideas together, which makes the process exciting and dynamic.

Lastly, I love the constant learning involved in marketing. The field is always evolving, and keeping up with new trends and techniques keeps things fresh and engaging.

Can you share a piece of advice you received that has stuck with you throughout your career?

Definitely! A mentor once advised me, "Don't be afraid to fail; be afraid not to try." Knowing that every failure is a learning opportunity and a step closer to success has encouraged me a lot during my career to take risks and experiment with new ideas.

This advice has also been particularly relevant in marketing, where creativity is essential. Early in my career, our first lead generation efforts brought in zero leads, and our initial social media posts got zero likes. It was discouraging at times, but this advice reminded me that success often comes from taking risks and learning from failures.

We kept trying new approaches, refining our strategies, and learning from what didn't work. Today, all those activities are successful because we were willing to take risks and not give up.

This experience taught me that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, and that determination is key to achieving great results in marketing.

That’s such valuable advice, and it’s clear that it’s had a significant impact on your career. Outside of work, how do you like to spend your free time?

Thank you! Outside of work, I love to travel and explore new places. There's something extremely exciting for me about discovering different cultures. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's walking, cycling, or just staying in nature. I like to stay active, so you can often find me at the gym or out for a run. Additionally, I enjoy trying out new hobbies every few months. Some things I've liked include gardening, candle making, and my most recent hobby, sewing. I also have a passion for style and shopping, and I love reading in my free time.

For anyone looking to enter the marketing field, I recommend building a strong foundation in the basics first. Take courses in marketing principles and digital marketing, and seek hands-on experience through internships or projects. This practical knowledge is invaluable.

Networking is also crucial. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and don't hesitate to reach out to people whose work inspires you. Building these relationships can open doors and provide deeper insights into the industry.

Lastly, embrace creativity and be willing to experiment. Not every campaign will be a success, but each one teaches you something valuable. Don’t shy away from trying new ideas and learning from your mistakes. Creativity and innovation are what drives effective marketing.