Channel Post speaks with Mary Aji, Marketing Director, StarLink ME about her IT career path and how she coined the term ‘accidental marketer’ to her role in the industry.
Tell us about your leadership style and philosophy.
My dominant leadership style is servant leadership. Empathy, stewardship and mentoring is at the core of all I do. Seeing individuals grow gives me great satisfaction. However, I strongly believe that leadership should be situational– depending upon the teams or individual you are working with; there is no ‘one size fits all’ philosophy when it comes to leadership. I am also a strong proponent of ‘walk the talk’!
What made you choose IT as a career opportunity?
At school, even before the IT boom, Electronics was a subject that fascinated me, ergo, as a stream of study, Computer Science and a career in IT was a natural transition. However, a career in the IT industry as a Marketer was a coincidence that evolved into a pleasant outcome!
What are the factors that have prepared you for success in the industry?
Educational background and experience do help, however, I still consider myself an ‘accidental marketer’, and am learning every day, on the job. Being agile and open to learning and change is the key to success, methinks! Furthermore, no amount of experience or qualification can help one, without people skills.
What was your most interesting job?
It is not one aspect or job per se. To me, every organization I work with, is ‘my own’ – can’t help it, it is just the way I am! This nature of mine presents loads of interesting aspects and scenarios beyond my functional job role. That, to me it is very interesting because you get immense opportunities to lead and be led, learn and pass on your lessons!
What advice would you give to women looking to break into the field of computer technology?
Strive to be the best at what you do. Be a life-long student. Especially in such a dynamic industry, stay avant-garde! By the way, that goes for all, not just women.
What is the greatest transformation in technology you’ve witnessed in your career?
Digitalization, for sure! For marketers, our careers have been transformed tremendously!
With the onset of the digital era, we marketers entered the New Media Age. With this transition came the evolution of New Age Marketers who had to be more innovative, technical and much more agile in their marketing strategy.
Marketing now, is more than brand-building and communications. As a function it directly affects business growth and customer experience like never before. Marketers are now gaining influence within the C-Suites and boardrooms and are perceived as influential corporate leaders, akin to the CTOs and CIOs of an organization.
Are you involved in any sort of volunteer work? Can you give us some details?
Yes. I’d just say, my work predominantly involves children’s welfare – it is something very close to my heart!
What’s next for you in terms of your career in the tech industry?
There isn’t a specific milestone in isolation. Stay agile. Learn. Serve.
