The role of the Head of Marketing within a business is pivotal, as it encompasses strategic planning, brand management, market research, advertising, promotions, and customer relations. They are responsible for overseeing the development and execution of marketing strategies that align with the company's overall objectives and goals. Additionally, the Head of Marketing plays a crucial role in analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities for growth, and ensuring that the marketing efforts effectively reach and resonate with the target audience.

An accomplished marketing professional, Dalila Matakova’s journey reflects a commitment to excellence and continuous growth. With a career spanning over a decade, Dalila's path in the marketing industry began in 2010 as a part-time Marketing Specialist. Through dedication and perseverance, she steadily advanced in her career, accumulating a wealth of experience and expertise along the way.

Dalila's academic background is as diverse as her professional journey, with bachelor's degrees from Al-Farabi National University in Kazakhstan and Deakin University in Australia. Her global perspective was further enriched through studies at BLCU in Beijing, culminating in the completion of her Master of Science at the University of Sheffield in the UK in 2018.

In 2023, Dalila assumed the role of Head of Marketing at BEWUNDER, a position that reflects her leadership skills, strategic vision, and comprehensive understanding of marketing principles. Her journey serves as a testament to the value of perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to growth in achieving professional success. As Head of Marketing, Dalila brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to BEWUNDER, driving the company's marketing initiatives forward and contributing to its continued success in the marketplace. Let’s read on.

What specific areas of expertise have you honed during your tenure in the marketing industry?

Throughout my professional journey, I've nurtured a varied skill set in marketing, extending well beyond the realm of digital marketing. Notable areas of growth include creativity, website design, public relations, and video production. These competencies have proven instrumental in my ability to adapt to and excel within the ever-evolving landscape of marketing.

Please provide an overview of BEWUNDER and elaborate on the diverse set of responsibilities you undertake in your capacity as the company's Head of Marketing.

In my role as the Head of Marketing at BEWUNDER, I am tasked with guiding our marketing strategy to harmonize with the company's lofty goals. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including brand management, orchestrating campaigns across multiple channels, supervising the creative process, generating content, managing budgets, and handling public relations. Each day presents fresh opportunities for innovation as we strive to propel our brand to greater heights.

What do you consider to be the most significant challenges you confront as a marketing leader in today's business environment? How do you navigate these hurdles?

Amidst escalating competition and the saturation of content, our strategy revolves around establishing a robust and unique online brand identity. To surmount these challenges, especially within the B2B sphere, we prioritize the creation of compelling, top-tier content and ongoing optimization of our SEO efforts. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of technology necessitates a commitment to continuous training for our team, ensuring that we stay abreast of the latest industry developments.

Illuminate us on the most pivotal professional milestone you've reached during your career trajectory. Furthermore, could you share your guiding principle for success that has shaped your journey thus far?

As previously mentioned, my journey has been characterized by its gradual progression rather than swift advancement. I've consistently found myself in situations where perseverance was key, often having to vigorously pursue my goals. Amidst these challenges, my mantra has always been 'Slow but Steady, One Day at a Time.' This mindset has been instrumental in propelling me towards my aspirations, reminding me to remain focused on the journey rather than fixated solely on the destination.

What are your predictions regarding the future evolution of the marketing landscape in the UAE? Which industry trends do you believe will have the most pronounced impact?

I envision that the marketing landscape in the UAE will undergo significant changes driven by digital transformation, where technologies such as AI, machine learning, and automation will assume central roles. Given the cultural diversity of the UAE, there will be a heightened need for localized and culturally sensitive marketing strategies to effectively engage with a diverse audience. Furthermore, the emergence of AR and VR technologies is poised to revolutionize immersive marketing experiences, further shaping the landscape in the near future.

A business leader you admire:

Daniel Charles, a team member whose work as a Senior Project Manager inspires me daily. His leadership on the first immersive TEAMLAB museum project in KSA exemplifies excellence in our field.

Advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs/ business leaders:

Embrace your individual journey without succumbing to the pitfalls of comparison. Success manifests in diverse ways and unfolds at various junctures. Acknowledge your distinct trajectory and rhythm; your uniqueness serves as your greatest asset.

Dalila Matakova, Head – Marketing, Bewunder

Dalila Matakova, Head of Marketing at BEWUNDER, boasts a diverse career path, commencing as a part-time Marketing Specialist in 2010 and culminating in her current leadership role. With educational achievements spanning multiple continents and industries, she brings a global perspective to her strategic vision. Dalila's journey underscores resilience, a broad skill set, and a commitment to growth, essential qualities in navigating the dynamic marketing landscape.