In today’s increasingly technological world, new and exciting marketing techniques seem to emerge daily. Since we are passionate about using these new tools to not only build our brand but to communicate with you, we are very excited to give this month’s “Real Women, Real Style” interview with our Sikara customer, Maria Mandel. She is Senior Partner and Executive Director of Digital Innovation at Ogilvy!
Maria is an authority and thought leader on the advances in today’s marketing world and also serves an adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern Business School where she teaches digital marketing. Sikara & Co. Founder, Mousumi Shaw, was excited to accompany Maria back in September 2009 in Brazil as she spoke as a keynote at the Proxxima Digital Media Conference in San Paulo.
See what questions Sikara & Co. had for Maria below!
Sikara (S): What do you think is the number one emerging marketing/communications tool?
Maria (M): I cover the full spectrum of emerging marketing channels from multi-platform video, advanced TV, digital OOH/signage/Point Of Sale, mobile, gaming, social media/digital influence, 3D/Hologram technology, etc. All of these areas are fast growing and have a lot of promise. If I had to pick, however, I think mobile holds the GREATEST opportunity since more people have a cell phone than any other digital device and it is the device they have with them 24/7. It is the only new media channel that allows you to reach your audience at the right place and time – regardless of where they are.
S: What is the most exciting part of being in such a new sector of marketing?
M: I’m always learning and being exposed to new things. I get to help define new ways of engaging and connecting products/services with their target audience. And I never get bored.
S: As Executive Director of Digital Innovation, what marketing trends do you forecast 5-10 years from now?
M: It is difficult enough to forecast 2yrs out with the pace of technology advancements. But looking into my crystal ball, I think you will see new types of devices on the market – specifically with new mobile devices, digital paper and eReaders – this will have a great impact on newspaper and print publications. Cloud computing and integration of content/service providers is another trend I see happening. This will allow advertisers to follow audiences across devices and target/re-target them accordingly. This will also open up opportunities to measure and optimize across media channels and devices. Digital signage and displays are going to become more prominent as the cost of those technologies becomes more affordable. You will see more touch screen displays and personalized experiences resulting from this trend.
S: What has it been like for you starting a new chapter in your career as an adjunct professor at NYU?
M: I have actually been teaching at NYU since 2002. Having taught “Integrated Marketing” for several years, I started teaching a class focused on “Digital Marketing” last year. I teach at both the NYU Stern MBA and Integrated Marketing Masters programs.
S: Also, as a professor, do you have any advice do to give to other women about pursuing their education or careers?
M: I think it is important to grow your knowledge – whether you do that with education or your career. I feel like there is always opportunity to learn. I find that people that have a thirst for knowledge, generally are more successful and do more with their lives.
S: Who has been your biggest inspiration or supporter and how?
M: I am lucky to have very supportive parents that have always encouraged me to pursue my passions.
S: Are there any principles that you live your life by?
M: Never have regrets. Pursue your dreams. Always push yourself to try new things, expand your horizons, learn and grow as an individual.
S: What is your biggest challenge as a female in the male dominated marketing field?
M: As in any male dominated industry, women have a challenge of breaking-in and proving themselves capable. The marketing field is actually not as bad as some others. In my specific area of technology and new media, it is heavily dominated by men. I like to view it as an advantage versus disadvantage. Over the years, I have learned not to try to act like a man – rather prove my skills and knowledge while embracing being a female. You don’t need to act like a man to get ahead but you do need to understand how to work with men.
S: How would you describe your personal style?
M: I change my style up all the time – sometimes I go for “classic” other times “modern.” Sometimes I feel like being “sophisticated” while other times I go for “boho chic”…I am a big fan of having different styles for different occasions and moods.
S: What is your favorite place to travel?
M: Do I have to pick just one? This is hard since there are so many wonderful places in the world. To live, I have to go with my home base of NYC – no other city has it all like NYC and the surrounding areas. To travel to, I have to go with Rio in Brazil. It is one of the places I keep going back to – the people, culture, food, music are so inviting and upbeat that you can’t help falling in love with it.
S: Is there any one item in your closet that you would save in a fire?
M: I am not really that attached to my things – but there is an original Gianni Versace gown that I own that I would save. It is a piece of iconic fashion history.
S: What is your favorite Sikara piece?
M: The ORIGNAL MEXICAN TWIST ring. I wear it all the time. A real statement piece that looks great with everything. And I always get compliments on it.
Maria’s Bio:
Maria is currently Senior Partner, Executive Director of Digital Innovation at Ogilvy. She consults across the Ogilvy group on emerging communication platforms such as broadband, mobile marketing, gaming, digital out-of-home, and advanced TV. In addition she runs the North American Digital Lab – part of a global network of Digital Labs around the world.
Maria is the North American Chair of the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) as well a founding member of the AAAA’s Mobile Committee. She is also an advisory board member of the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) mobile committee She has received over thirty-five industry awards including three Echo awards and seven Caples. She has been featured in many leading industry publications including Fast Company (May ’08) and AdAge (Sept. ‘08) and authored a chapter (p. 353-358) in Mobile Advertising: Supercharge Your Brand In The Exploding Wireless Market (published by Wiley).
She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School. Maria is an adjunct professor of marketing at NYU’s Stern Business School where she teaches a course in digital marketing.
e small Jaipuri drops in garnet are great for everyday wear. You’ll be reminded every time you see these gleaming garnet stones that you’re just as special as the modern Indian design these earrings were inspired by.
So far we’ve shared with you our Egyption Arebesque earrings, our new Brazil swirlys, and our modern Mexico twist ring. Today we share with you our peacock bangle in lemon topaz. Peacocks are beautiful birds that attract each other with their bright colored feathers. This bracelet reflects the beauty of color and elegance that make a woman feel special.
