52 | Acquisition International, Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024 May24358 B2B Communication CEO of the Year 2024 (France): Marina Zhekova NetMedia International n today’s rapidly changing business world, the role of women is more crucial than ever. Previously male-dominated industries such as tech and media are evolving, serving to highlight women’s valuable contributions to drive innovation, expand client bases, and increase profitability. Gender diversity in leadership leads to better business outcomes as women share unique skills and perspectives in key areas such as collaboration, relationship-building, and understanding diverse audiences. Marina Zhekova is a champion of diversity who understands the importance of attracting more women into STEM careers. She told us, “It’s imperative that we encourage young women and girls to pursue careers in technology. Despite improvements over recent years, there’s still a sizeable gender gap in STEM fields. By challenging societal stereotypes and offering support, we can inspire the next generation of female leaders and innovators. At NetMedia International, we create inclusive and supportive environments where women can thrive and contribute to success.” Marina’s main role at NetMedia International is to develop and execute international strategies across the company’s key EMEA markets. Having worked for giants such as Siemens and Tele2, Marina is no stranger to bringing together teams that deliver extraordinary results. Building and leading a cross-functional team, Marina oversees marketing, sales, editorials and events. She said, “We believe that today’s business growth depends on creating powerful client experiences across print and digital media, data, and performance, as well as through community and events. We support businesses at every stage of their innovation and digital transformation journey and offer diverse high-performing multimedia solutions.” NetMedia International is a conscious promoter of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The company has implemented policies such as flexible working hours and parental leave, making it a more attractive proposition for some women. Marina and the team have also created mentorship and leadership programs to nurture female talent within the company. As a result, NetMedia International is seeing more women taking up leadership roles. As a woman working in the corporate environment, Marina has encountered several challenges including gender bias and stereotyping. Early in her career, she was often the only female in meetings, but a strong mindset helped her to persevere. She explained, “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and build resilience. I’ve had to work harder to make my voice heard and have my contributions recognised. I was determined to succeed, so I focused on building a strong track record of results and demonstrating my expertise and leadership capabilities. I sought mentors and allies who supported my growth and helped me navigate the corporate landscape. I’ve also found networking to be vital. Building strong relationships in your industry can open doors and provide valuable insights.” Marina advocates resilience, adaptability, and an appetite for learning and growth if you want to succeed in her industry. With tech and media constantly evolving, she advises staying ahead of trends and being open to new ideas and approaches too. She added, “Strong communication and leadership skills are also crucial. They enable you to inspire and guide your team effectively. It’s important to foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. This enhances innovation and creates a supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. By focusing on these attributes and staying true to your goals, you can navigate challenges and achieve success.” Marina’s biggest achievement to date has been the successful expansion of NetMedia International. The company has developed a strong presence in the UK, Europe, the US, and Latin America. But Marina and the team won’t stop there. They are currently exploring partnerships and collaboration opportunities across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East! Contact Details Contact: Marina Zhekova Company: NetMedia International Web Address: https://www.nmg-international.com/ In the past, navigating the world of tech and media as a woman was lonely. Now thanks to pioneers such as Marina Zhekova, CEO of NetMedia International, the landscape is improving. Marina’s passion for inclusion and diversity shines through in everything that she does. We found out more about her role as CEO, how she’s helping create a better balance in her industry and her secrets for success. I
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQyNzgzNA==