!(almost)6 Years at Zenitel and Still Going Strong

It’s hard to believe I’m nearing six years at Zenitel and almost a decade in the maritime industry. Time flies when you're deep into something you care about, right? And believe me, it’s been quite the journey—full of ups and downs, but I’ve stuck with what I know works.

I’m talking SEO, content marketing, email newsletters, webinars, and video—these aren't just trendy buzzwords. They’re the foundation of any successful modern marketing strategy, and I’ve seen them deliver real, measurable results. It’s not about simply implementing a strategy for the sake of it or checking off boxes; it’s about understanding the market, adapting to trends, and continuously refining your approach to meet evolving needs.

After refining our SEO strategy, we’ve consistently landed on the first page of search engines, bringing Zenitel’s content right where it matters most. Whether it’s driving engagement, building brand awareness, or converting leads, these methods—when done right—move the needle. And that’s what fuels me: knowing that my work doesn’t just make noise, it makes a difference.

When I first got my hands on the newsletter, it was a humble 350 subscribers strong. Today? We're beyond 1600, and that’s not just a vanity metric. These are engaged readers, people who care about what we’re doing in the Maritime & Energy division and who want to stay informed.

Building a Brand That Stands Out

One thing I’m especially proud of is helping Zenitel’s Maritime & Energy division sharpen its brand profile. We’ve taken the company’s broader image and cleaned it up for our segment. The goal? To make sure what we stand for is crystal clear.

It hasn’t been easy in an industry that’s used to sticking to old habits, but one thing I’ve learned is you have to focus on what matters to the end-user, not just the "yard specs" that have been the norm for decades. I’ve dug deep into understanding what makes our customers tick—and then tried to reflect that in our marketing.

Sticking Around (Even When Tempted)

Fun fact: I’ve had other companies reach out to me. I even applied to two other jobs, got a second interview lined up, but turned it down. Crazy, right? So why am I still here? Simple—I’m not done yet. There’s still so much potential here, and I want to see where we can take it.

The Future Looks Bright (and Digital)

Looking forward, I’m genuinely excited about where things are heading—not just for me but for Zenitel as a whole. The maritime industry, for all its long history of "analog" methods, has picked up the pace when it comes to digitalization, especially since 2010. Sure, there are still some speed bumps along the way, but technology is rapidly becoming a key part of the Maritime & Energy sector.

As the maritime industry embraces digitalization, the modern tools needed—like CRM, ERP, and advanced Sales & Marketing systems—are already available, with powerful features and intuitive layouts. Yet, many businesses have yet to implement them. Now, more than ever, there’s an urgency to get on board with these tools to keep up with a rapidly evolving market. For me, the future lies in helping Zenitel not only leverage digital innovation in our products but also lead by example in how we market and sell, fully utilizing the technology at our fingertips.

Personal Touch: From Lock-downs to War

It’s impossible to reflect on these six years without mentioning the wider world. During the pandemic, I lived through two full lock-downs, and like everyone else, I had to adapt. Keeping the marketing engine running remotely? That was a challenge, but we made it through.

Then there’s Ukraine. It’s not my home, but it might as well be. I’ve spent a lot of time there, and I have friends—people I care deeply about. The war has hit hard, and like so many others, I’ve tried to help however I can, whether that’s through donations or organizing collections. It’s been a tough few year, but you do what you can to make a difference when the world feels like it’s on fire.

What’s Next?

So, where does that leave me? Well, first things first—I’m heading off for a well-deserved 10-day all-inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic. Kicking back, recharging the batteries, and, of course, snapping a ton of photos. I’ll be soaking up the sun, enjoying some saltwater, and indulging in a few cool refreshments. And hey, if you happen to be in the region, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m just a message away!

After that, it’s back to business. I’ll be diving headfirst into planning the marketing efforts for 2025 here at Zenitel. Still pushing forward, still believing in the power of good marketing. As I often say;

“The best content marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all—it pulls you in, engages you, and by the time you’ve finished reading or watching, you’re hooked without even realizing it.”

I’m setting my sights on reaching that 10-year milestone at Zenitel, where I’m driven to keep advancing our marketing efforts with proven strategies that deliver. I’m always exploring new tools, especially in emerging areas like AI, where the potential for data-driven marketing excites me. My goal is to build a strong, agile marketing team that aligns with our business objectives and adapts as the industry evolves. For me, it’s about pushing forward, taking on fresh challenges, and continuously growing our impact within the maritime segment.