Coffee, creativity, and automation: A chat with Daria Dymova
We sit down with Daria Dymova, Kentico’s Demand Generation Specialist, to uncover her unique journey, experiences, and insights. From her beginnings in Tver, Russia, to her impactful role in Brno, Daria’s story is one of growth, adaptability, and innovation. She shares her thoughts on marketing automation, company culture, and even her favorite coffee.
From Tver to Brno.
Daria, can you share a bit about your journey? How did a native of Tver, Russia, find her way to Brno, working with a leading company like Kentico?
I came to the Czech Republic six years ago to study Theory of Interactive Media at university. It was a mix of technology, art, and marketing—exactly what intrigued me. While studying, I started working at a Brno-based tech company Y Soft as an intern and later transitioned to a full-time role. That’s where I first encountered Kentico, as the company used their product. Later, I was invited to join Kentico by Karel, a colleague I worked with at my previous job. It was a wonderful opportunity, and I’m grateful for the experience and the people I’ve met here.
Before joining Kentico, you gained diverse experience, including a stint in call center operations. What lessons did you carry forward from that role?
Oh, working in a call center was intense—definitely not a job for an introvert! Thankfully, I handled inbound calls, so I didn’t have to cold-call anyone. It taught me to communicate effectively, solve problems under pressure, and navigate less-than-pleasant situations. That said, I never want to do it again!
What drew you to Kentico initially?
It was largely the relationships I built. Karel, who later joined Kentico, introduced me to the product and its functionalities while we worked together at my previous company. When he invited me to Kentico, I already had a solid understanding of the platform and knew it was a fantastic opportunity to grow.
5 is the number.
From your perspective, what makes Kentico stand out as a product in the competitive digital marketing landscape?
I find Kentico incredibly user-friendly and versatile. Once you understand how the platform works, it’s amazing what you can achieve. Personally, I love that I can create landing pages and emails within the same system—it saves my time and makes my work more efficient.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your current role as a Demand Generation Specialist? And no, I’m not asking you if you’re taking one cup of coffee or two?
It’s actually five cups of coffee! My day usually starts with checking emails and lead reports. From there, it depends on ongoing projects. For instance, if I’m creating a new landing page, I’ll review the brief, draft the content, and collaborate with the design and proofreading teams. Similarly, for email campaigns, I craft the copy, set up automation processes, and ensure everything aligns with our goals. It’s a mix of strategy, creativity, and execution—always fueled by coffee, of course!
For those unfamiliar with the term, can you explain what marketing automation is in simple terms? Could you share some common examples of marketing automation in action, particularly ones you’ve implemented or overseen?
Sure! Marketing automation uses technology to streamline and automate repetitive tasks, like email campaigns or lead nurturing. At Kentico, we use it to send tailored emails to leads based on their interactions with our content. For example, if someone downloads a resource, they might enter a nurturing process where they receive a series of emails over a couple of months. It’s also great for automating behind-the-scenes tasks, like syncing data from third-party vendors to our systems. These small efficiencies save us significant time and ensure we’re consistent in our outreach.
Marketing automation sounds great in theory, but what are some common pitfalls or challenges companies face? Oh, and let me guess—you never make mistakes because you’re perfect, right?
I wish that were true! Mistakes happen, and a big one is failing to check the contact groups or ensuring proper consent before sending emails. Especially here in Europe, GDPR compliance is critical. Overlooking these details can lead to legal troubles and damage trust. Double-checking everything—contact groups, consent, and even small details—goes a long way in avoiding these pitfalls.
Use your sleep well.
You’ve experienced significant geopolitical changes coming from Russia to Europe, especially in the context of current events. How has this shaped your outlook or approach to work and life?
Moving here six years ago was relatively smooth, but understandably, things have changed significantly. The experience has taught me resilience and adaptability. It’s also deepened my appreciation for opportunities like working at Kentico, where the focus is on inclusivity and collaboration, rather than differences.
What do you enjoy most about working at Kentico? Are there any particular aspects of the company culture or team that stand out to you?
The people, hands down! I love the friendship and humor we share in the marketing team. Beyond that, initiatives like innovation time, no-meetings Fridays, and flexible working hours make it easy to focus and balance work with life. It’s the perfect mix of professionalism and a friendly atmosphere.
When you’re not optimizing email campaigns or landing pages, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m a coffee enthusiast, so I love exploring Brno’s vibrant coffee culture. Kimono is my favorite spot, and Ethiopian anaerobic is my go-to brew. I also enjoy reading—Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep is a must-read. Beyond that, I like photography, traveling, and the occasional walk to recharge.
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