Ngozi Ogbonna is Senior Director at Fairygodboss, but she’s also much more than that. As her nominator for the MGS mBolden Women of the Year Awards said, “Gozi, as she is known to her friends, is a very hard-working, insightful marketing leader who pushes boundaries for good causes to bring women marketing leaders to the forefront.”
It’s for this and so much more that MGA would like to congratulate Ngozi on winning the MGS mBolden Women of the Year Champion of Women. We chatted with her about getting her start, how she’s seen the industry change, and the trends she’s watching in 2020.
Q: Congratulations on winning the MGS mBolden Women of the Year Award! Can you tell us a little about how you got to where you are now? Did you have any mentors that helped you along the way?
A: Thank you! I started my career doing integrated marketing in the media industry before settling into the tech and mobile growth spaces over the last decade. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with some amazing women in the industry, and specifically through professional organizations like mBolden. Developing my network of peers, colleagues and respected leaders, who I can share experiences with, learn from and build with, has been invaluable. I am grateful to the women who’ve hired me, promoted me and supported my growth throughout my career. Elevating, supporting and empowering women is a mission that I’m passionate about, and I am proud to be paying it forward.
Q: Have you seen the industry change for women over the years?
A: Yes, women have been taking up more space, and are not only taking a seat at the table, but are building their own tables. There is no shortage of talented, brilliant and capable women in this industry. There isn’t a pipeline problem, but rather a systemic lack of access and opportunity. We, along with allies, must collectively keep pushing the industry forward.
Q: What mobile growth industry trends are you watching in 2020?
A: Practical applications for machine learning, AI and automation are growing. While these can definitely impact bidding, budgets and optimizations, the biggest curveball is creative development and strategy. Quality creative can significantly drive performance and help brands break through all of the noise — and that still requires human intervention. Additionally, product is the new growth hack. I’m seeing a renewed focus on primarily using product mechanics to activate, acquire, retain, and monetize users versus solely relying on paid marketing.
Q: If you could share just one tip with other mobile growth marketers, what would it be?
A: Keep learning. Things change so quickly in our business that it’s imperative to be adaptable and flexible.
Q: Let’s end this on a fun note! Tell us a little about yourself outside of the office. What do you do in your spare time?
A: I love to travel and do so as much as I can. If you know me, I’m usually planning a trip. Some of my favorite experiences include Accra (Ghana), Nairobi (Kenya), New Orleans, Bahia (Brazil), Marrakesh (Morocco), Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Joburg (South Africa). Most of the time, you can find me reading a book or listening to podcasts.