Introducing Vugar Mehdiyev, a seasoned CMO with over a decade of expertise in marketing, branding, e-commerce, and sales. With a deep understanding of the latest digital technologies and trends, Vugar crafts impactful campaigns that engage customers and drive revenue. Holding a dual MBA from a top university abroad, he brings a global perspective on consumer behaviors and marketing trends. As a visionary change agent and leader, Vugar fosters a culture of inspiration and excellence, driving transformative change. With a passion for reading and lifelong learning, he nurtures critical thinking skills and empathy. Get ready to be inspired by Vugar’s insights and expertise in the marketing landscape.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started in your field?
I am a marketing enthusiast who started in sales and gradually transitioned to marketing. Along the way, I realised that no company needs your creative ads if it doesn’t generate expected value. Over the course of 15 amazing years, I have dedicated myself to the retail, consumer electronics, tech industries and startups.
When it comes to my professional passion, I find myself strongly drawn towards branding, design, advertising, and behavioural economics, as well as their potential intersections with technology – specifically soft solutions, e-commerce, and martech.
Currently, what brings me immense joy is the fact that I am one of the 24 CMOs participating in The Marketing Academy’s prestigious fellowship program from the EMEA region. This program was developed by McKinsey & Company and is tailored for C-suite marketing leaders.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
I always consider the decision to study MBA abroad as the greatest challenge of my career. Initially, it may appear to be a typical career move, but it involved staying 3000 km away from my family, wife, and, most importantly, my infant child. I made this sacrifice in order to fully dedicate myself to my education. In summary, I travelled to and from my home every 2-3 months, which took a toll on me physically and emotionally. However, in the end, my investment paid off, and the rest is history.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have they influenced your approach to leadership?
As a CMO, you have three key responsibilities:
- Provide thought leadership within organisation
- Be the ambassador of customers in the office
- Hire the best talents and build a cohesive team
The rest is details for the resume.
One thing that people don’t know about you?
I love books and I have made a habit of reading 52 books every year. This routine has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on life and the world around me. In my opinion, two things possess compound interest and cannot be replicated by others overnight: 500 read books and a stellar reputation!
What advice would you give to young professionals or entrepreneurs who are just starting out in your field?
In general, I believe you must align your goals with your superiors’ strategic interests, especially in the beginning of your career. Otherwise, they will never come true or it will cost you a lot. Choose your leader wisely and stick to the common goal. Yeah, you can choose your leader.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Vugar Mehdiyev for sharing his valuable insights and experiences during this interview. Your journey from sales to marketing, and your dedication to generating value through creative ads, is truly inspiring. Overcoming challenges such as studying for an MBA abroad while being away from your family showcases your determination and commitment. Your approach to leadership, focusing on thought leadership, customer advocacy, and building cohesive teams, is invaluable. We also appreciate the personal touch you shared about your love for reading and the profound impact it has had on your perspective. Thank you for your wise advice to young professionals and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of aligning goals with strategic interests. Your words will undoubtedly inspire many in the field.
If you are a leader seeking to be featured in VeryBriefly’s LEADERS section, please submit your profile HERE.
