Texaco people profile: Shile Ismaila
Shile Ismaila
Digital Marketing Strategist
Specialism: Digital Marketing
Length of time in business: 7 years
Based in: London, UK
Interesting facts: I founded an online African community for women, I recently became a school governor, and I am a fitness enthusiast.
What credentials do you have?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing as well as an Advanced Digital Marketing Postgraduate Diploma. In addition, I hold PRINCE2 project management certificates, both at foundation and practitioner levels and I have recently completed a course on implementing growth-marketing strategies.
What do you believe Texaco has to offer customers?
I believe Texaco offers premium quality, tried and tested products and services that help solve many of the issues customers face in their day-to-day business.
What is your most rewarding project to date?
One of the projects I’m most proud of is the implementation of a marketing automation platform designed to engage and keep in touch with current customers, as well as to nurture the relationship with potential businesses.
As the technical product owner for my business segment, my role was to liaise with stakeholders and test the system to ensure a correct and seamless process flow. The project was a success and in fact, my process for campaign and flow were adopted by our global counterparts.
Who do you most admire and why?
I really admire Lisa Nichols, a bestselling author and motivational speaker. She has shown great tenacity and unwavering determination to change her situation despite facing adversity. She is now encouraging others to do the same.
Who do you most like to follow on social or listen to on a podcast?
I really enjoy listening to conversations about business, career development and marketing. Carla Harris, Lisa Nichols, Stephen Barlett, Tim Ferris and Seth Godin are some of my go-to favourites.
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Be open and willing to learn and gain experience from different sectors of your business. Networking and gaining sound business knowledge goes a long way in your career development.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
To advocate for yourself! Don’t be embarrassed to sell your skills and experience when you get the opportunity, and advocate for others where and when you can too.
What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
I think my most useful traits in business are relatability, tenacity, and assertiveness. Apart from standing up for what I believe in, but I am also determined to pursue whatever I set my mind to.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a news reporter. I loved the idea of being able to provide interesting and insightful information to people, and communication via the media was the main way to do that at the time.
