My entry into the world of marketing began with programming, focusing primarily on front- and back-end development for websites and applications. In those early days, I was a C# developer and SQL database developer. Initially, my goal was to become a web designer, but after struggling to find my footing in that creative space, I shifted to programming. Though I was initially disappointed to step away from what I saw as a more artistic field, I soon discovered that coding is just as creative, with its own kind of artistry. The structure and logic behind coding—the way you craft solutions, solve problems, and express ideas through code—was deeply satisfying.
I also came to understand why programming languages are aptly named; they truly are languages with their own syntax, arguments, and frameworks. This realization was pivotal for me. Coding not only enhanced my technical foundation but also shaped the way I approach analysis, strategy, and visioning in my later roles. The discipline of structuring code translated seamlessly into structuring complex strategies and guiding teams. Beyond the technical skills, programming gave me a deep understanding of the digital infrastructure that underpins modern marketing—a critical advantage in my subsequent career in digital marketing strategy and leadership.