Unlocking the Power of Brand Strategy

Hi there! Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Hey, I’m Marija, a sum of different careers and a walking curiosity about everything. You can find me designing apps and websites, gathering dust in museums and galleries, and increasing my serotonin levels in metal concerts. I would always welcome a spontaneous chat about Formula 1, as well.

What is your current position, and how did you end up there? 

I work as a Senior Visual Designer at Deloitte Digital, Stockholm. During my free time, I'm one of the judges at the design platform Awwwards. 

If this was a story, my character would be a pianist with a master's in management, who turned programmer and evolved into a visual/product designer. 

What got you interested in Brand Strategy? 

People have an identity - so do brands. I believe that the way brands should create their identity is based on understanding, compassion, and connection with people. 

The hope I've had for this course was that it would support me with tools and frameworks that can shape my business perception and allow me to translate my beliefs into powerful, measurable strategies.

What did you get out of the course you took with us? 

The ways to structure the thinking, methodically address the main issues and ask the right questions. But also people. I was lucky to meet some incredibly creative, sharp, and fascinating individuals with whom I stayed in touch. 

Did you find any challenges in upskilling/reskilling whilst already working? 

I didn’t see any challenges, only inspiration. The best way to achieve balance in life is through learning. Obtaining a daily feed of topics to explore and questions to ask. That keeps me motivated and inspired throughout my career and life. 

What value do you see in upskilling/reskilling a few years into your career? 

I believe that upskilling decentralizes our thinking by building on top of what we already know. It also helps us turn a pure belief into an understanding. By having the power to decide which aspects of the business to invest efforts in, we can make an impact in any environment. It's a priceless way of growing as a person and as a professional.

Do you see further education as a part of your future career plans? 

For me, education is a permanent process. There is so much to discover in this world, so we might as well use this time to stay curious and have an inquiring mind. 

What advice would you give someone considering taking a course to upskill/reskill? 

I would encourage them to pick courses that can help them achieve their goals. To be brave because enhancing our knowledge makes new opportunities visible and achievable. Strive to be a polymath, open-minded, and to look at the world through a magnifying glass.