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Gila Shapiro from Riverside:

From Drama School to Global Tech: Why South African Marketers Have an Edge

Gila Shapiro

Product Marketing Manager

Company

Riverside

Location

Tel Aviv, Israel

Bio

Over a decade in the game, and I’m still explaining my job to my parents. While they’re busy trying to figure out what I actually do, I’ve spent that time helping brands - from scrappy startups to Fortune 500s - turn “fine, I guess” copy into words that actually work. Think skyrocketing conversions, engagement that engages, and messaging so sharp it feels like the brand just read your mind.

Over a decade in the game,...

description

Riverside is on its way to becoming the go-to platform for content creation. Spotify, Marvel, Mark Zuckerberg, Gary Vee, and Apple all use Riverside to create their video and audio content. We have a great and widely-used product in a fascinating industry.

Riverside is on its way to...

Actionable Takeaways

Put yourself out there: "Send your CV, make the calls, reach out on LinkedIn... What's the worst that happens?"

Leverage South African resilience: "We have had to figure out how to have a meeting when we don't have internet because of load shedding... We have a work ethic that I don't think is bound to everywhere else in the world."

Embrace your unique perspective: "The world is already too full of people who are trying to blend in... Being South African being yourself, you have a lot to offer these companies."

 

Don't limit yourself: Marketing goes beyond traditional advertising - from UX writing to product marketing, brand storytelling, and SEO

Embrace failure: "Not only not be afraid to fail, like you must fail... Everyone's feeling the imposter syndrome, everyone's feeling like they are the new kid in the cafeteria."

Conversation Highlights

In this episode of South Africa Tech Marketers, we sit down with Gila Shapiro, Product Marketing Manager at Riverside FM, to explore her unconventional journey from drama student to global tech marketing. With experience at three international companies, Gila shares candid insights about breaking into remote work, leveraging South African strengths, and building a successful global marketing career.

Topics Discussed:

  • Transitioning from traditional advertising to global tech marketing
  • Breaking into international remote work opportunities
  • The unique advantages South African marketers bring to global companies
  • Balancing remote work with family life
  • Product marketing and creative strategy at Riverside
  • The importance of testing and data-driven marketing decisions
  • Different career paths within marketing
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