NAME: Jemma Starzecki
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @jem_starz
JOB TITLE: Senior Vice President of Marketing (Properties), Al Ghurair Investment
MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2021
Jemma is an award-winning marketing leader with experience spanning over 17 years in fast-paced environments driving innovative strategies and marketing campaigns across diverse industries including telecommunications, retail, gaming and real estate.
With a proven track record of leading high-performing teams in some of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates’ most reputable brands, Jemma has developed and managed Through The Line (TTL) marketing campaigns and translated complex insights into actionable strategies that resonate with target audiences.
Jemma joined Al Ghurair Investment in October 2022 as the Senior Vice President of Marketing (Properties), a role as part of which she oversees 6 business units within the existing Al Ghurair Properties portfolio. She is responsible for overseeing the marketing organisational structure, developing and managing the marketing strategy across the 360-marketing mix, and leading the in-house marketing team to execute transformative strategies.
Since joining, Jemma has successfully launched the largest and most successful TTL marketing campaign that Al Ghurair Properties has done to date for the brand-new leisure and entertainment centre, GLITCH. She also led the marketing strategy and campaign delivery for the launch of Al Ghurair Centre’s latest food hall concept, Flayva.
Today Jemma shares with us her three biggest life lessons:
#LIFELESSON – 1 - Be Your Own Advocate
Success often hinges on your willingness to seize opportunities rather than waiting for them to be handed to you. Early in my career, I noticed an opportunity when a colleague was about to go on maternity leave. Although I wasn’t the obvious choice for the cover, I knew I was capable and eager to prove myself. I approached the head of the department, expressed my interest, and made a compelling case for why I was the right person for the job. The result? Not only did I secure the maternity cover, but I was also offered a permanent higher position once it ended. This taught me a crucial lesson: don’t expect people to always notice your potential—sometimes you have to make them see it. Success is something you must actively pursue; no one will fight for your career more than you.
#LIFELESSON – 2 - Trust in Your Own Journey
In the workplace, it’s easy to be overshadowed by those who make the most noise, presenting themselves as the best in the room. Over the years, across various industries, I’ve encountered many who seem to dominate the conversation. But often, they’re just trying to find their way, just like everyone else. It’s tempting to compare yourself to others in these situations, but I’ve learned that this is a fruitless exercise. Instead, I’ve focused on being confident in my own abilities, trusting that I know my stuff and that I am a great marketer. Confidence isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about believing in your own worth and letting your work speak for itself. Remember, your journey is unique—embrace it.
#LIFELESSON – 3 - The Power of Professional Relationships
Over the last 17 years, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building and valuing work relationships. No matter where you are in your career, these connections can have a lasting impact. I've always made it a point to maintain professionalism, even when leaving a company, because you never know when your paths might cross again. In fact, I’ve experienced situations where, during interviews, the hiring manager knew someone I had worked with in the past. It's a good feeling to know that wherever I’ve worked, I’ve left a positive impression. Additionally, some of the roles I’ve secured over the years have come through connections I made in previous positions. Relationships are more than just networking; they are the bridges that can lead to new opportunities and lasting professional success
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