Women in Tech: Interview With Maja Roknic, CPO and Co-Founder at CulturePulse AI

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Head of Product Development at CulturePulse, and on a mission to revolutionize how marketers conduct research and testing. I’ve spent over a decade working with Fortune 500 companies to create global products for various technologies industries and now I lead the charge at CulturePulse developing a user-friendly product that helps marketers improve their content and headlines in minutes.

I have a real passion for innovation and my role as co-founder of CulturePulse - I spearheaded the CulturePulse Academy. This meetup group focuses on ethical and effective research practices, simulating real-world scenarios to help researchers enhance their skills. However, we also go a step further by making research accessible and applicable to everyday jobs, particularly in the context of markets. I love to empower others and our academy empowers individuals to apply research methodologies to their daily work by providing practical guidance, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This inclusive space enables non-researchers to gain valuable insights and skills that can be directly implemented in their professional endeavors.

When I’m not working, I’m a bit of a sports fanatic and can usually be found at the gym, boarding down snowy slopes, or catching the wind with her windsurfing gear. I also love to learn new skills and my latest is rock climbing. It’s an exhilarating outlet that allows me to push my limits, conquer obstacles, and cultivate a resilient mindset.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

Product management is the perfect fit for me. Being solution-oriented, inquisitive, and constantly seeking new products is natural. I relish the thrill of creating something from nothing. My problem-solving mindset is at the heart of product management, enabling me to ask the right questions and drive innovative solutions. It brings together my passion for new products and my hunger for challenges, allowing me to make a tangible impact.

What tech are you most excited/passionate about right now and why?

With the advent of predictive advertising technology, a new horizon has emerged in the realm of advertising. By harnessing the power of data analytics and AI algorithms, this technology delivers personalized campaigns to targeted audiences, creating deeper brand-consumer connections and enhancing marketing budgets. Exciting developments in this field may fundamentally transform how we approach advertising, creating a win-win situation for businesses and consumers.

What tech are you most worried about right now and why?

The digital advertising industry is facing a major concern - ad fraud. Manipulative tactics lead to distorted data, wasted budgets, and a lack of trust among advertisers and consumers. This pervasive problem is hindering the growth of legitimate publishers, making it crucial to combat ad fraud through collaborative efforts and industry standards.

CulturePulse is leading the charge against ad fraud, recognizing its harmful impact on the digital advertising ecosystem. By providing advertisers with reliable research methodologies and insights, we aim to empower decision-making while increasing transparency in the industry. Our commitment to promoting integrity and trust in research is crucial in advocating effective measures to combat ad fraud.

Industry expert Bob Hoffman sheds light on the importance of addressing this problem, and CulturePulse is actively supporting initiatives focused on fraud detection and prevention. CulturePulse promotes a more transparent and trustworthy digital advertising landscape by advocating ethical and effective research practices. Advertisers can trust in their accurate data and metrics free from fraudulent activities, making informed decisions and confidently optimizing their budgets.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech?

Through my experiences as a climber, I have come to appreciate the importance of calculated risks. I understand overcoming challenges requires taking bold, ambitious steps and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. This mentality reflects my approach to problem-solving in the tech industry, where I welcome new ideas and constantly strive for improvement.

More than that, rock climbing has instilled in me the value of persistence and resilience. I have learned to embrace my successes and failures, accepting that setbacks are part of every journey. I use the moment of defeat as an opportunity to try again and emerge even stronger.\

Rock climbing serves as a metaphor for my life and work. It showcases how setbacks and challenges present opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I emerge as a stronger climber and tech professional by embracing risks, pushing beyond what seems possible, and harnessing my resilience.

Gotta give a shoutout to my partner - he hooked me up with climbing and I'm forever grateful for it!

Let's talk about breaking the glass ceiling. What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in tech, and how did you deal with them?

As a woman in the tech industry, achieving a healthy work-life balance can feel like an uphill battle. The fast-paced and demanding nature of the field can make it tough to prioritize personal well-being and hobbies outside of work. But keep hope. By prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and advocating for flexibility at work, you can find the harmony needed to thrive professionally and personally. I have to say, having supportive co-founders is a blessing, especially when they share your values. Their commitment to championing diversity and leveling the playing field is impressive and inspiring, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them by my side as we strive to make a difference.

Any questionable misogynistic story/situation you faced/handled, and you want to share with the HackerNoon Fam?

While I appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences, I prefer to focus on the positive aspects of my tech journey. However, maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging, especially in agency life. Early on, I worked long hours, sacrificing personal time and well-being to impress my boss and meet tight deadlines. But I realized the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. I learned to communicate my limitations and expectations, fostering a healthier work environment and finding greater fulfillment in my personal life. It's an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation and adjustment. Promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial for creating a supportive tech industry where individuals can professionally and personally thrive.

What was the biggest setback/failure that you faced, and how did you manage it?

As a professional, there's nothing more disheartening than putting your all into a project and not seeing it achieve the desired outcome. That's exactly what I experienced when one of my biggest projects failed despite my high expectations and a significant investment of time and effort. However, I didn't let it keep me down. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt.

Through stakeholder analysis and feedback, I identified areas for improvement that could enhance communication, collaboration, and strategic decision-making. I knew I needed to expand my skill set, attending workshops, courses, and conferences to acquire new tools and insights. Seeking support from mentors and colleagues who had faced similar setbacks also provided the guidance and motivation I needed.

By shifting my mindset, I saw the setback as a chance to develop my skills and build resilience. Managing this setback was a transformative experience that strengthened my ability to navigate obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity. As a professional, I now approach challenges with a new attitude of self-reflection, feedback, constant learning, and support-seeking, all of which have successfully navigated future obstacles with a calm and confident demeanor.

What's your biggest achievement that you're really proud of?

As the Head of Development at CulturePulse, my proudest achievement has been contributing to the growth and success of an organization that promotes ethical and effective research practices. Being a part of CulturePulse has given me an incredible growth opportunity, a sense of pride, and fulfillment from joining a team committed to making a difference. It is a testament to the value of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. Reflecting on my experience, I am truly proud of my achievement in leading the development team and contributing to the mission of driving ethical and effective research practices.

In your opinion, why do we see this huge gender gap in the tech industry, and how can we reduce it?

The tech industry's gender gap results from societal standards, a lack of diversity, and systemic obstacles. Addressing this gap requires focusing on education, early exposure, and inclusivity. Crucially, we must encourage young girls to explore technology, provide equal access to STEM education, and promote successful female role models.

Who is your tech idol? Why?

I don't have a specific tech idol, but I have been fortunate to have inspiring mentors who have significantly shaped my professional journey. Ozren Crnogorac, Vladimir Koncar, and Gorjan Agacevic have profoundly impacted me. Their guidance and mentorship in my early days have been invaluable in helping me develop important qualities such as humility, leadership, and creativity in business. Their guidance and insights have provided valuable lessons and perspectives that have helped me navigate challenges and grow personally and professionally. I see them as a source of inspiration, and their mentorship has instilled in me a desire to strive for continuous improvement and positively impact the tech industry. I am grateful for their guidance and consider them instrumental in shaping the professional I am today.

Do you have any advice for aspiring girls who want to join the field?

Stay humble: Recognize there is always more to learn and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Embrace a mindset of continuous growth and improvement.

Be persistent: Don't let obstacles discourage you. Stay determined and resilient in pursuing your goals, even facing challenges. Use setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.\

Embrace discipline: Develop good work habits and a strong work ethic. Be consistent in your efforts to build your skills and knowledge. Practice discipline in managing your time and setting priorities.

By combining humility, persistence, and discipline, you can navigate the tech field with confidence, adaptability, and the drive to succeed. Embrace these qualities and keep pursuing your passion for technology.