Category: Employee spotlight

Dnipro-based Talent Partner Olha Mohunova gives us an insight into life at LoopMe, her favourite books, and why she would invite the creator of Star Trek to dinner in the latest of LoopMe’s employee spotlights.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
When I joined LoopMe, it was one of the few product-focused companies in Dnipro. I was just starting out and it was a chance to join a team that develops their own product, rather than developing one for someone somewhere else.

What motivates you to come to work?
People. My team. It means so much to work in such a great environment, with colleagues all over the world.

Can you discuss a skill you’ve acquired or developed while working at LoopMe?
I’ve grown and grown as a professional at LoopMe. From a researcher who had just started to work with tech candidates I progressed to the position of Talent Partner. I developed my communication skills, language level and proficiency in negotiation. Sometimes it was really challenging, but it was worth it. 

Who are you?

Do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I have a lot of hobbies. I love reading – especially fantasy, romance and detective stories. Among my favourite books are Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg and the Sherlock Holmes stories. I love series too. So if I know what to do with a human body, it’s just because I like Criminal Minds, don’t worry! I’m also into sports (yoga, gym, running, stretching) and embroidery – some of my clothes feature my own embroidered dragons – it’s not a print!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Hawaii, I guess. Sun, sea and sand as well as interesting people and traditions. Maybe I’d finally learn to swim there too.

If you could invite any public figure to dinner, who would you choose and why?
I think it would have to be Gene Roddenberry. The person who created such an awesome series that lives on today, built on the idea of great equality, gathering and exploring new worlds, must be really interesting. I would want to ask him – how it felt, how the idea came to him and what his opinions are – why his story continues to grow and develop even now after almost 60 years. How did he do it?!

---

Interested in joining the LoopMe team? Take a look at our careers page.

Shanghai-based Sales Manager Rocky Zheng shares his experiences, motivations and aspirations in the latest of LoopMe’s employee spotlights.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
I joined LoopMe because I’m really into tech and advertising, and PurchaseLoop is right at the heart of both. I’m betting that AI and tech are going to massively reshape the advertising scene in the next few years, and I want to be part of that change. Also, China is a big and exciting market that I’m keen to dive into to help grow our business. Plus, I’m super excited about working with the awesome APAC team!

Can you discuss a skill you’ve acquired or developed while working at LoopMe?
Working with a new market needs a solid strategy, good allies, and a worldwide view. Yes, sales folks always aim to increase profits. But with LoopMe being a bit of a mystery to many potential clients here, it’s vital to team up and produce informative content to win people’s trust. The hurdles in the Chinese market have stretched my vision from just focusing on sales to seeing the bigger, global picture. I’m always pushing to make new progress.

Do you have any WFH routines or rituals?
After a long day of meetings, I enjoy a short break playing with my cat, Tongtong. I also like to cook meals as a reward. Both petting Tongtong and cooking meals help me recharge while working from home.

Who are you?

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Born and raised in Wenzhou, China, I studied in New Jersey and New York for three years. After graduation, I lived in Texas, Beijing, and Shanghai. My career spans technology and advertising, having worked at Oracle, LinkedIn, Cloudera, and now LoopMe. I’m a fan of hitting the road and exploring new places during my time off. I’ve driven coast to coast in the US, from New York to California, and completed a similar trek in China, from Beijing to Guangzhou. My travels also took me to Latin America and Southeast Asia. Europe is on my to-visit list. And I’m really excited about the upcoming meeting with the APAC team in Singapore. Furthermore, if you’re planning a trip to China, you can’t miss visiting Shanghai. Send me a message and I’ll guide you to some of my favorite dining spots in the city.

Do you have any hobbies?
Experimenting with different coffees and bubble teas! Believe it or not, Shanghai is like a coffee lover’s paradise, boasting the highest number of coffee shops globally. My day typically kicks off with a cup of coffee. And that’s not all – I love taking a cup of coffee along when I visit partners like a friendly gesture. And when it’s time to meet clients, I always prefer a cozy coffee shop. There’s just something about sipping on coffee and discussing business that seems perfect.

What was your greatest achievement last year?
Last year, I was licensed to host another TEDx event in my community and I also volunteered at a few local charities. I met a lot of new people who are as passionate about inspiring speeches and helping out as I am. This year, I’m turning my focus to the future of graphic and video content, which is set to dramatically change because of AI. AIGC is a hot topic in my discussions with agencies and clients, so I’m planning to spend some time learning more about it.

Kajan Anand, a Senior Finance Manager based in London, shares his experiences in the latest instalment of LoopMe’s employee spotlights, a series designed to offer an insight into the LoopMe team’s work, life, motivations and aspirations.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
LoopMe’s technology, innovation and culture of pushing boundaries were major factors in deciding to join. Seeing the YoY growth, especially in such a difficult market, also had me excited at LoopMe’s potential. To hopefully play a small part in LoopMe’s future success felt like it would be an achievement in itself.

What project or event has been your favourite to work on at LoopMe?
Being a part of the team which brought the Poland entity to life was an incredibly formidable task yet one that I found very fulfilling. Bucket loads of paperwork, Excel workbooks, and a multitude of calls with Polish accountants, HR specialists and tax advisors all came together as part of a massive team effort. Seeing the entity grow from 0 to 50 employees in no time at all is testament to the growth of LoopMe as a business.

Similarly, working on LoopMe’s first carbon emission report with Chloe Hill has also been extremely rewarding. A lot of time has been invested to get to the source of all of LoopMe’s emissions but we have now hopefully set the groundwork to start deep-diving into our emissions to see what improvements we can make to our sustainability effort. It’s great to work for a business who prioritises and understands their environmental responsibilities.

What motivates you to come to work?
The team, 100%! I feel very blessed that I have colleagues who I can learn from, collaborate with and who challenge me. The reality TV gossip and rounds of Baby Guinnesses are truly the cherry on top. It’s never a bad day in the office when you’re surrounded by such great people!

Also, I must mention the phenomenal output from the team in Ukraine over the last 2 years. The team’s robustness and diligence in the face of extraordinarily difficult circumstances makes me proud to call them all colleagues

Who are you?

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Born and raised in Lewisham, South East London to Sri Lankan Tamil parents. I studied Maths at Cardiff University and then fell into accountancy following graduation. My career background has predominantly been in media and brand design so I have always enjoyed working in innovative, forward-thinking industries.

What was your greatest achievement last year?
Managing to purchase a home with my wife at the beginning of last year. The housing market was chaotic and there were several moments where we thought that the whole sale may fall through. It could have been very stressful but we were very lucky that we managed to get it over the line in the 11th hour.

Do you have any hobbies?
A new home has meant most of my time and energy has gone into fixing and/ or breaking things in the house. A patient brother-in-law and 1,001 YouTube tutorials was all I ever needed to guide me. I never realised how much satisfaction I could get from spending 2 hours unclogging an external drain.

However, the less said about the radiator which, as we speak, is still leaking in the bathroom, the better.

LoopMe’s employee spotlights provide an insight into the LoopMe team’s work, life, motivations and aspirations. This edition features Oleg Morochkov, a Product Manager based in Dnipro.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
To be honest, I heard a lot about LoopMe from people I know and it was the only company in Dnipro in the ad tech industry. LoopMe’s values sounded very interesting to me so I decided to go for the opportunity.

Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I lost my fear of trying new things many years ago. My curiosity can’t rest when I don’t have the answer to a question, so this industry caught my attention. And, as a result, I’m now able to use analytical, technical, management skills combined together on a daily basis.

What motivates you to come to work?
The great people I work with and unwavering interest in the challenges I face every day working in rapidly changing conditions – the ad tech industry won’t let me get bored.

Who are you?

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Oleg Morochkov, I’m from Dnipro and hold the position of Supply Product Manager. My journey at LoopMe began almost 5 years ago with a support role, which I chose even with project management experience.

Do you have any hobbies?
I have lots of hobbies, the most interesting of which are leatherworking and creating loft furniture using welding and woodwork.

What has been your biggest achievement in the last year?
First of all — I’m still alive, which is great. It’s very hard to choose the single biggest achievement. On the professional side — I think that it’s rebuilding our redirect processing services that allowed us to make our system more stable and identify potential problems with servers of our DSP partners. In two words it increased stability and helped detect places where we could lose money because of any issue that happened on the partner side. On a personal note — I learned how to weld metals from scratch!

LoopMe’s employee spotlights provide an insight into our team’s work, life, motivations and aspirations. This edition features Joyce Bacqueyrisses, VP of Global Client Services, based in New York.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
It was my friend and colleague, Hélène Bouteille (Head of Global Account Management for LoopMe’s Intelligent Marketplace), who introduced me to LoopMe 8 years ago. Mobile was still pretty new and exciting, and I loved the company’s bold appetite for innovation and growth. LoopMe’s AI-powered DSP and early in-app investment, allowing better data and more immersive creative, offered brands an incredibly valuable product. The company was ready to take its unique offering to the US and I wanted to be a part of it!

Can you discuss a skill you’ve acquired or developed while working at LoopMe?
Leadership, collaboration, and planning have become more pivotal in my role today. The most rewarding one to me has been people management, supporting individual development and rooting for the success of the team. I couldn’t do it without the support and guidance from my colleagues. I appreciate every learning opportunity as I continue to widen my scope and responsibilities.

Do you have any WFH routines or rituals?
I’m working on the bad habit of checking my phone in bed. That aside, my key morning ritual is making coffee. My sister got me an AeroPress a few years ago and I love it. I start by grinding the coffee beans, boiling water and then let it seep for 4 minutes. There is something really relaxing about this morning routine. Sometimes I like to change it up and use the Italian mocha or Turkish cezve.

Who are you?

Do you have any hobbies?
I love exploring new bakeries, coffee shops and gelaterias on the weekend. As a French person, indulgence is my middle name! I do try to balance it with a good workout (really into OrangeTheory fitness). I also really enjoy languages and I have just started learning Italian!

Who would you consider your main role model and why?
I don’t think I have one role model and I won’t embarrass myself with fandom moments… I mostly learn from and am inspired by the people around me. Of course, my parents, grandparents and siblings have had great influence on me. As have my friends and colleagues. I really have great admiration for my colleagues in Ukraine. They are the bravest, most committed and determined people I have ever met. They also have the biggest heart.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
New York City! LoopMe made this dream come true 6.5 years ago. I wanted to be at the epicenter of our industry, get more exposure to global brands and challenge my approach and way of working. Beyond that, I was always fascinated by the US. Like many other non-Americans, I believe the diversity of people/cultures, the vastness of landscapes, and the appetite for innovation is truly unique.

LoopMe’s employee spotlights provide an insight into our team’s work, life, motivations and aspirations. This edition features Theo Alden, a Senior Sales Executive based in London.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
I decided to join LoopMe because I was incredibly impressed by the company’s innovative approach to advertising technology and its commitment to solving complex industry challenges. LoopMe’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of AI and data-driven solutions was a major draw for me. I was also drawn to the talented and passionate team at LoopMe, who are the cornerstone of the company’s success.

What project or event has been your favourite to work on at LoopMe?
My favourite event at LoopMe was undoubtedly the boat party! The boat party not only allowed us to showcase our dedication to client relationships but also our ability to host an exceptional event. It served as a testament to our team’s creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to going above and beyond to ensure our clients have a great time.

Can you discuss a skill you’ve acquired or developed while working at LoopMe?
My time at LoopMe has significantly improved my presentation skills – I’ve learned to communicate complex ideas with clarity and engage audiences effectively. The emphasis on data-driven insights has honed my ability to create compelling visuals for data presentations. Moreover, the supportive work environment at LoopMe has boosted my confidence in public speaking, allowing me to adapt my presentation style to diverse audiences and contexts.

Who are you?

What has been your biggest achievement in the last year?
In the past year, my most significant achievement has been the expansion of the independent agencies patch and the cultivation of client relationships. Through strategic initiatives and a dedicated focus on client satisfaction, the patch has achieved amazing growth. Developing amazing relationships with my clients and being in a position to deliver great results for them has been hugely fulfilling and this is by far the best part of my role!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
I already live in the best city in the world, but if I had to choose somewhere else, I would choose Australia! The diverse landscapes, thriving cities, and laid-back lifestyle make it an attractive destination. The country offers a unique combination of natural beauty, from its stunning beaches and rugged outback to lush rainforests. Additionally, Australia is known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and a strong sense of community – I could also work on my tan, a key consideration when deciding where to relocate.

If you could invite any public figure to dinner, who would you choose and why?
My choice would be Mo Gawdat, due to his unique outlook on life and his compelling perspective on the concept of happiness. Everyone could benefit from listening to what he has to say and hearing his story!

As part of LoopMe’s Ukraine Support Month, August’s employee spotlights feature Ukrainian employees, who tell us more about themselves and share their experiences of life in Ukraine since February 2022.

Who are you?

What is your name and role at LoopMe?
My name is Anna Shabaieva. I manage the team of Campaign Managers here at LoopMe.

Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy traveling and Petrykivka painting, a traditional Ukrainian decorative painting style.

What is your superpower?
I’m Ukrainian!

What is a place that you are most excited to visit in your lifetime?
I’d like to visit Alaska again, I was there 12 years ago and it’s forever in my heart.

Life in Ukraine

Can you talk about your experience the past 18 months?
It is very difficult to describe the war experience. We are watching how our country is being destroyed in real time and many people are dying every day. It’s very painful. Just as I’ve been writing this, we had a massive missile attack at night on the whole of Ukraine again. I woke up from a massive explosion at 4am. 

What do you want your team members outside of Ukraine to understand?
A big part of Ukraine is not occupied by Russia and we are trying to live normal life – but I’d like people to understand that the war has touched every family. We have Loopers who had to leave their jobs and join the army to defend our country; we have Loopers who are waiting for their husbands, brothers and fathers to come back to their families; and unfortunately we also have Loopers who already lost their loved ones.  

How do you feel supported by LoopMe?
I’ve been working at LoopMe for 7 years now, and Loopers have become a second family to me. It’s not just a job – it feels like home. 

Life at LoopMe  

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
I wanted an opportunity to combine my professional expertise with my passion for making a difference. And I have it at LoopMe. 

Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I’ve always been passionate about marketing and advertising, and wanted to combine creative, analytical and technical skills. It’s always changing. It’s fast-paced and innovative. Every day is a little bit different.

What motivates you to come to work?
My team, the best people I know.

As part of LoopMe’s Ukraine Support Month, August’s employee spotlights will feature Ukrainian employees, who tell us more about themselves and share their experiences of life in Ukraine since February 2022.

Who are you?

What is your name and job title?
My name is Artem Koscheev. I’m a Project Manager in the Data Science team.

What is your role at LoopMe?
My role at LoopMe is to help the Data Science team work effectively on planned projects with no miscommunication between teams.

Do you have any hobbies?
Oh! A lot! Right now I am focused on reading (I prefer sci-fi and fantasy) and board games (and I’m not talking about Monopoly or Alias).

What is your superpower?
Well. As a normal Ukrainian guy I have some not one. But my favorite is my communication superpower.

What is a place that you are most excited to visit in your lifetime?
Hard to say. As of now I’d like to visit the Highlands in Scotland.

Life in Ukraine

Can you talk about your experience the past 18 months?
For the past 18 months, I have been switching between my part-time job at LoopMe and military service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As a mobilized soldier in the Territorial Defence of the AFU, I took part in full-scale war in Ukraine, mostly in defence operations. While in service, I reached the rank of corporal according to the NATO classification. I was a detachment leader and an instructor. When I had free time, I spent it helping the Data Science team handle projects and communication with other LoopMe teams. My family stayed in Ukraine, so when I left the forces recently I was reunited with them. And I was very happy to see them again.

What do you want your colleagues outside of Ukraine to understand?
Disclaimer: I do not intend to blame, offend or criticize anybody at LoopMe. This is my personal opinion and message, and does not reflect the opinions or thoughts of other people.

What do I want you to understand? Everything is real. Ukraine and the people in Ukraine are living in a period of war. You read about these periods in history textbooks or in literature. Or maybe you watch them in TV series or movies. For me, all these stories have become reality. I do not want any of you to go through the same experience and to gain this level of understanding. Please just take into account that every day in Ukraine people are killed and injured intentionally and with the blessing of the people of the Russian Federation. And some of your colleagues or their families could be next.

Secondly, I’d like to talk about the emotional aspect of my previous point. For now the question ‘How are you?’ is no longer a polite way to begin a conversation. Be ready to hear the real feelings and thoughts of the person you’re talking to. To give you some context here, we do not have a lot of professional psychological help here due to our history and culture, so some emotional things might be thrown at you. Sometimes it will be enough just to hear an answer which differs from “I’m fine – and you?” and show your feelings or attitude towards the situation. And that’s it. Let’s say it is a Ukrainian part of cultural diversity in LoopMe.

And, lastly, keep in mind that some basic needs here could be unavailable. I mean, rockets are still falling on our homes, so we might be having trouble sleeping, or with our gas, water or electricity supplies, or even suffering with our health. This does not lead to a lot of positive emotions, to be honest. As far as I can tell, we try to avoid bringing these problems to the office, but sometimes we just can’t. If you need to speak with someone in the Ukraine office, please check to see if there have been any strikes in the area.

How do you feel supported by LoopMe?
First of all, LoopMe still gives me a job! It is an amazing thing! Also the people I work with – my team and my manager – give me a lot of emotional support. And I think that’s an authentic part of LoopMe’s business culture. So thank you, LoopMe, for that.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
“I was young and I needed money” LoopMe needed a person with good communication skills and a background in both analytics and project management, so I thought why not.

Why did you decide to work in this industry?
There are not many ways to earn a middle class income in Ukraine without dealing with corrupt authorities. IT is one of them.

What motivates you to come to work?
The people around me motivate me to come to work. As well as the interesting, challenging things that happen every day.

Life at LoopMe

Why did you decide to join LoopMe?
I wanted to be part of an established ad tech company operating with market-proven products and a “startup” mentality. I also was intrigued by the opportunity to grow a measurement business and leverage LoopMe’s proprietary DMP and AI technology. The icing on the cake was working with bright, engaging and fun people who I can learn with, lead and grow professionally and personally.

Why did you decide to work in this industry?
I love scaling ad tech companies by developing business models, establishing strategic partnerships and evolving marketing products, especially with inventive and dynamic people who share this passion. I also enjoy solving problems and cherish the moments when the marketing solutions I evangelize resolve critical challenges for clients and improve how they operate and monetize their company. Most of all, I am inspired by the fact that not every marketing problem has been figured out yet, so I can help devise and implement these solutions.

What motivates you to come to work?
Each day presents new challenges, and no two days are alike. I can be convincing a prospective partner why PurchaseLoop Brand is advantageous for their clients on Monday, negotiating a partner renewal contract on Tuesday and discussing dashboard reporting enhancements with teammates on Wednesday. Also, business is most fun when it is creative, and working with LoopMe teammates and partners enables me to apply my creative and problem-solving skills all of the time.

Who are you?

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a native New Yorker and l live here with my family. My wife was born in Mexico and speaks mostly in Spanish to our two kids, who attend a French bilingual school and a Mandarin after school program. So even though I have lived in this amazing city for all but one year of my life, for the last 16 years, our family has been jumping from one culture and language to another throughout our daily activities, and whenever possible, we like to add to our global journey with trips to explore Latin America, the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. I also love to go often to the theatre, concerts, museums and soccer matches with my family. While my career features business development and strategic sales roles at Nielsen, AOL, CNN and Bankrate, I also have worked in the music industry and for the children’s TV show “Sesame Street.”

Do you have any hobbies?
Since grade school, I have been playing guitar, piano and bass, as well as singing and composing pop and rock songs, and I had a rock band until our first child was born. I listen to rock, pop, new wave, hip hop, jazz, classical and world music; one of these days I will program a Spotify playlist for the NY office. I also cook, though I am hardly a gourmet chef – like many, my repertoire blossomed during the pandemic. When it comes to outdoor activities, I love playing soccer with our son, rooting for his travel team and exploring New York’s neighborhoods with my family as the streets are always changing.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
I love living in New York, but if I had to live elsewhere, I would choose Paris. It is as culturally, artistically and gastronomically diverse as New York with many neighborhoods to explore but has a much deeper history, incredible architecture and easier access to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.