Meet Alp Kaya, a Senior Business Development Manager working out of our Istanbul office! Besides working with his team, that he says resembles “The Avengers,” Alp likes to read, listen to music on Spotify, and watch soccer. Keep reading to see Alp’s path to AdColony and his advice to stay motivated while working from home. Get to know him better in this week’s AdColonized employee spotlight!
What exactly does a Senior Business Development Manager do at AdColony? What’s an average day like for you?
Currently, I’m responsible for the Growth of AdColony’s Programmatic Business in Italy, Russia, Poland, Austria, Hungary, the Balkans, and the remaining Central Eastern European countries. As a Senior Business Development Manager, I constantly need to follow the developments in the industry (especially programmatic) and expand my knowledge about already existing or potential clients.
Each business development manager has separate update calls with sales teams, and business development managers play crucial roles in sales meetings especially in immature regions.
Another role of a Programmatic Business Development Manager is Product Enhancements and New Product Ideas according to Industry or Brand needs. We of course work closely with our Technology and Creative teams in the process. Also, looking for third party solutions and new collaborations is a part of our job. I can safely say that the Programmatic Business Development Team plays a huge role in AdColony’s Growth.
Tell us a little about your experiences prior to joining AdColony and how they have prepared you for your role here.
I have graduated from the Bilkent University of Economics and started working as a Project Finance Specialist, which is much different from what I do at AdColony. I then decided to change my career path and moved to Los Angeles to study Marketing at UCLA. At that time, I also started working at a Digital Marketing agency where I got to learn the basics of Digital Marketing and Advertising. By coincidence, a friend of mine that used to work at a company that is still one of AdColony’s biggest clients told me about AdColony and how perfectly I would fit there. The process was pretty fast, and I’ve worked for AdColony since I returned to Istanbul in 2017.
What makes AdColony the right fit for you?
The dynamics of the company. Within 3 months of my employment, I already had opportunities where I could prove myself. AdColony gives responsibilities to junior employees which makes them feel important and makes them work harder and give more. This also makes the learning process quite fast. AdColony is in a business where there is a bright future and big potential, which makes AdColony the right fit for me.
AdColony feels like a big family, and I have always felt very comfortable ever since I’ve started working for AdColony.
AdColony values employee development. How do you keep growing and learning in what you do?
That is true. AdColony has offered lots of different opportunities for our self development within the previous years. For example, we have unlimited Udemy memberships. We are encouraged to attend seminars and webinars.
As soon as someone starts working for AdColony, they are given important responsibilities and are encouraged to be active in meetings, which contributes to their self development as well.
Personally, I follow industry related blogs, and I am subscribed to many platforms where I get regular updates.
How do you act as a resource for the rest of your team?
In my opinion, The Programmatic Business Development team resembles ‘The Avengers.’ Each person has their own strengths, and each of us benefit from each other. I consider myself good at finding new sales arguments and turning them into good looking presentations (hope the team agrees as well :)). I think I’m a good source of motivation as well.
Is there someone you turn to personally or professionally?
There have been people that I really admired and took examples from. The first name that comes to my mind is Volkan Biçer, our previous General Manager EMEA & LATAM. He is a really hard working guy, has a great analytic way of thinking, and is always to the point. But I think each person is different from each other, and rather than copying a person, one must take the good sides of the person he/she turns to and find a unique way to adopt them to their own characteristics. I’m trying to become the person I’d turn to both personally and professionally.
Many global AdColony employees are still working from home. Do you have any work-from-home tips for success you can share?
Working out before work boosts motivation as I see life as something holistic. When you do something motivational, it affects the rest of your life.
I try to get some fresh air as much as I can, mostly by taking short walks. Even if you can’t go out, just take a 5 minute break and walk around in your house / garden.
I also try to stay in contact with my family and friends frequently as I am most of the time alone.
What are your hobbies or activities that you look forward to doing on the weekends or after work?
I consider myself an extroverted introvert. I really do enjoy spending time on my own. Once work is finished, I like to read a book and listen to some good music or follow football (soccer). I’m a gamer and spend a lot of time playing video games. I also do enjoy spending time with my friends and mostly meet them for a drink after work. During summer time, I prefer spending my time kite surfing, swimming, or laying on the beach.
Which app is keeping you engaged lately? Why?
I’d say Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. I use Twitter a lot because it’s the safest way to get news in Turkey, and I also do find some of the accounts hilarious. Spotify is mostly on unless I’m with friends or sleeping. Oh and a Turkish mobile game that resembles Scrabble.
Tell us one or two fun facts about you.
1) My father had a job opportunity in Germany when I was 6 years old. I started elementary school in Germany, and I didn’t know a single word in German. Because I didn’t feel comfortable at school, I ran away and the German police had to look for me. Fortunately I learned German in 3-4 months 🙂
2) I broke my nose twice.
What is your favorite moment you’ve had with the AdColony team so far?
I really enjoyed the Intelligence Summits we organized in Istanbul. I had the chance to meet numerous people from the industry from all over the world.
What are you listening to lately (music, podcasts, etc.)?
I always try to find some new music. I listen to a song 100 times and most probably never again (I think most would relate). I enjoy soft electronic music, rock music, disco, and old school hip hop.
What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 years?
Might sound like a cliche, but I want to see myself happy. Doesn’t matter which way. Maybe something that I’m not even aware of is the key to my happiness, and I hope to find it out within the next 5 years.
About AdColonized
Each AdColonized feature shines a light on a different member of the AdColony team. From favorite apps and hobbies to fun facts, we cover it all! Who do you want to see on the next AdColonized? Tweet it to @AdColony. For the latest AdColony mobile news and updates, follow @AdColony on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn.
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