Women in Mobile. Meet Maria Perov, One of the Women Game Changers in the Mobile Industry

The gender gap in tech is gradually decreasing, and the mobile tech industry is doing its part to offer more leadership roles to women.

Aarki is passionate about strengthening women’s leadership and voices. Here we continue our series highlighting women in the mobile industry. 

Maria Perov
Senior User Acquisition Manager, PLAYSTUDIOS

"It always seems impossible until it is done."

Q: What has been/is your favorite project at PLAYSTUDIOS?
I have had many projects during the past 2 years at Playstudios that were challenging and taught me a lot. However the one I am most excited about is my upcoming challenge - taking over the retargeting efforts for Pop!Slots. It’s a large-scale operation that was launched in 2019 and has proven to be very impactful this past year.

Q: What is on your wishlist for the next 10 years at PLAYSTUDIOS?
Be better, be innovative, constantly learn new things and most importantly, I wish that in 10 years I will still be enjoying my work as I am enjoying it today. 

Q: What are the common challenges women face today in the world of ad tech?
The past few years women are becoming ever more present in the world of tech, but there are still many challenges and hurdles that women need to overcome. 

I think that a major issue is being taken seriously in the industry due to gender perceptions. In the past I have had my share of "mansplaining" and being left out of “boy clubs”. I feel very fortunate to have found a home in Playstudios where there is a positive, gender diverse culture with many female role models.

I think that women not being taken seriously and not seen as equal is a major factor in the gender gap pay.

Another major issue is maintaining a healthy work / home-life balance. It’s hard to be professional, achieve your goals and at the same time make it home in time for dinner.

Q: What are three things that you recently learned in the mobile industry?

1. 1. Changes are bound to happen - better find a way to take advantage of them.
   2. Data is the way to go - User Acquisition must be data driven.
   3. Creative is king - With the right creative you can achieve anything.

Q: What advice do you have for those who want to work in digital marketing?
Be involved in the digital marketing trends, this world is extremely turbulent and if you can’t keep up you’ll find yourself left out.

"Be data driven, improve your analytical skills
and learn new ones."

Socialize and find your place in the UA community - you can learn so much from your colleagues. 

Q: If given the chance, who would you like to be for a day?
I wouldn’t want to be anyone but me. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable in someone else’s shoes. And the life events of someone else may not be geared for the lessons I need to learn in this life.

If I am not happy with the way things are going in my life, I have the ability to change them to make them better. So if I could be anyone - I guess I’d like to be the best version of myself for a whole day. 

Q: What are your top three life highlights?

1. My top one is becoming a parent. My life is totally different from what it was 2.5 years ago, most of the time for the better. 
2. Finding my partner and getting married.
3. Starting my amazing job, It’s the first time in my life that I love coming to work in the morning (well… logging into work from my dining room table).

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
I really like to bake! 2020 has been the year of baking for me. Other than that, I enjoy reading, watching TV, traveling, and going to the beach.

Q: What are your top 3 most used mobile apps?
WhatsApp, Facebook and Pop!Slots :)

Q: What is your personal mantra?
It always seems impossible until it is done.