Confidence is key
Today we shine the spotlight on Victoria Yousef, Marketing Manager at the dentalcorp Support Centre. With this being National Orthodontic Health Month, Victoria shares with us her passion for educating and spreading awareness of the importance of orthodontics at any age. She also tells us how being direct and laying it all on the line can be the key to finding happiness and success.
Tell me about your background – how long have you been with dentalcorp and what were you doing before you joined?
I’m proud to say that this January will mark my five-year anniversary with dentalcorp. Before joining, I was working on developing and launching a national social media and branding campaign for a well-known juice and smoothie retailer.
Have you always wanted to be in Marketing? What did you want to be when you were a kid?
When I was younger, I wanted to be an author, so it wasn’t a big leap when I decided to pursue a career in journalism. In my fourth year of journalism, I switched gears and sought out a role in communications. I ended up landing an internship at The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The JUNO Awards) which launched my career. Social media was emerging, as was the digital marketing space, and I became very passionate about all things related. I haven’t looked back since.
Can you tell me a bit about your role on your team? What does a typical day look like?
I primarily manage our orthodontic portfolio. There is no typical day on the job, which is what makes my role so unique. Each day, there’s something different to look forward to, and a new project to work on. As an example, I’ve recently led the rebrand of four orthodontic locations within a group that spans across two provinces and continue to look for unique opportunities to stand out in the market.
After four plus years of working with our GP portfolio, something I’ve learned in the recent months is how important it is for children to be seen by an orthodontist no later than age seven - even as early as ages three or four! Early intervention may prevent the need for more complicated treatment later in life.
Our evolving marketing strategy across the orthodontic portfolio includes educating and spreading awareness about the importance of orthodontics at any age.
Tell me something funny that’s happened to you.
When I interviewed for the position, I really knew what I wanted in the role and did not hesitate to make it known. I was super direct. After laying it all on the line, I left the interview with the sense that I would definitely not get the job considering how forward I was. I rode the subway home thinking that this would be a missed opportunity, for sure. To my surprise, I received the call that same day letting me know I was the successful candidate. I’m almost 99% positive I said to the HR rep, “Are you sure?!” Five years later, my confidence has grown, and I know that both dentalcorp and I made the right decision.
Tell me something about yourself that your co-workers would never guess?
I used to live in California and worked writing SEO articles back when SEO tactics and strategies were nowhere near as advanced as they are now. I’m also learning to speak Arabic.
What are your aspirations for personal and professional growth? Do you have a 5-year plan?
My five-year plan includes celebrating my 10-year anniversary with dentalcorp!
What advice do you have for new team members joining dentalcorp’s Support Centre?
Be confident. Ask questions and make suggestions. Learn our values and strive to exemplify them every day. Spend each day setting the standard, and then raise it!
