VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day

1. What do you do for a living and which part of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I am the Marketing Director of homeit, a Portuguese technology company in operation since 2016, specialist in access control solutions for shared spaces. Our solutions simplify the entry process by eliminating the need for traditional physical keys, providing secure and convenient access for property owners, managers and users through a platform that includes a web application, a gateway (the HOMEIT BOX) and a wide integration with existing smart locks.

As Marketing Director, I am responsible for developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies to increase brand awareness, attract new customers and retain existing ones, always focusing on customer experience. By placing the customer at the centre of everything we do, we ensure that our message is both relevant and impactful, contributing to the sustainable growth of both our clients’ businesses and our own.

One of the most important aspects of my role is gaining insight into the behavior of our target audience across different platforms. This approach enables me to gain valuable insights into their needs, which facilitates my decision-making process when it comes to creating effective marketing and communication strategies. This approach has been proven to have a positive impact on our target audiences and has also had an impact on the improvement of our products and services. By maintaining close contact with the market, we are able to continuously refine and enhance our products and services in line with market expectations and needs.

Homeit’s marketing department plays an important role in making connections that can benefit the company as a whole. By working closely with all areas of the company, we can contribute to creating a distinctive identity for our brand in a highly competitive market.

The most rewarding aspect of my role in marketing extends beyond seeing my ideas and projects come to life, which is inherently satisfying. Additionally, it is about the opportunity to be creative, make a meaningful impact, and continually learn and evolve. Furthermore, it is the capacity to not only plan and effectively execute actions but also to comprehend the positive benefits these actions bring to the team, the company, and the market as a whole.

These are the main reasons why I cannot see myself working in any other area. It’s the combination of creativity, meaningful impact, and continuous learning that makes marketing such a dynamic and exciting field for me.

2. How does your company innovate or adapt to the evolving needs of the vacation rental space? 

At homeit, we are dedicated to innovation and adaptability to satisfy the shifting needs of the marketplace. Our approach is to develop cutting-edge technology solutions that streamline and enhance the experience for both property owners and guests. Integrating our access control platform with smart locks allows property owners to remotely oversee access to their premises, offering convenience and security for users.

Building on this commitment, we proactively track emerging trends and identify specific sector needs. This approach is reflected in our dual focus: continuously refining our technology to ensure operational excellence and creating high-value features, such as integrations with property management platforms and strategic partnerships within the vacation rental market.

Our objective is not only to adapt to changes in the vacation rental market, but also to anticipate them. By providing innovative solutions, such as data-driven marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology platforms, we empower our clients to maximize their profits in a highly competitive and ever-evolving environment.

3. How do you view the various predictions about AI’s impact on society, ranging from dystopian scenarios to transformative advancements, and how does your company approach or integrate AI technology? 

We have been carefully observing the various perspectives on the potential impact of artificial intelligence on society, with an open mind and a sense of responsibility. We understand that there is a range of possible outcomes, from more pessimistic scenarios to more optimistic possibilities.

At homeit, we adopt a balanced and responsible approach towards integrating AI technology. Our primary objective is to enhance the user experience and optimise internal processes. To this end, we employ AI algorithms to analyse usage patterns and improve access management more efficiently and securely, for example, within our access control platform.

Furthermore, we are aware of the ethical and privacy challenges associated with AI and ensure that all our implementations adhere to the highest standards of data protection and transparency. We believe that AI technology has the potential to bring significant benefits, provided it is implemented ethically and responsibly. This will contribute to a safer and more efficient future for all.

4. What would you like to achieve by attending the Vacation Rental World Summit 2024 in Porto with your company? 

Our participation in the 2024 edition of the Vacation Rental World Summit, taking place in Porto, represents a strategic opportunity for homeit. This event provides an excellent opportunity for homeit to expand its reach and recognition among a professional target audience in the sector where we are market leaders. Our objective is not only to reinforce our position in the vacation rental market but also to establish new partnerships and exchange ideas and trends with other industry leaders and experts.

Additionally, this event will enable direct contact with potential clients, generating leads that could be converted into business opportunities. It will also serve as a catalyst for expanding our network with relevant companies and professionals in the sector, contributing to identifying new collaboration and growth opportunities.

5. What are your passions, including any hobbies or sports, that you enjoy discussing and sharing with others outside the professional setting?

Outside of work, my interests include activities that help me maintain a healthy work-life balance. I believe that having hobbies that reflect an individual’s interests and personality helps to maintain an overall sense of wellbeing and a balanced lifestyle, which will ultimately benefit other areas of life.

I am passionate about travelling to new places and exploring different cultures. I also enjoy reading and watching films that stimulate my creative side, as well as practicing Pilates and hiking, which help me to maintain a sense of balance in my daily life. In addition, I enjoy dancing as a means of self-expression and I do volunteer work for a number of charities.

It is important for me to maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional life. I believe that my hobbies, which are an extension of who I am, help me to achieve a healthy work-life balance and contribute to my overall sense of well-being. This allows me to be a more fulfilled professional and to face daily challenges with renewed energy and focus.