Meet the Yocuda Team: Spotlight on Rebecca
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We’re excited to introduce you to Rebecca Smith, Yocuda’s Senior Marketing Manager. Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in leading marketing teams and delivering creative campaigns within the retail tech space, and we’re thrilled to have her on board to help us expand our reach and impact. Read on to find out more about Rebecca and her journey.
When did you join Yocuda and where is your office based?
I joined Yocuda in June 2024 and split my time between our London Victoria office and working from home in East London - often assisted by my Cat, VodKat.
What is your Senior Marketing Manager role typically involve?
As Senior Marketing Manager, I oversee all things marketing! Anyone who has managed an entire marketing function knows that agility is key, you need to wear multiple ‘hats’ and adapt quickly. From CRM and content strategy to digital campaigns, SEO, graphic design, sales support, and events, my role covers a broad spectrum of responsibilities. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what I love most about it - the variety keeps things exciting!
Tell us a bit about your background and what you were doing before you joined Yocuda?
I’ve been in the corporate world for over 12 years, working within the marketing functions of various retail tech companies including an eCommerce systems integrator, size and fit technology at Rakuten and retail-focused customer feedback platforms. With an initial focus on content marketing, today I’ve grown into an all-around marketer which I absolutely love!
What is the best thing about being a Marketing Manager?
I’m both results-driven and creatively minded, so this role provides the perfect balance. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing an event or campaign come to life and directly contribute to real, tangible sales opportunities. From initial concept to a closed-won deal - that’s what it’s all about.
I have a genuine passion for the retail sector, changing shopper behaviours and the customer experience, so working in an industry I love is a huge plus. Attending industry events and networking with retail leaders is an added privilege.
Another highlight of my role is collaborating with brands to developcase studies of how Yocuda’s solution drives customer loyalty and satisfaction. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the impact our technology has in transforming the retail experience.
What is your favourite type of retail store to shop in?
It’s all about the experience in-store and how a brand makes you feel long after you’ve left. With the rise of online and COVID-19 being a catalyst for innovation, customers won’t settle for bad store experiences anymore. The best stores are the ones that transport you to another world, whether that’s through immersive activations, hyper-personalisation, or incredible store designs.
I recently walked past The North Face store on Regents Street and I was taken aback by the store's design and innovation - I didn’t have time to pop in but I will definitely return! I also love seeing the department store windows at Christmas - the Selfridges and Harrods displays never fail to impress.
Beyond aesthetics, retail is all about human connection, which can be easily lost in today’s digital-first world, so meaningful interactions in-store count for a lot. How does a brand make you feel? What's the lasting impression they leave on you? That’s what's most important in retail today. The famous Maya Angelou quote sums it up perfectly
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Retail brands that embrace this philosophy will be the ones that stand the test of time.
What is your favourite app or technology and why?
An app I’ve come across recently is the digital wardrobe app Whering which catalogues your wardrobe and helps to build outfits. The randomised wardrobe shuffle is very cool and reminiscent of the 90’s film Clueless.
Vinted is also a staple app, I try and contribute to the circular economy as much as I can by buying from apps like Vinted and or from charity shops.
My most used app though, has to be my Apple Watch fitness app - much like in marketing, everything needs to be tracked!
Share a fun fact about you or something that people may find surprising?
A very popular opinion, but music is a great love of mine and I enjoy watching artists perform live. Some of my favourite artists currently are Mk.gee, Doechi, Incubus, Joan Armatrading and (of course) Beyoncé. I can also play a few instruments, although I must admit I’m pretty rusty at the moment!
I’ve always considered myself somewhat of an entrepreneur, launching my own Vegan soap brand SEABONNE a few years ago.
When I’m not working I try to travel as much as I can - most recently a solo trip to Vietnam. Next on the list is Serbia! Any recommendations feel free to email them to me at Rebecca@yocuda.com or connect with me on LinkedIn here.
