In our latest Digital Women interview, New Digital Age speaks with Christiana Marouchos, VP of Marketing at StackAdapt…
What are the biggest opportunities for women in your sector of the digital industry right now?
One of the biggest opportunities right now is that the industry is being reshaped in real time. As AI, automation, and new media channels redefine how marketing works, there is less reliance on legacy playbooks and more room for new voices to influence how things are built.
For women in particular, that creates a real opening to step into leadership roles earlier and shape strategy, not just execution. In areas like programmatic, digital marketing, and AI-driven marketing, the rules are still being written. That means influence is less about tenure and more about perspective, adaptability, and the ability to connect data to real human outcomes.
At StackAdapt, that shows up in how we approach marketing across technical, creative, and human dimensions, making sure that even as the industry becomes more automated, the work still feels relevant and grounded in real human experiences. The leaders who thrive are the ones who can bridge those worlds, and that’s an area where I see so many women already excelling.
What are some of the challenges that you still see for women in the industry? Any advice on how to overcome those challenges?
Progress has been made, but one of the biggest barriers for women isn’t capability, it’s proximity to decision making. Women are often held to a different standard when it comes to being both authoritative and approachable, which can make leadership feel like an impossible balancing act.
It also shows up in how we engage. There’s often hesitation to challenge ideas or ask tough questions out of concern about being perceived as combative. In reality, that kind of engagement signals critical thinking and leadership. The ability to assess opportunities, push on assumptions, and advocate for better outcomes is essential, and it should be done unapologetically.
The advice I always give is to share your perspective, even if it isn’t the widely held view in the room. Growth in this industry doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready, it comes from being an active participant in the conversations where decisions are made. The best leaders challenge the status quo in service of a better outcome. The best idea should win, regardless of who brings it forward.
We need to continue to see more women stepping into leadership roles and, just as importantly, acting like leaders before they have the title.
What support structures and organisations are most important and effective to you as a women in the digital industry?
Mentorship is important, but sponsorship is what truly accelerates careers. Having someone who actively advocates for you in rooms you are not in can change the trajectory of your career.
Internally, structured support systems like leadership development programs, cross-functional exposure, and transparent promotion pathways make a significant difference. Just as important is the confidence that comes from how those systems are supported day to day. Environments that prioritize open, constructive feedback over backchannel conversations, and actively lift women up rather than critique from the sidelines, help build that confidence. When teams operate as a unified group where success and failure are shared, it creates a foundation of trust. That kind of support from both peers and leadership allows individuals to take risks, grow, and realize their full potential because they know they are backed by the people around them.
Externally, communities that connect women across the industry are equally valuable. They create space for knowledge-sharing, perspective, and support, especially in a field that evolves as quickly as digital marketing does. The pace of change means no one has all the answers, so having a strong network is critical.
What is the biggest misconception (a) about women in the digital industry, and (b) by women in the digital industry?
A common misconception about women in the industry is that they are less technical or less suited for data-driven roles. In reality, the modern marketing landscape requires a blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and strategic insight, and women are contributing across all of those areas.
Another misconception is one that women place on themselves is that they need to follow a linear path or check every box before advancing. Careers in digital rarely look linear. The most impactful careers are often built by moving into adjacent areas, taking on stretch roles, and being willing to operate outside of a defined lane.
Growth comes from how you respond when change is needed. There are often gaps across teams or organisations, and stepping in to fill them, even if you do not feel fully prepared, can accelerate your trajectory. Those moments build new skills, expand relationships, and create opportunities that would not exist on a more traditional path.
What one piece of advice would you offer a woman starting in the digital industry today?
Stay curious and stay adaptable. This industry changes faster than almost any other, and the people who succeed are the ones who are willing to continuously learn and evolve.
Early in your career, focus less on finding the “perfect role” and more on building a broad understanding of how the ecosystem works. Understanding how data, media, creative, and technology connect will give you an advantage over time.
And just as importantly, build your voice early. Share your perspective, ask questions, and contribute to conversations. The sooner you position yourself as someone with a point of view, the faster others will start to see you as a leader.
