#CareerFocus With Davina Bemako, Group CMO for DoshFX

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1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

    Apart from my job, I enjoy fashion and own a fashion business called Lush, where we cater to women with unique ready-to-wear pieces. As a Christian, I also enjoy doing ministry work, serving in my local church, and using my influence to spread God’s word. I love reading books, going on spa dates with friends, or catching up on reality TV to unwind after a busy week over the weekend.

    2. What work do you do?

      I’m currently the Group Chief Marketing Officer at DoshFX, a centralized crypto exchange. In this role, I’m responsible for ensuring brand awareness through campaigns, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. I educate users and encourage the adoption of cryptocurrency in their respective communities. Additionally, I drive new user growth through education.

      3. How long have you been in the industry?

        I have been in the crypto industry for over two years. My first real introduction to crypto came from my role as a Marketing Manager at Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange.

        4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.

          Marketing and brand building are my passions. I love bringing brands to life and studying consumer behaviour. However, it was my role at Binance, and through its academy, that introduced me to crypto and equipped me with the necessary skills and experience regarding crypto, blockchain and Web3. Through this role, I fell in love with everything crypto and saw the need for Blockchain and how it can accelerate innovation, and financial inclusion, and create employment in Africa.

          5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?

            It is very exciting! However, the blockchain industry is very male-dominated, with only 26% of the jobs in the crypto industry held by women, and just 6% holding top leadership roles. Women have made great contributions towards adoption and awareness through initiatives such as “Women in Tech” and “Women in Crypto” to name a few. Blockchain has also been a leveler for gender equality, is giving women more opportunities to lead, scale, and innovate in their respective markets.

            One needs a great deal of knowledge to navigate the space, and fortunately, information is readily available. Immersing yourself through online communities, offline meetups, and taking courses through an exchange academy will set you apart. Being a participator is the best way to learn. On the corporate side, skills in digital marketing, data analytics, and an introduction to blockchain and Web3 are of great value for someone in the Crypto and Blockchain industry.

            6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?

              There are a few challenges, but gender bias and discrimination are quite common and particularly noticeable at networking events. Given the male-dominated culture, navigating as a beginner isn’t easy. Initially, you can easily be ignored until others see your position or where you work.

              I have ensured to position myself as a key player in the industry through the connections I have made, events where I have spoken, and by continuing to forge strategic partnerships.  

              7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?

                Be curious! Thank God for the Information Age we are in because there is so much information available regarding Blockchain, Crypto, and the various aspects of tech.  Attending workshops and joining online communities has been instrumental for me. Connecting with the right people and reaching out to potential mentors are also crucial, LinkedIn and Telegram are great places to start.

                8. Plans for the future?

                  I hope to see DoshFX compete with the leading crypto exchanges in Southern Africa, serving the underserved, unbanked, and undervalued communities to ensure financial freedom and inclusion. As the world moves on, so should we.

                  Many Africans are underbanked, and there are numerous ways we could bridge the financial inclusion gap. I aspire to contribute to changing the way people perceive crypto and how it can be integrated into their everyday lives.

                  Additionally, I plan to start a program to actively engage and mentor young aspiring women who wish to venture into the blockchain and tech space.

                  Biography

                  Davina Bemako is the Group Chief Marketing Officer at DoshFX, a centralised cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to invest in cryptocurrencies using their bank account or debit/credit card.

                  Her role encompasses planning events, building client and partner relationships across Africa, and continuously pitching innovative ideas to both internal and external stakeholders. She is responsible for increasing brand awareness through campaigns, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on educating communities about cryptocurrency and driving its adoption. Additionally, she drives new user growth, increases user engagement, and boosts retention.

                  Davina began her career in 2017 as an office manager at IM Optical, where she managed social media, handled administrative tasks, and provided customer service. Since then she has gained extensive experience in business development and B2B/B2C reward marketing.

                  In 2022, she served as the Senior Business Development Manager for Africa at TLC Marketing, driving business growth across the continent. She then became the Head of Marketing for South Africa at Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, enhancing its presence and influence in the region.

                  Throughout her career, Davina has led teams and conceptualised and executed campaigns across various sectors, including banking, finance, retail, FMCG, petroleum, and now cryptocurrency.

                  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of South Africa and a certificate in Project Management from Stellenbosch Business School. Fluent in French, Portuguese, Lingala, Swahili, isiZulu, Sesotho, and Setswana, Davina leverages her linguistic skills to connect with diverse communities across Africa.