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Explore every episode of the podcast Marketing Masterclasses

Dive into the complete episode list for Marketing Masterclasses. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–50 of 116

TitlePub. DateDuration
116. From Startup to 12 Million Customers with Lucia Malapane, Head of Brand Marketing at GoTyme Bank10 Mar 202600:39:33

What does it take to build one of South Africa’s fastest growing digital banks?

In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Lucia Malapane, Head of Brand Marketing at GoTyme Bank, shares with Declan the story behind the bank’s growth to more than 12 million customers.

Lucia reflects on her journey from being part of building the business in its early days to leading the brand today, and how GoTyme Bank is rethinking banking by making it more accessible, simple, and customer focused.

The conversation also explores what great marketing looks like in financial services, how brands can build trust with customers, and why young professionals should focus on learning, curiosity, and being open to opportunity.

115. Never Stop Inventing a Better Way to Shop with Carol Feeley, Head of Creative at Ocado02 Mar 202600:41:37

What does it really mean to never stop inventing a better way to shop?

In this episode, Carol Feeley, Head of Creative at Ocado, joins Declan to share what that looks like in practice at one of the UK’s leading online grocery retailers. She talks about building a brand inside a business that is deeply data driven, and why consistency and patience matter more than constantly chasing the next new idea.

Carol unpacks the thinking behind Ocado’s purpose, how the Save and Splurge campaign helped reframe value in online grocery, and how she protects creative time so her team can focus on the work that truly makes an impact. She also shares why marketing should make life easier, and make people laugh.

If you care about building brands that last in performance driven environments, this is a conversation worth listening to.

114. People-First Leadership That Drives Growth with Former CEO of H&M South Africa, Caroline Nelson13 Feb 202600:53:35

Caroline is a firm believer that great businesses are built by great people. In this episode of Marketing Masterclasses, Caroline sits down with Declan to unpack what people-first leadership really looks like at scale.

She dives into the balance between strategy and culture, why narrowing down the tools your team actually values matters more than chasing trends, and how embedding corporate responsibility into business operations creates lasting impact.

113. How to Balance Soulful Storytelling with Digital Efficiency with Michaella Robertson, Head of Creative at Pure Fishing12 Feb 202600:38:56

Michaella Robertson has spent her career figuring out how to make brands matter, from big ideas to the little details that actually stick. In this episode, she joins Nicole to explore why social is a behaviour, not a channel, how AI should scale connection rather than replace it, and why the strongest creative work starts with a culture of trust. From Durban to Switzerland to leading global creative teams, Michaella shares what it takes to build brands that resonate in 2026 and beyond.


112. Why Big Bang Marketing Is Dead: takealot.com's CMO Karla Levick on Scaling Brands, Empowering Teams, and Thinking Like a Creator04 Feb 202600:37:54

Karla Levick, Chief Marketing Officer at takealot.com, is a strong advocate for how brands must evolve in a creator-led world. In this episode, Karla sits down with Declan to chat through why brands should behave more like content creators, how to work authentically with South Africa’s creator economy, and how to build brand equity on social platforms. She also discusses consistency, trust, and why marketing success today comes from iteration and innovation.

111. Building Joy at Scale: Inside The Crazy Store with Kevin Lennett01 Dec 202500:57:54

In this episode, Jon chats to Kevin Lennett, Managing Director of The Crazy Store, to unpack his remarkable career journey and what it takes to run one of South Africa’s most beloved retail brands.

Kevin shares his unlikely entrance into retail, how a newspaper job ad changed the trajectory of his life, and why his journey across both Sportsman’s Warehouse and The Crazy Store has always come back to one thing: people. From expanding The Crazy Store from 200 to over 500 stores, to building a culture grounded in trust, consistency, and genuine human connection, Kevin offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a retail empire with heart.

Kevin also reflects on legacy, leadership, South Africa’s retail landscape, and why “be kind” is the message he’d put on a billboard for the world to see.

If you love stories about purpose-driven leadership, growing something meaningful, and staying human in a fast-changing world, this conversation will stay with you.

110. Building Discipline & Creativity with Woolworths' Zach Nossel28 Nov 202500:52:14

In this inspiring episode, Declan and Zach Nossel, Head of Digital Marketing at Woolworths, unpack the unconventional, yet relatable, journey behind Zach's success.

Zach shares how early lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience, instilled by his father on the football pitch, shaped the leader he is today. From studying law to discovering his creative calling, from winning global creative awards to jumping into the chaos of startup life, and ultimately leading Woolworths’ digital transformation over the last decade, Zach’s story is packed with wisdom for anyone carving their own career path.

This is a masterclass in career growth, leadership, and modern marketing, told with honesty, energy, and heart.

109. Does That Make Sense? Rethinking Communication and Career Moves with Booking.com's Lauren Voges28 Nov 202500:37:08

Nicole and Jamie sit down with Lauren Voges, B2B Content Marketing Manager at Booking.com, to explore the unconventional career moves that shaped her expertise.

Lauren’s journey proves that what may look like a step back can actually build the depth and breadth that make a standout communicator.

We talk about why asking “does that make sense?” isn’t a sign of uncertainty, but an underrated tool for creating clarity. Lauren shares how your audience can become your superpower, why letting others tell your brand's story can make it stronger, and the importance of truly understanding a message before passing it on.

She also reminds us: Don’t let fear or autopilot make you miss a good opportunity.

If you’ve ever questioned your career path or the way you communicate at work, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

108. AI, Humanity, and the Art of the Impossible with Google's Gopi Kallayil at the Tutu Foundation25 Nov 202501:20:23

In this inspiring episode, Jon sits down with Gopi Kallayil, Google’s Chief Business Strategist for AI, at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town.

From connecting Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama for their first-ever live Hangout years ago, to leading Google’s AI strategy today, Gopi shares remarkable stories of innovation, spirituality, and purpose. He reflects on lessons from Mandela, Tutu, and Silicon Valley, and explores how AI is reshaping the world as a tool to amplify human potential.

Together, Jon and Gopi discuss:

  • The “healthy disregard for the impossible” that defines Google’s culture.

  • How AI can uplift humanity, from healthcare to climate resilience.

  • Gopi’s personal philosophy for balance and fulfilment: the “MEDALS formula.”

  • What it means to live a life of purpose in the age of intelligent machines.

A conversation that bridges technology, ethics, and the human spirit, reminding us that progress, at its best, begins within.

107. Consistency Over Chameleons with adidas' Roy Gardner24 Nov 202500:49:44

Declan sits down with Roy Gardner, VP - Brand Activation Europe at adidas, for a masterclass in brand clarity, curiosity, and career longevity.

Roy’s journey has taken him across some of the most iconic names in sport and lifestyle, from adidas to Helly Hansen, Leeds United, Reebok, Clarks, and ultimately back to adidas, where he now leads a team of 120 people across four countries.

Roy shares why consistency is one of the most powerful marketing tools a brand has, and why “chameleon-ing” across platforms only erodes trust. We explore how sticking to a core message, even while adapting to the nuances of each channel, is essential to building familiarity, integrity, and long-term customer connection.

We also dig into Roy’s belief that the best marketers are, above all else, curious problem-solvers. From big strategic challenges to everyday frictions, brands grow when they continuously ask: What is our problem? And what are we going to do about it?

If you’re passionate about brand-building, leadership, creative discipline, or shaping culture through sport and storytelling, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

106. Curiosity as a Career Strategy with Opella's Alberto Hernandez19 Nov 202500:51:00

From testing video games to leading global brands, Alberto Hernandez’s career has been defined by one thing: curiosity.

He’s proof that asking “why?” (and acting on it) can lead to successful and continuous reinvention.

In his words, the best marketers are “curious about people’s daily struggles.” They are in the business of solving problems in the best ways they know how.

Alberto shared many valuable lessons in his chat with Declan but this one stuck with us: Be curious enough to see what’s next, and courageous enough to chase it.

105. Redefining Brand Value with Hollard's Group CMO Hazel Chimhandamba10 Nov 202500:44:34

In this episode, Hazel Chimhandamba, CMO of Hollard Insurance, chats to Declan about what it really means to be a commercial growth enabler. From redefining brand value to leading with data-driven creativity, Hazel shares how modern marketers can build influence in the boardroom and create brands people actually love.

We cover:

  • Turning purpose into performance

  • Building operating models that drive impact

  • Creating customer-led value propositions

  • Protecting and growing brand equity

  • Following the eyeballs and meeting your audience where they are

"Marketing belongs in the boardroom because that’s where growth happens.”

104. From 80 million to 1.2 billion and back again with Zorros Partners' Anthony Steward06 Nov 202500:51:56

How do you grow a business from R80 million to R1.2 billion, nearly lose it, and then sell it to one of South Africa’s biggest retailers?

Anthony Steward, co-founder of Medicare Health and now Zorros Partners, joins Declan to share the real story behind the numbers, including everything from the humbling lessons of over-ambition to the power of focus, trust, and vulnerability in leadership.

One of the most honest, reflective conversations we’ve had yet.


103. Building Brands that Belong with Miguel Netto, Bootlegger's Head of Marketing03 Nov 202500:52:37

From embracing agency life to knuckling down brand side, Miguel Netto’s marketing career has ticked all the boxes.

As the Head of Marketing at Bootlegger, Miguel’s coffee-fueled days are focused on building a brand that doesn't advertise but rather works to belong within your lifestyle.

Miguel chats to Declan about his (and Bootlegger’s) values of quality, consistency, and sustainability, and how these have been forged throughout his life and career journey - from competitive IRONMAN racing, to his role as Global B2B & Commercial Marketing Director at Aramex, to now leading a team at Bootlegger.

Miguel shared many pieces of advice for aspiring marketers, including:

  • Understand the numbers. Even if you’re a creative.

  • Shoot your shot. Always.

  • And, in the words of Miguel’s dad: If you’re going to miss the bus, miss the bus running. Which is to say, make it mean something 👊


102. How AI and Behavioural Science are Changing the Future of Banking with Discovery's Jody Ashworth31 Oct 202500:40:58

What does it take to go from Intern to Award-Winning Marketer at Discovery Bank?

For Jody Ashworth, it’s been about curiosity, courage, and an unshakable belief in the power of behavioural science to change how we bank.

Jody shares how she’s shaping the future of financial health at Discovery Bank, from creating the brand’s beloved Discovery Bank Buddy to using AI and data to make banking more human.

Tune in to hear her take on leadership, culture, and how trusting your gut can be your biggest career advantage


101. First the Fundamentals, Then the Digital Wizardry with M&M's Alicia Jitaru22 Oct 202500:37:26

In this episode, Declan chats with Alicia Jitaru, European Digital Director for M&M’s, about what really drives great marketing in a digital world.

They unpack why, despite all the new tools and tech, the fundamentals stay the same: understanding people, meeting their needs, and showing up authentically.

From “digital wizardry” to emotional connection, Alicia shares how brands can create real magic with their audiences today.

100. Chicken Farms, Ultra-Trails & Adidas: Amy Beachy Head's Marketing Journey10 Oct 202500:33:52

What do ultra-trail running and brand building have in common? For Amy Beachy Head, Adidas South Africa’s Brand Manager for Running & Outdoor, the answer is grit, authenticity, and putting people first.

In this episode, Amy takes us through her journey from turning down her first marketing job at a chicken farm to leading culture-driven campaigns for one of the world’s most iconic sports brands.

She shares:

  • How running 100km through the mountains fuels her mindset and leadership style

  • Why prioritising people over screens is the future of marketing and culture

  • Lessons from the trail that apply to every marketer chasing big goals

Whether you’re a marketer, leader, or endurance junkie, Amy’s story will leave you inspired to keep pushing forward, one step (or three stripes!) at a time.


99. Start Before You Are Ready with Bianca Liapis, Sainsbury’s Digital Marketing Manager08 Oct 202500:29:28

Bianca Liapis packed her bags, moved to London without a plan, and built a global marketing career she truly loves.

In this episode, she shares the leaps of faith, moments of self-doubt, and bold mindset shifts that shaped her journey, from startups at Uber Eats to leading digital marketing at Sainsbury’s.

We talk about imposter syndrome, building trust, navigating massive change, and why her personal motto is simple: “Start before you’re ready.”

98. The Brave New World of Marketing with Danone's Nagehan Zülal Beypazar Şad01 Oct 202500:51:12

From bioengineering labs to leading global brand strategy at Danone, Nagehan Zülal Beypazar Şad has built a career shaped by purpose, creativity, and courage.

In this episode, she shares her journey from agency life to global leadership, the lessons she’s learned launching innovative campaigns at Nestlé and Danone, and her take on the future of marketing, touching on everything from AI, to cultural agility, to building brands that are a force for good.

Her message to all marketers? Be brave.

97. Design a Life You Actually Want to Live with Sherilyn Shackell30 Sep 202500:58:15

Sherilyn Shackell’s journey is anything but ordinary. From running her family’s fashion store at 16, to a 20-year career in executive search, to surviving a life-threatening illness that sparked the creation of The Marketing Academy,  she’s learned what it truly takes to lead a life full of joy and impact.

In this episode, Sherilyn shares:

  • The “112-hour rule” that reveals how you really spend your time

  • The 10-second mindset shift that can transform your leadership

  • How CMOs can, and should, step into the CEO role

Packed with hard-won wisdom and practical tools, this conversation will inspire you to take a beat, rethink your priorities, and lead with purpose.

Listen now and start designing a life you actually want to live.

96. Social Media is a Brand’s Bloodline: Lessons from Ackermans CMO Bronwyn Pretorius29 Sep 202500:58:41

Bronwyn Pretorius, CMO at Ackermans, believes that “social media is the bloodline of any brand”, and in this candid conversation, she unpacks what it really takes to build a brand that connects deeply with consumers in 2025.

From her early career pivot from law into marketing, to leading campaigns at Shoprite, Capitec, Mukuru, and now Ackermans, Bronwyn’s journey is a masterclass in versatility, resilience, and people-first leadership.

In this episode, we dive into:

  • Why understanding your consumer’s life stage is the golden thread of brand building

  • How to balance AI, data, and creativity without losing the human touch

  • Leadership lessons on striving for excellence and empowering teams

  • The future of social media, content, and attention as today’s true marketing currency

Packed with insights and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for marketers, leaders, and creatives shaping the next chapter of retail and brand building.

🎧 Listen now and learn from one of South Africa’s leading marketing voices.


95. Curiosity, Courage & Compassion: Your Marketing Career Trifecta with Heineken Global Brands Director, Natasha Maharaj 25 Sep 202500:19:20

Marketing isn’t about making ads anymore, it’s about being part of the culture.

In this episode, we chat with Natasha Maharaj, Global Brands Director at The HEINEKEN Company, about her 20+ year journey in the industry and how she’s stayed ahead of the curve.

Natasha shares why she believes we need AI along with human touch to create truly powerful marketing and how letting go of control can spark even greater creativity.

94. Why Failure, Quirks, and Curiosity Drive Breakthroughs with Ogilvy's Vice Chairman, Rory Sutherland23 Sep 202501:11:49

“It’s not how fast you drive, it’s how late you brake.”

That’s just one of the perspective-shifting insights Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, drops in this Marketing Masterclass with Jon Ratcliffe.

From the overlooked power of long-form copy to why YouTube has become the world’s customer support hotline, Rory unpacks the quirks of human behaviour, the role of creativity in an AI-driven world, and why occasional failure is proof you’re trying hard enough.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Why efficiency metrics can’t replace true creativity

  • How breakthrough ideas often come from lucky accidents

  • Why video has become the dominant way people solve problems

  • The future value of human ingenuity in the age of AI

Witty, surprising, and packed with perspective-shifting ideas from one of advertising’s most original thinkers.

93. Storytelling, Sport & Culture with Lay's Brand Manager, Aboobaker Hassim22 Sep 202500:48:14

Lay’s Brand Manager Aboobaker Hassim joins Loren and Kele to unpack what marketing means in 2025, from sports partnerships to social media, and from career pivots to the future of AI.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • Why storytelling is the true power of marketing

  • How sport and food create shared cultural moments

  • The career advice that shaped Aboo’s path

  • What’s working (and not working) in today’s digital landscape

  • Aboo's curiosity about AI and what it means for brands

  • The influence of culture in creating effective localisation strategies

A candid, inspiring conversation on values, creativity, and building brands people truly connect with.

92. Marketing Masterclass with Growth Director of Marketing at RCL, Le-Anne Bartman-Engelbrecht16 Sep 202500:39:54

Part 3 of 3 from our Speaker Series, recorded live in partnership with Red & Yellow Creative School of Business.


From Unilever to PepsiCo and now Growth Director at RCL, Le-Anne Bartman Engelbrecht has built brands, led categories, and broken the internet with some of South Africa’s most viral campaigns.

In this episode, she shares lessons from running billion-rand businesses, why culture must be a lived experience, and the hard truths about ROI, innovation, and staying relevant in a two-second TikTok world.

Her mantra? Done is better. Hard work beats talent.


91. Marketing Masterclass with Revlon SA's Marketing Director, Heather Goate15 Sep 202500:46:49

Marketing in 2025 demands agility, authenticity, and impact.

Revlon SA’s Heather Goate shares her insights on short-form video, the creator economy, AI in marketing, and the career mindset that will set you apart.

Packed with global brand experience and practical takeaways, this is a must-listen for marketers who want to stay ahead.


90. Marketing Masterclass with VodafoneThree's Senior Conceptual Creative & Strategy Social Lead, Tom Fenwick-Smith10 Sep 202500:34:54

Your brand isn’t the hero, your audience is.

In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, we sit down with Tom Fenwick-Smith, Senior Conceptual Creative & Strategy Social Lead at VodafoneThree, to explore what it really means to be social-first in today’s world.

From feature films to TikTok, Tom’s journey shows how bold ideas, creator partnerships, and a willingness to take risks can transform brands.

He shares:

  • Why creators are key to building brand authenticity

  • How to sell risky ideas to risk-averse people

  • Why network sideways is career-changing advice

  • How to turn your quirks and “weird” into your greatest USP

Packed with insights on creativity, social strategy, and brand building, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of marketing.

89. Marketing Masterclass with Naked's Marketing Manager, Liezel Swiegers08 Sep 202500:29:10

In this episode of Marketing Masterclasses, Declan and Rebecca sit down with Liezel Swiegers, Marketing Manager at Naked, the AI-driven insurance disruptor.

Liezel shares her journey from Takealot to Naked, the lessons she’s learned building a brand that stands out in a saturated industry, and why the Naked Difference is reshaping customer relationships in insurance.

Expect insights on:

  • How to create content people want to share on social media

  • Why building in-house creative capability can be a superpower

  • The hardest challenges in measuring marketing ROI

  • Leadership lessons and advice for future marketers

  • Her personal mantra: get off the beaten track

A fresh, future-focused conversation that blends creativity, strategy, and authenticity.

88. Marketing Masterclass with BOS Brands CEO, William Battersby05 Sep 202500:46:59

Part 2 of 3 from our Speaker Series, recorded live in partnership with Red & Yellow Creative School of Business.


William Battersby knows what it takes to turn a homegrown idea into a global success. As CEO of BOS Brands, he’s led the transformation of a proudly South African iced tea into an internationally recognised brand.

In this conversation with Verusha Maharaj, MD at Red & Yellow, William shares the lessons he’s learned from building brands across London, Cape Town, and beyond. From navigating the balance between storytelling and sales, to shaping company culture, to why innovation and authenticity are non-negotiable, this episode is packed with insights for students, marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in purposeful business growth.

Listen in as William reflects on leadership, global expansion, and why your brand, not your product, is your strongest defence.

87. Marketing Masterclass with Spur Corporation CMO, Vuyokazi Henda03 Sep 202500:38:36

Part 1 of 3 from our Speaker Series, recorded live in partnership with Red & Yellow Creative School of Business.

From Unilever to her current role as CMO of Spur Corporation, Vuyokazi Henda’s story is one of courage, care, and conscious leadership.

In this episode, she shares her journey across global and local brands, the lessons she’s learned about resilience and purpose, and why she believes in leaving the world a little softer. We dive into the power of discovering your gifts, choosing your arena, and leading in a way that builds both people and brands.

Vuyo also talks about the future of Spur, how brands can stay relevant in a digital-first world, and the balance between heritage and innovation.

An inspiring listen for anyone who cares about leadership, marketing, and making an impact that lasts.

86. Marketing Masterclass with Sweepsouth's Head of Design, Caterina Toffoli-Metcalfe01 Sep 202501:06:53

"When one of our campaigns performs well, it’s not just numbers on a graph,  it’s jobs being created and food on the table.”

In this Marketing Masterclass, Caterina Toffoli-Metcalfe (Head of Design at Sweepsouth) shares how purpose-driven creativity and people-first leadership shaped her journey from Yuppiechef to Pernod Ricard, and why authentic impact matters more than ever.

🎧 Listen for insights on:

  • Why culture is built in small daily actions, not one-off events

  • How to lead with energy and empathy

  • Balancing creativity, structure, and purpose

85. Marketing Masterclass with Nestlé Category Marketing Manager, Zakithi Mncwango28 Aug 202500:49:03

From Estee Lauder to PepsiCo to Nestlé, Zakithi Mncwango has built some of South Africa’s most loved brands. In this episode of Marketing Masterclasses, Lara chats to Zakithi all about her journey as an “accidental marketer” and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

We dive into:

  • Why creators are the gateway to authenticity and relevance

  • How consumers can spot an ad a mile away

  • The role of AI in building always-on, empathetic brand engines

  • Leadership lessons on balancing empathy with toughness

Whether you’re a student of marketing or a seasoned professional, Zakithi’s insights on culture, creativity, and brand building will leave you inspired.

84. Marketing Masterclass with Senior Product Marketing Manager at Tide, Katy Carter26 Aug 202500:33:30

South African-born product marketing expert Katy Carter shares her unconventional journey from yachting to leading growth at one of the UK’s fastest-growing digital banks, Tide.

In this episode, Katy opens up about:

  • Navigating competitive global markets
  • Turning complex financial solutions into simple, compelling stories
  • The role great leadership has played in her career

Expect insights on product launches vs. adoption, working across cultures, using AI for smarter marketing, and why taking your shot matters more than you think.

83. Marketing Masterclass with Google DeepMind Director, Rupert Kemp22 Aug 202500:53:58

From anthropology to AI at DeepMind, Rupert Kemp’s journey is anything but typical.

In this episode, Jon unpacks how curiosity, kindness, and nonlinear thinking led Rupert to one of the most advanced AI teams in the world.

We dive into the future of AI, why prompt engineering matters more than you think, and how tools like Gemini are reshaping everything from productivity to creativity.

82. Marketing Masterclass with PepsiCo Senior Brand Manager, Sibongile Mndebele21 Aug 202500:28:26

People can spot inauthenticity instantly and brands are no exception.

In this episode, Sibongile Mndebele shares how to build brands that truly resonate, drawing on her experience shaping iconic flavours at Simba and leading with values in a fast-paced digital world.

We explore:

  • Why authenticity is your brand’s most valuable currency

  • How AI can enhance, not replace, creative thinking

  • The one quality Sibo prioritizes above experience when hiring

  • Why “I care” is the message she wants the world to know about her

Tune in for a mix of practical career advice, heartfelt leadership lessons, and data-driven insights that every marketer can apply.

81. Marketing Masterclass with the CMO of Clicks Group, Melanie Van Rooy19 Aug 202500:57:28

From academia to entrepreneurship to leading marketing for South Africa’s largest health, wellness and beauty retailer, Melanie Van Rooy’s career is a masterclass in reinvention.

In this episode, the Clicks Group CMO shares her journey and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, brand building, and staying relevant in 2025.

We cover:

  • Moving from selling to solving and delivering joy

  • Building trust, empathy, and value for customers and teams

  • Why digital marketing is a science, not guesswork

  • The role of EQ in leadership

  • Reinventing yourself at any stage of life

Whether you’re a marketing student, a brand leader, or just navigating your next career move, Melanie’s story will inspire you to embrace change and lead with heart.

80. Marketing Masterclass with the Head of Marketing at One Retail Group, Giulio Beltramo18 Aug 202500:59:23

Marketing isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about experimenting boldly and learning faster than your competitors.

Giulio Beltramo, Head of Marketing at One Retail Group (one of the UK’s fastest-growing consumer goods and lifestyle brands), shares how creativity, curiosity, and South African grit shaped his career.

From rethinking segmentation to building brands that people feel (not just buy), this episode is packed with insights for marketers ready to break the mould.

Marketing Masterclass with Google's Head of UK Product Communications, Laurian Clemence14 Aug 202500:49:09

What’s the story? And how do we bring it to life in a way that truly connects with people?

It’s the question that’s guided Laurian Clemence through 17+ years at Google, drawing on her journalism roots and passion for leadership to shape the narratives behind some of its most iconic products, from Pixel to Gemini, Search to Android.

In this episode, we dive into:

  • How Google’s culture has evolved and what makes it work
  • Lessons in leadership and developing qualities to support teams
  • The art of crafting attention-worthy campaigns in a noisy world
  • Why comms and marketing must move as one


Marketing Masterclass with the Head of Brand at Urban Gym Group, Ryk Benade11 Aug 202500:56:25

“Just be lekker, and the world will be lekker.”

Urban Gym Group's Head of Brand, Ryk Benade, shares his career journey, lessons in creativity, and how brands can stay relevant in a digital-first world.

Tune in for insights on building culture, leading with impact, and thriving in the modern marketing era.

Marketing Masterclass with Sofia Hernandez, TikTok’s Global Head of Business Marketing07 Aug 202500:43:03

Jon sits down with Sofia Hernandez, TikTok’s Global Head of Business Marketing, at Cannes to talk about creativity, leadership, and how brands can thrive in the creator economy.

Sofia thinks brands need to think like marketers and act like creators. Do you agree?

Marketing Masterclass with Juliette Rowlett, Senior Global Shopper Excellence Manager at the LEGO Group04 Aug 202500:30:07

How do you build an international marketing career and stay true to yourself along the way?

Juliette Rowlett, a proud South African and global marketing leader at brands like Unilever and the LEGO Group, generously shares:

  • Her journey from Durban to leading global shopper strategies
  • Why “the bravest thing you can do is be yourself”
  • How to embrace discomfort, build relationships, and grow your career abroad

This episode is packed with advice for marketers ready to take on the world and do it with curiosity, creativity, and courage!

Hit play and get inspired.


Marketing Masterclass with Beatrice Cornacchia, Executive VP of Marketing & Communications APEMEA at Mastercard31 Jul 202500:47:39

At Cannes Lions, Jon sat down with Beatrice Cornacchia, Executive VP of Marketing & Communications APEMEA at Mastercard, to talk about her extraordinary 35-year journey building one of the world’s most iconic brands.
This episode is full of nuggets of wisdom from Beatrice. Here are just three to whet your appetite:

  • Never take a shortcut. Dream big and go after it.
  • Marketing is a science but the magic comes when you layer creativity on top.
  • Be the boss of yourself. You are the only boss that you can accept

This is for anyone looking to make bold moves and leave their mark.

Marketing Masterclass with Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Nedbank28 Jul 202500:43:23

Ambition isn’t arrogance. It’s clarity.

Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, shares her journey from FMCG giant to banking powerhouse. Discover how she’s building Africa’s best marketing team, driving bold creative work, and why authenticity is her ultimate leadership superpower.

A must-listen for marketers and leaders ready to play bigger.


Marketing Masterclass with Georg Gruber, Nando's Grocery Chairman24 Jul 202501:01:08

We sat down with Georg Gruber, Chairman of Nando’s Grocery International, to find out what it takes to turn a local favourite into a global sensation.


From his early days at Procter & Gamble and Cadbury & Schweppes to his current mission of bringing Nando’s fiery PERi-PERi flavours to homes around the world, Georg’s career is packed with lessons in leadership, brand-building, and bold thinking.


In this episode, Georg shares the highs, the challenges, and why purpose is at the heart of everything he does.

Marketing Masterclass with Arjoon Bose, Global CMO & Digital Officer at Bel Group 22 Jul 202500:25:21

Pressure is a privilege.


Arjoon Bose, Global CMO & Digital Officer at Bel Group (ex-L’Oréal, ex-General Mills), shares the story of his unconventional rise in marketing, from selling shampoo on Mumbai trains to leading global brands across beauty and food.


In this episode:

  • Why marketing must lean into culture and creativity to stay relevant
  • The new 3Ps shaping the future: personalisation, precision & pace
  • How Arjoon balances purpose and performance in the age of AI


If you’re ready to rethink what great marketing looks like in 2025 and beyond, this one’s for you 🙌

Marketing Masterclass with Ocado Retail's Kristen Joseph21 Jul 202500:41:01

In this episode, Kristen Joseph sits down with Jamie and Nicole for a thoughtful conversation on bold creativity and human-led storytelling in content marketing.


From Zimbabwe to South Africa to London, Kristen shares lessons on embracing change, simplifying complexity, and crafting stories that truly connect with audiences. She reflects on why curiosity, authenticity, and adaptability are key to thriving in a fast-paced industry.


This episode is for you if you are a content creator, marketer, or anyone trying to carve out their own unique path. Enjoy!

Marketing Masterclass with Zoe Mason, Category Manager for Nestlé Confectionery17 Jul 202500:43:05

Staying innovative in one of the world’s most competitive categories is not a choice, it’s a non-negotiable.


In this inspiring conversation with Zoe Mason, Category Manager for Nestlé Confectionery, Nicole and Jamie dive into Zoe's career journey, what makes her tick, and the lessons she’s learnt about finding the sweet spot between creativity and commercial impact.


Listen now to learn more about what it takes to make your mark in a fast-moving industry.

Marketing Masterclass with Danielle Delport, Marketing Strategist in Financial Services15 Jul 202500:46:18

What does it take to build trust and deliver truly meaningful client experiences in private banking?


Danielle Delport, Financial Services Marketing Strategist, joins Kele and Loren to share how empathy, curiosity, and intentionality have shaped her marketing journey.


From navigating high-stakes environments to creating personalised, human-centred campaigns, Danielle unpacks the lessons that have helped her thrive in a complex and fast-changing industry.

Marketing Masterclass with Cassie Jaganyi, Uber's Head of Communications10 Jul 202500:51:50

In this episode, Cassie Jaganyi joins Nicole and Jamie for an open conversation on the power of purpose-led storytelling in global communications. Cassie reflects on her journey from Procter & Gamble to Uber, sharing lessons on building narratives that connect brands to culture and drive real impact.


She also unpacks why curiosity, empathy, and clarity are essential for communicators navigating complex, fast-changing markets.


A must-listen for marketers, communicators, and leaders shaping stories that matter.

Marketing Masterclass with Athini Qwede, Global Media Manager08 Jul 202500:46:38

Athini Qwede joins Nicole and Jamie for a candid and inspiring conversation about ambition, resilience, and navigating the ever-changing media landscape.


With over a decade of experience driving results for global brands across EMEA and the UK, Athini shares her journey from building her career in South Africa to working on high-profile accounts in London. She reflects on the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, turning failure into growth, and staying relentlessly curious in a fast-paced industry.


An inspiring listen for marketers and media professionals driven by daring ideas and brave career choices.

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