Explore every episode of the podcast The Lead Creative
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing That Matters: Vaseline, Heritage and the Power of Insight | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:19:34 | |
The challenge for many leading brands is staying relevant in categories where functional claims and pricing pressure can erode brand value. As part of our Effie Awards South Africa series, which explores marketing and advertising effectiveness with leading marketers and advertising trailblazers, I spoke to Elizabeth Mokwena, Executive Marketing Director at Unilever, about why emotion still matters. Conversation Highlights
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| Marketing Connects Business with People and Communities: Brian Yuyi, CEO of MASA | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:18:25 | |
How do we ensure that marketing has a seat at the business table? That’s one of the questions explored with Brian Yuyi, CEO of the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA), in this episode of The Lead Creative recorded at the IMC Conference. The conversation looks at how to give marketing a stronger voice in business, inspire the next generation to join the profession, and elevate those already driving growth and creativity. “Marketing is business and business is marketing,” says Brian. “It’s not about making marketing the centre of everything — it’s the connector between business and consumers.” He also reflects on how MASA continues to professionalise and unite the industry under one tent through education, accreditation and advocacy. Conversation highlights:
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| From The Super Bowl to Nando’s: A Conversation with Melusi Mhlungu | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:12:14 | |
From working on Super Bowl ads in the US to leading Nando’s as their newly appointed lead creative agency in South Africa, Melusi Mhlungu, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of We Are Bizarre, shares his global creative journey. Having shaped campaigns for brands like Instagram and Uber, Melusi reflects on what it takes to make brands truly interesting. We discuss:
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| AI, Creativity and the Future of African Marketing: Dr Gillian Hammah | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:19:34 | |
Dr Gillian Hammah, CMO at Aya Data, joins us at the IMC Conference to discuss balancing AI with creativity. She explains why agencies must price for value, how Africa can take ownership of its data, and the new skills marketers need to thrive. ___________________________ The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| CX, Effectiveness and the Future of Brand Building with Mandisa Theko-Khitsane | 25 Sep 2025 | 00:50:53 | |
How do marketers balance creativity with delivering business impact? In this episode of The Lead Creative, I speak with Mandisa Theko-Khitsane, Chief Marketing Officer at Sanlam Retail Mass and a judge at the Effie Awards South Africa. Mandisa shares why data is part of the creative story, how to avoid vanity metrics, and what it takes to build trust with boards and communities alike. We cover:
A conversation on marketing effectiveness, brand building, and the future of creativity in business. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Make a donation to Threads for Ikasi, a foundation that provides school uniforms, dignity packs and other essentials to children in townships, rural areas and under-resourced communities. Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Banning Campaigns and Reimagining Brands: Charl Bassil | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:16:22 | |
At this year’s IMC Conference, Charl Bassil, Chief Brand Officer of the BBC, shared how marketing continues to shape business, culture, and the future of legacy brands. This builds on our earlier conversation from nearly a year ago, offering fresh reflections on his journey at the BBC. Charl doesn’t shy away from disruption. “Growth is critical for us because it speaks to relevance. If we want to exist, we need to be relevant.” – Charl Bassil This conversation is part of our IMC Conference series, created in collaboration with the IMC team. Tune in for actionable insights on longevity, growth and cultural impact in brand building. ___________________________ The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Cannes Lions: Cultural Nuance and Global Impact with Xolisa Dyeshana and Saf Sindhi | 19 Aug 2025 | 01:16:41 | |
What does it take to create work that wins at Cannes Lions while also solving real brand problems? In this episode of The Lead Creative, hosted by Mongezi Mtati in collaboration with Danette Breitenbach, Editor of Bizcommunity, we unpack the lessons behind award-winning campaigns. This is part of our partnership with Bizcommunity to uncover what makes work stand out locally and globally. Joining us are two of South Africa’s leading creative voices. Saf Sindhi, Chief Creative Officer of Bananas, shares how his agency won a Gold Lion in Film for Let There Be Cake, celebrating KFC Thailand’s 40th birthday. He talks about clarity, absurdity and why leaning into culture helps work resonate globally. Xolisa Dyeshana, Chief Creative Officer and Partner at Joe Public United, reflects on his role as Jury President for Audio & Radio at Cannes Lions 2025. He explains why local insights must come first, why work should be “consumer winning” before anything else, and how Joe Public’s own Cannes success reflects this philosophy. The conversation explores why campaigns like Burger King’s Mouldy Whopper and Coca-Cola’s storytelling show that effectiveness goes beyond sales, highlighting the importance of shifting perceptions and changing brand narratives. Listen to discover what makes South African creativity stand out on the world’s biggest stage. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Make a donation to Threads for Ikasi, a foundation that provides school uniforms, dignity packs and other essentials to children in townships, rural areas and under-resourced communities. Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Human Truth Shapes Destination Marketing: Thembisile Sehloho | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:53:03 | |
What does it take to market a country like South Africa in an always-on, cluttered world? In this episode of The Lead Creative, host Mongezi Mtati speaks with Thembisile Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism, about building mindshare through emotional and cultural insight. You’ll hear about:
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| The Art of Reinvention and Creative Freedom: Jill Greenberg | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:45:33 | |
Over the past three decades, Jill Greenberg has created some of the most emotionally charged work in photography, from the End Times series to surreal animal portraits. Her images have appeared on Time, Variety, Newsweek and Wired. She has worked with the likes of Netflix, Showtime and Hulu. Here are three reflections from our conversation:
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| Short-Term Thinking in Advertising and Marketing Erodes Brand Growth: Gillian Rightford | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:56:13 | |
Advertising and marketing are often driven by quick wins, and campaigns are designed to spike sales or chase trends. But in doing so, brands risk losing long-term relevance and impact. In this episode of The Lead Creative, Gillian Rightford unpacks why so much work today lacks effectiveness. As MD of Adtherapy, founder of The School of Thought, and head of the Effie Awards South Africa, Gillian explains how brands can create a culture that fosters effectiveness. Key insights:
This is a timely conversation for marketers and creatives looking to drive more meaningful work. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Converting Strangers into an Engaged Community | 29 May 2025 | 01:02:08 | |
How do you move from followers to a real community? In this episode, Selebogo Molefe shares how he built The Hookup Dinner, The People’s Fund, and more by focusing on trust, shared values, and consistency. We discuss building belonging, why some brands resonate while others don’t, and how to rebuild after failure. Highlights include:
Listen now for a grounded look at how to build something people believe in. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Crafting Iconic Stories That Influence Generations: Angus Gibson | 03 Apr 2025 | 01:06:26 | |
What makes a story iconic and lasting? In this episode of The Lead Creative, filmmaker Angus Gibson shares his journey from the genre-defining Yizo Yizo to the visually stunning Shaka Ilembe. Fresh from the edit suite of Season 2, he reflects on storytelling that dares to challenge, uplift and innovate. From painting a school red in Yizo Yizo to shooting every scene backlit in Shaka Ilembe, his process is bold, deliberate and culturally rooted. He also unpacks why failure and experimentation are essential to storytelling that truly moves people. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Pete Case on How Enduring Client-Agency Partnerships Build Better Brands | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:57:21 | |
Brands grow through trust and shared ambition. Pete Case, CEO and Creative Chairman of Ogilvy South Africa, joins The Lead Creative to discuss how long-term client–agency partnerships help brands like Volkswagen, KFC, Audi and Carling Black Label thrive. “Trust is the most important ingredient. It’s what allows us to put new, untested ideas in front of clients.” Key insights include:
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| From Resonance to Relevance: The Role of Culture in Marketing, Advertising and Brand Growth | 20 Mar 2025 | 00:52:50 | |
Marketing and advertising have always shaped culture and influenced society. Yet, many brands today lack cultural depth, focusing more on data and short-term wins than on building lasting connections with communities. In this episode of The Lead Creative, Donald Mokgale, MD of MoyaApp, Director of Hibirism, and co-author of Introducing Hibirism: A Guide to Black Cultural Nuance, explores how brands can embed culture into their strategy rather than just referencing it. “Marketing isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about understanding the human being at the centre of it.” Key topics in this episode:
Listen now to discover how culture can turn good marketing into great branding. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| People, Purpose and Profit: Growing Brands and Empowering Communities | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:47:09 | |
Many brands talk about purpose, but few put it into action. In this episode, Charlie Stewart, CEO of Rogerwilco, shares insights on:
Charlie also co-authored Business-To-Business Marketing, predicting the rise of compelling B2B creativity. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| The Science of Marketing: Sydney Mbhele | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:52:01 | |
Marketing has evolved into a discipline that demands measurable impact and accountability. On this episode of The Lead Creative, Sydney Mbhele, the Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer of Absa Group discusses:
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| Balance Brand Equity and Short-Term Results in a Digital-First World: Christa Kruger | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:45:52 | |
Consumers avoid traditional advertising while consuming on-demand content and utilising ad-free platforms, leaving brands struggling to connect. In this episode of The Lead Creative, Christa Kruger, MD of Wavemaker South Africa, shares how brands can balance short-term results with long-term brand building. Follow us on:
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| How Challenger Brands Build Community and Trust | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:45:55 | |
Avashnee Moodley, Head of Marketing at OPPO South Africa, shares how challenger brands can thrive in saturated markets. She reveals the strategies that set OPPO apart in the competitive smartphone industry. Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Creative Effectiveness and Strategy in a Fast-Paced Market: Margaret Johnson | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:47:38 | |
In this episode of The Lead Creative, host Mongezi Mtati engages with Margaret Johnson OBE, Group CEO of Leagas Delaney, in an insightful discussion on creative effectiveness and strategy in today’s fast-paced marketing landscape. As part of the CEO Series, they explore how agencies provide bold ideas that solve complex business problems, even as brands increasingly bring creative work in-house. Margaret explains that client relationships built on trust and empathy are essential for success, and how balancing data with creative vision is the key to effective marketing. She also discusses the rising importance of social responsibility. Here are some key takeaways:
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| Seth Godin: Your Brand Has A Strategy, Not An Advertising or Marketing Problem | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:37:15 | |
In this episode, the host of The Lead Creative, Mongezi Mtati talks to Seth Godin, author of This Is Strategy, about why brands mistake strategy issues for marketing and advertising problems. “It doesn’t matter how fast you’re going if you’re going in the wrong direction,” Seth reveals, challenging us to rethink how we approach brand growth. Seth Godin warns, “More followers doesn’t mean you’re more successful. People will know your work because their friends told them, not because you told them.” Key Points:
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| Reviving a Brand by Embedding it in Culture and Reclaiming Relevance: Charl Bassil | 17 Oct 2024 | 00:39:00 | |
Charl Bassil, the Chief Brand Officer at the BBC and former CMO of Absolut Vodka, shares insights in rebuilding a global brand by deeply embedding it in culture. Charl shares his experience in leading Absolut Vodka’s resurgence when the brand had lost its relevance. By tapping into the spirit of Africa and creating culturally resonant campaigns, Charl helped turn Absolut Vodka into a symbol of creativity, unity, and purpose. Key Insights:
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| The Creative Pulse Behind VW: Bridget Harpur | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:41:39 | |
Mongezi Mtati talks to Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing for Volkswagen South Africa (VW SA), about the secrets behind VW’s enduring cultural relevance and creative excellence. Volkswagen has long been more than a car brand; it’s a cultural icon that has remained relevant across generations, from the Golf Mk1 to bold campaigns like “Game On,” a groundbreaking Metaverse campaign that incorporated NFTs. Key Insights:
Join us as we explore how VW keeps its brand iconic and connected to the pulse of culture through bold creativity and people-focused messaging.
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| Compelling Content for Audience Growth and Brand Sponsorships | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:47:22 | |
In this episode, Nicole Engelbrecht, creator of the True Crime South Africa podcast, shares her journey of building a loyal audience and attracting brand sponsorships. Key points include:
Listen now to learn how to create content that captivates and attracts the right sponsors. Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Insights from 41 Years of Advertising and Marketing Measurement | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:12:31 | |
Advertising needs more than good creative; it needs solid measurement. Oresti Patricios, CEO of Ornico, has spent over 40 years tracking how advertising, marketing and PR drive business growth. “The basics haven’t changed,” he says. “Marketing still exists to grow business, but measurement tells you if it’s working.” He warns against the short-term vs long-term debate: “It’s not either/or. Brand building takes time, but tactical work drives sales. You need both.” He also points out that “vanity metrics are a non-trend.” For marketers to retain credibility and budgets, they must link their efforts to real business outcomes. Conversation highlights
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| Balancing Creativity and Brand Values in Influencer Marketing | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:45:27 | |
Thando Gambushe, an FMCG influencer marketing lead, joins The Lead Creative to share her expertise on balancing creativity and brand values in influencer marketing. She reveals how passion-driven content and deep brand alignment create successful collaborations. Thando also explores how Gen Z is reshaping the landscape, pushing brands to adapt and evolve. Learn how to build trust, foster authentic partnerships, and avoid common missteps in the ever-changing influencer space. Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Building Resilient Brands Through Ethical Leadership: Bonang Mohale | 25 Jul 2024 | 00:48:52 | |
Should brands become more vocal on societal issues, or stay quiet until the dust settles and consumers are ready to shop again? These are some of the questions I posed to Professor Bonang Mohale, Chairman of Bidvest Limited and SBV Services. Prof. Mohale, a respected leader in business and author of Lift As You Rise and Behold The Turtle, shared his insights on this topic. Here are some key points from our conversation:
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| Rebuilding Brand Relevance: Nontokozo Madonsela | 12 Jul 2024 | 00:58:20 | |
Rebuilding relevance for established brands can be a challenge. In this podcast, Nontokozo Madonsela, Group CMO of Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, explains how her team tackled this through strategic boldness, collaboration, and creativity. Collaboration with agency partners was key. Madonsela stresses the importance of inclusive agency involvement, ensuring partners understand the business context. This approach helped Momentum thrive in a competitive market. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Breaking Cultural Barriers for Authentic Brand Engagement: Steve Babaeko | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:48:12 | |
Steve Babaeko, the award-winning CEO and founder of X3M Ideas, delves into the remarkable journey that led to his agency's historic Cannes Lions win—the first for a Nigerian and West African agency. Follow us on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Brave and Authentic Brand Communication | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:47:46 | |
Join Jessica Wheeler, Marketing Director at Nando's South Africa, as she reveals the secrets behind Nando's authentic brand communication. Learn about her transition from agency to brand, and how Nando's maintains its unique brand voice, humour and bravery in different markets. Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| The Secret to Higher Productivity in Creative Teams: Jack Skeels: | 15 May 2024 | 00:50:32 | |
CEO of AgencyAgile Jack Skeels shares why traditional management structures are holding back creative agencies and how you can change this. The author of "Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations," shares ways for companies to rethink their structures and increase efficiency. Key takeaways:
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| Building Resilient Brands with Generational Relevance: Abey Mokgwatsane | 18 Apr 2024 | 00:37:25 | |
In our latest podcast episode, Abey Mokgwatsane, the CMO of Investec, discusses the essence of brand endurance amidst market shifts. Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Unleashing Brand Potential Through Marketing Innovation: Khensani Nobanda | 04 Apr 2024 | 00:55:09 | |
In a crowded market where people are bombarded with marketing and advertising messages at every turn, where brands are clamouring for attention, what does it take to truly stand out? To create something that resonates with your audience and differentiates your brand. This is precisely what we asked Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank’s Group Executive: Group Marketing & Corporate Affairs, a treasure trove of insights for anyone keen to navigate the complex waters of brand building, marketing and creativity.
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| The Impact of Diversity on Marketing and Business Growth: Veli Ngubane | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:47:07 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Veli Ngubane, of Avatar Agency Group, to explore how diversity isn't just a buzzword in marketing and business—it's the secret sauce to their explosive growth and creative success. From a team of over 100 people to a powerhouse of over 300 talented creative minds, Avatar's journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing varied perspectives. Veli shares candid insights into how mixing different backgrounds, thoughts, and cultures fuels creativity and innovation that resonate across global markets.
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| Crafting Connections and Shaping Perceptions Through Brand Storytelling: Lebo Madiba | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:47:53 | |
In this thought-provoking episode of the Lead Creative Podcast, host Mongezi Mtati engages with Lebo Madiba, founder and managing director of PR Powerhouse, to delve deep into the art of brand storytelling. Madiba illustrates this with compelling examples, including the remarkable journey of Checkers Sixty60 and SweepSouth, showcasing how these brands have seamlessly integrated their stories into the everyday lives of their customers, thus building brand loyalty and trust.
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| Trapped in the Busyness, Not the Business of Advertising: Dr Pepe Marais | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:30:01 | |
In our IMC Conference series, we reconnected with Dr Pepe Marais, Co-Founder and Group Chief Creative Officer of Joe Public, two years after our last conversation. He believes the industry remains “trapped in the busyness, not the business of advertising.” Agencies, he says, are producing hundreds of assets a month, leaving little time for ideas that last. “We’ve got the talent, but not the time to think.” Pepe calls for a reset — fewer, better ideas, more time for strategy, and trust between brands and agencies to create lasting impact.
Conversation highlights:
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| Bridging Global Vision and African Creativity - The H&M South Africa Story: Caroline Nelson | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:43:37 | |
Explore the fusion of global innovation and African creativity with H&M South Africa in this insightful episode. Host Mongezi Mtati talks with Caroline Nelson, CEO, about H&M's transformative retail journey since 2015, highlighting key collaborations with local designers like Palesa Mokubung, Rich Mnisi, and Neimil.
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| Fusing Marketing, Tech, and Creativity for Better Customer Engagement: Musa Kalenga | 22 Feb 2024 | 00:45:08 | |
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of technology, marketing, and creativity is not just inevitable; it's essential. Brands and spaces that interface with consumers are undergoing profound transformation through this powerful combination, leading to unprecedented innovation and deeper customer engagement. Musa Kalenga, the Group CEO of Brave Group and the author of "Ladders & Trampolines" as well as his latest publication, "The Brave Code," shares invaluable insights into this transformative blend.
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| AI in Digital Strategy and the Creative Process: Bra Willy Seyama | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:52:56 | |
The digital landscape is continuously evolving, from the transformative role of AI to its impact on the future of digital marketing and the creative industry. Bra Willy Seyama, a seasoned specialist in digital marketing and analytics, unpacks some of the complexities of navigating brand safety amidst the rapidly changing dynamics of social media platforms, with a special focus on X (previously Twitter). Seyama's insights highlight the critical need for brands to meticulously manage their online presence to safeguard their reputation.
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| The Role of Brand Equity in Weathering Economic Storms: Ivan Moroke | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:51:51 | |
Brands wrestle with the idea of increasing sales and building brand equity, which is often exacerbated by a tough economy. In this episode, a seasoned Marketing Strategist and the CEO of Kantar, South Africa, Ivan Moroke delves into the latest findings to share why brand equity allows brands to withstand economic downturns. Sharing findings from the 2023 Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable South African Brands Report, Ivan unpacks the value of difference and salience as aspects that enable companies with strong brands to remain top of mind. He mentions Woolworths, FNB, Nando’s and others as South African brands that leverage their difference to win more share-of-wallet, even in difficult times. Would you like to stand out in your marketing efforts?
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| Cultivating Communities, Collaborating with Brands: Brent Lindeque | 14 Dec 2023 | 00:37:09 | |
In this episode, Brent Lindeque, the founder of Good Things Guy, shares insights on building a platform that connects communities and remaining relevant in the ever-changing digital landscape. He emphasises the importance of authenticity and values in brand partnerships and highlights the power of partnerships and giving back. Brent also discusses the exciting trends of TikTok and vidcasting in the influencer space. Overall, his strategy is to lead with kindness and consistency, creating a feeling of hope and optimism through Good Things Guy. Key takeaways
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| Advertising and Media Consumption Trends in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa: Charles Stuart | 07 Dec 2023 | 00:47:34 | |
The ever-evolving media consumption landscape affects advertising spend, changes consumer behaviour and impacts brand engagement. PwC's Entertainment and Media Outlook Report has been tracking media consumption trends since 2010, providing insights for brands to make informed advertising and marketing decisions. In this episode, Charles Stuart, PwC South Africa's Entertainment and Media Partner, sheds light on the latest findings. He shares that over the past 13 years, consumers and internet users have shifted from wanting to own content to prioritising access. These and other topics form part of our latest episode, offering a deeper understanding of media consumption and advertising trends in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow The Lead Creative on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| AI, Customer-Centricity, and the Evolution of Client-Agency Relationships: Sechaba Motsieloa | 30 Nov 2023 | 00:37:59 | |
In the ever-evolving customer landscape, brands and agencies face the constant challenge of staying ahead of the curve. This episode features insights from Sechaba Motsieloa, a distinguished Marketing Director and Chartered Marketer, who brings a wealth of experience from working with global brands. With a remarkable career that includes roles at SAB, Kimberly-Clark, McDonald’s, and more, Sechaba shares his unique perspectives on the transformative impact of AI in marketing and advertising. He also emphasises the importance of fostering collaborative client-agency relationships to navigate the complexities of the dynamic customer landscape. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow The Lead Creative on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Signal Over Noise: Chris Do on How to Stand Out on Social Media as a Creative | 02 Nov 2023 | 01:01:14 | |
Signal Over Noise: How to Stand Out on Social Media as a Creative In today's noisy world, it can be difficult to stand out as a creative person. But Emmy award-winning founder and CEO of The Futur, Chris Do, has mastered the art of creating content that cuts through the clutter and builds an engaged community. In this episode, Chris shares his insights on how to stand out on social media as a creative person. He discusses his strategy, what he's learned from his experiences, and how to ensure that your content resonates with audiences. Chris also emphasises the importance of focusing on your community instead of chasing virality. He believes that building a strong community is the key to long-term success on social media and beyond. If you're a creative person, an entrepreneur, or someone who wants to stand out in your space, this episode is for you. For more of Chris Do’s insights, on the following links:
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| A Creative's Guide to Collaborating with Multinational Brands and Steps to Earn Your Worth: Bonolo Chepape | 26 Oct 2023 | 01:03:56 | |
Collaborating with multinational brands helps independent creatives to grow their businesses and reach more audiences. Bonolo Chepape, founder and Creative Director of Lulasclan, has worked with many recognisable brands, adding her distinct signature as a multi-talented textile and graphic designer. Bonolo has collaborated with Nando’s, Smeg, Mr Price Home and many others enabling them to stand out with her unique creative approach. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
Chepape shares thoughts on the importance of African creatives championing their design aesthetic and telling their stories through their work. "As African creatives, we have a responsibility to champion our design aesthetic and tell our stories through our work," she says. "Together, we can embed it into art and history." Bonolo also posed questions to fellow creatives Thebe Magugu, Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa, and Bathu, about their approach to work, business growth, and the creative process. Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Build Community Engagement and Partner with Sponsors: Fred Roed | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:48:20 | |
Building an engaged community is essential for creators to spread their message and contribute to their chosen cause. But what does it take to build a great community? In this episode, we chat with Fred Roed, founder and CEO of Heavy Chef, a learning platform for entrepreneurs. Fred shares his insights on how to build a community of 50,000+ engaged members. Fred's sentiment, like our previous conversation with Mashudu Modau, is that focusing on your community and the value you provide are the cornerstones of growth and sustainability. Over the years, Fred and his team have found some key sponsors to add value to their cause. They've also learned a lot about what it takes to keep their community members engaged and coming back for more. If you're looking to build a thriving community, this episode is packed with valuable insights. For more of Fred Roed’s insights:
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| The Loeries Measures More Than Advertising and Marketing Trends: Preetesh Sewraj | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:11:15 | |
At the IMC Conference, Preetesh Sewraj, CEO of The Loeries, joined Mongezi Mtati to discuss whether the creative industry has too many awards, echoing the same sentiment shared by Chris Borain, CEO of IAB South Africa and The Bookmarks Awards. Conversation highlights
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| Creative Collaboration at Scale to Help Change Society: Lesley Williams | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:52:31 | |
Solving complex societal challenges requires collaboration and diversity of thought. Lesley Williams, CEO of Tshimologong Precinct, has been connecting creative, business, and other minds for over two decades to build solutions to these challenges. In this episode, Lesley Williams shares insights and practical advice on how to:
"When seeking transformative change, be prepared to collaborate with unlikely allies. Diversity of thought can be your greatest asset." ~ Lesley Williams, CEO: Tshimologong Precinct Why you should listen: If you're a creative, business professional, marketer, or advertiser interested in learning how to use collaboration to positively impact the world, this episode is for you. Lesley Williams' insights and advice are essential for anyone who wants to build bridges and create transformative change. The Lead Creative Podcast is available on: Or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow The Lead Creative on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Monetizing Content Creation and Collaborating with Brands: Alphi Mkhwanazi | 28 Sep 2023 | 01:11:18 | |
Monetizing content creation is an art, and like all art, its brilliance lies in authenticity. Alphi Mkhwanazi, a maestro admired on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond, is a testament to this. His work has led to collaborations with many top brands, including MultiChoice, Mercedes-Benz, African Bank, and DSTV. Alphi doesn't just create; he crafts narratives that captivate. What sets him apart in this saturated landscape? A keen understanding of his unique offering and a knack for aligning with brands that amplify his essence. The #KFCWedding phenomenon? It wasn't just a viral moment; it was a testament to Alphi's magnetic resonance. And a note for the insiders: While many creators prefer to work directly with brands, Alphi swears by agencies, finding them adept at executing campaigns more efficiently. Are you eager to decode the essence of genuine brand-influencer collaborations? Would you like to understand the delicate balance between passion and profit? Dive in. This episode is a masterclass in digital artistry. Hit 'play' and let Alphi's journey inspire yours. To find out more about Alphi's content and work, click here to visit his website. Or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow The Lead Creative on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| The Personal Brand Playbook for Creatives: Mpho Monareng | 21 Sep 2023 | 01:01:29 | |
Establishing a trusted personal brand while growing a creative agency is no simple task. In this episode, we explore the journey of WOW Media founder, Mpho Monareng, and discover how he's successfully navigated these waters.
Mpho's career has seen him build Toast Media, a noteworthy independent creative agency, and later, WOW Media. But he didn't stop there. This powerhouse balanced his agency work with TV appearances, collaborating with eminent brands like Klipdrift, Iwisa, Bioplus, Capitec, and more.
Mpho resonates with many creatives as he too faces challenges negativity and imposter syndrome. His message? "Believe in your craft; if you see its value, let no one diminish it, not even yourself.”
We also discuss the role of Generative AI in the realm of creativity, especially tools like ChatGPT, opening doors to unexplored platforms.
Eager to gather more insights from Mpho Monareng's intriguing journey? Or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow The Lead Creative on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||
| Tribes, Trust, and Transformation: Why the Creator Economy Matters for Marketers: Lebo Lion | 14 Sep 2023 | 01:02:13 | |
In a noisy marketplace, brands need innovative ways to reach their audiences. Enter the creator economy, a growing ecosystem valued at $104 billion in 2021 and projected to surpass $227 billion by 2025. These creators are both influential and trusted by their communities. This offers brands an opportunity to resonate with consumers. Join us in the latest episode of The Lead Creative, where digital marketer and podcaster Lebo Lion shares how brands can foster genuine connections that yield results. Uncover the potential of the creator economy in this episode. For more insights, explore Lebo Lion's website or engage with her on social platforms. Or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow The Lead Creative on: Buy us coffee here to help us grow. | |||