AfricanOptimist - how we thrive against great odds

This episode is a behind the scenes look at the man behind the brand JozimyJozi and the unbelievable story of his rise to the top of the advertising industries in both South Africa and the United States before his return to home town Johannesburg to start a movement of hope and regeneration.In a candid conversation, Melusi speaks about his near-miss as a lawyer, early influences on his advertising career, and how 'stalking' local and international advertising heroes ultimately led him to work in the United States, where he continued his award-winning streak.He talks about his creative process, how 'letting go' of ideas is his secret to success, and that he once scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for his optimism in a psychometric test but was warned that could be considered 'dangerous'.It is in the second half where he tells the story behind the branding of JoziMyJozi, a movement 'of the people', with a vision to fix something that many had abandoned as 'broken', and the relationship between two men that gave birth to it.As a founding partner, Melusi Mhlungu describes the moment on Constitution Hill when the seeds were sewn for the creation of JoziMyJozi as a brand that nobody owns. He shares a love letter to his home town Johannesburg that inspired the branding of JoziMyJozi, and explains why the movement decided to 'start with the actions' (not bragging about what they were intending to do, but just 'getting shit done').He explains why patience is the superpower of the motley crew of JoziMyJozi doers, and how when they got a no, they just carry on, not waiting to get a yes.The episode is infused with Melusi's infectious and enduring optimism, about life, South Africa's youth ('people who are not stuck in the reality of now') and ultimately, South Africa's City of Gold.If you feel down about Joburg, and the world in general, this episode is for you. People here can 'geshido'!™.For more information, show notes and time stamps, go to www.africanoptimist.co.za.