The Business of Influence

THE CREATOR ECONOMY IS BRILLIANT AT BUILDING AUDIENCES. IT IS TERRIBLE AT TAKING CARE OF THE PEOPLE BUILDING THEM.In this episode of the Business of Influence Podcast, hosted by Leroy Marc, Hakeem Lesolang, Gugulethu Nyatshumba and Makungu Valoyi sit down for a conversation the creator space has been avoiding for far too long. Mental health. Burnout. The cost of performing for an audience that never clocks off. And why the industry that profits most from human creativity is often the last to invest in the humans behind it.The conversation opens with a reframe that sets the tone for everything that follows. Creators are assets. Not content machines. Not engagement metrics. Assets that require protection, maintenance and genuine care, and an industry that treats them as anything less is an industry that is quietly consuming the very thing it depends on.The panel draws a distinction that most people in the creator space have never been forced to articulate. The difference between an online following and a real community. Followers provide engagement. A community provides support. They are not the same thing and conflating them is one of the most dangerous mistakes a creator can make, because no amount of comments and DMs replaces the people who show up when the camera is off.The burnout conversation is where this episode gets most honest. Burnout is not a personality flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a workplace phenomenon caused by long term unmanaged stress, and the performance cycle that the creator economy demands, always on, always visible, always optimised for virality, is one of the most efficient burnout machines ever built. The panel breaks down what it actually looks like to set boundaries inside a career that feels boundless, why understanding your why is the only sustainable defence against chasing trends that lead to misalignment, and how block recording and intentional scheduling can protect a creator's output without destroying their wellbeing.The most provocative insight in this episode is the concept of disappointment as a survival skill. The fear of losing belonging drives creators to overperform, overshare and override their own limits, and learning to disappoint the expectations of others is not a failure of character. It is an act of self preservation that the industry desperately needs to normalise.The episode closes with a conversation about systematising success, building a circle of influence made up of advisers who provide real accountability, and treating a creative career as a business with the same rigour and intentionality that any other business demands.This is the conversation the creator economy still refuses to have at scale. It is happening here.If you are a content creator, a brand strategist, a mental health advocate or anyone operating at the intersection of visibility and vulnerability, this episode is essential listening.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen and Follow Us Apple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaB Spotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYi Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and Guests Leroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/ Makungu Valoyi: https://www.instagram.com/advocacy4mentalhealth/ Hakeem Lesolang: https://www.instagram.com/hakeemthehypnotherapist/ Gugulethu Nyatshumba: https://www.instagram.com/gugulethu_nyatsumba/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#MentalHealthAwareness #CreatorEconomy #Burnout #WholePersonEconomy

CLICKS VS CLASSROOMS: DOES FORMAL CREATIVE EDUCATION STILL MATTER IN THE AGE OF INFLUENCERS?In this episode of the Business of Influence Podcast, hosted by Leroy Marc, Kamva-Eliqaqambileyo Namba, academic and head of programmes, sits down for one of the most relevant conversations in the creative industry right now. Can a traditional degree compete with a TikTok following? Does formal education still have a seat at the table in an economy where a ring light and a smartphone can generate a six figure income? The answer is more nuanced than either side of the debate wants to admit.The conversation opens with the tension that most creatives are living in right now. Social media moves faster than any curriculum can keep up with, and for a generation that has watched peers build careers on content alone, the value proposition of spending three to four years in a classroom is increasingly difficult to justify on face value alone. Kamva does not dismiss that reality. Instead, she reframes it.What formal education offers that the school of Instagram cannot is the infrastructure around the influence. Legal contracts. Business management. Tax compliance. Long-term career strategy. The ability to contextualise your work culturally, socially and philosophically so that it contributes to something larger than the next viral moment. These are not glamorous skills, but they are the ones that determine whether a creative career lasts five years or twenty-five.The longevity conversation is particularly sharp. Kamva makes the case that education builds the kind of versatility that allows creatives to pivot as they evolve, because the performer who is relevant at twenty-two is not always the same performer who is relevant at thirty-five, and the ones who survive that transition are the ones who understood their industry as a business from the beginning.The episode also holds academia accountable. Kamva acknowledges that institutions have historically been reactive rather than proactive, slow to integrate social media, performance analytics and influencer strategy into their curricula, and even slower to respond to the rise of AI. However, the conversation ends with a clear directive. Academic boards are beginning to change: shorter courses, vertical content formats, real industry insights built into programmes, and the institutions that remain agile are the ones that will continue to matter.This is not a conversation about choosing between a degree and a following. It is a conversation about what happens when you have both.If you are a content creator, an aspiring creative, an educator or anyone thinking seriously about the future of the industry, this episode will challenge how you think about knowledge, longevity and what it actually takes to build a career that lasts.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.-----Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen and Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiaInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/Kamva-Eliqaqambileyo Namba: https://www.instagram.com/kamvalethu_eliqaqambileyo/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#ClicksVsClassrooms #CreatorEconomy #FormalEducation

THE MOST UNDERRATED BUSINESS SKILL IS NOT MARKETING. IT IS NOT FINANCE. IT IS KNOWING YOURSELF.In this episode of Founder's Desk, hosted by Tami Ruschin, Amanda Sibiya, founder and lead strategist at Branding Africa, sits down for a conversation that most entrepreneurship content completely avoids. Emotional intelligence is not a soft skill. It is the infrastructure that holds a founder, a team and a business together, and this episode makes that case in a way that is impossible to argue with.The conversation starts where most business conversations refuse to go. A founder's personal struggles, values and blind spots do not stay at home when they walk into the office. They show up in every decision, every interaction and every culture problem that eventually becomes a business problem. Amanda is direct about this because the evidence is everywhere and most founders are still pretending otherwise.The definition of EQ that anchors this episode is one worth sitting with. It is not about being nice. It is about discernment, knowing which emotion to express and when, being empathetic when the situation calls for it and being stern when it does not. That distinction matters enormously in leadership and almost nobody teaches it this clearly.The episode goes into the myth of the cutthroat founder who compartmentalises their humanity at the office door, why servant leadership consistently outperforms task focused management when it comes to staff retention, and the fine but critical line between honest feedback and emotionally unintelligent communication. Critiquing the outcome of a project and attacking a person's character are not the same thing, and the difference determines whether your team trusts you or tolerates you.The entrepreneurial isolation conversation is one of the most important parts of this episode. Founders carry weight they cannot always share with their teams, and without a deliberate support structure, whether that is fellow entrepreneurs, a mentor or a therapist, that weight accumulates in ways that eventually show up in the business.Amanda's closing advice is the most grounded take on founder wellbeing this show has heard. Before you learn marketing. Before you learn finance. Sort out your mental health. Because none of the technical skills will hold if the person operating them is running on empty.Founder's Desk is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #FoundersDesk Listen and Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and Guest Tami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/ Amanda Sibiya: https://www.instagram.com/amandasibiya/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#EmotionalIntelligence #FounderMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthInBusiness #ServantLeadership #WomenInBusiness

ANYONE CAN POST A WORKOUT. NOT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TELLING YOU HOW TO TRAIN.In this episode of the Business of Influence Podcast, hosted by Leroy Marc, we are joined by three fitness professionals who are done watching their industry get flattened by a feed. Mthandazo Nathan Mthembu, Thato Banda and Mpho Mapheto bring a combined depth of real world experience to a conversation that the health and fitness industry has been needing to have out loud for a long time.The digital fitness space is oversaturated, and the three guests are honest about what that actually means for the people consuming that content. Misinformation. Unrealistic expectations. Burnout. A culture of performative fitness that prioritises expensive gear, aesthetic goals and consumerism over sustainable health and genuine progress. The algorithm rewards the visual. The problem is that health does not always look the way social media wants it to.The conversation draws a clear and necessary line between a fitness influencer and a fitness professional. Personal trainers and group exercise instructors operate in the real world, building face to face relationships with clients who view health as a non-negotiable rather than a trend. That distinction matters because the consequences of bad advice in this industry are not just a wasted gym membership. They affect people's bodies, their mental health and their long term relationship with movement.The episode also gets into the business of staying sustainable in a volatile economy. How do fitness professionals build practices that last when the loudest voices in the room are the ones with the most followers rather than the most credentials? The answer the guests return to consistently is integrity, consistency and a commitment to the scientific fundamentals that no amount of viral content can replace.The regulation conversation is one of the sharpest parts of this episode. Rather than waiting for top down intervention, the guests advocate for consumer education as the starting point, alongside greater transparency from influencers about their actual qualifications and the reality behind their training journeys.This is a conversation about who gets to lead, who gets to influence and who gets to earn in an industry where the barrier to entry has never been lower and the stakes have never been higher.If you work in fitness, health, wellness, brand strategy or the creator economy, this episode will challenge how you think about authority, trust and the real cost of influence.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—-Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen and Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and GuestsLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/ Mthandazo Nathan Mthembu: https://www.instagram.com/nate.neanderthal/ Thato Banda: https://www.instagram.com/tee_smilefitt/ Mpho Mapheto: https://www.instagram.com/mpho_summerbodynation/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#FitnessIndustry #HealthAndWellness #DigitalHealth #FitnessMarketing

BEING VISIBLE IS NOT THE SAME AS BEING RELEVANT. AND MOST BRANDS HAVE NOT FIGURED THAT OUT YET.In this episode of Founder's Desk, hosted by Tami Ruschin, Magriet de Bruyn, founder of Plot Social, delivers a conversation that every brand manager, content strategist and social media professional needs to hear. Plot Social is a social first creative agency built specifically for upper market hospitality and lifestyle brands, and after two years of operating at that level, Mags has a very clear picture of what is working, what is not and why most brand content quietly fails even when the numbers look fine.The conversation starts with the always-on shift that changed everything around 2020 and 2021. COVID accelerated online activity faster than most brands could respond to and the ones that did not build a consistent social presence paid for it in relevance, but always on content created a new problem. Mags draws a sharp distinction between visibility and relevance that anchors the entire episode. A brand can appear on a feed every single day and still not earn genuine consumer attention. True relevance only happens when content resonates deeply enough to make someone feel something, and that cannot be manufactured through a rigid posting schedule or a template.The in-house versus agency conversation is one of the most honest parts of this episode. Mags breaks down why in-house content teams often end up creating content for internal approval rather than audience impact, why the instinct to push promotions and specials is the fastest way to lose a social audience, and why authentic human storytelling consistently outperforms content built around immediate revenue objectives.The AI section of this conversation is equally direct. AI is a tool, not a strategy, and audiences can spot the difference between content that was created with intention and content that was generated for efficiency. The human touch is not a nice to have. It is the thing that makes content actually work.The episode closes with the hardest truth of all. Building a genuine online community takes time, consistency and trust in the process. Vanity metrics are not business values and panic driven pivots are not strategy. The brands that keep copying competitors will always be a step behind the ones that are clear on their own purpose.Founder's Desk is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—-Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #FoundersDesk Listen and Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and GuestTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Magriet de Bruyn: https://www.instagram.com/just_griet/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#ContentStrategy #SocialMediaMarketing #BrandStrategy #AlwaysOnMarketing

THE CAR YOU DRIVE SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU. HYUNDAI FIGURED THAT OUT 25 YEARS AGO.In this episode of the Business of Influence Podcast, hosted by Leroy Marc, Nontokozo Biyam joins the conversation to unpack one of the most fascinating brand localisation stories in South African marketing history. How does a foreign automotive brand become a home brand? How does a vehicle manufacturer earn a place not just in the driveway but in the culture? Twenty five years in, Hyundai has some answers worth studying.The conversation starts with something most automotive marketing misses entirely. A car is not just a functional purchase. It is an emotional one. It represents status, self expression and the milestones that define a life, the first job, the growing family, the next chapter. Nontokozo breaks down how understanding that emotional dimension changed the way Hyundai approached its South African audience and why brands that lead only with specs and price points are always going to lose to the ones that lead with meaning.The episode gets into how Hyundai built genuine community trust over time, through industry firsts like the seven year warranty, through sponsorship of local sporting codes and through literacy programmes that had nothing to do with selling cars and everything to do with earning belonging. That is what the shift from foreign entity to home brand actually looks like in practice and it does not happen overnight.The influencer marketing conversation in this episode is particularly sharp. Nontokozo is direct about why cookie cutter luxury collaborations do not work. The strategy is about showing how a specific vehicle model adds real, tangible value to a real person's life, and matching the right creator to that story rather than chasing reach for its own sake.The episode closes with the long game. How do you build a brand strategy with a 25 year horizon? How do you stay relevant to a student today who will be a parent in a decade? The answer sits at the intersection of mass awareness, mobile first content and a single unifying idea, progress, that follows the consumer through every life stage.This is Episode 13 and it is the conversation that reframes how we think about automotive brands, consumer loyalty and the future of culturally embedded marketing in South Africa.If you work in brand strategy, marketing, content creation or the automotive industry, this episode will shift how you think about building for the long term.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen and Follow Us Apple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaB Spotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYi Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and Guest Leroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/ Nontokozo Biyam: https://www.instagram.com/nontibiyam/Email: [email protected] Music Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#AutomotiveMarketing #Hyundai #ConsumerBehaviour

EXECUTION IS THE CURRENCY. EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST POTENTIAL.In this episode of Founder's Desk, hosted by Tami Ruschin, Nicole Maweni, founder and Managing Director of Open Gallery, pulls back the curtain on what talent management actually looks like behind the scenes. Open Gallery exists to give creative talent, from artists and musicians to brand builders and influencers, the infrastructure they need to be seen and to grow, and this conversation shows exactly what that infrastructure is built from.Nicole walks through the full scope of what talent management really involves. Emails, proposals, rate cards, media kits, road management, event production, the unglamorous administrative backbone that makes a creator's visible success possible. But the conversation goes deeper than logistics.Nicole is candid about how Open Gallery selects talent, not through a formal application process but through synergy and energy, and why prioritising the human being behind the brand, through regular check ins and genuine relationships, matters as much as the strategy itself.The conversation also gets into the harder parts of the job. Managing a creator's ambitions against the realities of the industry. Acting as the bridge between talent and brands when conflict arises. And the lesson Nicole says shaped her leadership the most, that you cannot always be the leader and the friend. Sometimes guiding someone toward their own success means being the one who holds the line.Nicole also speaks to the doubt that came with launching the agency, and how a strong support structure, a belief in working with good people and trusting her own instinct carried her through the uncertainty. Strategic planning still anchors the business, set at the start of the year and revisited quarterly, but flexibility remains essential in an industry that moves as fast as this one does.Her closing message is the one worth sitting with. Execution is the true currency of influence. Big ideas mean nothing without the consistent ability to deliver, and empathy for the person behind the talent is what sustains success long after the idea has worn off.Her final piece of advice. Do it afraid.Founder's Desk is brought to you by Style ID Africa.Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #FoundersDesk -----Listen and Follow Us:Apple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and Guest:Tami:   / tami_blend_ruschin  Nicole Maweni:   / nicole.maweni   Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:   / emceeiii  #TalentManagement #CreatorEconomy #WomenInBusiness #ExecutionOverIdeas

HARD WORK WITHOUT A SYSTEM IS JUST NOISE. HERE IS WHAT ACTUALLY BUILDS A BUSINESS.In this episode of the Business of Influence Podcast, hosted by Leroy Marc, Bulelani Balabala delivers one of the most honest conversations about entrepreneurship, visibility and brand building that this show has ever hosted. Hard work is not enough, and if you have been grinding without seeing results that match the effort, this episode will tell you exactly why.Bulelani defines hustling not as ambition but as effort without systems, and makes the case that no matter how much revenue you generate, if your business cannot function without you in the room, then you have not built a business at all. You have built a job with extra steps. The fix is not working harder. It is documenting your processes, creating structures that allow you to delegate and building systems that scale your time rather than consume it.The branding conversation is equally sharp. Your brand is not a replica of someone else's success story. It is an expression of a specific identity, yours, and the businesses you admire should be benchmarks for ambition, not blueprints for imitation.Positioning, visibility and the business of being seen on your own terms. That is what this episode is really about. If you are an entrepreneur, a creative or a small business owner trying to build something that lasts beyond the grind, this conversation will reframe how you think about growth.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa. Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using#BusinessOfInfluenceListen and Follow Us:Apple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and Guest:Leroy:   / leroymarcn   Bulelani Balabala:   / bulelanibala   Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:   / emceeiii  #HustleCulture#BusinessGrowth #BusinessSystems #BusinessOfInfluence

570 BILLION RAND. AND STILL, MOST SMALL BUSINESSES CANNOT GET FUNDED. HERE IS WHY.In this episode of Founder's Desk, hosted by Tami Ruschin, Billy Bokako breaks down one of the most important and most misunderstood conversations in South African entrepreneurship right now. Where does the money actually go, why is it so difficult to access, and what do small business owners need to understand before they even think about applying for funding.The conversation starts with SEDA, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency formed through a landmark 2024 merger of three major institutions into a single cradle to grave support system for South African entrepreneurs. One entry point. One ecosystem. Built to remove the fragmentation that has historically made support inaccessible.From there, Billy unpacks business incubation in a way that actually makes sense, what it means to derisk a startup, why incubation periods run between three and five years depending on the sector, and what the four pillars of structured entrepreneurial support look like in practice. Access to finance, access to markets, advisory support and infrastructure are not buzzwords in this conversation. They are the framework.The funding conversation is where this episode gets real. South Africa has an estimated funding gap of 570 billion rand, yet approximately 40 percent of funding applications are rejected not because of a bad idea or a weak business, but because of compliance failures. A missing tax certificate. An incomplete submission. Billy's advice is direct: be boringly compliant, because the paperwork is not the obstacle, it is the entry requirement.The episode also covers the full spectrum of available funding, from grants and pure loans to venture capital, blended finance, revenue based financing and emerging models like initial coin offerings, and why understanding a funder's mandate before you apply is the difference between speaking their language and wasting everyone's time.If you are a small business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, a startup founder or anyone navigating the South African funding landscape, this episode will give you the clarity and the strategy you have been looking for.Founder's Desk is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #FoundersDesk Listen and Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYi Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and GuestTami:   / tami_blend_ruschin  Billy Bokako:   / billybouquet   Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:   / emceeiii  #SmallBusiness #BusinessIncubation #AccessToFinance

This Youth Month, the Business of Influence Podcast is doing something we have never done before. We are releasing an uncut episode, exactly as it happened, no edits, no filters, no polish. Just the raw, honest, behind-the-scenes conversation that most people never get access to. This is the Lebo Mashile and Mathabo Tlali episode that went live during Africa Month, and we are sharing it in full because the knowledge in this conversation is too important to stay contained.We are doing this with intention. Fifty years since the Soweto Uprising, and the voices of South African youth are still fighting to be heard, still building industries, still shaping culture from the inside out. This episode is our contribution to that legacy. Not a tribute. A continuation.This conversation was never just about marketing or influence or content. It was always about people. About the South African creatives, marketers, engineers, health professionals, artists and thinkers who are redefining what it means to operate in an industry on their own terms. If you have ever felt like the real conversations happen in rooms you are not invited into, consider this your invitation.The Business of Influence exists to make the industry legible to everyone who is building within it. This uncut episode is the most honest expression of that mission we have ever put out.Watch it. Share it. Be part of the conversation.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #BusinessOfInfluence #YouthMonth #Soweto50Listen and Follow Us Apple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaB Spotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYi Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and Guests Leroy:   / leroymarcn  Lebo Mashile:   / lebomashile  Mathabo Tlali:   / mathabo_tlali  Email: [email protected] Music Produced by Emcee:   / emceeiii  #YouthMonth #Soweto50 #SowetoUprising #SouthAfricanCreatives

In this episode of the Business of Influence Podcast, hosted by Leroy Marc, Andrew Berry from The Bread sits down to have an honest conversation about what is actually happening inside the advertising industry right now. Not the polished version. The real one.The agency model is shifting and Andrew does not shy away from that reality. What is replacing the traditional full-service approach is something more precise: agencies that know a specific market space deeply, that can hold a brand's long-term narrative together while creators amplify the moments in between. The question was never about agencies or creators. It was always about understanding what each one is actually built to do.Andrew breaks down why integrated marketing strategies are no longer optional, how TV, social media, PR and influencer efforts have to work as one connected story rather than separate campaigns running in parallel, and why brands that treat these as isolated channels are already behind. He also gets into the budget reality that most marketers are living right now, doing more with less, and why that pressure is accelerating the shift from traditional outdoor spend toward digital and influencer-led strategies that actually connect with audiences.But perhaps the sharpest part of this conversation is the tension between short-term wins and long-term brand building. Viral moments are seductive. Andrew's argument is that agencies exist precisely to protect brands from chasing those moments at the expense of relevance that lasts. Staying current with culture, understanding younger audiences, and building for longevity is the work. Everything else is noise.The conversation also explores which industries are willing to take risks and which ones are still playing it safe, and what that says about where innovation in advertising is actually coming from.If you work in marketing, run a brand, lead an agency or create content for a living, this episode will challenge how you think about the industry you are operating in.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.-----Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen and Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaB Spotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYi Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and Guest Leroy:https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/thebreadsa/Email: [email protected] Music Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#AdvertisingIndustry #AgencyLife #InfluencerMarketing #BrandStrategy

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, hosted by Tami Ruschin, Mike Hewan, CEO of LIFT FIT, unpacks his journey from marketing entrepreneur to leading one of South Africa’s growing activewear brands.From building his agency, Ninja Puppy, to stepping into the CEO role at LIFT FIT, Mike shares the realities of transitioning into leadership, scaling a brand and building a business rooted in accountability, community and consistency.This conversation explores the difference between working in a business and working on it, the importance of operational excellence, and why sustainable growth requires clear communication, strong systems and a deep understanding of your customer.Mike also unpacks LIFT FIT’s evolving retail strategy, the role of community in modern brand building and his vision for positioning the brand as attainable premium activewear in an increasingly competitive market.At its core, this is a conversation about leadership, growth and what it takes to build a brand that lasts.If you are interested in entrepreneurship, retail strategy, e-commerce, brand building or modern leadership, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FoundersDeskListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Mike: https://www.instagram.com/mikehewan/Lift Fit: https://www.instagram.com/liftfit.sportswear/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #RetailStrategy #Ecommerce #Activewear #SouthAfricanBusiness

In this episode of the Business of Influence Podcast, hosted by Leroy Marc, Zimasa Vabaza unpacks one of the most important conversations in the creator economy right now. From the quiet discipline of building organic trust to the uncomfortable reality of platform ownership, this is a conversation that challenges every content creator, brand and digital strategist to think harder about where they are building and why.Zimasa has never once asked anyone to subscribe. Not because he does not care about growth, but because he believes the work should be the reason. That philosophy runs through everything he shares in this episode, including how trust is built frame by frame, script line by script line, and why shortcuts undermine the very thing creators are trying to build.The conversation also goes deeper into how digital personalities disrupted traditional media faster than legacy outlets could respond, and why that shift is still playing out in ways most brands have not fully reckoned with. But the sharpest insight in this episode is the platform ownership analogy. Zimasa draws a direct parallel between content creators and the raw materials debate in South Africa: creators produce the content, upload it to platforms they do not own, and those same platforms redistribute it back to local audiences, sometimes behind a paywall. It is a structural problem dressed up as an opportunity, and it is one the industry needs to talk about honestly.This is Episode 10 of Season, and it is the one that sets the tone for Youth Month. If you are thinking seriously about the future of digital authority, creator sovereignty and what it really means to build influence that lasts, this conversation is for you.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.---Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen and Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host and GuestLeroy:   / leroymarcn Zimasa:   / mooshtaffa  Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:   / emceeiii  #CreatorEconomy #DigitalAuthority #ContentCreation #PlatformOwnership

n this Africa Month special of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with poet, author and cultural activist Lebo Mashile alongside media executive and strategist Mathabo Tlali to unpack the realities of building, sustaining and protecting creative careers in Africa.From the systemic challenges facing artists and creators to the economic structures that continue to undervalue creative labour, this conversation explores why talent alone is not enough and what it takes to build lasting influence in an industry that often lacks formal support and recognition.The episode also examines the role of technology and AI in the future of creativity, the importance of treating creators as businesses rather than commodities, and why audiences, institutions and policymakers all have a role to play in strengthening Africa's creative economy.Beyond the challenges, Lebo and Mathabo reflect on the power of storytelling, cultural ownership and the responsibility of creators to shape narratives that move society forward.At its core, this is a conversation about visibility, value and the future of African creativity.If you are interested in the creator economy, cultural leadership, African storytelling or the future of creative industries on the continent, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, hosted by Tami Ruschin, Ryan Sauer from Redwood Analytics unpacks why modern marketing still struggles to prove real business impact despite having more data than ever before.From the flaws of reach, impressions and last click attribution to the rise of objective based marketing and reporting, this conversation explores why brands need to rethink how they approach marketing analytics, performance marketing and measurement strategies.The episode also dives into the difference between correlation and causation in digital marketing, why dashboards should drive decision making rather than vanity reporting, and how evergreen content and long term brand building create sustainable growth beyond short term campaign metrics.At its core, this is a conversation about aligning marketing with business objectives and building measurement frameworks that actually reflect consumer behaviour and commercial impact.If you are interested in marketing analytics, brand strategy, performance marketing or the future of digital measurement, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FoundersDeskListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Ryan: https://www.redwoodanalytics.co.za/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#MarketingAnalytics #PerformanceMarketing #DigitalMarketing

In this episode of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with producer of SMWX, Oratile Kekana, to unpack the rise of podcasting in South Africa, the growing tension between new media and legacy media, and the debate surrounding the regulation of the creator economy.From the evolution of podcasting into a thriving storytelling medium to the power of personality-driven content, this conversation explores why podcasts have become one of the most influential spaces for cultural dialogue, analysis and audience engagement.The episode also interrogates the growing calls for government regulation, unpacking concerns around censorship, accountability and whether existing legal frameworks are already sufficient to address issues such as misinformation and defamation.Beyond regulation, the conversation dives into the role of independent podcasts as a modern “fourth estate”, providing authentic commentary and creating space for voices often excluded from traditional media systems.At its core, this is a conversation about media power, creative independence and the future of digital storytelling in South Africa.If you are interested in podcasting, media innovation, creator economy trends or the evolving relationship between influence and accountability, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Oratile: https://www.instagram.com/oratilelk/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/ #Podcasting #CreatorEconomy #MediaInnovation #SouthAfricanPodcasts

In this episode of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with content creator and entrepreneur Melusi Thobela to unpack the realities of building a sustainable career in the creator economy through authenticity, consistency and strategic content creation.From filming homemade recipes in White River, Mpumalanga, to becoming a rising voice in South African digital media, Melusi shares how authentic storytelling and relatable content helped him build audience trust and grow his personal brand online.This conversation explores the shift from viral moments to long-term brand building, why creators need diversified income streams, and how balancing a 9-to-5 with content creation can create stability in an unpredictable digital industry.The episode also dives into creator burnout, audience engagement, social media pressure and the importance of building evergreen content that delivers lasting value beyond trends and algorithms.At its core, this is a conversation about entrepreneurship, digital influence and what it really takes to build a content career that is both impactful and sustainable in today’s social media landscape.If you are interested in content creation, influencer marketing, digital entrepreneurship or the future of the creator economy in South Africa, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.— Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Melusi:https://www.instagram.com/melusithobela_/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#CreatorEconomy #ContentCreation #DigitalMarketing #PersonalBranding

In this episode of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with content creator and TV producer Mbuyiselo Vilakazi to unpack the intersection of online content, traditional media and the role of credibility in building lasting influence.From his transition out of law into media to his rise as a trusted voice in television commentary, this conversation explores how intentional, research driven content can cut through noise and build real authority.It also unpacks the shift from reactive, trend led content to evergreen storytelling, and why consistency, discipline and analytical thinking are becoming the new currency in the creator economy.Beyond content creation, the episode dives into Vilakazi’s role as a cultural translator, breaking down complex production and human behaviour for audiences, while maintaining objectivity and credibility in an industry often driven by sensationalism.At its core, this is a conversation about choosing substance over visibility and building media power through intention, not impulse.If you are thinking about influence, content strategy or the future of media, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #businessofinfluence Listen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Mbuyiselo: https://www.instagram.com/mbuyiselovilakazi/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#CreatorEconomy #ContentStrategy #MediaCredibility

In this crossover episode of Business of Influence and Founder’s Desk, host Leroy Marc sits down with Nwabisa Mda to unpack the growing professionalism of the creator economy and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in content.From the shift away from passive content creation to intentional brand building, this conversation explores why creators must move beyond chasing deals and start leading with vision, clarity and long-term strategy.Nwabisa breaks down the importance of shared value in brand partnerships, the power of interrogating briefs and contracts, and why saying no is often the most strategic decision a creator can make.The episode also tackles what she calls a “crisis of seriousness” in the industry, challenging creators to show up with the same level of professionalism, preparation and accountability expected in any other business.At its core, this is a conversation about ownership, alignment and building influence with intention.If you are a creator, strategist or brand looking to navigate the creator economy more effectively, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.— Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Nwabisa: https://www.instagram.com/nwisewise/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#CreatorEconomy #CreatorStrategy #BrandPartnerships

In this episode of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with the founder and CEO of Chenin Noir, Xolani Mancotywa, to unpack the intersection of premium beverage culture, social influence and consumer psychology.From premium liquor as a marker of status to the emotional drivers behind luxury consumption, this conversation explores how identity, aspiration and achievement are increasingly performed through experience. It also interrogates the role of social media in amplifying visibility, reshaping perceptions of wealth and accelerating access to luxury in a complex economic landscape.Beyond consumption, the episode dives into the business of hospitality and brand building, with a focus on storytelling, consumer experience and creating products that are both aspirational and accessible.At its core, this is a conversation about redefining luxury through an African lens. One rooted in culture, warmth, narrative and quality that can compete globally.If you are thinking about influence, consumer behaviour or the future of African luxury, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Xolani: https://www.instagram.com/xolani.mancotywa/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/ #ConsumerBehaviour #LuxuryMarketing #AfricanLuxury #HospitalityIndustry

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, host Tami Ruschin sits down with Lebohang Mabeba and Abby Saohatse to unpack what it really takes to build trust with South African consumers in a low trust environment.From navigating the gap between brand intention and audience perception to building relationships rooted in accountability, Lebo and Abby share a practical perspective on how founders can create credibility that actually lands.This conversation explores why strong partnerships matter across both strategy and implementation, how brands can work within real budgets to drive meaningful results, and the common challenge founders face in communicating their brand effectively.Lebo and Abby also reflect on the importance of treating consumers as partners, not passive audiences, and why respecting the lived realities, tastes and behaviours of your market is critical to building connection and long term trust.If you are building a brand, working in marketing or trying to better understand how to connect with South African consumers, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FoundersDesk Listen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Lebo: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_mabebay/Abby: https://www.instagram.com/re.abby.tswe/Her Eye Media: https://www.instagram.com/hereyemedia_hem/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#FoundersDesk #ConsumerTrust #MarketingAfrica #BrandStrategy

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, host Tami Ruschin sits down with Nkgabiseng Motau, Co-Founder of Think Creative Africa, to unpack what it really takes to build brands that resonate in South Africa’s mass market.From integrating cultural insight into every stage of the creative process to prioritising genuine client relationships over transactional engagements, Nkgabiseng shares a grounded approach to building work that connects and delivers impact.This conversation explores the common disconnect between agencies and clients, why understanding the audience at a cultural level is non-negotiable, and how a lean, strategic operating model can unlock both efficiency and competitive pricing.Nkgabiseng also reflects on navigating a decade in business, balancing growth with intention, and why cultural intelligence remains one of the most undervalued drivers of brand success.If you are building brands, working in marketing, or looking to understand the South African consumer better, this conversation is worth your time.The Founder's Desk is proudly brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FoundersDeskListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Nkgabiseng: https://www.instagram.com/nkgabi_motau/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#FoundersDesk #CulturalMarketing #MarketingAfrica #BrandStrategy

In this episode of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with Craig Jacobs, fashion designer, columnist and entrepreneur, to unpack the evolving landscape of media in Africa and the shifting relationship between legacy and digital platforms.From the rise of journalists as personal brands to the enduring value of credibility in legacy media, Craig reflects on how influence has moved from institutions to individuals and what that means for trust, authorship and cultural authority.This conversation explores the tension between speed and accuracy in the digital age, why traditional media still plays a critical role in validating information, and how African media can evolve sustainably without losing its integrity.Craig also shares his perspective as a storyteller across industries, balancing fashion, writing and brand consulting while navigating a media ecosystem that is constantly redefining itself.If you are thinking about influence, media or the future of storytelling, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craigbjacobs/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#BusinessOfInfluence #AfricanMedia #MediaEvolution

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, we unpack the reality of scaling a small creative agency with Mika Stefano and Herkie Du Preez, founders of Strong PR.From launching during COVID-19 to building a multi-divisional business, they share what it really takes to move from survival mode to structured growth. This conversation dives into the unglamorous but critical side of scaling. Systems, processes and the exact moment you need to stop doing everything yourself and start hiring. Mika and Herkie break down how bringing in the right support allowed them to shift from daily operations to strategic growth.We also explore how their approach to culture, fitness and team dynamics plays a role in building a sustainable agency, as well as how the events industry is shifting towards more intentional, human-led experiences.If you are building or scaling a creative business, this is your reality check.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #foundersdesk Listen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Mika: https://www.instagram.com/mikastefano/Herkie: https://www.instagram.com/herkie_du_preez/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#CreativeAgency #AgencyGrowth #ScaleYourBusiness

Koketso Masisi is a creative director and entrepreneur shaping the intersection of culture, creativity and commerce.In this episode, she unpacks the tension between bold creative expression and commercial impact, challenging brands to move beyond vanity metrics and define success through cultural resonance, brand love and measurable intent.Koketso also advocates for stronger agency client partnerships, diverse voices in the room and strategies grounded in the real lives of audiences.Her stance is clear. Influence is not about being visible, it is about being relevant, responsible and right.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsLeroy:   / leroymarcn  Koketso:   / kmasisi  Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:  / emceeiii  #CreatorEconomy #DigitalCulture

In the first episode of Founder’s Desk, host Tami Ruschin sits down with Pat Mahlangu, brandpreneur and founder of Pat on Brands, to unpack the power and risk of founder visibility.From launching Pat on Brands as a blog a decade ago to building a media platform, consultancy and the Youth Own Brands Awards, Mahlangu shares how founders can turn personal credibility into brand equity while protecting the business from reputational risk.The conversation explores why investors often back the founder before the business, the importance of strategic visibility, and how founders can build scalable systems that allow a company to thrive beyond them.At its core, this episode reframes founder visibility as strategy, not ego.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FounderDesk---Listen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsTami:   / tami_blend_ruschin  Pat:   / patonbrands  Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:  / emceeiii  #FoundersDesk #PatOnBrands

We are so back! In the pilot episode of Season 4, host Leroy Marc sits down with Nombulelo Fox and Mbali Cobotwana to unpack the real state of the creator economy in South Africa.Nombulelo Fox, a Film, TV and Entertainment Reviewer, #TikTokAwards 2024 nominee and contributor on Unfollowed on #Showmax, brings a sharp cultural lens on how credibility and authority are built online, while Mbali aka Emcee, Senior Account Manager at Style ID Africa, offers an industry perspective on how brands and creators are navigating influence, strategy and storytelling.Together, they interrogate whether the creator economy has truly matured into an industry and explore the growing importance of trust, accountability and credibility in a space often driven by algorithms and attention.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/Nombulelo: https://www.instagram.com/u_nombulelo/Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#CreatorEconomy #DigitalCulture

The Innovation & Marketing team steps out from behind the curtain for the Season 3 finale of The Business of Influence. At the top of the season, we said we were cooking up a storm; now we’re closing the year by bringing you up close and personal with the people working behind the scenes to bring the podcast to life.In this episode, the team breaks down the real impact of Season 3: the conversations that shifted thinking and the insights that shaped how brands and creators move in today’s influence economy. From standout cultural moments to tough industry truths, we’re taking a candid look at what we got right, the key learnings and throwing it forward to Season 4Think of this as the service-level debrief: honest, reflective, and a little bit spicy.Tune in as we close the chapter and set the table for a bigger, bolder Season 4.Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#Season3Wrap#PodcastSeasonFinale #CreatorEconomy

AI isn’t the villain, it’s the power tool. Darren Morris breaks down why the creator economy isn’t under threat; it’s evolving. Passion still drives creativity, and IMC remains the space where marketers recalibrate, reconnect, and get honest about what’s working.Watch the full conversation now and stay ahead of the curve.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/HGAY2JFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#IMCxStyleID #StyleIDApproved #nextgenmarketing

In this IMC Series episode, we sat down with Vaughan Croeser, Vice President of Marketing at SAB, to unpack why marketing is not a support function; it’s a strategic co-pilot. Vaughan shares why marketers should not be fighting for a seat at the table, but actively shaping direction and driving organisational growth.We explore how brand consistency, purpose alignment, and long-term strategic influence inform SAB’s approach to marketing in a rapidly evolving landscape. Vaughan also breaks down why the influencer marketing space is maturing and how SAB has formalised a rigorous, values-based influencer selection and vetting process to ensure meaningful, reciprocal partnerships instead of quick, transactional wins.If you're interested in how influence becomes real business value, this conversation is your blueprint.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/ZOUgKuFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#IMCxStyleID #StyleIDApproved #nextgenmarketing

Outdoor advertising is having its renaissance. In this IMC conversation, Nomzamo Moalusi, Primedia Marketing and Communications Manager, breaks down why billboards remain an unskippable touchpoint, how digital OOH drives real talkability, and why marketers need to think beyond “placement” and start designing cultural moments. From cost myths to data-backed performance, she unpacks why OOH is still a strategic powerhouse.Watch the full episode and level up your media thinking.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/xCjJCDFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#IMCxStyleID #StyleIDApproved #nextgenmarketing

In this IMC Series episode, we sit down with Tamryn Taylor, Head of Demand Creation, BWPC Unilever South Africa, to unpack how social listening has reshaped Unilever’s marketing strategy. With consumers constantly online, always informed, and increasingly vocal, the real competitive advantage is in listening, not just broadcasting.Tamryn shares how always-on listening uncovers cultural insights, inspires new product development, and allows brands to deliver solutions consumers didn’t even know they needed yet. If you’re building for relevance, not noise, this one’s essential.Watch, take notes, and rethink how you listen.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/Cn2AjhFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#IMCxStyleID #StyleIDApproved #NextGenMarketing

In this IMC segment, we chat to Dean Oelschig, Founder of Halo Advertising, as he unpacks the philosophy behind creativity in marketing. He reminds us that creativity isn’t a science, it’s intuition, emotion and instinct working together to connect brands with people.Dean challenges marketers to focus less on themselves and more on the consumer, because when creativity is useful, beautiful, or entertaining, it doesn’t just sell, it sticks.Watch now to discover why the best ideas don’t come from data, but from daring to feel first and analyse later. Don’t just market, make people care.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/nHXztmFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#IMCxStyleID #StyleIDApproved #nextgenmarketing

Watch as we talk to Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen, about the unique challenges and triumphs of automotive marketing.Bridget shares why recognising the C-suite's importance is fundamental to business success, it's not just about awards, it's about driving actual business results. She delves into the world of brand salience (being top-of-mind) and also offers brilliant insights into the influencer space for high-value, emotional products like cars.Learn how brands are successfully shifting their focus from sharing what they are about to showing consumers how they fit into their daily lives.

In this IMC conversation, we sat down with Phathiswa Sefatswa, Brand Executive at Click Group, to unpack the real role marketing plays in shaping business outcomes today.Phathiswa reminds us that marketing is not the “supporting act,” it is the strategic engine that drives revenue, brand affinity, and long-term business growth. At its core, marketing is about consistency, clarity, and staying anchored to your brand’s true north.As the digital ecosystem continues to evolve at record speed, brands must learn to adapt intuitively. Despite new platforms and new formats, the fundamentals haven’t changed: people want to be seen, heard, understood, and invited into the narrative.Phathiswa also dives into the cultural and commercial power of people of influence. Influencer Marketing isn’t a trend; it’s a strategic lever for building community, shaping identity, and driving authentic product adoption. The real opportunity lies in collaboration: not “influencers vs. traditional media,” but an integrated ecosystem where both work together to move culture and business forward.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/13y7CGFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#IMCxStyleID #StyleIDApproved #NextGenMarketing

In this episode of The Business of Influence IMC Series, we sat down with Zain Naidoo, Head of Digital & Social Marketing at Dis-Chem, to unpack the real power of marketing in driving consumer behaviour and brand loyalty.Zain shares how marketing continues to shape everyday decisions, from what we wear to what we drive and why every successful purchase begins long before a consumer walks into a store. He also discusses how Dis-Chem has evolved its approach to meet the needs of today’s diverse customer base, emphasising the importance of understanding audiences beyond the umbrella view.From shifting media channels to customer-first strategies, this episode reminds us that great marketing isn’t just about selling products, it’s about influencing culture, creating trust, and driving business growth.Watch the full episode to discover why at Dis-Chem, you don’t just shop, you buy more.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/oBdsXyFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, Maishe gets candid about what it really takes to build, scale and sustain a business, starting with people. From hiring for growth to navigating a multi-generational workplace, this conversation unpacks the human side of entrepreneurship.Expect sharp insights, honest reflections and real talk about leadership, culture and the evolving world of work. The Founder’s Desk is where the minds behind Style ID Africa share what it means to lead in the ever-evolving creator economy.Subscribe for more conversations from The Founder’s Desk, where leadership meets lived experience.Follow our guest, Maishe Masigo: https://tr.ee/PkXFNfFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#FoundersDesk #TheBusinessOfInfluence #StyleIDApproved

In this episode of The Business of Influence, filmed at the IMC Conference, Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, joins Leroy Marc to unpack what marketing truly means at the heart of a legacy brand.From redefining competition beyond traditional banks to embracing content creators and AI-driven innovation, Khensani breaks down how marketing drives growth, purpose, and creativity within one of South Africa’s oldest financial institutions.Discover how Nedbank balances creativity, data, technology, and sustainability to stay relevant in a digital-first economy and why the future of marketing is about trust, purpose, and letting the public co-create your brand story.Watch the full conversation and join the dialogue on how marketing continues to evolve in the age of creativity, content, and community.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/RyCHtvFollow Us On: Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#IMCxStyleID #StyleIDApproved #NextGenMarketing

In this week’s episode of The Founder’s Desk, Tami Ruschin sat down with Zandile Khulu, Client Service Lead at Style ID Africa, an industry force known for her sharp client intuition and people-first approach. Together, they unpack what it really means to understand clients beyond briefs, KPIs, and deliverables.From decoding client behaviour to building trust and navigating complex expectations, this conversation explores the art and empathy behind lasting partnerships in business.Whether you’re a marketer, founder, or creative leader, this episode offers practical insight into what it takes to keep clients not just happy but heard.Tune in, take notes, and share your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe for more conversations from The Founder’s Desk, where leadership meets lived experience.Follow our guest, Zandile Khulu: https://tr.ee/0wqu2qFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#FoundersDesk #TheBusinessOfInfluence #StyleIDApproved

In this episode of The Business of Influence: IMC Series, we sat down with Aimee Kellen, Regional Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy, to explore the art of storytelling, passion, and purpose in the world of luxury marketing.Aimee unpacks how Moët Hennessy continues to define excellence through experiences that honour the brand’s legacy while keeping it relevant for the next generation of consumers. She speaks on the importance of authenticity, relationship-building, and creating memorable brand moments that connect emotionally and culturally.From experiential marketing to creative excellence, Aimee reveals what it takes to keep an iconic brand timeless and closes with her three Cs of success: Curiosity, Connection, and Collaboration.If you believe luxury is more than a product, it’s a story, a feeling, and a legacy. This conversation is for you.Listen to more episodes of The Business of Influence Podcast and explore how brands, creators, and agencies are redefining the business of marketing.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/vwHuLEFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, we sit down with Lindo Mkhize to unpack the art and grind of New Business Mining or as we like to call it, bringing home the bacon. From spotting the right opportunities to building trust with potential clients, Lindo shares what it really takes to grow the business pipeline in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Expect sharp insights, a few hard truths, and plenty of gems for anyone trying to turn connections into contracts. If you’re in sales, strategy, or just hungry to level up your business acumen, this one’s for you.Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations straight from The Founder’s Desk, where we get real about the business of influence.Follow our guest, Lindokuhle Mkhize: https://tr.ee/hVKu8RFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#FoundersDesk #TheBusinessOfInfluence #StyleIDApproved

Every great business starts with a strong foundation. But what does that foundation really look like? Join us for the very first episode of Foundations from the Founder's Desk, where CEO Tami pulls back the curtain on her own entrepreneurial journey. She shares the untold stories and hard-earned lessons behind her success. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, this episode is packed with the wisdom you need to build your own legacy.Follow Tami on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tami-ruschin/#FoundersDesk #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, we sit down with Lindo Mkhize to unpack the art and grind of New Business Mining or as we like to call it, bringing home the bacon. From spotting the right opportunities to building trust with potential clients, Lindo shares what it really takes to grow the business pipeline in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Expect sharp insights, a few hard truths, and plenty of gems for anyone trying to turn connections into contracts. If you’re in sales, strategy, or just hungry to level up your business acumen, this one’s for you.Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations straight from The Founder’s Desk, where we get real about the business of influence.Follow our guest, Lindokuhle Mkhize: https://tr.ee/hVKu8RFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#FoundersDesk #TheBusinessOfInfluence #StyleIDApproved

In this episode of The Business of Influence, Melusi Mhlungu joins us to unpack one of the biggest shifts in modern marketing: people buy into people, not brands.From building trust through influencer partnerships to redefining how consumers connect with authenticity, Melusi shares his perspective on why human connection sits at the heart of every powerful brand story. Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations shaping culture, commerce, and digital influence. Follow our guest @adverttownFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

What's truly bubbling under the surface of the marketing industry? 🤔We asked Dale Hefer, CEO of the IMC, on The Business of Influence Podcast, and her answers were eye openers! In this powerful debut episode, we sit down with industry authority Dale Hefer to discuss the foundational principle of modern commerce: Marketing is Business. Dale provides an unfiltered, C-Suite perspective on why marketing is no longer a cost centre but the primary engine for growth in this industry. Get ready to absorb strategic clarity on how top executives are leveraging influence, data, and cultural relevance to drive valuation and lead the market.Connect with Style ID AfricaListen on Spotify: https://tr.ee/S4pAYjFollow on Instagram: https://tr.ee/eMEiwpFollow on TikTok: https://tr.ee/H6AEPQFollow Our GuestConnect with Dale Hefer: https://tr.ee/LMlFU0#TheBusinessOfInfluence #IMCxStyleID #StylelDApproved #nextgenmarketing

Podcasting isn’t just audio; it’s a movement. In this episode of The Business of Influence, we sat down with Zimasa “Mooshtaffa” Vabaza, a dynamic media strategist and socio-political commentator, to explore how podcasts are shaping culture, sparking conversations, and giving rise to new forms of influence in South Africa.From monetisation and niche communities to authenticity vs. performance, Zimasa breaks down how creators are turning microphones into platforms for impact, insight, and clout. He also shares his journey building #SHSI, bite-sized videos that educate, provoke thought, and engage audiences across digital spaces.Whether you’re a creator, media professional, or just curious about the power of podcasting, this episode will inspire you to think differently about influence, storytelling, and the future of South African media.Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations shaping culture, commerce, and digital influence.Follow our guest @Mooshtaffa Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

What happens when the corner office isn’t the dream anymore? In this episode of The Business of Influence, we sit down with Tank, a creative powerhouse who has lived both sides of the hustle — the corporate boardroom and the cultural frontlines.We unpack why today’s generation is rewriting the rules of success, choosing purpose, passion, and impact over traditional paychecks. From navigating career pivots to building work that feels meaningful, Tank shares raw insights into how influence, creativity, and entrepreneurship are shaping a new definition of success.If you’ve ever questioned whether the 9-to-5 grind is worth it or wondered how to align your career with what truly drives you, this episode is your blueprint for building a life that matters.Subscribe now for more stories on culture, influence, and the future of work. Follow our guest @TankisoMakheneFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

The creator economy is evolving at lightning speed, and in this new world, staying relevant isn’t optional; it’s survival. In this episode of The Business of Influence, Tami Ruschin dives into the hard truths and bold opportunities shaping the future of B2B talent. From navigating change to embracing new skills and mindsets, this conversation is not just about work; it’s about redefining how we show up, grow, and thrive in a creator-driven world.If you’re a marketer, creative, or entrepreneur looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is your blueprint for resilience and reinvention.Don’t just keep up. Lead the change. Subscribe for more conversations on the future of influence, culture, and business.Follow our guest @Tami RuschinFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#PivotOrPerish #CreatorEconomy #TheBusinessOfInfluence

Not every campaign is a win, but every flop comes with its own lesson. In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Ulay, who is a Global Social Media Manager, to unpack the campaigns that missed the mark and explore why they didn’t land as intended.From cultural missteps to strategy gaps, Brenda shares her global perspective on what brands and creators can learn from failure and how to bounce back smarter, sharper, and stronger.Tune in for an honest, respectful debrief on the campaigns that flopped, and the insights every marketer, creator and brand builder needs to know. Follow our guest Brenda Ulay: https://tr.ee/f7NuBF Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#InfluencerMarketing #ContentStrategy #CampaignDebrief #CreatorEconomy

A new era of beauty is unfolding, one where African excellence leads, innovates, and redefines the global narrative. In this episode of The Business of Influence, we sit down with trailblazers Lisa and Kevin, two powerhouse South African founders transforming skin and hair culture through science, storytelling, and self-determination.These are brands born from heritage, science, and an unwavering commitment to serve communities that have long been overlooked. From skincare that resonates with melanin-rich tones to haircare grounded in culture and chemistry, this is where impact meets influence.These are the pioneers challenging Eurocentric standards, reshaping retail, and proving that local can be luxurious, and heritage can be high-tech.If you’ve ever dreamed of building a beauty brand, or you're passionate about representation, innovation and legacy, this one’s for you.The future of beauty is African. And it’s already here.Subscribe to follow the movement and don’t forget to like, share, and join the conversation in the comments.Follow our guests @lisamadibe and @kevinkalilkevartFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0