In this episode, Jon chats to Kevin Lennett, Managing Director of The Crazy Store, to unpack his remarkable career journey and what it takes to run one of South Africa’s most beloved retail brands.Kevin shares his unlikely entrance into retail, how a newspaper job ad changed the trajectory of his life, and why his journey across both Sportsman’s Warehouse and The Crazy Store has always come back to one thing: people. From expanding The Crazy Store from 200 to over 500 stores, to building a culture grounded in trust, consistency, and genuine human connection, Kevin offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a retail empire with heart.Kevin also reflects on legacy, leadership, South Africa’s retail landscape, and why “be kind” is the message he’d put on a billboard for the world to see.If you love stories about purpose-driven leadership, growing something meaningful, and staying human in a fast-changing world, this conversation will stay with you.
In this inspiring episode, Declan and Zach Nossel, Head of Digital Marketing at Woolworths, unpack the unconventional, yet relatable, journey behind Zach's success.Zach shares how early lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience, instilled by his father on the football pitch, shaped the leader he is today. From studying law to discovering his creative calling, from winning global creative awards to jumping into the chaos of startup life, and ultimately leading Woolworths’ digital transformation over the last decade, Zach’s story is packed with wisdom for anyone carving their own career path.This is a masterclass in career growth, leadership, and modern marketing, told with honesty, energy, and heart.
Nicole and Jamie sit down with Lauren Voges, B2B Content Marketing Manager at Booking.com, to explore the unconventional career moves that shaped her expertise.Lauren’s journey proves that what may look like a step back can actually build the depth and breadth that make a standout communicator.We talk about why asking “does that make sense?” isn’t a sign of uncertainty, but an underrated tool for creating clarity. Lauren shares how your audience can become your superpower, why letting others tell your brand's story can make it stronger, and the importance of truly understanding a message before passing it on.She also reminds us: Don’t let fear or autopilot make you miss a good opportunity.If you’ve ever questioned your career path or the way you communicate at work, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
In this inspiring episode, Jon sits down with Gopi Kallayil, Google’s Chief Business Strategist for AI, at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town.From connecting Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama for their first-ever live Hangout years ago, to leading Google’s AI strategy today, Gopi shares remarkable stories of innovation, spirituality, and purpose. He reflects on lessons from Mandela, Tutu, and Silicon Valley, and explores how AI is reshaping the world as a tool to amplify human potential.Together, Jon and Gopi discuss:The “healthy disregard for the impossible” that defines Google’s culture.How AI can uplift humanity, from healthcare to climate resilience.Gopi’s personal philosophy for balance and fulfilment: the “MEDALS formula.”What it means to live a life of purpose in the age of intelligent machines.A conversation that bridges technology, ethics, and the human spirit, reminding us that progress, at its best, begins within.
Declan sits down with Roy Gardner, VP - Brand Activation Europe at adidas, for a masterclass in brand clarity, curiosity, and career longevity.Roy’s journey has taken him across some of the most iconic names in sport and lifestyle, from adidas to Helly Hansen, Leeds United, Reebok, Clarks, and ultimately back to adidas, where he now leads a team of 120 people across four countries.Roy shares why consistency is one of the most powerful marketing tools a brand has, and why “chameleon-ing” across platforms only erodes trust. We explore how sticking to a core message, even while adapting to the nuances of each channel, is essential to building familiarity, integrity, and long-term customer connection.We also dig into Roy’s belief that the best marketers are, above all else, curious problem-solvers. From big strategic challenges to everyday frictions, brands grow when they continuously ask: What is our problem? And what are we going to do about it?If you’re passionate about brand-building, leadership, creative discipline, or shaping culture through sport and storytelling, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
From testing video games to leading global brands, Alberto Hernandez’s career has been defined by one thing: curiosity.He’s proof that asking “why?” (and acting on it) can lead to successful and continuous reinvention.In his words, the best marketers are “curious about people’s daily struggles.” They are in the business of solving problems in the best ways they know how.Alberto shared many valuable lessons in his chat with Declan but this one stuck with us: Be curious enough to see what’s next, and courageous enough to chase it.
In this episode, Hazel Chimhandamba, CMO of Hollard Insurance, chats to Declan about what it really means to be a commercial growth enabler. From redefining brand value to leading with data-driven creativity, Hazel shares how modern marketers can build influence in the boardroom and create brands people actually love.We cover:Turning purpose into performanceBuilding operating models that drive impactCreating customer-led value propositionsProtecting and growing brand equityFollowing the eyeballs and meeting your audience where they are"Marketing belongs in the boardroom because that’s where growth happens.”
How do you grow a business from R80 million to R1.2 billion, nearly lose it, and then sell it to one of South Africa’s biggest retailers?Anthony Steward, co-founder of Medicare Health and now Zorros Partners, joins Declan to share the real story behind the numbers, including everything from the humbling lessons of over-ambition to the power of focus, trust, and vulnerability in leadership.One of the most honest, reflective conversations we’ve had yet.
From embracing agency life to knuckling down brand side, Miguel Netto’s marketing career has ticked all the boxes.As the Head of Marketing at Bootlegger, Miguel’s coffee-fueled days are focused on building a brand that doesn't advertise but rather works to belong within your lifestyle.Miguel chats to Declan about his (and Bootlegger’s) values of quality, consistency, and sustainability, and how these have been forged throughout his life and career journey - from competitive IRONMAN racing, to his role as Global B2B & Commercial Marketing Director at Aramex, to now leading a team at Bootlegger.Miguel shared many pieces of advice for aspiring marketers, including:Understand the numbers. Even if you’re a creative.Shoot your shot. Always.And, in the words of Miguel’s dad: If you’re going to miss the bus, miss the bus running. Which is to say, make it mean something 👊
What does it take to go from Intern to Award-Winning Marketer at Discovery Bank?For Jody Ashworth, it’s been about curiosity, courage, and an unshakable belief in the power of behavioural science to change how we bank.Jody shares how she’s shaping the future of financial health at Discovery Bank, from creating the brand’s beloved Discovery Bank Buddy to using AI and data to make banking more human.Tune in to hear her take on leadership, culture, and how trusting your gut can be your biggest career advantage
In this episode, Declan chats with Alicia Jitaru, European Digital Director for M&M’s, about what really drives great marketing in a digital world.They unpack why, despite all the new tools and tech, the fundamentals stay the same: understanding people, meeting their needs, and showing up authentically.From “digital wizardry” to emotional connection, Alicia shares how brands can create real magic with their audiences today.
What do ultra-trail running and brand building have in common? For Amy Beachy Head, Adidas South Africa’s Brand Manager for Running & Outdoor, the answer is grit, authenticity, and putting people first.In this episode, Amy takes us through her journey from turning down her first marketing job at a chicken farm to leading culture-driven campaigns for one of the world’s most iconic sports brands.She shares:How running 100km through the mountains fuels her mindset and leadership styleWhy prioritising people over screens is the future of marketing and cultureLessons from the trail that apply to every marketer chasing big goalsWhether you’re a marketer, leader, or endurance junkie, Amy’s story will leave you inspired to keep pushing forward, one step (or three stripes!) at a time.
Bianca Liapis packed her bags, moved to London without a plan, and built a global marketing career she truly loves.In this episode, she shares the leaps of faith, moments of self-doubt, and bold mindset shifts that shaped her journey, from startups at Uber Eats to leading digital marketing at Sainsbury’s.We talk about imposter syndrome, building trust, navigating massive change, and why her personal motto is simple: “Start before you’re ready.”
From bioengineering labs to leading global brand strategy at Danone, Nagehan Zülal Beypazar Şad has built a career shaped by purpose, creativity, and courage.In this episode, she shares her journey from agency life to global leadership, the lessons she’s learned launching innovative campaigns at Nestlé and Danone, and her take on the future of marketing, touching on everything from AI, to cultural agility, to building brands that are a force for good.Her message to all marketers? Be brave.
Sherilyn Shackell’s journey is anything but ordinary. From running her family’s fashion store at 16, to a 20-year career in executive search, to surviving a life-threatening illness that sparked the creation of The Marketing Academy, she’s learned what it truly takes to lead a life full of joy and impact.In this episode, Sherilyn shares:The “112-hour rule” that reveals how you really spend your timeThe 10-second mindset shift that can transform your leadershipHow CMOs can, and should, step into the CEO rolePacked with hard-won wisdom and practical tools, this conversation will inspire you to take a beat, rethink your priorities, and lead with purpose.Listen now and start designing a life you actually want to live.
Bronwyn Pretorius, CMO at Ackermans, believes that “social media is the bloodline of any brand”, and in this candid conversation, she unpacks what it really takes to build a brand that connects deeply with consumers in 2025.From her early career pivot from law into marketing, to leading campaigns at Shoprite, Capitec, Mukuru, and now Ackermans, Bronwyn’s journey is a masterclass in versatility, resilience, and people-first leadership.In this episode, we dive into:Why understanding your consumer’s life stage is the golden thread of brand buildingHow to balance AI, data, and creativity without losing the human touchLeadership lessons on striving for excellence and empowering teamsThe future of social media, content, and attention as today’s true marketing currencyPacked with insights and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen for marketers, leaders, and creatives shaping the next chapter of retail and brand building.🎧 Listen now and learn from one of South Africa’s leading marketing voices.
Marketing isn’t about making ads anymore, it’s about being part of the culture.In this episode, we chat with Natasha Maharaj, Global Brands Director at The HEINEKEN Company, about her 20+ year journey in the industry and how she’s stayed ahead of the curve.Natasha shares why she believes we need AI along with human touch to create truly powerful marketing and how letting go of control can spark even greater creativity.
“It’s not how fast you drive, it’s how late you brake.”That’s just one of the perspective-shifting insights Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, drops in this Marketing Masterclass with Jon Ratcliffe.From the overlooked power of long-form copy to why YouTube has become the world’s customer support hotline, Rory unpacks the quirks of human behaviour, the role of creativity in an AI-driven world, and why occasional failure is proof you’re trying hard enough.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why efficiency metrics can’t replace true creativityHow breakthrough ideas often come from lucky accidentsWhy video has become the dominant way people solve problemsThe future value of human ingenuity in the age of AIWitty, surprising, and packed with perspective-shifting ideas from one of advertising’s most original thinkers.
Lay’s Brand Manager Aboobaker Hassim joins Loren and Kele to unpack what marketing means in 2025, from sports partnerships to social media, and from career pivots to the future of AI.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why storytelling is the true power of marketingHow sport and food create shared cultural momentsThe career advice that shaped Aboo’s pathWhat’s working (and not working) in today’s digital landscapeAboo's curiosity about AI and what it means for brandsThe influence of culture in creating effective localisation strategiesA candid, inspiring conversation on values, creativity, and building brands people truly connect with.
Part 3 of 3 from our Speaker Series, recorded live in partnership with Red & Yellow Creative School of Business.From Unilever to PepsiCo and now Growth Director at RCL, Le-Anne Bartman Engelbrecht has built brands, led categories, and broken the internet with some of South Africa’s most viral campaigns.In this episode, she shares lessons from running billion-rand businesses, why culture must be a lived experience, and the hard truths about ROI, innovation, and staying relevant in a two-second TikTok world.Her mantra? Done is better. Hard work beats talent.