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
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
Season 3 of The Business of Influence is here, and we’re spicing things up!Join Leroy & Tami in the kitchen as they serve real talk and hot takes, recapping standout moments from Seasons 1 & 2, and giving you a sneak peek of what’s cooking in the new season. Expect your favourite personalities to make an appearance, deeper insights and fresh conversations on the evolving world of influence in 2025!Subscribe, tag a friend and drop a comment below on what you want to see this season!Listen & Follow Us:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0
In South Africa, November, December and January are like the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the year and we want to prep you in style. With the festive season on the rise, we're thinking about tropical beaches, luscious mountainscapes and all the best road trips. But how do you navigate this as an influencer? If you've taken our advice all season, you'll eventually reach the point where a brand might fly, drive or cruise you out to a lovely locale for a shoot, campaign, or special project. In our latest episode, we walk you through everything you need to know about the perfect brand trip as well as the alternative ways you can break into the travel influencer niche. It's not all planes and luxury resorts but you could go racing or eating your way there too.Lastly, we'd like to thank you for sticking with us this first season. Season 2 is on the horizon and we're ready to get even deeper into the influencer marketing industry. Our DMs and inboxes are always open for your questions or perhaps you'd like to suggest our next guest?Happy holidays,Leroy & Tami The Business of Influence is a production of Style ID Africa. Visit www.styleid.co.za to learn more. You can reach us directly at info@styleid.co.za Stay in touch with our hosts! Tami Ruschin: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_... Leroy Marc: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/
This week's episode is a big one: we're talking about money! We've all seen influencers earn thousands and millions but as high as our earning potential can be, it's not always consistent. Between 40-day payment periods to freelancer tax or the months when income just isn't as consistent, you need to be able to stay afloat throughout it all. We get into budgeting tips, when and if you should register as a business, what expenses you can write-off, and bootstrapping to fund your career. We can't wait to hear from you, of course. Our inboxes are always open. Feel free to share your tips, tricks, frustrations and joys about navigating your bottom line as an influencer or content creator. Do you have nifty ideas for making your money stretch further? Are you registered for freelancer tax or turnover tax? Do you even know where to start? Let's chat! The Business of Influence is a production of Style ID Africa. Visit www.styleid.co.za to learn more. You can reach us directly at info@styleid.co.za Stay in touch with our hosts! Tami Ruschin: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_... Leroy Marc: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/
So you've finally done it! You've built an audience, you've made the right connections and now you're about to begin your first brand partnership. But how much of the contract do you actually understand? Usage fees, duration, breach - oh my! In the latest episode of The Business of Influence, we're breaking down influencer agreements, settling disputes and making sure you don't get into trouble with any advertising regulators. Our guest this week Katleho Mokhosi, Director & Partner at Nhlapo Mokhosi Inc Attorneys, specialises in media & entertainment law, family law, and contractual drafting amongst a few and chats to Leroy about the complicated, confusing world of contracts. Tune in to get a breakdown. Our podcast has been recorded for the purpose of education and entertainment and should not be regarded as personal legal advice - it’s important that we note that. As always, if you have any questions about our show or topics you’d like us to discuss in a future, please feel free to reach out on social media or email at info@styleid.co.za Yours faithfully, Tami & Leroy
Have you ever thought about who the oldest influencer in the world is? Or what the life cycle of an influencer looks like? Where should you career if you don't quit or get cancelled. In the latest episode of The Business of Influence Podcast, we look at all the ways you can use your time as an influencer or content creator to pivot to new and exciting careers. Perhaps it's starting your own fashion brands like our guest, Brett Robson the founder of Shop Brett Robson and co-founder of Imprecca. Brett chats to Leroy about her journey from blogging in the 2010s to make the leap and starting her own business. Imprecca is an influencer favourite and Brett shares how she's utilised her community and affiliate marketing to build one of South Africa's most popular fashion brands. If entrepreneurship isn't up your alley, we also look at how you can transfer your skills to a career in TV or digital marketing and more.
We're super excited to present the latest episode of the Business of Influence Podcast because this one's really for everyone. In today's world, everyone needs to establish a personal brand - a uniquely YOU image in the online and professional realms. Your personal brand can be the key to leverage your LinkedIn profile into a successful career or standing out in a saturated market as a content creator. Tune in to learn more about: What is a personal brand How to define your personal brand through your interests, skills and experience How to craft a personal image and manage your reputation Defining your unique selling point and turning it into income As always, we can't wait to chat to you all about it! And if you have any questions or ideas for our next episode, please feel free to reach out on social media or email at info@styleid.co.za
This one's for the brands! Whether you're a small business owner, a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, or part of a global company, we get into how influencer marketing can drive your business growth. Beauty on TApp founder, Mathebe Molise joins Leroy and Tami to discuss her entrepreneurship journey, how she stays true to her audience, and valuable insights for anyone in business. And don't worry, influencers, there's tons of valuable insights for you too. Perhaps you're considering new monetisation avenues, branching into new fields, or starting your empire - there's lots to learn in this week's episode of The Business of Influence Podcast. The Business of Influence Podcast is your go-to resource on all things influencer marketing, content creation and social media strategy. Every week, we bring you engaging conversations with industry insiders and experts on topics that matter. If you're an influencer looking to connect with brands and get paid for your work, join our platform of 40,000 registered and vetted creators for free here. For brands ready to drive business growth, reach out to us today to receive a demo and introduction at info@styleid.co.za
One of the most important decisions you have to make as a creator is figuring out is your why and where. However, should influencers be confined to one category? Is this even still relevant? Do you need to be on every social media platform or focus on a single one? In this episode, Leroy and Tami discuss choosing social media platforms, what works best for brand collaborations and whether it still matters to niche down. We're also joined by TikTok creator and PR practitioner, Nombulelo Fox (@u_nombulelo), a pop culture and film commentator with over 40k followers. With a foot in both worlds, she demystifies the world of TikTok and what it means to be a creator in the age of authenticity. The Business of Influence is a production of Style ID Africa. Visit www.styleid.co.za to learn more. You can reach us directly at info@styleid.co.`za Stay in touch with our hosts! Tami Ruschin: Instagram Leroy Marc: Instagram | TikTok
The influencer landscape has drastically transformed since it's an inception. Leroy and Tami present a beginner's guide to influencer marketing, breaking down exactly what constitutes an influencer, how the landscape's changed, and what it takes for brands and creators to succeed in this day and age. Tune into to learn more about the South African and global economy, the importance of authenticity, and how online creators can move from the entertain space to professional influencers. The Business of Influence is a production of Style ID Africa. Visit www.styleid.co.za to learn more. You can reach us directly at info@styleid.co.`za Stay in touch with our hosts! Tami Ruschin: Instagram Leroy Marc: Instagram | TikTok
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
How far are brands willing to go when culture demands more than aesthetics?In this episode, we sit down with Siba Matshikiza to explore what happens when cultural alignment becomes uncomfortable. From heritage-washing to the performative use of black and brown creators, Siba unpacks the fine line between visibility and social listening in the South African creator economy.Watch, reflect, and join the conversation.Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for more unfiltered insights from the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce.Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#BOIPodcast #CreatorEconomy #BrandPurpose #CulturalCapital #StyleIDApproved
From content creators to brand architects, the game has changed. In this episode, Bongani Baloyi and Sefiso Hlongwane break down the rise of creator-led agencies, the shift from production to strategy, and how creators are now shaping campaigns from concept to execution.If you’re still treating creators as just content suppliers, you’re already behind.Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sbahle Sithole as she unpacks how South African brands and creators can build more intentional, credible, and culturally aligned influencer campaigns.From the changing face of influence to the responsibility that comes with shaping narratives online, this conversation takes an honest look at what’s broken and what it takes to rebuild. Expect bold insights, real talk, and tangible strategies for anyone looking to thrive in the ever-evolving creator economy.Follow Sbahle on @sibz_jolieFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0
Reviewing the niches. The traditional lanes of beauty, fashion, fitness, tech and food have expanded, giving rise to bold, intersectional subjects shaping SA’s digital culture.In this episode, we sit down with Livy Seboko to explore these new wave niches and the pioneers who are redefining what it means to influence and win in 2025.Subscribe, comment, and follow us @styleidafrica.
In this premiere episode of Season 3, Leroy Marc is joined by powerhouse guests Yolanda and Mack for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the state of the creator economy in 2025.From algorithm-driven identity to cultural currency, we ask: Is pop culture helping creators grow, or boxing them into trends they didn’t choose?Together, they unpack the pressure to stay relevant, the performance of authenticity, and how creators can navigate virality with intention.Subscribe, tag a fellow creator, and comment below: Are we trending... or trapped?Follow us across all platforms: @styleidafrica#BusinessOfInfluenceS3 #TrendingOrTrapped #PopCultureZA
The final episode of season 2 answers all of our audience’s long-standing questions about the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In today's special episode, Tami Ruschin and Leroy Marc, discuss how AI can revolutionise your social media influence. We get our valuable insights from special guest Stephanie Gomes, Full Stack Developer at Style ID Africa.