Episode Summary

In this episode of South African Tech Marketers, Kopano Mashoana, founder and managing director of KPRM Media Solutions, shares her inspiring journey from freelancing during university to building a purpose-driven agency centered on conscious marketing. Kopano opens up about the grit it takes to grow a business from scratch, why empathy and storytelling are the foundations of great marketing, and how building a personal brand—especially on LinkedIn—can unlock opportunities you never imagined. Whether you’re an aspiring marketer or a seasoned pro, Kopano’s story is a masterclass in courage, intentionality, and community-driven growth.

Topics Discussed

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  Starting an agency at just 21 years old—and surviving the slow road to profitability

  
  


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  How freelancing and “working for free” built a powerful marketing portfolio

  
  


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  The importance of soft skills and empathy in hiring and client relationships

  
  


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  Why conscious marketing means aligning client work with purpose and impact

  
  


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  Growing from one-off projects to retainers and scaling a team in South Africa

  
  


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  Breaking away from toxic agency culture and redefining what work should feel like

  
  


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  Building a personal brand that’s more powerful than a logo

  
  


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  Why LinkedIn is the ultimate platform for South African marketers to get noticed

  
  

Key Takeaways

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  Empathy is your superpower. Great marketing comes from understanding people deeply—not just pushing products.

  
  


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  A portfolio beats a CV. In digital marketing, showing real work (even unpaid) matters more than qualifications.

  
  


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  Soft skills > technical skills. Curiosity, grit, and empathy will get you further than knowing every tool.

  
  


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  Personal branding is career insurance. Whether you run a business or work in corporate, being visible makes you employable and promotable.

  
  


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  LinkedIn is currency. Treat your profile and content as assets that can attract clients, investors, and new roles.

  
  


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  Culture fit matters both ways. Choose clients and teammates whose values align with your purpose.

  
  


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  Community creates opportunities. Surround yourself with marketers who share knowledge, support, and inspiration.