The Lead Creative podcast hosts a series of conversations with great minds behind some of the leading brands, businesses, organisations and top ideas that we all love. From advertising thought leaders, forward-thinking brand leaders, innovative digital marketing minds to content creators - the podcast gives into what makes the world engage with some of the top brands. Founded and hosted by Mongezi Mtati, the podcast shares analysis, trends, and strategic intelligence.
…
continue reading
1
The Creative Pulse Behind VW: Bridget Harpur
41:39
41:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:39
Mongezi Mtati talks to Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing for Volkswagen South Africa (VW SA), about the secrets behind VW’s enduring cultural relevance and creative excellence. Volkswagen has long been more than a car brand; it’s a cultural icon that has remained relevant across generations, from the Golf Mk1 to bold campaigns like “Game On,” a gro…
…
continue reading
1
Compelling Content for Audience Growth and Brand Sponsorships
47:22
47:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:22
In this episode, Nicole Engelbrecht, creator of the True Crime South Africa podcast, shares her journey of building a loyal audience and attracting brand sponsorships. Key points include: Crafting compelling stories that resonate with both audiences and sponsors. Balancing ethical storytelling with the need for audience growth. Strategies for align…
…
continue reading
1
Balancing Creativity and Brand Values in Influencer Marketing
45:27
45:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:27
Thando Gambushe, an FMCG influencer marketing lead, joins The Lead Creative to share her expertise on balancing creativity and brand values in influencer marketing. She reveals how passion-driven content and deep brand alignment create successful collaborations. Thando also explores how Gen Z is reshaping the landscape, pushing brands to adapt and …
…
continue reading
1
Building Resilient Brands Through Ethical Leadership: Bonang Mohale
48:52
48:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:52
Should brands become more vocal on societal issues, or stay quiet until the dust settles and consumers are ready to shop again? These are some of the questions I posed to Professor Bonang Mohale, Chairman of Bidvest Limited and SBV Services. Prof. Mohale, a respected leader in business and author of Lift As You Rise and Behold The Turtle, shared hi…
…
continue reading
1
Rebuilding Brand Relevance: Nontokozo Madonsela
58:20
58:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:20
Rebuilding relevance for established brands can be a challenge. In this podcast, Nontokozo Madonsela, Group CMO of Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, explains how her team tackled this through strategic boldness, collaboration, and creativity. Collaboration with agency partners was key. Madonsela stresses the importance of inclusive agency involvement…
…
continue reading
1
Breaking Cultural Barriers for Authentic Brand Engagement: Steve Babaeko
48:12
48:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:12
Steve Babaeko, the award-winning CEO and founder of X3M Ideas, delves into the remarkable journey that led to his agency's historic Cannes Lions win—the first for a Nigerian and West African agency. This conversation offers invaluable insights into breaking international barriers and setting new standards for excellence in global advertising. The L…
…
continue reading
Join Jessica Wheeler, Marketing Director at Nando's South Africa, as she reveals the secrets behind Nando's authentic brand communication. Learn about her transition from agency to brand, and how Nando's maintains its unique brand voice, humour and bravery in different markets. = = = = Listen to our conversation on brave advertising, where Ahmed Ti…
…
continue reading
1
The Secret to Higher Productivity in Creative Teams: Jack Skeels:
50:32
50:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:32
CEO of AgencyAgile Jack Skeels shares why traditional management structures are holding back creative agencies and how you can change this. The author of "Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations," shares ways for companies to rethink their structures and increase efficiency. Key takeaways: Flattening hierarchies an…
…
continue reading
1
Building Resilient Brands with Generational Relevance: Abey Mokgwatsane
37:25
37:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:25
In our latest podcast episode, Abey Mokgwatsane, the CMO of Investec, discusses the essence of brand endurance amidst market shifts. Drawing from his experiences in shaping brand strategies at Vodacom and Ogilvy, Abey stresses the importance of a clear vision in partnership with creative agencies. "The best thing that marketers and business leaders…
…
continue reading
1
Unleashing Brand Potential Through Marketing Innovation: Khensani Nobanda
55:09
55:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:09
In a crowded market where people are bombarded with marketing and advertising messages at every turn, where brands are clamouring for attention, what does it take to truly stand out? To create something that resonates with your audience and differentiates your brand. This is precisely what we asked Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank’s Group Executive: Group…
…
continue reading
1
The Impact of Diversity on Marketing and Business Growth: Veli Ngubane
47:07
47:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:07
In this episode, we sit down with Veli Ngubane, of Avatar Agency Group, to explore how diversity isn't just a buzzword in marketing and business—it's the secret sauce to their explosive growth and creative success. From a team of over 100 people to a powerhouse of over 300 talented creative minds, Avatar's journey is a testament to the transformati…
…
continue reading
1
Crafting Connections and Shaping Perceptions Through Brand Storytelling: Lebo Madiba
47:53
47:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:53
In this thought-provoking episode of the Lead Creative Podcast, host Mongezi Mtati engages with Lebo Madiba, founder and managing director of PR Powerhouse, to delve deep into the art of brand storytelling. Madiba illustrates this with compelling examples, including the remarkable journey of Checkers Sixty60 and SweepSouth, showcasing how these bra…
…
continue reading
1
Bridging Global Vision and African Creativity - The H&M South Africa Story: Caroline Nelson
43:37
43:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:37
Explore the fusion of global innovation and African creativity with H&M South Africa in this insightful episode. Host Mongezi Mtati talks with Caroline Nelson, CEO, about H&M's transformative retail journey since 2015, highlighting key collaborations with local designers like Palesa Mokubung, Rich Mnisi, and Neimil. Discover the behind-the-scenes o…
…
continue reading
1
Fusing Marketing, Tech, and Creativity for Better Customer Engagement: Musa Kalenga
45:08
45:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:08
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of technology, marketing, and creativity is not just inevitable; it's essential. Brands and spaces that interface with consumers are undergoing profound transformation through this powerful combination, leading to unprecedented innovation and deeper customer engagement. Musa Kalenga, the G…
…
continue reading
1
AI in Digital Strategy and the Creative Process: Bra Willy Seyama
52:56
52:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:56
The digital landscape is continuously evolving, from the transformative role of AI to its impact on the future of digital marketing and the creative industry. Bra Willy Seyama, a seasoned specialist in digital marketing and analytics, unpacks some of the complexities of navigating brand safety amidst the rapidly changing dynamics of social media pl…
…
continue reading
1
The Role of Brand Equity in Weathering Economic Storms: Ivan Moroke
51:51
51:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:51
Brands wrestle with the idea of increasing sales and building brand equity, which is often exacerbated by a tough economy. In this episode, a seasoned Marketing Strategist and the CEO of Kantar, South Africa, Ivan Moroke delves into the latest findings to share why brand equity allows brands to withstand economic downturns. Sharing findings from th…
…
continue reading
1
Cultivating Communities, Collaborating with Brands: Brent Lindeque
37:09
37:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:09
In this episode, Brent Lindeque, the founder of Good Things Guy, shares insights on building a platform that connects communities and remaining relevant in the ever-changing digital landscape. He emphasises the importance of authenticity and values in brand partnerships and highlights the power of partnerships and giving back. Brent also discusses …
…
continue reading
1
Advertising and Media Consumption Trends in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa: Charles Stuart
47:34
47:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:34
The ever-evolving media consumption landscape affects advertising spend, changes consumer behaviour and impacts brand engagement. PwC's Entertainment and Media Outlook Report has been tracking media consumption trends since 2010, providing insights for brands to make informed advertising and marketing decisions. In this episode, Charles Stuart, PwC…
…
continue reading
1
AI, Customer-Centricity, and the Evolution of Client-Agency Relationships: Sechaba Motsieloa
37:59
37:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:59
In the ever-evolving customer landscape, brands and agencies face the constant challenge of staying ahead of the curve. This episode features insights from Sechaba Motsieloa, a distinguished Marketing Director and Chartered Marketer, who brings a wealth of experience from working with global brands. With a remarkable career that includes roles at S…
…
continue reading
1
Signal Over Noise: Chris Do on How to Stand Out on Social Media as a Creative
1:01:14
1:01:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:14
Signal Over Noise: How to Stand Out on Social Media as a Creative In today's noisy world, it can be difficult to stand out as a creative person. But Emmy award-winning founder and CEO of The Futur, Chris Do, has mastered the art of creating content that cuts through the clutter and builds an engaged community. In this episode, Chris shares his insi…
…
continue reading
1
A Creative's Guide to Collaborating with Multinational Brands and Steps to Earn Your Worth: Bonolo Chepape
1:03:56
1:03:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:56
Collaborating with multinational brands helps independent creatives to grow their businesses and reach more audiences. Bonolo Chepape, founder and Creative Director of Lulasclan, has worked with many recognisable brands, adding her distinct signature as a multi-talented textile and graphic designer. Bonolo has collaborated with Nando’s, Smeg, Mr Pr…
…
continue reading
1
Build Community Engagement and Partner with Sponsors: Fred Roed
48:20
48:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:20
Building an engaged community is essential for creators to spread their message and contribute to their chosen cause. But what does it take to build a great community? In this episode, we chat with Fred Roed, founder and CEO of Heavy Chef, a learning platform for entrepreneurs. Fred shares his insights on how to build a community of 50,000+ engaged…
…
continue reading
1
Creative Collaboration at Scale to Help Change Society: Lesley Williams
52:31
52:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:31
Solving complex societal challenges requires collaboration and diversity of thought. Lesley Williams, CEO of Tshimologong Precinct, has been connecting creative, business, and other minds for over two decades to build solutions to these challenges. In this episode, Lesley Williams shares insights and practical advice on how to: Bring people togethe…
…
continue reading
1
Monetizing Content Creation and Collaborating with Brands: Alphi Mkhwanazi
1:11:18
1:11:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:18
Monetizing content creation is an art, and like all art, its brilliance lies in authenticity. Alphi Mkhwanazi, a maestro admired on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond, is a testament to this. His work has led to collaborations with many top brands, including MultiChoice, Mercedes-Benz, African Bank, and DSTV. Alphi doesn't just create; he crafts narrati…
…
continue reading
1
The Personal Brand Playbook for Creatives: Mpho Monareng
1:01:29
1:01:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:29
Establishing a trusted personal brand while growing a creative agency is no simple task. In this episode, we explore the journey of WOW Media founder, Mpho Monareng, and discover how he's successfully navigated these waters. From Creative to TV Star Mpho's career has seen him build Toast Media, a noteworthy independent creative agency, and later, W…
…
continue reading
1
Tribes, Trust, and Transformation: Why the Creator Economy Matters for Marketers: Lebo Lion
1:02:13
1:02:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:13
In a noisy marketplace, brands need innovative ways to reach their audiences. Enter the creator economy, a growing ecosystem valued at $104 billion in 2021 and projected to surpass $227 billion by 2025. These creators are both influential and trusted by their communities. This offers brands an opportunity to resonate with consumers. Join us in the …
…
continue reading
1
Why Brands Should Create Brave and Provocative Advertising: Ahmed Tilly
57:37
57:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:37
In this episode, creative activist and founder of Number 10 – A Creative Consultancy, Ahmed Tilly, shares why brave and provocative advertising is so important for brands. He argues that marketers who do work that doesn't stand out should be fired. From turning 1st For Women into a household name to globalizing Nando's spicy voice, Tilly knows how …
…
continue reading
1
Being Relevant and Authentic For Generations As A Creative: Sello Maake kaNcube
49:27
49:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:27
Actor, playwright, and director Sello Maake kaNcube shares his secrets to longevity in the creative industries, including his work on the soapie Generations as Archie Moroka. He talks about the importance of constant self-assessment, staying true to yourself, and using social media to reach a wider audience. Sello Maake kaNcube also stresses the im…
…
continue reading
1
The Importance of Brand Presence in Economic Downturns: Refilwe Maluleke
43:57
43:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:57
In today's tough economy, brands and consumers are facing unprecedented challenges. Unemployment is high, inflation is soaring, and people are feeling the pinch. As a result, some brands may be tempted to scale back their advertising, marketing, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social investment (CSI) efforts. However, this a…
…
continue reading
1
Building Your Community and Personal Brand: Sol Phenduka
46:52
46:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:52
A strong personal brand in the creative, media and other industries helps to position you and enables your work to reach a wider audience. Podcaster, broadcaster, media personality and producer, Sol Phenduka built his brand over time and continues to make waves in various spaces. “Focus on your strengths, pursue your passions and engage in activiti…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating the Brand, Podcaster and Content Creator Partnership Landscape: Mashudu Modau
1:06:39
1:06:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:39
Podcasters, content creators, and brands see great benefits from collaborating with each other. For creators, it can be a way to reach a wider audience and generate revenue. For brands, it can be a way to connect with a highly engaged audience and build brand awareness. But crafting these partnerships can be complex. There are several factors to co…
…
continue reading
1
TikTok Insights for Brands, Content Creators and Agencies: Greg Bailie
37:43
37:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:43
TikTok is the fastest-growing social network with over 1 billion active users. Its short-form, user-generated content drives trends and sub-cultures across the social web. This makes it a powerful platform for brands, content creators, and agencies. In this episode, TikTok’s Agency Partner for Sub-Saharan Africa, Greg Bailie shares how you can use …
…
continue reading
1
Stay Ahead of Trends and Create the Future: Jarred Cinman
44:07
44:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:07
In today's rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever for brands and agencies to be able to create the future. This means being able to distil intelligence from all the data and trends available, and then using that intelligence to create innovative solutions that meet the needs of customers. Jarred Cinman, CEO of VMLY&R South Africa, i…
…
continue reading
1
Nurturing Successful Agency-Client Relationships: Khaya Dlanga
1:21:59
1:21:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:59
Successful client-agency relationships take great effort and lead to even greater returns, which in turn ensure ROI. Marketing Executive, bestselling author and content creator, Khaya Dlanga shared some of his creative strategies and insights on partnerships between brands and agencies. Having held key leadership positions at top agencies and with …
…
continue reading
1
Harness the Power of Storytelling to Rise Above the Noise: Jana Marx
38:38
38:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:38
In today's crowded digital landscape – it can be challenging for your message to rise above the noise. Whether you're a marketer, a content creator, or an author, telling a compelling story is essential to capturing your audience's attention and engaging them on a deeper level. Jana Marx, a seasoned journalist, bestselling author, and TV producer, …
…
continue reading
1
The Kenyan Perspective On Digital Marketing Trends Shaping Industries: Mark Kaigwa
40:26
40:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:26
One of the most significant digital marketing trends in Kenya is the role of social media, particularly Twitter, which has played a critical role during times of crisis. The Westgate tragedy in 2013 is just one example of this, where Kenyans turned to Twitter to share news updates, and offer support. Kenyan citizens also went to Twitter to help rai…
…
continue reading
1
How Brands and Agencies can Collaborate to Produce Impactful Creative Work: Craig Rodney
54:19
54:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:19
In this episode, we explore some of the work required in building a great agency, working successfully with clients, and potentially getting acquired. Agency coach and seasoned industry maven, Craig Rodney shares some of his knowledge from working with agencies and building one that was acquired by WPP. Over the space of 15 years, Craig Rodney and …
…
continue reading
1
The Power of Behavioural Science in Marketing and Advertising
1:10:24
1:10:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:24
In this episode, the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, Rory Sutherland, unpacks why consumer behaviour is driven by seemingly irrational thinking that makes sense in hindsight. We also discuss why some brands and products change our lives once experienced, but make no sense before engagement. He cites Dyson, Nespresso and mobile phone technology as key e…
…
continue reading
1
African brands changing the continent’s narrative on the global stage: Thebe Ikalafeng
40:36
40:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:36
African brands from Kenya, South Africa to Nigeria and everywhere across the continent are making strides in shaping the continent’s narrative. In this episode, we find out how some of the successful ones are doing in Africa and the world, as well as what we can learn to replicate and keep making improvements. The Founder and Chairman of Brand Afri…
…
continue reading
1
Compelling presentations that inspire action
47:25
47:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:25
Bringing your creative ideas to life is an impressive feat, but presenting them in a way that inspires action is what truly counts. This is where Rich Mulholland, the internationally sought-after speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Missing Link, comes in. Rich has captivated audiences in over 40 countries on six continents and continues to do so …
…
continue reading
1
Authentic brand and influencer storytelling
40:44
40:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:44
A compelling brand story helps to win customers, increase ROI and market share, and social media can help to amplify these stories. In the first episode of season 3 of The Lead Creative podcast, we explore the power of brand storytelling and its impact on ROI, market share, and customer loyalty. Tshego Kekana, the Founder and MD of Alfa Destiny Com…
…
continue reading
1
Become a content creator and partner with brands
1:00:15
1:00:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:15
Building credibility to become a sought-after content creator and brand influencer takes time and effort. Co-founder of MomSays and content creator, Vije Vijendranath, who is known as VijeV, shares how his content creation journey evolved from a side hustle to a sustainable business. We discuss what aspiring content creators and influencers should …
…
continue reading
1
Creating Memorable Experiences: Dean Carlson
1:10:31
1:10:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:31
Whether you are creating ads, campaigns that transform our culture or events, understanding the art of creating memorable experiences sets you apart. The Founder and CEO of BrainFarm, Dean Carlson, conceptualised and created experiences that saw Sir Richard Branson, Malcolm Gladwell, and others become speakers at the summits he organised. He talks …
…
continue reading
1
The role of purpose in growing brands, agencies and people: Pepe Marais
55:00
55:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:00
The role of defining your purpose in building businesses, agencies, and creative teams, is as important as strategy and planning. The co-founder and Group Chief Creative Officer of Joe Public, Pepe Marais, tells us how purpose led to the growth of their business and his personal growth. We talk about how focusing on purpose contributed to the growt…
…
continue reading
1
Advertising that sticks and generates ROI: Dean Oelschig
49:58
49:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:58
Creating memorable advertising that sticks leads to brand growth, increased client ROI and agency growth. Founder and MD of Halo, Dean Oelschig tells us how they managed to help grow some of their clients through their advertising and creative work. One of their clients, Pineapple Insurance, first caught our attention on social media where it was t…
…
continue reading
1
Re-imagine work and rethink creative collaboration: Palesa Sibeko
37:50
37:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:50
Teams that create the most compelling work and win customers tend to be part of businesses that constantly rethink their systems and engagement. Co-Founder and Director of BetterWork, Palesa Sibeko tells us how they help creative teams, businesses, and organisations to reimagine how they work. Palesa and the BetterWork team encourage organisations …
…
continue reading
1
Design Thinking in Brand and Digital Strategy with Craig Hannabus
41:22
41:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:22
Design thinking as a collaborative approach to solving business problems has led to better brand strategy, effective digital marketing and improved brand communication. Strategy Director at Rogerwilco, Craig Hannabus, was one of the early adopters of design thinking and often uses the discipline to help brands rethink their strategy. We discuss the…
…
continue reading
1
Seth Godin on The Practice and Finding Your Smallest Viable Audience
39:51
39:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:51
Marketing legend, entrepreneur and the author of 20 books that have been translated into 37 languages, Seth Godin joins us to share some of his latest thinking. His global bestselling books include Purple Cow, Linchpin, The Dip, All Marketers are Liars and others. We talk about growing your community and some insights on what makes the most effecti…
…
continue reading
1
Google and YouTube collaboration opportunities for brands and content creators: A conversation with Asha Patel
35:22
35:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:22
Content creators, brands and agencies are constantly looking for the most relevant information around collaborating with some of the world’s leading digital platforms. In this episode, we kick off our series of conversations with digital platforms that form part of most brand and content strategies. Google’s Head of B2B Marketing in Sub-Saharan Afr…
…
continue reading
1
Nonhlanhla Dlamini on being relevant as a content creator
53:06
53:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:06
Creating content that resonates in mainstream media takes empathy and relevance which are not always easy to muster. The Founder of Ndlovukazi Concepts, content creator, and seasoned producer, Nonhlanhla Dlamini shares how she remains relevant while creating and adapting TV content. She had pivotal director and producer roles in many popular South …
…
continue reading