Marketing Masterclasses

Afleveringen

• 
  125. From English Literature to CMO: How Human Stories Shaped Tracey-Lee’s Marketing Journey 03.08.2026 27min

  In this episode of Marketing Masterclasses, Declan sits down with Tracey-Lee Zürcher-Campbell, the CMO of Payflex. They explore what modern marketing looks like beyond campaigns and creative work.Tracey-Lee shares her unconventional journey from studying English Literature and Drama to leading marketing at Payflex. She explains why understanding human behaviour is at the heart of great marketing and why the best marketers are growth architects rather than simply advertisers.The conversation explores consumer psychology, trust and perception while offering practical insights into balancing creativity with commercial thinking, leading agile teams and using disciplined execution to turn great ideas into meaningful business growth.An insightful conversation for marketers, business leaders and anyone interested in creativity, strategy and growth.
• 
  124. From Agency Life to Building a Sustainable Brand: with Sealand Gear CEO, Adrian Hewlett 13.05.2026 46min

  Adrian Hewlett’s career journey has taken him from the world of marketing and entrepreneurship to leading one of South Africa’s most respected sustainable lifestyle brands, Sealand Gear.In this episode, Adrian sits down with Declan to unpack what it really takes to build a purpose driven business in today’s world. They speak about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, building great teams, staying disciplined, leading with authenticity, and creating brands that people genuinely connect with.The conversation also explores sustainable business practices, mentorship, relationships, and why playing the long game matters more than ever.It is a grounded and honest conversation with practical lessons on business, branding, and life.
• 
  123. Marketing is not just data it is people: with Zain Naidoo, Head of Digital and Social at Dis-Chem Pharmacies 21.04.2026 30min

  In a world full of dashboards, metrics, and AI tools, it is easy to forget who marketing is really for.In this episode, Zain Naidoo, Head of Digital and Social at Dis-Chem Pharmacies, brings the focus back to people. Zain sits down with Declan to unpack how social media has changed the way brands connect with customers, why creativity still matters even when data is everywhere, and how brands can stay relevant when attention spans are shorter than ever.He shares his perspective on working with creators, building trust with audiences, and finding the balance between performance and brand.This is a real and honest conversation about what actually works in marketing today and what does not.
• 
  122. What does it take to go global in the age of attention? Lee Nelson, Head of Marketing & Communications at DHL eCommerce 17.04.2026 52min

  What does it take to market in a world where attention is the most valuable currency?In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Lee Nelson, Head of Marketing & Communications at DHL eCommerce, shares with Jon how DHL is helping small businesses grow beyond their borders and compete on a global stage.Lee reflects on her journey into marketing, from handing out Red Bull as a student to leading global marketing, and how her role today is focused on positioning DHL as a partner for cross-border growth.The conversation also explores the reality of modern marketing, from social media and the attention economy to the importance of being useful rather than just visible, as well as leadership, purpose, and why being human matters more than ever.
• 
  121. Why Great Marketers Are Built, Not Born: Sasha Sathianathan, Senior Brand Manager at RCL Foods 08.04.2026 38min

  Few careers follow a straight line, and Sasha's journey into marketing is no exception.In this episode of the Marketing Masterclass, Loren sits down with Sasha Sathianathan, the Senior Brand Manager at RCL Foods.From starting out in chemical engineering to building brands at Unilever, Mondelez, and now RCL Foods, Sasha shares her journey into marketing and how she found her place at the intersection of people, creativity, and commercial impact.They chat about what it really means to be a brand custodian, how to balance consistency with staying culturally relevant, and why thinking like a business owner is so important. Sasha also shares her honest take on AI as a tool, not a replacement, along with her approach to leadership and building confident, accountable teams.It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation with plenty of practical takeaways for marketers at any stage.
• 
  120. Building Brands Across Cultures with Rachel Moffett, the Regional Marketing Manager Mövenpick Hotel 08.04.2026 37min

  Straight out of South Africa and into a completely new culture, Rachel Moffett began building a career in marketing far from home.In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Rachel, Regional Marketing Manager at Mövenpick Hotel, joins Nicole to share how that journey shaped her approach to marketing, leadership, and working across cultures.They talk about navigating global markets, the move into hospitality, and why clarity plays such an important role in building strong teams and brands. Rachel also shares her thoughts on social media, and how to use AI without losing the human touch.If you’re thinking about growth, leadership, or your next step in marketing, this is a conversation worth listening to.
• 
  119. Why Attitude Beats Talent: The Journey and Thinking Behind Absa CMO, Sydney Mbhele 27.03.2026 52min

  How do you go from an unexpected start to leading marketing at one of Africa’s biggest banks?In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Sydney Mbhele, Chief Marketing Officer at Absa, shares the journey that shaped his career and the mindset that’s guided him along the way.Sydney reflects on the moments that changed his trajectory, why he believes attitude matters more than talent, and what he looks for when building teams. The conversation also explores what the role of a CMO really involves today, beyond advertising and into real business impact.If you’re thinking about growth, leadership, or your next step, this is a conversation worth listening to.
• 
  118. Great Marketing Starts with the Question “Why”: How PepsiCo’s CMO Vilosha Soni Thinks About Brands 24.03.2026 45min

  From engineer to CMO of PepsiCo South Africa, Vilosha Soni’s journey is anything but conventional. In this episode, she unpacks what it really takes to build iconic brands, stay relevant across generations, and lead high-performing teams at scale. You’ll learn why curiosity is a marketer’s greatest advantage, how to translate consumer insight into business impact, and why having a bias for action beats waiting for perfection. This is a masterclass in modern marketing, leadership, and thinking like an opportunist in a world full of noise.
• 
  117. Stay Curious, Think Bigger:  A Marketing Career with PepsiCo's F&B Marketing Director, Vilashni Vandayar 24.03.2026 26min

  How do you grow into leadership in marketing?In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Vilashni Vandayar, Marketing Director of Convenience Food and Beverages at PepsiCo, reflects on her journey from starting out in science to leading some of South Africa’s most recognisable brands.Vilashni shares the mindset that has shaped her career, from staying curious and continuously learning, to stepping into opportunities that feel bigger than you’re ready for. The conversation also touches on leadership, building teams across diverse portfolios, and why real growth often comes from uncomfortable moments.If you’re building a career in marketing or stepping into leadership, this is a conversation worth listening to.
• 
  116. From Startup to 12 Million Customers with Lucia Malapane, Head of Brand Marketing at GoTyme Bank 10.03.2026 39min

  What does it take to build one of South Africa’s fastest growing digital banks?In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Lucia Malapane, Head of Brand Marketing at GoTyme Bank, shares with Declan the story behind the bank’s growth to more than 12 million customers.Lucia reflects on her journey from being part of building the business in its early days to leading the brand today, and how GoTyme Bank is rethinking banking by making it more accessible, simple, and customer focused.The conversation also explores what great marketing looks like in financial services, how brands can build trust with customers, and why young professionals should focus on learning, curiosity, and being open to opportunity.
• 
  115. Never Stop Inventing a Better Way to Shop with Carol Feeley, Head of Creative at Ocado 02.03.2026 41min

  What does it really mean to never stop inventing a better way to shop?In this episode, Carol Feeley, Head of Creative at Ocado, joins Declan to share what that looks like in practice at one of the UK’s leading online grocery retailers. She talks about building a brand inside a business that is deeply data driven, and why consistency and patience matter more than constantly chasing the next new idea.Carol unpacks the thinking behind Ocado’s purpose, how the Save and Splurge campaign helped reframe value in online grocery, and how she protects creative time so her team can focus on the work that truly makes an impact. She also shares why marketing should make life easier, and make people laugh.If you care about building brands that last in performance driven environments, this is a conversation worth listening to.
• 
  114. People-First Leadership That Drives Growth with Former CEO of H&M South Africa, Caroline Nelson 13.02.2026 53min

  Caroline is a firm believer that great businesses are built by great people. In this episode of Marketing Masterclasses, Caroline sits down with Declan to unpack what people-first leadership really looks like at scale.She dives into the balance between strategy and culture, why narrowing down the tools your team actually values matters more than chasing trends, and how embedding corporate responsibility into business operations creates lasting impact.
• 
  113. How to Balance Soulful Storytelling with Digital Efficiency with Michaella Robertson, Head of Creative at Pure Fishing 12.02.2026 38min

  Michaella Robertson has spent her career figuring out how to make brands matter, from big ideas to the little details that actually stick. In this episode, she joins Nicole to explore why social is a behaviour, not a channel, how AI should scale connection rather than replace it, and why the strongest creative work starts with a culture of trust. From Durban to Switzerland to leading global creative teams, Michaella shares what it takes to build brands that resonate in 2026 and beyond.
• 
  112. Why Big Bang Marketing Is Dead: takealot.com's CMO Karla Levick on Scaling Brands, Empowering Teams, and Thinking Like a Creator 04.02.2026 37min

  Karla Levick, Chief Marketing Officer at takealot.com, is a strong advocate for how brands must evolve in a creator-led world. In this episode, Karla sits down with Declan to chat through why brands should behave more like content creators, how to work authentically with South Africa’s creator economy, and how to build brand equity on social platforms. She also discusses consistency, trust, and why marketing success today comes from iteration and innovation.
• 
  111. Building Joy at Scale: Inside The Crazy Store with Kevin Lennett 01.12.2025 57min

  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.
• 
  110. Building Discipline & Creativity with Woolworths' Zach Nossel 28.11.2025 52min

  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.
• 
  109. Does That Make Sense? Rethinking Communication and Career Moves with Booking.com's Lauren Voges 28.11.2025 37min

  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.
• 
  108. AI, Humanity, and the Art of the Impossible with Google's Gopi Kallayil at the Tutu Foundation 25.11.2025 1u 20min

  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.
• 
  107. Consistency Over Chameleons with adidas' Roy Gardner 24.11.2025 49min

  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.
• 
  106. Curiosity as a Career Strategy with Opella's Alberto Hernandez 19.11.2025 51min

  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.