The Business of Influence

What's truly bubbling under the surface of the marketing industry? 🤔 We asked Dale Hefer, CEO of the IMC, on The Business of Influence Podcast, and her answers were eye openers! In this powerful debut episode, we sit down with industry authority Dale Hefer to discuss the foundational principle of modern commerce: Marketing is Business. Dale provides an unfiltered, C-Suite perspective on why m...

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, Zi...

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 care...

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 sh...

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 s...

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...

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 joi...

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/9MFBqI...

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 insight...

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 aut...

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 influenc...

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.

In today’s episode of The Business Of Influence Podcast we have an exclusive chat with Savon Matjane, the Innovation and Marketing Lead at Style ID Africa! Discover why we're Africa's leading influencer platform and how we're reshaping influencer marketing across the continent.

In this episode we unlock the world of paid media and the power of paid advertising. Learn how to maximise ROI with - Senior Search Specialist at Hollywoodbets, Kagiso Mthethwa.

In this episode, Leroy Marc and Tami Ruschin explore the complexities and nuances of scaling influencer marketing for brands and influencers. Our in-house experts share their tips, insights, strategies, and firsthand experiences. 

It’s Episode 6 of The Business Of Influence Podcast 🎙️ and we’re diving straight into the of real-time marketing and newsjacking with your hosts Leroy Marc and Tami Ruschin. This time they're joined by a very special guest, Wilmarie van der Merwe, the Head of Social and Influence at Total Exposure! 🌟 Gain insights from a bonafide industry expert as she dissects strategies for navigating the d...

Episode 5 of The Business of Influence podcast is live! 🎙️ Leroy Marc is joined by Thuso Sekhaolelo, COO at Total Exposure, and Mashudu Nenjelele, Digital Marketing Specialist at Wonder Social, and they dive into strategies for overcoming creative block and fostering innovative  influencer marketing ideas. Discover actionable strategies to maximiSe your impact and elevate your influencer marketing...

In this week’s episode, Leroy Marc is joined by special guests Thuso Sekhaolelo, COO at Total Exposure & Mashudu Nenjelele, Digital Marketing Specialist at Wonder Social. Join us as we tackle the ins and outs of navigating budget constraints & resource limitations in the influencer marketing space, and share experiences and strategies for maximising impact while working within budget and r...

Part 2 of the raw and unfiltered Influencer Round Table: From The Creators’ Point of View 🎙️ Join special guests Ponahalo Mojapelo & Siseko Nontlahla alongside hosts Tami Ruschin and Leroy Marc as they dive deep into the real talk about the influencer marketing industry, where your industry favourites discuss the raw truth of content creation in this uncut and unhinged Xtra episode!

"The Influence Round Table: From Creators' View" with hosts Tami Ruschin & Leroy Marc and special guests Ponahalo & Siseko! Tune in for insights into modern content creation and gain exclusive firsthand experiences that will revolutionise your approach to content creation. From insider insights to creative strategies, this episode offers a unique perspective on shaping digita...

In episode 2, hosts Tami Ruschin and Leroy Marc delve into "new age" content marketing, unveiling strategies to deliver an unparalleled experience for Gen Z and Millennial audiences. From harnessing the power of emerging platforms to creating customer-centric content that resonates, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your marketing game!

The Evolution Continues! ✨  Welcome back to Season 2 of the Business of Influence Podcast! 🎙️ Episode 1 is LIVE, and your hosts Tami Ruschin and Leroy Marc are back with a bang, unraveling the intricate art of Emotional Intelligence in the Influencer Marketing and Digital Marketing landscape. 🧠 From the dynamic shifts in the influencer landscape to the crucial role of authenticity, join us as we...

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 wher...

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...