Marketing Masterclasses

Ambition isn’t arrogance. It’s clarity. Khensani Nobanda , Group Executive for Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, shares her journey from FMCG giant to banking powerhouse. Discover how she’s building Africa’s best marketing team, driving bold creative work, and why authenticity is her ultimate leadership superpower. A must-listen for marketers and leaders ready to play bigger.

We sat down with Georg Gruber , Chairman of Nando’s Grocery International, to find out what it takes to turn a local favourite into a global sensation. From his early days at Procter & Gamble and Cadbury & Schweppes to his current mission of bringing Nando’s fiery PERi-PERi flavours to homes around the world, Georg’s career is packed with lessons in leadership, brand-building, and bold thi...

Pressure is a privilege. Arjoon Bose, Global CMO & Digital Officer at Bel Group (ex-L’Oréal, ex-General Mills), shares the story of his unconventional rise in marketing, from selling shampoo on Mumbai trains to leading global brands across beauty and food. In this episode: Why marketing must lean into culture and creativity to stay relevant The new 3Ps shaping the future: personalisation, prec...

In this episode, Kristen Joseph sits down with Jamie and Nicole for a thoughtful conversation on bold creativity and human-led storytelling in content marketing . From Zimbabwe to South Africa to London, Kristen shares lessons on embracing change, simplifying complexity, and crafting stories that truly connect with audiences. She reflects on why curiosity, authenticity, and adaptability are key to...

Staying innovative in one of the world’s most competitive categories is not a choice, it’s a non-negotiable. In this inspiring conversation with Zoe Mason, Category Manager for Nestlé Confectionery, Nicole and Jamie dive into Zoe's career journey, what makes her tick, and the lessons she’s learnt about finding the sweet spot between creativity and commercial impact. Listen now to learn more ab...

What does it take to build trust and deliver truly meaningful client experiences in private banking? Danielle Delport , Financial Services Marketing Strategist, joins Kele and Loren to share how empathy, curiosity, and intentionality have shaped her marketing journey. From navigating high-stakes environments to creating personalised, human-centred campaigns, Danielle unpacks the lessons that have...

In this episode, Cassie Jaganyi joins Nicole and Jamie for an open conversation on the power of purpose-led storytelling in global communications. Cassie reflects on her journey from Procter & Gamble to Uber, sharing lessons on building narratives that connect brands to culture and drive real impact. She also unpacks why curiosity, empathy, and clarity are essential for communicators navigatin...

Athini Qwede joins Nicole and Jamie for a candid and inspiring conversation about ambition, resilience, and navigating the ever-changing media landscape. With over a decade of experience driving results for global brands across EMEA and the UK, Athini shares her journey from building her career in South Africa to working on high-profile accounts in London. She reflects on the power of stepping out...

Recorded beachside at Cannes Lions, Alexandra Illiashova , Head of Integrated Brand Communications at Danone Benelux, joins Declan Hollywood for a refreshing and candid conversation about creativity, ambition, and navigating the fast pace of modern marketing. From launching a business on live TV to leading brand strategy at scale, Alexandra reflects on the power of standing out, surrounding yourse...

In this episode, Tsakane Mthenjane joins Lara Harper for a compelling conversation on leadership, influence, and navigating the evolving marketing landscape. Tsakane shares powerful reflections on staying curious, embracing humility as you rise through the ranks, and why integrity and courageous conversations are non-negotiables in leadership. From leveraging influencer marketing with purpose to p...

In this special Cannes Lions episode, Laurens Griep , Global Digital Manager at Heineken, joins Declan Hollywood to explore the evolving intersection of technology and creativity. Laurens shares why, despite advancements in data and targeting, it's still great ideas that win hearts—and how brands that master both will lead the future. He also unpacks the thinking behind Heineken’s new social p...

In this episode, Trix van der Vleuten , CMO of The Social Hub and author of "Made for President," joins Jon Ratcliffe to share her remarkable journey from rejecting the commercial world to becoming a transformative marketing leader across global brands like KFC, Google's Nest, Kraft Heinz, and SAP Miller . Trix reveals how every great brand story emerges from a founder's frustrat...

In this episode, Xanthe Wells , VP of Global Creative at Pinterest's House of Creative , joins Declan Hollywood to share her remarkable journey from Google's award-winning creative leadership to driving Pinterest's creative transformation. Xanthe reveals how she's led Pinterest's brand evolution to connect with Gen Z like never before, comparing the platform's three-dimensi...

"Make time for people because you never know when you'll need them." — Cheryl Manentsa In this episode, hosts Loren Westoby and Emma Heard are joined by Cheryl Manentsa — a dynamic force in marketing and a fierce advocate for representation, mentorship, and creativity in the industry. With a career shaped not by singular moments of inspiration but by deep, consistent relationships, C...

"Marketing is the voice of the customer. That will never leave me." — Susan Albright In this episode, host Declan Hollywood speaks with Susan Albright — a purpose-driven marketing leader whose career spans tech giants and playful innovators like The LEGO Group. With a deep belief in customer-first thinking, Susan shares how one unexpected piece of advice rerouted her entire path — and ul...

In this episode, Jasmin Kaur joins Declan Hollywood for a reflective and uplifting conversation on navigating the tech world with heart and purpose. Jasmin shares why the industry needs diverse thinkers , not those who fit a mould—and how following what energises you leads to more authentic decisions and meaningful impact. From the power of kindness in leadership to embracing growth without having...

In this episode, Sadika Fakir , joins Declan Hollywood to unpack what it takes to thrive in the fast-moving world of FMCG. Sadika shares her perspective on using consumer insight to drive strategy, building authentic connections with audiences, and staying adaptable in a constantly shifting landscape. She also speaks to the power of purpose-driven marketing , and how resilience, curiosity, and col...

In this episode, Julie-Anne Walsh , Former Chief Marketing Officer at Takealot Group , joins Declan Hollywood to share her journey at the forefront of one of South Africa’s leading e-commerce platforms. Julie-Anne unpacks the importance of customer obsession , building a strong and trusted brand, and leading with clarity in a highly competitive and fast-paced environment. From shaping digital grow...

In this episode, Wendy Bergsteedt , joins Declan Hollywood for a compelling conversation on the power of purpose-led marketing . Wendy shares how authentic storytelling, deep customer understanding, and long-term thinking play a vital role in building trust in complex industries. With a strong focus on impact and relevance, she offers insights into leading with intention, navigating legacy, and cr...

In this episode, Mel Gischen from Uber joins Declan Hollywood for a dynamic conversation about leading in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Mel shares insights on customer obsession , adapting to change, and the balance between global scale and local relevance . From driving innovation to building high-performing teams, Mel offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s e...

In this episode, Lana Strydom , joins Declan Hollywood to share her perspective on building brands that truly put the customer first. Lana dives into the evolving role of marketing in driving business transformation, and how data, creativity, and purpose come together to create meaningful connections. With deep experience in the telecoms space, she reflects on leading teams through change, embraci...

In this inspiring episode, host Jon Ratcliffe is joined by Jean Oelwang , CEO and President of Virgin Unite and author of Partnerships, who has spent 17 years incubating global initiatives that change the world. Jean explores how partnership excellence, global collaboration, and meaningful connection drive systemic change through initiatives like The Elders, The B Team, and Ocean Unite. From 17 ye...

In this episode, Alessandra Bellini , Chief Customer Officer at Tesco PLC , joins Jon Ratcliffe for an insightful conversation on what it really means to put the customer at the heart of a business. Alessandra shares her journey from advertising to executive leadership, reflecting on the power of consumer understanding , brand building , and developing people as the true levers of business success...

In this episode, Didi Deane , Co-Founder of POPCO Ice Cream , joins Declan Hollywood to share her journey from global consulting and e-commerce to launching one of South Africa’s most loved local brands. With experience at companies like Takealot and Bain & Co., Didi brings a unique blend of strategic insight and entrepreneurial passion to the table. She dives into what it takes to build high-...

In this inspiring fireside chat, host Jon Ratcliffe is joined by Murray Bisschop , Group Marketing Communications Director for Tesco, one of the UK's most valuable brands and leading grocery retailer with over 26% market share. Murray explores how turnaround leadership, brand excellence, and strategic communications drive transformation in one of the world's most competitive retail markets...