The Business of Influence

Outdoor advertising is having its renaissance. In this IMC conversation, Nomzamo Moalusi, Primedia Marketing and Communications Manager, breaks down why billboards remain an unskippable touchpoint, how digital OOH drives real talkability, and why marketers need to think beyond “placement” and start designing cultural moments. From cost myths to data-backed performance, she unpacks why OOH is still...

In this IMC Series episode, we sit down with Tamryn Taylor, Head of Demand Creation, BWPC Unilever South Africa, to unpack how social listening has reshaped Unilever’s marketing strategy. With consumers constantly online, always informed, and increasingly vocal, the real competitive advantage is in listening, not just broadcasting. Tamryn shares how always-on listening uncovers cultural insights,...

In this IMC segment, we chat to Dean Oelschig, Founder of Halo Advertising, as he unpacks the philosophy behind creativity in marketing. He reminds us that creativity isn’t a science, it’s intuition, emotion and instinct working together to connect brands with people. Dean challenges marketers to focus less on themselves and more on the consumer, because when creativity is useful, beautiful, or en...

Watch as we talk to Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen, about the unique challenges and triumphs of automotive marketing. Bridget shares why recognising the C-suite's importance is fundamental to business success, it's not just about awards, it's about driving actual business results. She delves into the world of brand salience (being top-of-mind) and also offers brilliant...

In this IMC conversation, we sat down with Phathiswa Sefatswa, Brand Executive at Click Group, to unpack the real role marketing plays in shaping business outcomes today. Phathiswa reminds us that marketing is not the “supporting act,” it is the strategic engine that drives revenue, brand affinity, and long-term business growth. At its core, marketing is about consistency, clarity, and staying anc...

In this episode of The Business of Influence IMC Series, we sat down with Zain Naidoo, Head of Digital & Social Marketing at Dis-Chem, to unpack the real power of marketing in driving consumer behaviour and brand loyalty. Zain shares how marketing continues to shape everyday decisions, from what we wear to what we drive and why every successful purchase begins long before a consumer walks into...

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, Maishe gets candid about what it really takes to build, scale and sustain a business, starting with people. From hiring for growth to navigating a multi-generational workplace, this conversation unpacks the human side of entrepreneurship. Expect sharp insights, honest reflections and real talk about leadership, culture and the evolving world of work. The Foun...

In this episode of The Business of Influence, filmed at the IMC Conference, Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, joins Leroy Marc to unpack what marketing truly means at the heart of a legacy brand. From redefining competition beyond traditional banks to embracing content creators and AI-driven innovation, Khensani breaks down how marketing drives growth...

In this week’s episode of The Founder’s Desk, Tami Ruschin sat down with Zandile Khulu, Client Service Lead at Style ID Africa, an industry force known for her sharp client intuition and people-first approach. Together, they unpack what it really means to understand clients beyond briefs, KPIs, and deliverables. From decoding client behaviour to building trust and navigating complex expectations,...

In this episode of The Business of Influence: IMC Series, we sat down with Aimee Kellen, Regional Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy, to explore the art of storytelling, passion, and purpose in the world of luxury marketing. Aimee unpacks how Moët Hennessy continues to define excellence through experiences that honour the brand’s legacy while keeping it relevant for the next generation of consume...

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, we sit down with Lindo Mkhize to unpack the art and grind of New Business Mining or as we like to call it, bringing home the bacon. From spotting the right opportunities to building trust with potential clients, Lindo shares what it really takes to grow the business pipeline in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Expect sharp insights, a few hard truths, an...

Every great business starts with a strong foundation. But what does that foundation really look like? Join us for the very first episode of Foundations from the Founder's Desk, where CEO Tami pulls back the curtain on her own entrepreneurial journey. She shares the untold stories and hard-earned lessons behind her success. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, this episode is pa...

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, we sit down with Lindo Mkhize to unpack the art and grind of New Business Mining or as we like to call it, bringing home the bacon. From spotting the right opportunities to building trust with potential clients, Lindo shares what it really takes to grow the business pipeline in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Expect sharp insights, a few hard truths, an...

In this episode of The Business of Influence, Melusi Mhlungu joins us to unpack one of the biggest shifts in modern marketing: people buy into people, not brands. From building trust through influencer partnerships to redefining how consumers connect with authenticity, Melusi shares his perspective on why human connection sits at the heart of every powerful brand story. Subscribe and stay tuned fo...

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...