The Lead Creative: Recent Episodes

The Lead Creative

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 brand intelligence.

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In creative agencies, the search for improved productivity is often at odds with traditional management structures, which can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of creativity. In a thought-provoking chat with Jack Skeels, CEO of AgencyAgile and the mind behind the book “Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations,” we explore how...

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In an ever-evolving market landscape, where consumer preferences shift and new technologies emerge, some brands thrive, while others fade into obscurity. To uncover the secrets of enduring brands, I turned to Abey Mokgwatsane, the CMO of Investec and former CEO of Ogilvy & Mather South Africa. His extensive experience includes pivotal roles such as being...

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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 Marketing...

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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...

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Discover the transformative power of brand storytelling in the latest episode of the Lead Creative Podcast, where host Mongezi Mtati welcomes Lebo Madiba, the visionary founder of PR Powerhouse. Delve into how storytelling is not just a marketing tool but a strategic framework that brands like Nike, Checkers Sixty60, and SweepSouth use to weave their...

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Since establishing its presence in South Africa in 2015, H&M, a global retail giant, has embarked on a transformative mission, merging its international reach with the vibrancy of local design talent. Steering this initiative, Caroline Nelson, as the Country Manager and CEO of H&M South Africa, has been at the forefront of nurturing collaborations that...

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In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of technology, marketing, and creativity is not just inevitable; it’s essential. Brands are being transformed through this powerful combination, leading to unprecedented innovation and deeper customer engagement. Musa Kalenga, the Group CEO of Brave Group and the author of “Ladders & Trampolines” as well as his latest...

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The digital marketing 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 platforms,...

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Find out how brands build resilience against economic challenges through brand equity, with Ivan Moroke's analysis of Kantar's research.

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Discover how Brent Lindeque's Good Things Guy cultivates a hopeful community through authentic connection - and the platform's strategy to building collaborations with brands.

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Kenya leads the world in internet advertising growth and podcast advertising spend in South Africa set to hit R232-million by 2027. We unpack the latest in advertising and media trends in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa with PwC's insights.

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Brave advertising works and evokes emotion. Marketers who play it safe are missing a huge opportunity. Learn from Ahmed Tilly, the creative activist who made 1st For Women and Nando's unforgettable.

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Sello Maake kaNcube shares his secrets to longevity in the creative industries.

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Refilwe Maluleke, the CSO of TBWA\SA and MD of Yellowwood, explains why it's important for brands to stay authentic and consistent with their brand promise, even during economic downturns.

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Podcaster, broadcaster, media personality and producer, Sol Phenduka shares how he built his personal brand and continues to make waves.

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Mashudu Modau, the founder of Mashstartup, shares how brands, podcasters and content creators can collaborate successfully. He has built one of the most inspired startup and creator communities in Africa and beyond, and he has worked with leading brands such as Red Bull, Yoco, Telkom, and Sage.

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TikTok's Greg Bailie, shares insights on how brands, creators, and agencies can use TikTok to reach new customers and build a community. He also talks about the successes of Mr Price and Checkers campaigns.

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Jarred Cinman, CEO of VMLY&R South Africa, shares thoughts on staying ahead of trends while coming up with solutions for brands to solve some of their most complex problems.

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Marketing Executive, bestselling author and content creator, Khaya Dlanga shares some of his creative strategies and insights on brand-agency partnerships.

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Discover the secrets of mastering storytelling from Jana Marx, bestselling author of The Krugersdorp Cult Killings, on how to tell a compelling story that rises above the noise in today's crowded digital landscape. The book led to the sensational Showmax documentary, Devilsdorp.

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The Kenyan perspective on digital marketing provides valuable insights for businesses and marketers alike. As digital marketing continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve and embracing new opportunities is essential. Learn about the role of social media, particularly Twitter, in shaping Kenya's innovative marketing trends.

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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...

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Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, Rory Sutherland shares behavioural science insights that can elevate marketing and advertising strategies.

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Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, Thebe Ikalafeng shares some of his findings on what makes some of Africa's most iconic businesses and brands.

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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.

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Content creator, influencer and entrepreneur, Vije Vijendranath shares how they built an their credibility from a side hustle to a credible brand influencer, and content marketing business that works with global brands.

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Dean Carlson, CEO and Founder of BrainFarm, shares how he created memorable experiences that saw Sir Richard Branson, Malcolm Gladwell and Will.I.Am become speakers on platforms that he conceptualised.

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The role of defining your purpose in building businesses, agencies, and creative teams, is as important as strategy and planning.

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Creating memorable advertising that sticks leads to brand growth, increased client ROI and agency growth.

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Teams that create the most compelling work and win customers tend to be part of businesses that constantly rethink their systems and engagement.

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Design thinking as a collaborative approach to solving business problems has led to better brand strategy, effective digital marketing and improved brand communication.

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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.

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In this episode, we kick off our series of conversations with digital platforms that form part of most brand and content strategies.

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Creating content that resonates in mainstream media takes empathy and relevance which are not always easy to muster.

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Communications specialist and CEO of Decode Communications, Lorato Tshenkeng joins us to talk about some strategies to avoid and plan for a communications crisis.

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Content creators bring their unique and authentic essence to brand messaging in a way that wins over audiences. Comedian and content creator, Donovan Goliath shares his experiences of collaborating with brands and agencies. Castle Lite, Dove, Defy, Standard bank, and others trust Donovan Goliath with their branded content.

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Head of Group Digital Communications at Sasol, MJ Khan talks about how they ensure a seamless customer experience across their audiences.

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Marketing Executive at the V&A Waterfront, Tinyiko Mageza tells us how they create compelling marketing for diverse audiences. Her marketing career spans over 16 years, where she held senior and executive-level marketing roles at SAB, Hollard Insurance and Standard Bank South Africa.

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Some brands create advertising that resonates, wins share of wallet and hearts, while others fall flat and lose their popularity. Sechaba Khoaele, the Executive Creative Director of Six Fingaz shares some insights about why this is.

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Successful brand and influencer collaborations help to increase sales, enable better human connections between brands and customers, as well as contribute to product adoption. Media personality and content creator, Lelo Boyana shares some of her preferences in how these collaborations can work.  As a podcaster, influencer and founder of Chica Travel, Lelo understands the content...

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Creating viral brand content has many advantages, including winning customers, generating sales and being part of real human conversations. Co-founder of Retroviral, Mike Sharman joins us to share how they have successfully created compelling, viral, award-winning brand content for over 12 years.

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In this episode of The Lead Creative podcast, we are joined by Abey Mokgwatsane to discuss leadership in brands, agencies and society.

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We are joined by the Chief Creative Officer of Think Creative Africa, Nkgabiseng Motau, to discuss the role of leadership and collaboration.

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In this episode of The Lead Creative podcast, Melissa Attree talks about the rise of streaming services and how this affects advertising.

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Brand stories and content that resonates require many perspectives where a creative process can lead to concepts win minds and hearts.

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Diversity, ownership and transformation in the creative industry can have a positive impact on brand communication and advertising.

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In this episode of The Lead Creative podcast, award-winning brand and advertising strategist turned growth-hacker, Lebogang Mukansi talks about the value of growth hacking.

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Authenticity in brand communication and advertising comes up a lot and we unpack what it means in this episode of The Lead Creative podcast.

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The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have accelerated the adoption of social media and digital usage, in South Africa and beyond.