Marketing Masterclasses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Hazel Chimhandamba, CMO of Hollard Insurance, chats to Declan about what it really means to be a commercial growth enabler. From redefining brand value to leading with data-driven creativity, Hazel shares how modern marketers can build influence in the boardroom and create brands people actually love.We cover:Turning purpose into performanceBuilding operating models that drive impactCreating customer-led value propositionsProtecting and growing brand equityFollowing the eyeballs and meeting your audience where they are"Marketing belongs in the boardroom because that’s where growth happens.”

From embracing agency life to knuckling down brand side, Miguel Netto’s marketing career has ticked all the boxes.As the Head of Marketing at Bootlegger, Miguel’s coffee-fueled days are focused on building a brand that doesn't advertise but rather works to belong within your lifestyle.Miguel chats to Declan about his (and Bootlegger’s) values of quality, consistency, and sustainability, and how these have been forged throughout his life and career journey - from competitive IRONMAN racing, to his role as Global B2B & Commercial Marketing Director at Aramex, to now leading a team at Bootlegger.Miguel shared many pieces of advice for aspiring marketers, including:Understand the numbers. Even if you’re a creative.Shoot your shot. Always.And, in the words of Miguel’s dad: If you’re going to miss the bus, miss the bus running. Which is to say, make it mean something 👊

In this episode, Declan chats with Alicia Jitaru, European Digital Director for M&M’s, about what really drives great marketing in a digital world.They unpack why, despite all the new tools and tech, the fundamentals stay the same: understanding people, meeting their needs, and showing up authentically.From “digital wizardry” to emotional connection, Alicia shares how brands can create real magic with their audiences today.