In The Room

What does it really take to build a career, a reputation and relationships that last?In this episode of IN THE ROOM, Desh sits down with Mota Mota, Corporate Communications Lead for Nestlé’s Zone Asia, Oceania & Africa, for a conversation about the role communication plays in business, reputation and personal growth.With experience leading communications and public affairs across multiple African markets, Mota has worked closely with senior leaders to navigate complex business environments, manage reputation, build stakeholder trust and connect communications to wider business priorities.But this conversation goes beyond corporate communications. Mota shares the lessons that have shaped his own career and the mindset he believes matters when you're trying to keep growing.We talk about:• Why the relationship between marketing and communications matters more than ever• The role of communications in building and protecting organisational reputation• Why reputation isn't just a communications responsibility, but a business responsibility• How to set goals that create real progress in your career and personal life• The importance of staying curious and continuously learning• Why being comfortable saying “I don't know” can actually help you grow• Building meaningful relationships across functions, teams and organisations• What it takes to keep learning when your career keeps evolvingMota's perspective is a reminder that great communication isn't just about telling a good story. It's about understanding people, asking better questions, building trust and knowing how your work connects to the bigger picture.IN THE ROOM brings you the conversations behind business, culture and what’s next in emerging markets. We’re not building a podcast. We’re building an archive of the conversations shaping emerging markets.Welcome IN THE ROOM.🎙️ Guest: Mota Mota🎤 Host: Desh🌍 Africa × GlobalFollow Desh:Instagram: @thatdeshTikTok: @thatdesh

What does it really take to build a global career without losing yourself along the way?In the first episode of IN THE ROOM, Desh sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats star Fireboy DML for an honest conversation about ambition, conviction, culture, relationships and the realities behind success. Known globally for hits including “Peru” with Ed Sheeran, Fireboy has become one of the artists helping take Afrobeats to audiences around the world. The Ed Sheeran collaboration reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and became a defining moment in Fireboy’s international rise.But this conversation goes beyond the music.Fireboy talks about growing up in Nigeria, discovering poetry before music, making the decision to leave university and pursue his dreams in Lagos, and the conviction that kept him moving when there was no Plan B.We talk about:• Staying grounded while living a very public life• Why solitude, family and Nigerian food keep him connected to home• The importance of treating people with respect and building genuine relationships• How the Ed Sheeran collaboration came together and what a co-sign can mean for an artist and a culture• Why “going international” shouldn't mean leaving Africa behind• The difference between passion, conviction and strong will• Work ethic and what Fireboy learned from the people around him• Imposter syndrome and having those “pinch me” moments• The responsibility — and pressure — of opening doors for the next generation• Why pushing culture forward starts with simply doing your job wellFireboy's story is bigger than music. It's a conversation about what happens when talent meets conviction, relationships, opportunity and relentless work.IN THE ROOM exists to bring more people into the conversations that shape culture, business and emerging markets.We’re not building a podcast.We’re building an archive of the conversations shaping emerging markets.Welcome IN THE ROOM.🎙️ Guest: Fireboy DML🎤 Host: Desh🇳🇬 Nigeria × 🇿🇦 South AfricaFollow Desh:Instagram: @thatdeshTikTok: @thatdesh

Join me in this exclusive interview with Tarek Abdalla, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer CEMEA at Visa, where we dive deep into his journey, challenges, and the lessons learnt on his way to CMO.From personal experiences to professional insights, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to grow and succeed.🔹 Topics Covered:✅ Pivoting from FMCG (Mars) to Tech (Google, TikTok)✅ Tackling Emerging Markets✅ The role of the CMO: influencing across the org✅ Leading teams and providing feedback✅ Building community and the power of LinkedIn📢 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful content! Hit the 🔔 bell icon to stay updated with our latest videos.💬 What did you find most inspiring? Let us know in the comments!🔗 Follow Tarek on Linkedin:   / tarekabdalla  Instagram:   / _tarek_abdalla  

I spent some time with ‪@garyvee‬ when I was in New York at ‪@VaynerMedia‬ and had to get his thoughts on Africa and how to balance your 9-5 whilst still pushing your side hustle:In this chat, we unpack the untapped potential and incredible prospects that lie ahead for Africa! Don't miss out on this eye-opening chat as we talk about the future of Africa – a continent on the cusp of a transformative eraHere are some of the other topics we discussed:0:00 - 0:30 Intro0:30 - 5:16 Why taking risks is a practical thing5:16 - 9:10 How to keep up with consumer trends9:10 - 11:22 Is it too late to start making content now?11:22 - 13:55 Does where you live affect your success?13:55 - 18:08 Maximizing the value of networking events18:08 - 21:19 People are underestimating Africa   • Is It Too Late To Start Making Conten...  🔗 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more exclusive content featuring industry leaders. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our upcoming episodes that aim to empower and inspire. Drop your comments below, and let us know which insights resonated with you the most!About Hype & Happening:This is your all-access pass to the inner circle of influence by That Desh. Come with me as I catch up with my friends in marketing and show you what it takes to build a brand. I’m also giving you all access as I catch up with creators driving culture. If it’s HYPED, I’m gonna show you how it HAPPENED

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 03 of our podcast #Hypeandhappening where we unravel the HYPE behind what is HAPPENING ! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Marcel Swain, the Head of Marketing Premium Core at Heineken, sharing his invaluable experiences and wisdom on what it takes to lead with authenticity in the FMCG space whilst driving marketing in culture.🌐 Join us as Marcel dives deep into his journey, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies and principles that have propelled him to success in the dynamic world of marketing at a global powerhouse like Heineken. From navigating challenges to fostering a culture of innovation, Marcel shares practical insights that anyone at every level can apply to enhance their own leadership style.🚀 Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about how Heineken is driving marketing in culture, this episode promises to be major inspo. Marcel's candid conversations and genuine approach to leadership make this episode a must-watch for anyone looking to elevate their leadership game.🔗 Don't forget to follow & review for more exclusive content featuring industry leaders. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our upcoming episodes that aim to empower and inspire. Drop your comments below, and let us know which insights resonated with you the most!About Hype & Happening:This is your all-access pass to the inner circle of influence by That Desh. Come with me as I catch up with my friends in marketing and show you what it takes to build a brand. I’m also giving you all access as I catch up with creators driving culture. If it’s HYPED, I’m gonna show you how it HAPPENED!

We get a behind-the-scenes look at how one of South Africa's most loved public figures J'Something and unpack how he balances work, family and his passions. What's the future of MiCasa? What has his ventures into the food area taught him? How does his family inspire him? About Hype & Happening:This is your all-access pass to the inner circle of influence by That Desh. Come with me as I catch up with my friends in marketing and show you what it takes to build a brand. I’m also giving you all access as I catch up with creators driving culture. If it’s HYPED, I’m gonna show you how it HAPPENED!

I caught up with Jill Snijman (Marketing Manager: Lancome & Kiehls) on a busy Friday afternoon at one of her key outlets. An incredible session learning more on how she stays relevant in culture. Jill also shares her personal and professional goals for 2024 with some very handy tips.

About Jill:

Jill Snijman is the Marketing Manager of French luxury beauty brand, Lancôme having joined Loreal South Africa in 2021. With over 16 years’ experience in marketing management, she is passionate about people development and leading happy high-performance teams to deliver real business results. She’s a mom of 3 who is passionate about woman empowerment and the wellbeing of the communities in which she serves. Her time in business has afforded her exposure to multiple sectors however beauty and its role in peoples lives remains of particular interest to Jill who is also a qualified professional make-up artist . Jill began her career in the rise of the digital age igniting an ongoing interest in the discipline which she believes will play a critical role in realising a more prosperous Africa through improved access to digital products, digital competency and digital skills development at a grassroots level.

About Hype & Happening:

This is your all-access pass to the inner circle of influence by That Desh. Come with me as I catch up with my friends in marketing and show you what it takes to build a brand. I’m also giving you all access as I catch up with creators driving culture. If it’s HYPED, I’m gonna show you how it HAPPENED!

We go inside the influence that is driving one of Africa's leading culture agencies. Sbusiso Mbambo Jr (Sbuda) currently represents some of the biggest Amapiano artists across Africa and over the years has worked on iconic campaigns, bridging the gap between corporate and culture. We unpack what financial success looks like and what artists need to be doing when they get "the bag" 💵

Connect with Sbuda here:

This episode features Levergy MD Ray Langa who shares his journey on rising up the ranks.  1. Breaking Conventions - What he is bringing to the role with a new approach. 2. Toll Roads - The life fees we pay on the road to success 2. Exit 2025 - Where he sees himself come 2025 and the work he is putting in now to get to that.  For the video version of this podcast click here: https://youtu.be/Tv14tD48fsIConnect with Desh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatdesh/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deshnie/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thatdeshYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZ6...Email: [email protected]

Hello! I'm Desh I'm giving you a seat right next to the most influential voices from culture and entertainment to corporate marketing and tech.