Marketing Masterclasses

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.

In this inspiring episode, Declan and Zach Nossel, Head of Digital Marketing at Woolworths, unpack the unconventional, yet relatable, journey behind Zach's success.

Zach shares how early lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience, instilled by his father on the football pitch, shaped the leader he is today. From studying law to discovering his creative calling, from winning global creative awards to jumping into the chaos of startup life, and ultimately leading Woolworths’ digital transformation over the last decade, Zach’s story is packed with wisdom for anyone carving their own career path.

This is a masterclass in career growth, leadership, and modern marketing, told with honesty, energy, and heart.

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.

In this inspiring episode, Jon sits down with Gopi Kallayil, Google’s Chief Business Strategist for AI, at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town.

From connecting Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama for their first-ever live Hangout years ago, to leading Google’s AI strategy today, Gopi shares remarkable stories of innovation, spirituality, and purpose. He reflects on lessons from Mandela, Tutu, and Silicon Valley, and explores how AI is reshaping the world as a tool to amplify human potential.

Together, Jon and Gopi discuss:

• The “healthy disregard for the impossible” that defines Google’s culture.

• How AI can uplift humanity, from healthcare to climate resilience.

• Gopi’s personal philosophy for balance and fulfilment: the “MEDALS formula.”

• What it means to live a life of purpose in the age of intelligent machines.

A conversation that bridges technology, ethics, and the human spirit, reminding us that progress, at its best, begins within.

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.

From testing video games to leading global brands, Alberto Hernandez’s career has been defined by one thing: curiosity.

He’s proof that asking “why?” (and acting on it) can lead to successful and continuous reinvention.

In his words, the best marketers are “curious about people’s daily struggles.” They are in the business of solving problems in the best ways they know how.

Alberto shared many valuable lessons in his chat with Declan but this one stuck with us: Be curious enough to see what’s next, and courageous enough to chase it.

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 performance

• Building operating models that drive impact

• Creating customer-led value propositions

• Protecting and growing brand equity

• Following the eyeballs and meeting your audience where they are

"Marketing belongs in the boardroom because that’s where growth happens.”

How do you grow a business from R80 million to R1.2 billion, nearly lose it, and then sell it to one of South Africa’s biggest retailers?

Anthony Steward, co-founder of Medicare Health and now Zorros Partners, joins Declan to share the real story behind the numbers, including everything from the humbling lessons of over-ambition to the power of focus, trust, and vulnerability in leadership.

One of the most honest, reflective conversations we’ve had yet.

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 👊

What does it take to go from Intern to Award-Winning Marketer at Discovery Bank?

For Jody Ashworth, it’s been about curiosity, courage, and an unshakable belief in the power of behavioural science to change how we bank.

Jody shares how she’s shaping the future of financial health at Discovery Bank, from creating the brand’s beloved Discovery Bank Buddy to using AI and data to make banking more human.

Tune in to hear her take on leadership, culture, and how trusting your gut can be your biggest career advantage