"When one of our campaigns performs well, it’s not just numbers on a graph,  it’s jobs being created and food on the table.”

In this Marketing Masterclass, Caterina Toffoli-Metcalfe (Head of Design at Sweepsouth) shares how purpose-driven creativity and people-first leadership shaped her journey from Yuppiechef to Pernod Ricard, and why authentic impact matters more than ever.

🎧 Listen for insights on:

• Why culture is built in small daily actions, not one-off events

• How to lead with energy and empathy

• Balancing creativity, structure, and purpose

From Estee Lauder to PepsiCo to Nestlé, Zakithi Mncwango has built some of South Africa’s most loved brands. In this episode of Marketing Masterclasses, Lara chats to Zakithi all about her journey as an “accidental marketer” and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

We dive into:

• Why creators are the gateway to authenticity and relevance

• How consumers can spot an ad a mile away

• The role of AI in building always-on, empathetic brand engines

• Leadership lessons on balancing empathy with toughness

Whether you’re a student of marketing or a seasoned professional, Zakithi’s insights on culture, creativity, and brand building will leave you inspired.

South African-born product marketing expert Katy Carter shares her unconventional journey from yachting to leading growth at one of the UK’s fastest-growing digital banks, Tide.

In this episode, Katy opens up about:

• Navigating competitive global markets
• Turning complex financial solutions into simple, compelling stories
• The role great leadership has played in her career

Expect insights on product launches vs. adoption, working across cultures, using AI for smarter marketing, and why taking your shot matters more than you think.

Marketing in 2025 demands agility, authenticity, and impact.

Revlon SA’s Heather Goate shares her insights on:

• Short-form video
• The creator economy
• AI in marketing
• The career mindset that will set you apart

Packed with global brand experience and practical takeaways, this is a must-listen for marketers who want to stay ahead.

From anthropology to AI at DeepMind, Rupert Kemp’s journey is anything but typical.

In this episode, Jon unpacks how curiosity, kindness, and nonlinear thinking led Rupert to one of the most advanced AI teams in the world.

We dive into the future of AI, why prompt engineering matters more than you think, and how tools like Gemini are reshaping everything from productivity to creativity.

People can spot inauthenticity instantly and brands are no exception.

In this episode, Sibongile Mndebele shares how to build brands that truly resonate, drawing on her experience shaping iconic flavours at Simba and leading with values in a fast-paced digital world.

We explore:

• Why authenticity is your brand’s most valuable currency

• How AI can enhance, not replace, creative thinking

• The one quality Sibo prioritizes above experience when hiring

• Why “I care” is the message she wants the world to know about her

Tune in for a mix of practical career advice, heartfelt leadership lessons, and data-driven insights that every marketer can apply.

From academia to entrepreneurship to leading marketing for South Africa’s largest health, wellness and beauty retailer, Melanie Van Rooy’s career is a masterclass in reinvention.

In this episode, the Clicks Group CMO shares her journey and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, brand building, and staying relevant in 2025.

We cover:

• Moving from selling to solving and delivering joy

• Building trust, empathy, and value for customers and teams

• Why digital marketing is a science, not guesswork

• The role of EQ in leadership

• Reinventing yourself at any stage of life

Whether you’re a marketing student, a brand leader, or just navigating your next career move, Melanie’s story will inspire you to embrace change and lead with heart.

Marketing isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about experimenting boldly and learning faster than your competitors.

Giulio Beltramo, Head of Marketing at One Retail Group (one of the UK’s fastest-growing consumer goods and lifestyle brands), shares how creativity, curiosity, and South African grit shaped his career.

From rethinking segmentation to building brands that people feel (not just buy), this episode is packed with insights for marketers ready to break the mould.

What’s the story? And how do we bring it to life in a way that truly connects with people?

It’s the question that’s guided Laurian Clemence through 17+ years at Google, drawing on her journalism roots and passion for leadership to shape the narratives behind some of its most iconic products, from Pixel to Gemini, Search to Android.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How Google’s culture has evolved and what makes it work
• Lessons in leadership and developing qualities to support teams
• The art of crafting attention-worthy campaigns in a noisy world
• Why comms and marketing must move as one

“Just be lekker, and the world will be lekker.”

Urban Gym Group's Head of Brand, Ryk Benade, shares his career journey, lessons in creativity, and how brands can stay relevant in a digital-first world.

Tune in for insights on building culture, leading with impact, and thriving in the modern marketing era.