Marketing Masterclasses

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.

Jon sits down with Sofia Hernandez, TikTok’s Global Head of Business Marketing, at Cannes to talk about creativity, leadership, and how brands can thrive in the creator economy.

Sofia thinks brands need to think like marketers and act like creators. Do you agree?

How do you build an international marketing career and stay true to yourself along the way?

Juliette Rowlett, a proud South African and global marketing leader at brands like Unilever and the LEGO Group, generously shares:

• Her journey from Durban to leading global shopper strategies
• Why “the bravest thing you can do is be yourself”
• How to embrace discomfort, build relationships, and grow your career abroad

This episode is packed with advice for marketers ready to take on the world and do it with curiosity, creativity, and courage!

Hit play and get inspired.

How do you build an international marketing career and stay true to yourself along the way?

Juliette Rowlett, a proud South African and global marketing leader at brands like Unilever and the LEGO Group, generously shares:

• Her journey from Durban to leading global shopper strategies
• Why “the bravest thing you can do is be yourself”
• How to embrace discomfort, build relationships, and grow your career abroad

This episode is packed with advice for marketers ready to take on the world and do it with curiosity, creativity, and courage!

Hit play and get inspired.

At Cannes Lions, Jon sat down with Beatrice Cornacchia, Executive VP of Marketing & Communications APEMEA at Mastercard, to talk about her extraordinary 35-year journey building one of the world’s most iconic brands.
This episode is full of nuggets of wisdom from Beatrice. Here are just three to whet your appetite:

• Never take a shortcut. Dream big and go after it.
• Marketing is a science but the magic comes when you layer creativity on top.
• Be the boss of yourself. You are the only boss that you can accept

This is for anyone looking to make bold moves and leave their mark.

Ambition isn’t arrogance. It’s clarity.

Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, shares her journey from FMCG giant to banking powerhouse. Discover how she’s building Africa’s best marketing team, driving bold creative work, and why authenticity is her ultimate leadership superpower.

A must-listen for marketers and leaders ready to play bigger.