Techmark Pod

In this episode of Techmark Pod, we sit down with Nyaki Tshabangu—a certified digital marketing strategist whose journey spans from managing large-scale construction projects to generating over a million rand in e-commerce sales. Nyaki unpacks the surprising connections between construction and marketing, reveals how to turn communities into powerful sales engines, and shares her insights on the impact of AI (and its biases) in Africa.

We also dive into her passion for empowering women entrepreneurs, her secrets to “making money while you sleep,” and practical tips for leveraging both organic and paid social media. Whether you’re curious about the future of work, building a business from scratch, or simply want to hear an inspiring story, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world wisdom.

Tune in and discover how to build your own digital empire—brick by digital brick!

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Kuzivakwashe Mpofu, a seasoned marketing professional with a rich and diverse background spanning multinational corporations and emerging markets across Southern Africa. Kuzivakwashe shares her inspiring marketing journey—from her early beginnings to founding The Imani Consulting Group, a trailblazing firm dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative marketing solutions and high-impact networking initiatives.

I explore the evolution of marketing, comparing traditional and digital strategies, and delve into the unique challenges of market penetration and localizing campaigns in diverse industries. Kuzivakwashe also discusses groundbreaking brand partnerships and campaigns that have shaped her career.

Beyond marketing, Kuzivakwashe is passionate about sustainability, championing initiatives like Sustainable Recycling Revolution Africa, which engage and empower future leaders. She also highlights the importance of embracing AI and digital marketing innovations in Zimbabwe’s dynamic business landscape.

Join us for a compelling conversation that bridges marketing expertise with a commitment to sustainable development and business transformation.

Join me on this episode of Techmark Pod as I introduce Kefilwe Lekaba-business coach, mentor, and founder of Kefilwe Tsela Academy. Kefilwe shares her inspiring journey from her beginnings in Sociology & Media Studies to becoming an African Union-recognized innovator in Edtech Education.

We dive deep into the evolution of marketing and branding, unpack the essentials of entrepreneurship education, and explore how technology and business intersect in today’s world. Kefilwe discusses her approach to bridging the digital divide and making education vibrant and accessible through diverse learning formats tailored for underserved communities.

The conversation also covers navigating the fast-changing AI landscape, adapting to technological shifts, and rethinking employment in a world where the nature of work is rapidly evolving. Kefilwe offers insights into the dual nature of business-balancing opportunity and challenge-and shares her vision for empowering youth, women, and small businesses to become leaders and innovators.

Tune in for practical advice, strategies for embracing change, and final thoughts on continuous learning and personal growth in a digital age. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone passionate about inclusive impact and future-ready skills.

In this special episode of Techmark Pod, I reconnect with Ndivhuwo Dzivhani, now the PMO Lead at Altron Digital, who was my very first project manager back in 2012 during the landmark Eskom Novel to Microsoft migration project. Together, we trace her inspiring journey from those early days to her current leadership role, unpacking what it truly takes to become a successful project manager in today’s dynamic business landscape.

We dive deep into the essential skills every project manager needs-communication, leadership, organization, negotiation, and team management-and why these are so crucial for driving project success Ndivhuwo shares candid insights on the challenges faced in the field, from managing complex teams to navigating ever-evolving project requirements.

Our conversation also demystifies popular project management methodologies like Waterfall, Agile, Critical Path, and Critical Chain, breaking down when and why each approach works best in real-world scenarios. We explore the transformative role of AI in project management, from automating task management and resource allocation to enhancing decision-making and communication across teams.

Looking to the future, Ndivhuwo discusses the importance of empowering the next generation of project managers. We talk about mentorship, early exposure to project management in education, and creating pathways for young professionals to thrive in the industry. The episode also tackles the vital topic of gender diversity in project management, highlighting both the barriers women face and the strategies organizations can use to foster more inclusive, innovative teams.

Whether you’re an aspiring project manager, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about how organizations deliver complex projects, this episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and forward-looking perspectives on the evolving world of project management.

Tune in for an authentic, insightful conversation with Ndivhuwo Dzivhani-where we bridge the past and future of project leadership, and inspire the next wave of changemakers.

• Join me on Techmark Pod for an inspiring conversation with Sne the Marketer, the visionary behind SG Creative Africa-a powerhouse agency known for delivering standout marketing strategies that drive real results in Africa’s dynamic marketplace. In this episode, Sne shares her remarkable journey transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, revealing the challenges and triumphs of building a legacy brand that partners with top clients across the continent.

  We dive deep into the art and science of "through the line" marketing, exploring how Sne balances traditional and digital tactics to craft integrated campaigns that resonate. Discover the crucial role psychology plays in influencing consumer behavior, and how SG Creative Africa’s strategic leadership ensures every campaign aligns with client business goals.

  Sne also shares her perspective on the future of marketing and artificial intelligence, and recounts a memorable encounter with the legendary Dr. Richard Maponya. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building brands, leading with purpose, and navigating the evolving marketing landscape.

On this episode of Techmark Pod, we sit down with Mushambi Mutuma—renowned keynote speaker, author of Tech Adjacent, and a leading voice in innovation, AI, and digital transformation. Mushambi shares his unique journey growing up immersed in technology, including formative experiences like meeting Steve Jobs as a child and launching his own digital ventures across Africa and the US.

We dive into his book, Tech Adjacent and upcoming The Adaptability Code, unpacking their essential lessons for leaders navigating rapid technological change. Mushambi explains how understanding the principles of technology and mastering adaptability are crucial for thriving in today’s fast-paced, disruptive environment. He offers practical insights into leveraging innovation, AI, and digital transformation, with real-world examples from African markets and beyond

A highlight of our conversation is Mushambi’s deep love for South Africa, which he proudly calls the best country to live in. He discusses how this passion fuels his commitment to advancing South Africa as a global leader in innovation and technology.

This episode covers:

• Mushambi’s upbringing and early inspirations in tech
• Key lessons from Tech Adjacent and The Adaptability Code on disruption, adaptability, and exponential thinking
• The impact of AI and digital transformation for leaders and organizations
• Why South Africa stands out as an exceptional place to live, work, and innovate
• Practical strategies for leaders to become “tech adjacent” and adaptable in the face of change

Whether you’re a startup founder, corporate executive, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers actionable insights on leadership, innovation, and the future—anchored in Mushambi’s belief in South Africa’s unique potential

In this engaging episode, we explore the dynamic interplay between marketing theory and practical application with Dr. Emmanuel Quaye. Our conversation delves into the role of AI in marketing education versus its implementation in marketing agencies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise from integrating technology into both academic and professional settings.

Dr. Quaye shares his insights on how to keep teaching materials and methods current with the latest marketing trends, providing valuable advice for educators and professionals seeking to stay relevant. We also examine consumer behavior in the digital age and discuss how marketing is poised to evolve in the coming years. From emerging skills to the impact of AI-driven personalization, this conversation offers a comprehensive look at the future of marketing and the skills that will be most valuable in the years to come. Whether you're an educator, marketer, or simply interested in the evolving landscape of marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking perspectives.

In this episode, I dive deep into the world of no-code development with Basheer Phiri, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Devshired and No Code Business Systems. With 7 years of hands-on experience building web and mobile applications on Bubble—without writing a single line of code—Basheer shares how no-code platforms are transforming startups and global companies across industries like logistics and finance.

We explore his mission to bridge the gap between talented developers in emerging markets and the global demand for innovation, creating a vibrant community where AI and human expertise unite. 

Whether you're curious about no-code tools, entrepreneurship, or building meaningful tech communities, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how no-code is reshaping the future of technology—making it more accessible, efficient, and inclusive.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Techmark Pod, we sit down with Kubeshni "Kesh" Govender — a tech marketing powerhouse, mental health advocate, and suicide survivor — to explore the intersection of leadership, branding, and wellness in the fast-paced tech world.

Kesh shares her journey through the highs of leading marketing in tech to the deeply human challenges of navigating mental health. From her experience as a suicide survivor to her fierce advocacy for mental wellness in the workplace, she brings raw honesty, practical insights, and a mission to break the stigma.

We unpack what it means to build a brand that stands out and stands for something, why vulnerability is a leadership strength, and how tech spaces can prioritize people, not just products.

Whether you're a tech leader, creative marketer, or someone passionate about mental health, this episode is for you.

Join us in this exciting episode as I dive into the dynamic world of Martech with Sabelo Madiba, a visionary at the forefront of innovation in South Africa. Discover how Asante PowerCRM is transforming the marketing technology landscape, empowering businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth. Sabelo shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the Martech space, the unique solutions Asante PowerCRM offers, and how it’s setting new standards in the industry. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or simply curious about the future of marketing technology, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Asante PowerCRM is truly changing the game in South Africa’s Martech ecosystem.