The Business of Influence

In this crossover episode of Business of Influence and Founder’s Desk, host Leroy Marc sits down with Nwabisa Mda to unpack the growing professionalism of the creator economy and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in content.

From the shift away from passive content creation to intentional brand building, this conversation explores why creators must move beyond chasing deals and start leading with vision, clarity and long-term strategy.

Nwabisa breaks down the importance of shared value in brand partnerships, the power of interrogating briefs and contracts, and why saying no is often the most strategic decision a creator can make.

The episode also tackles what she calls a “crisis of seriousness” in the industry, challenging creators to show up with the same level of professionalism, preparation and accountability expected in any other business.

At its core, this is a conversation about ownership, alignment and building influence with intention.

If you are a creator, strategist or brand looking to navigate the creator economy more effectively, this is a conversation worth your time.

Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.

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Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluence

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Leroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/

Nwabisa: https://www.instagram.com/nwisewise/

Email: [email protected]

Music Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/

#CreatorEconomy #CreatorStrategy #BrandPartnerships

In this episode of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with the founder and CEO of Chenin Noir, Xolani Mancotywa, to unpack the intersection of premium beverage culture, social influence and consumer psychology.From premium liquor as a marker of status to the emotional drivers behind luxury consumption, this conversation explores how identity, aspiration and achievement are increasingly performed through experience. It also interrogates the role of social media in amplifying visibility, reshaping perceptions of wealth and accelerating access to luxury in a complex economic landscape.Beyond consumption, the episode dives into the business of hospitality and brand building, with a focus on storytelling, consumer experience and creating products that are both aspirational and accessible.At its core, this is a conversation about redefining luxury through an African lens. One rooted in culture, warmth, narrative and quality that can compete globally.If you are thinking about influence, consumer behaviour or the future of African luxury, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Xolani: https://www.instagram.com/xolani.mancotywa/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/ #ConsumerBehaviour #LuxuryMarketing #AfricanLuxury #HospitalityIndustry

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, host Tami Ruschin sits down with Lebohang Mabeba and Abby Saohatse to unpack what it really takes to build trust with South African consumers in a low trust environment.From navigating the gap between brand intention and audience perception to building relationships rooted in accountability, Lebo and Abby share a practical perspective on how founders can create credibility that actually lands.This conversation explores why strong partnerships matter across both strategy and implementation, how brands can work within real budgets to drive meaningful results, and the common challenge founders face in communicating their brand effectively.Lebo and Abby also reflect on the importance of treating consumers as partners, not passive audiences, and why respecting the lived realities, tastes and behaviours of your market is critical to building connection and long term trust.If you are building a brand, working in marketing or trying to better understand how to connect with South African consumers, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FoundersDesk Listen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Lebo: https://www.instagram.com/mrs_mabebay/Abby: https://www.instagram.com/re.abby.tswe/Her Eye Media: https://www.instagram.com/hereyemedia_hem/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#FoundersDesk #ConsumerTrust #MarketingAfrica #BrandStrategy

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, host Tami Ruschin sits down with Nkgabiseng Motau, Co-Founder of Think Creative Africa, to unpack what it really takes to build brands that resonate in South Africa’s mass market.From integrating cultural insight into every stage of the creative process to prioritising genuine client relationships over transactional engagements, Nkgabiseng shares a grounded approach to building work that connects and delivers impact.This conversation explores the common disconnect between agencies and clients, why understanding the audience at a cultural level is non-negotiable, and how a lean, strategic operating model can unlock both efficiency and competitive pricing.Nkgabiseng also reflects on navigating a decade in business, balancing growth with intention, and why cultural intelligence remains one of the most undervalued drivers of brand success.If you are building brands, working in marketing, or looking to understand the South African consumer better, this conversation is worth your time.The Founder's Desk is proudly brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FoundersDeskListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Nkgabiseng: https://www.instagram.com/nkgabi_motau/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#FoundersDesk #CulturalMarketing #MarketingAfrica #BrandStrategy

In this episode of Business of Influence, host Leroy Marc sits down with Craig Jacobs, fashion designer, columnist and entrepreneur, to unpack the evolving landscape of media in Africa and the shifting relationship between legacy and digital platforms.From the rise of journalists as personal brands to the enduring value of credibility in legacy media, Craig reflects on how influence has moved from institutions to individuals and what that means for trust, authorship and cultural authority.This conversation explores the tension between speed and accuracy in the digital age, why traditional media still plays a critical role in validating information, and how African media can evolve sustainably without losing its integrity.Craig also shares his perspective as a storyteller across industries, balancing fashion, writing and brand consulting while navigating a media ecosystem that is constantly redefining itself.If you are thinking about influence, media or the future of storytelling, this is a conversation worth your time.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarc/Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craigbjacobs/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#BusinessOfInfluence #AfricanMedia #MediaEvolution

In this episode of Founder’s Desk, we unpack the reality of scaling a small creative agency with Mika Stefano and Herkie Du Preez, founders of Strong PR.From launching during COVID-19 to building a multi-divisional business, they share what it really takes to move from survival mode to structured growth. This conversation dives into the unglamorous but critical side of scaling. Systems, processes and the exact moment you need to stop doing everything yourself and start hiring. Mika and Herkie break down how bringing in the right support allowed them to shift from daily operations to strategic growth.We also explore how their approach to culture, fitness and team dynamics plays a role in building a sustainable agency, as well as how the events industry is shifting towards more intentional, human-led experiences.If you are building or scaling a creative business, this is your reality check.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #foundersdesk Listen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsTami: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/Mika: https://www.instagram.com/mikastefano/Herkie: https://www.instagram.com/herkie_du_preez/ Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#CreativeAgency #AgencyGrowth #ScaleYourBusiness

Koketso Masisi is a creative director and entrepreneur shaping the intersection of culture, creativity and commerce.In this episode, she unpacks the tension between bold creative expression and commercial impact, challenging brands to move beyond vanity metrics and define success through cultural resonance, brand love and measurable intent.Koketso also advocates for stronger agency client partnerships, diverse voices in the room and strategies grounded in the real lives of audiences.Her stance is clear. Influence is not about being visible, it is about being relevant, responsible and right.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsLeroy:   / leroymarcn  Koketso:   / kmasisi  Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:  / emceeiii  #CreatorEconomy #DigitalCulture

In the first episode of Founder’s Desk, host Tami Ruschin sits down with Pat Mahlangu, brandpreneur and founder of Pat on Brands, to unpack the power and risk of founder visibility.From launching Pat on Brands as a blog a decade ago to building a media platform, consultancy and the Youth Own Brands Awards, Mahlangu shares how founders can turn personal credibility into brand equity while protecting the business from reputational risk.The conversation explores why investors often back the founder before the business, the importance of strategic visibility, and how founders can build scalable systems that allow a company to thrive beyond them.At its core, this episode reframes founder visibility as strategy, not ego.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using the #FounderDesk---Listen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsTami:   / tami_blend_ruschin  Pat:   / patonbrands  Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:  / emceeiii  #FoundersDesk #PatOnBrands

We are so back! In the pilot episode of Season 4, host Leroy Marc sits down with Nombulelo Fox and Mbali Cobotwana to unpack the real state of the creator economy in South Africa.Nombulelo Fox, a Film, TV and Entertainment Reviewer, #TikTokAwards 2024 nominee and contributor on Unfollowed on #Showmax, brings a sharp cultural lens on how credibility and authority are built online, while Mbali aka Emcee, Senior Account Manager at Style ID Africa, offers an industry perspective on how brands and creators are navigating influence, strategy and storytelling.Together, they interrogate whether the creator economy has truly matured into an industry and explore the growing importance of trust, accountability and credibility in a space often driven by algorithms and attention.Business of Influence is brought to you by Style ID Africa.—Enjoyed the podcast? Join the conversation by using #BusinessOfInfluenceListen & Follow UsApple: https://tr.ee/7S9Qw2RYaBSpotify: https://tr.ee/8yFVYiInstagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqI TikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1 LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0Follow Our Host & GuestsLeroy: https://www.instagram.com/leroymarcn/Nombulelo: https://www.instagram.com/u_nombulelo/Emcee: https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/Email: [email protected] Produced by Emcee:https://www.instagram.com/emceeiii/#CreatorEconomy #DigitalCulture

The Innovation & Marketing team steps out from behind the curtain for the Season 3 finale of The Business of Influence. At the top of the season, we said we were cooking up a storm; now we’re closing the year by bringing you up close and personal with the people working behind the scenes to bring the podcast to life.In this episode, the team breaks down the real impact of Season 3: the conversations that shifted thinking and the insights that shaped how brands and creators move in today’s influence economy. From standout cultural moments to tough industry truths, we’re taking a candid look at what we got right, the key learnings and throwing it forward to Season 4Think of this as the service-level debrief: honest, reflective, and a little bit spicy.Tune in as we close the chapter and set the table for a bigger, bolder Season 4.Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#Season3Wrap#PodcastSeasonFinale #CreatorEconomy