The Business of Influence

In this week’s episode of The Founder’s Desk, Tami Ruschin sat down with Zandile Khulu, Client Service Lead at Style ID Africa, an industry force known for her sharp client intuition and people-first approach. Together, they unpack what it really means to understand clients beyond briefs, KPIs, and deliverables.From decoding client behaviour to building trust and navigating complex expectations, this conversation explores the art and empathy behind lasting partnerships in business.Whether you’re a marketer, founder, or creative leader, this episode offers practical insight into what it takes to keep clients not just happy but heard.Tune in, take notes, and share your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe for more conversations from The Founder’s Desk, where leadership meets lived experience.Follow our guest, Zandile Khulu: https://tr.ee/0wqu2qFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#FoundersDesk #TheBusinessOfInfluence #StyleIDApproved

In this episode of The Business of Influence: IMC Series, we sat down with Aimee Kellen, Regional Marketing Director at Moët Hennessy, to explore the art of storytelling, passion, and purpose in the world of luxury marketing.Aimee unpacks how Moët Hennessy continues to define excellence through experiences that honour the brand’s legacy while keeping it relevant for the next generation of consumers. She speaks on the importance of authenticity, relationship-building, and creating memorable brand moments that connect emotionally and culturally.From experiential marketing to creative excellence, Aimee reveals what it takes to keep an iconic brand timeless and closes with her three Cs of success: Curiosity, Connection, and Collaboration.If you believe luxury is more than a product, it’s a story, a feeling, and a legacy. This conversation is for you.Listen to more episodes of The Business of Influence Podcast and explore how brands, creators, and agencies are redefining the business of marketing.Follow our guest: https://tr.ee/vwHuLEFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, we sit down with Lindo Mkhize to unpack the art and grind of New Business Mining or as we like to call it, bringing home the bacon. From spotting the right opportunities to building trust with potential clients, Lindo shares what it really takes to grow the business pipeline in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Expect sharp insights, a few hard truths, and plenty of gems for anyone trying to turn connections into contracts. If you’re in sales, strategy, or just hungry to level up your business acumen, this one’s for you.Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations straight from The Founder’s Desk, where we get real about the business of influence.Follow our guest, Lindokuhle Mkhize: https://tr.ee/hVKu8RFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#FoundersDesk #TheBusinessOfInfluence #StyleIDApproved

Every great business starts with a strong foundation. But what does that foundation really look like? Join us for the very first episode of Foundations from the Founder's Desk, where CEO Tami pulls back the curtain on her own entrepreneurial journey. She shares the untold stories and hard-earned lessons behind her success. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, this episode is packed with the wisdom you need to build your own legacy.Follow Tami on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tami_blend_ruschin/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tami-ruschin/#FoundersDesk #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Founder’s Desk, we sit down with Lindo Mkhize to unpack the art and grind of New Business Mining or as we like to call it, bringing home the bacon. From spotting the right opportunities to building trust with potential clients, Lindo shares what it really takes to grow the business pipeline in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Expect sharp insights, a few hard truths, and plenty of gems for anyone trying to turn connections into contracts. If you’re in sales, strategy, or just hungry to level up your business acumen, this one’s for you.Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations straight from The Founder’s Desk, where we get real about the business of influence.Follow our guest, Lindokuhle Mkhize: https://tr.ee/hVKu8RFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#FoundersDesk #TheBusinessOfInfluence #StyleIDApproved

In this episode of The Business of Influence, Melusi Mhlungu joins us to unpack one of the biggest shifts in modern marketing: people buy into people, not brands.From building trust through influencer partnerships to redefining how consumers connect with authenticity, Melusi shares his perspective on why human connection sits at the heart of every powerful brand story. Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations shaping culture, commerce, and digital influence. Follow our guest @adverttownFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

What's truly bubbling under the surface of the marketing industry? 🤔

We asked Dale Hefer, CEO of the IMC, on The Business of Influence Podcast, and her answers were eye openers! In this powerful debut episode, we sit down with industry authority Dale Hefer to discuss the foundational principle of modern commerce: Marketing is Business.

Dale provides an unfiltered, C-Suite perspective on why marketing is no longer a cost centre but the primary engine for growth in this industry. Get ready to absorb strategic clarity on how top executives are leveraging influence, data, and cultural relevance to drive valuation and lead the market.

Connect with Style ID Africa

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Podcasting isn’t just audio; it’s a movement. In this episode of The Business of Influence, we sat down with Zimasa “Mooshtaffa” Vabaza, a dynamic media strategist and socio-political commentator, to explore how podcasts are shaping culture, sparking conversations, and giving rise to new forms of influence in South Africa.From monetisation and niche communities to authenticity vs. performance, Zimasa breaks down how creators are turning microphones into platforms for impact, insight, and clout. He also shares his journey building #SHSI, bite-sized videos that educate, provoke thought, and engage audiences across digital spaces.Whether you’re a creator, media professional, or just curious about the power of podcasting, this episode will inspire you to think differently about influence, storytelling, and the future of South African media.Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations shaping culture, commerce, and digital influence.Follow our guest @Mooshtaffa Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

What happens when the corner office isn’t the dream anymore? In this episode of The Business of Influence, we sit down with Tank, a creative powerhouse who has lived both sides of the hustle — the corporate boardroom and the cultural frontlines.We unpack why today’s generation is rewriting the rules of success, choosing purpose, passion, and impact over traditional paychecks. From navigating career pivots to building work that feels meaningful, Tank shares raw insights into how influence, creativity, and entrepreneurship are shaping a new definition of success.If you’ve ever questioned whether the 9-to-5 grind is worth it or wondered how to align your career with what truly drives you, this episode is your blueprint for building a life that matters.Subscribe now for more stories on culture, influence, and the future of work.

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The creator economy is evolving at lightning speed, and in this new world, staying relevant isn’t optional; it’s survival. In this episode of The Business of Influence, Tami Ruschin dives into the hard truths and bold opportunities shaping the future of B2B talent. From navigating change to embracing new skills and mindsets, this conversation is not just about work; it’s about redefining how we show up, grow, and thrive in a creator-driven world.If you’re a marketer, creative, or entrepreneur looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is your blueprint for resilience and reinvention.Don’t just keep up. Lead the change. Subscribe for more conversations on the future of influence, culture, and business.Follow our guest @Tami RuschinFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#PivotOrPerish #CreatorEconomy #TheBusinessOfInfluence