In a world full of dashboards, metrics, and AI tools, it is easy to forget who marketing is really for.

In this episode, Zain Naidoo, Head of Digital and Social at Dis-Chem Pharmacies, brings the focus back to people. Zain sits down with Declan to unpack how social media has changed the way brands connect with customers, why creativity still matters even when data is everywhere, and how brands can stay relevant when attention spans are shorter than ever.

He shares his perspective on working with creators, building trust with audiences, and finding the balance between performance and brand.

This is a real and honest conversation about what actually works in marketing today and what does not.

What does it take to market in a world where attention is the most valuable currency?

In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Lee Nelson, Head of Marketing & Communications at DHL eCommerce, shares with Jon how DHL is helping small businesses grow beyond their borders and compete on a global stage.

Lee reflects on her journey into marketing, from handing out Red Bull as a student to leading global marketing, and how her role today is focused on positioning DHL as a partner for cross-border growth.

The conversation also explores the reality of modern marketing, from social media and the attention economy to the importance of being useful rather than just visible, as well as leadership, purpose, and why being human matters more than ever.

Few careers follow a straight line, and Sasha's journey into marketing is no exception.

In this episode of the Marketing Masterclass, Loren sits down with Sasha Sathianathan, the Senior Brand Manager at RCL Foods.

From starting out in chemical engineering to building brands at Unilever, Mondelez, and now RCL Foods, Sasha shares her journey into marketing and how she found her place at the intersection of people, creativity, and commercial impact.

They chat about what it really means to be a brand custodian, how to balance consistency with staying culturally relevant, and why thinking like a business owner is so important. Sasha also shares her honest take on AI as a tool, not a replacement, along with her approach to leadership and building confident, accountable teams.

It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation with plenty of practical takeaways for marketers at any stage.

Straight out of South Africa and into a completely new culture, Rachel Moffett began building a career in marketing far from home.

In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Rachel, Regional Marketing Manager at Mövenpick Hotel, joins Nicole to share how that journey shaped her approach to marketing, leadership, and working across cultures.

They talk about navigating global markets, the move into hospitality, and why clarity plays such an important role in building strong teams and brands. Rachel also shares her thoughts on social media, and how to use AI without losing the human touch.

If you’re thinking about growth, leadership, or your next step in marketing, this is a conversation worth listening to.

How do you go from an unexpected start to leading marketing at one of Africa’s biggest banks?

In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Sydney Mbhele, Chief Marketing Officer at Absa, shares the journey that shaped his career and the mindset that’s guided him along the way.

Sydney reflects on the moments that changed his trajectory, why he believes attitude matters more than talent, and what he looks for when building teams. The conversation also explores what the role of a CMO really involves today, beyond advertising and into real business impact.

If you’re thinking about growth, leadership, or your next step, this is a conversation worth listening to.

From engineer to CMO of PepsiCo South Africa, Vilosha Soni’s journey is anything but conventional.

In this episode, she unpacks what it really takes to build iconic brands, stay relevant across generations, and lead high-performing teams at scale. You’ll learn why curiosity is a marketer’s greatest advantage, how to translate consumer insight into business impact, and why having a bias for action beats waiting for perfection.

This is a masterclass in modern marketing, leadership, and thinking like an opportunist in a world full of noise.

How do you grow into leadership in marketing?

In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Vilashni Vandayar, Marketing Director of Convenience Food and Beverages at PepsiCo, reflects on her journey from starting out in science to leading some of South Africa’s most recognisable brands.

Vilashni shares the mindset that has shaped her career, from staying curious and continuously learning, to stepping into opportunities that feel bigger than you’re ready for. The conversation also touches on leadership, building teams across diverse portfolios, and why real growth often comes from uncomfortable moments.

If you’re building a career in marketing or stepping into leadership, this is a conversation worth listening to.

What does it take to build one of South Africa’s fastest growing digital banks?

In this episode of Marketing Masterclass, Lucia Malapane, Head of Brand Marketing at GoTyme Bank, shares with Declan the story behind the bank’s growth to more than 12 million customers.

Lucia reflects on her journey from being part of building the business in its early days to leading the brand today, and how GoTyme Bank is rethinking banking by making it more accessible, simple, and customer focused.

The conversation also explores what great marketing looks like in financial services, how brands can build trust with customers, and why young professionals should focus on learning, curiosity, and being open to opportunity.