Pressure is a privilege.
Arjoon Bose, Global CMO & Digital Officer at Bel Group (ex-L’Oréal, ex-General Mills), shares the story of his unconventional rise in marketing, from selling shampoo on Mumbai trains to leading global brands across beauty and food.
In this episode:
If you’re ready to rethink what great marketing looks like in 2025 and beyond, this one’s for you 🙌
In this episode, Kristen Joseph sits down with Jamie and Nicole for a thoughtful conversation on bold creativity and human-led storytelling in content marketing.
From Zimbabwe to South Africa to London, Kristen shares lessons on embracing change, simplifying complexity, and crafting stories that truly connect with audiences. She reflects on why curiosity, authenticity, and adaptability are key to thriving in a fast-paced industry.
This episode is for you if you are a content creator, marketer, or anyone trying to carve out their own unique path. Enjoy!
Staying innovative in one of the world’s most competitive categories is not a choice, it’s a non-negotiable.
In this inspiring conversation with Zoe Mason, Category Manager for Nestlé Confectionery, Nicole and Jamie dive into Zoe's career journey, what makes her tick, and the lessons she’s learnt about finding the sweet spot between creativity and commercial impact.
Listen now to learn more about what it takes to make your mark in a fast-moving industry.
What does it take to build trust and deliver truly meaningful client experiences in private banking?
Danielle Delport, Financial Services Marketing Strategist, joins Kele and Loren to share how empathy, curiosity, and intentionality have shaped her marketing journey.
From navigating high-stakes environments to creating personalised, human-centred campaigns, Danielle unpacks the lessons that have helped her thrive in a complex and fast-changing industry.
In this episode, Cassie Jaganyi joins Nicole and Jamie for an open conversation on the power of purpose-led storytelling in global communications. Cassie reflects on her journey from Procter & Gamble to Uber, sharing lessons on building narratives that connect brands to culture and drive real impact.
She also unpacks why curiosity, empathy, and clarity are essential for communicators navigating complex, fast-changing markets.
A must-listen for marketers, communicators, and leaders shaping stories that matter.
Athini Qwede joins Nicole and Jamie for a candid and inspiring conversation about ambition, resilience, and navigating the ever-changing media landscape.
With over a decade of experience driving results for global brands across EMEA and the UK, Athini shares her journey from building her career in South Africa to working on high-profile accounts in London. She reflects on the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, turning failure into growth, and staying relentlessly curious in a fast-paced industry.
An inspiring listen for marketers and media professionals driven by daring ideas and brave career choices.
Recorded beachside at Cannes Lions, Alexandra Illiashova, Head of Integrated Brand Communications at Danone Benelux, joins Declan Hollywood for a refreshing and candid conversation about creativity, ambition, and navigating the fast pace of modern marketing.
From launching a business on live TV to leading brand strategy at scale, Alexandra reflects on the power of standing out, surrounding yourself with aspiration, and embracing the thrill—and challenge—of constant innovation.
An energising episode for marketers chasing bold ideas in a one-second world.
In this episode, Tsakane Mtenjane joins Lara Harper for a compelling conversation on leadership, influence, and navigating the evolving marketing landscape. Tsakane shares powerful reflections on staying curious, embracing humility as you rise through the ranks, and why integrity and courageous conversations are non-negotiables in leadership.
From leveraging influencer marketing with purpose to putting the brand, not the individual, at the center of the story, this episode is packed with clarity, wisdom, and heart.
A must-listen for marketers, leaders, and future C-suiters ready to lead with authenticity.
In this special Cannes Lions episode, Laurens Griep, Global Digital Manager at Heineken, joins Declan Hollywood to explore the evolving intersection of technology and creativity. Laurens shares why, despite advancements in data and targeting, it's still great ideas that win hearts—and how brands that master both will lead the future.
He also unpacks the thinking behind Heineken’s new social planning tool, the “Hei” app, designed to solve a simple yet universal insight: planning a night out often takes longer than enjoying it.
A sharp and inspiring conversation for marketers looking to blend purpose, utility, and creativity in the digital age.
In this episode, Trix van der Vleuten, CMO of The Social Hub and author of "Made for President," joins Jon Ratcliffe to share her remarkable journey from rejecting the commercial world to becoming a transformative marketing leader across global brands like KFC, Google's Nest, Kraft Heinz, and SAP Miller.
Trix reveals how every great brand story emerges from a founder's frustration with the world, and how she rediscovered KFC's authentic narrative through the powerful "United by the Bucket" campaign. From her parents' toy shop to leading teams at multinational corporations, she unpacks the art of authentic storytelling and why genuine purpose beats short-term performance every time.
With insights spanning her work on iconic brands like Grolsch to her passion project of writing a children's book challenging gender stereotypes, Trix offers profound wisdom on energy balance, team empowerment, and why creating fun is marketing's most underestimated power. She shares her philosophy that marketers should focus on where audiences are rather than pushing messages, and why authenticity will become the ultimate differentiator in our AI-driven world.
A must-listen for brand strategists, purpose-driven leaders, and anyone passionate about building meaningful connections through storytelling that truly matters.
In this episode, Xanthe Wells, VP of Global Creative at Pinterest's House of Creative, joins Declan Hollywood to share her remarkable journey from Google's award-winning creative leadership to driving Pinterest's creative transformation.
Xanthe reveals how she's led Pinterest's brand evolution to connect with Gen Z like never before, comparing the platform's three-dimensional creative potential to Disney's immersive brand experience. With over 15 years of creative excellence across Google, TBWA\Chiat\Day, and Nest, she unpacks the art of leading high-performing creative teams and the pivotal moment when she realized true leadership means empowering others to shine.
From managing 100+ creatives to winning Cannes Grand Prix and D&AD Black Pencils, Xanthe offers profound insights on creative strategy, team empowerment, and building campaigns that drive unprecedented ROI. She discusses the evolution from individual achievement to collective success and what it truly means to lead with purpose in the creative industry.
A must-listen for creative leaders, brand strategists, and anyone passionate about transforming brands through authentic leadership and breakthrough creative thinking.
"Make time for people because you never know when you'll need them." — Cheryl Manentsa
In this episode, hosts Loren Westoby and Emma Heard are joined by Cheryl Manentsa — a dynamic force in marketing and a fierce advocate for representation, mentorship, and creativity in the industry. With a career shaped not by singular moments of inspiration but by deep, consistent relationships, Cheryl brings a grounded and authentic perspective to what it means to lead, learn, and grow.
Together, they explore Cheryl's journey of self-belief, her obsession with learning from those who’ve paved the way, and the power of showing up — even when it's scary. From the importance of putting yourself out there, to the joy of seeing leaders who look and sound like you, Cheryl reflects on what it takes to thrive in big rooms and bold roles.
Whether you’re searching for your next mentor or your next breakthrough, this episode is a rallying cry to be brave, be curious, and back yourself unapologetically.
"Marketing is the voice of the customer. That will never leave me." — Susan Albright
In this episode, host Declan Hollywood speaks with Susan Albright — a purpose-driven marketing leader whose career spans tech giants and playful innovators like The LEGO Group. With a deep belief in customer-first thinking, Susan shares how one unexpected piece of advice rerouted her entire path — and ultimately led her to roles where purpose and creativity could truly thrive.
They explore the power of listening to your instincts, the importance of maintaining balance outside of work, and how sometimes the most strategic move is doing less — but doing it better. From stepping back to gain clarity, to embracing new opportunities that align with your passions, Susan opens up about the key moments and mindset shifts that have shaped her journey.
Whether you're navigating a career pivot or rethinking how to work with more intention, this episode is a reminder to stay curious, stay grounded, and always keep the customer — and yourself — at the centre of the story.
In this episode, Jasmin Kaur joins Declan Hollywood for a reflective and uplifting conversation on navigating the tech world with heart and purpose. Jasmin shares why the industry needs diverse thinkers, not those who fit a mould—and how following what energises you leads to more authentic decisions and meaningful impact.
From the power of kindness in leadership to embracing growth without having all the answers, Jasmin offers a refreshing perspective on building a career rooted in empathy, curiosity, and courage.
In this episode, Sadika Fakir, joins Declan Hollywood to unpack what it takes to thrive in the fast-moving world of FMCG. Sadika shares her perspective on using consumer insight to drive strategy, building authentic connections with audiences, and staying adaptable in a constantly shifting landscape.
She also speaks to the power of purpose-driven marketing, and how resilience, curiosity, and collaboration fuel lasting brand success.
A must-listen for anyone passionate about FMCG, brand growth, and leading with intent.
In this episode, Julie-Anne Walsh, Former Chief Marketing Officer at Takealot Group, joins Declan Hollywood to share her journey at the forefront of one of South Africa’s leading e-commerce platforms. Julie-Anne unpacks the importance of customer obsession, building a strong and trusted brand, and leading with clarity in a highly competitive and fast-paced environment.
From shaping digital growth to inspiring teams, she offers powerful insights on what it takes to lead with vision, agility, and purpose.
A must-listen for marketers, digital leaders, and anyone passionate about building brands that last.
In this episode, Wendy Bergsteedt, joins Declan Hollywood for a compelling conversation on the power of purpose-led marketing. Wendy shares how authentic storytelling, deep customer understanding, and long-term thinking play a vital role in building trust in complex industries.
With a strong focus on impact and relevance, she offers insights into leading with intention, navigating legacy, and creating brand narratives that resonate across generations.
An inspiring listen for marketers and leaders looking to build brands with meaning.
In this episode, Mel Gischen from Uber joins Declan Hollywood for a dynamic conversation about leading in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Mel shares insights on customer obsession, adapting to change, and the balance between global scale and local relevance.
From driving innovation to building high-performing teams, Mel offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s ever-evolving marketing and tech landscape.
A must-listen for marketers, operators, and anyone passionate about building with purpose and speed.
In this episode, Lana Strydom, joins Declan Hollywood to share her perspective on building brands that truly put the customer first. Lana dives into the evolving role of marketing in driving business transformation, and how data, creativity, and purpose come together to create meaningful connections.
With deep experience in the telecoms space, she reflects on leading teams through change, embracing innovation, and staying close to what customers really need.
A powerful conversation for anyone navigating leadership, brand building, or customer-led growth in today’s digital world.
In this inspiring episode, host Jon Ratcliffe is joined by Jean Oelwang, CEO and President of Virgin Unite and author of Partnerships, who has spent 17 years incubating global initiatives that change the world. Jean explores how partnership excellence, global collaboration, and meaningful connection drive systemic change through initiatives like The Elders, The B Team, and Ocean Unite. From 17 years living and working on six continents launching mobile phone companies to co-founding Plus Wonder to spark deeper collaborations, Jean shares transformative insights on creating partnerships that generate real impact and building initiatives that truly change the world.
Whether you're building global partnerships or driving social impact, this episode is a powerful reminder to partner meaningfully, collaborate globally, and create connections that change everything.
