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.

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#TheBusinessOfInfluence #IMCxStyleID #StylelDApproved #nextgenmarketing

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

Not every campaign is a win, but every flop comes with its own lesson. In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Ulay, who is a Global Social Media Manager, to unpack the campaigns that missed the mark and explore why they didn’t land as intended.From cultural missteps to strategy gaps, Brenda shares her global perspective on what brands and creators can learn from failure and how to bounce back smarter, sharper, and stronger.Tune in for an honest, respectful debrief on the campaigns that flopped, and the insights every marketer, creator and brand builder needs to know. Follow our guest Brenda Ulay: https://tr.ee/f7NuBF Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

#InfluencerMarketing #ContentStrategy #CampaignDebrief #CreatorEconomy

A new era of beauty is unfolding, one where African excellence leads, innovates, and redefines the global narrative.

In this episode of The Business of Influence, we sit down with trailblazers Lisa and Kevin, two powerhouse South African founders transforming skin and hair culture through science, storytelling, and self-determination.

These are brands born from heritage, science, and an unwavering commitment to serve communities that have long been overlooked. From skincare that resonates with melanin-rich tones to haircare grounded in culture and chemistry, this is where impact meets influence.

These are the pioneers challenging Eurocentric standards, reshaping retail, and proving that local can be luxurious, and heritage can be high-tech.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building a beauty brand, or you're passionate about representation, innovation and legacy, this one’s for you.

The future of beauty is African. And it’s already here.

Subscribe to follow the movement and don’t forget to like, share, and join the conversation in the comments.

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How far are brands willing to go when culture demands more than aesthetics?In this episode, we sit down with Siba Matshikiza to explore what happens when cultural alignment becomes uncomfortable. From heritage-washing to the performative use of black and brown creators, Siba unpacks the fine line between visibility and social listening in the South African creator economy.Watch, reflect, and join the conversation.Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for more unfiltered insights from the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce.Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0#BOIPodcast #CreatorEconomy #BrandPurpose #CulturalCapital #StyleIDApproved

From content creators to brand architects, the game has changed. In this episode, Bongani Baloyi and Sefiso Hlongwane break down the rise of creator-led agencies, the shift from production to strategy, and how creators are now shaping campaigns from concept to execution.If you’re still treating creators as just content suppliers, you’re already behind.Follow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sbahle Sithole as she unpacks how South African brands and creators can build more intentional, credible, and culturally aligned influencer campaigns.From the changing face of influence to the responsibility that comes with shaping narratives online, this conversation takes an honest look at what’s broken and what it takes to rebuild. Expect bold insights, real talk, and tangible strategies for anyone looking to thrive in the ever-evolving creator economy.Follow Sbahle on @sibz_jolieFollow Us On:Instagram: https://tr.ee/9MFBqITikTok: https://tr.ee/F5wHS1LinkedIn: https://tr.ee/72U7z0

Reviewing the niches. The traditional lanes of beauty, fashion, fitness, tech and food have expanded, giving rise to bold, intersectional subjects shaping SA’s digital culture.In this episode, we sit down with Livy Seboko to explore these new wave niches and the pioneers who are redefining what it means to influence and win in 2025.Subscribe, comment, and follow us @styleidafrica.

In this premiere episode of Season 3, Leroy Marc is joined by powerhouse guests Yolanda and Mack for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the state of the creator economy in 2025.From algorithm-driven identity to cultural currency, we ask: Is pop culture helping creators grow, or boxing them into trends they didn’t choose?Together, they unpack the pressure to stay relevant, the performance of authenticity, and how creators can navigate virality with intention.Subscribe, tag a fellow creator, and comment below: Are we trending... or trapped?Follow us across all platforms: @styleidafrica#BusinessOfInfluenceS3 #TrendingOrTrapped #PopCultureZA

Season 3 of The Business of Influence is here, and we’re spicing things up!
Join Leroy & Tami in the kitchen as they serve real talk and hot takes, recapping standout moments from Seasons 1 & 2, and giving you a sneak peek of what’s cooking in the new season. Expect your favourite personalities to make an appearance, deeper insights and fresh conversations on the evolving world of influence in 2025!
Subscribe, tag a friend and drop a comment below on what you want to see this season!
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The final episode of season 2 answers all of our audience’s long-standing questions about the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In today's special episode, Tami Ruschin and Leroy Marc, discuss how AI can revolutionise your social media influence. We get our valuable insights from special guest Stephanie Gomes, Full Stack Developer at Style ID Africa.

In today’s episode of The Business Of Influence Podcast we have an exclusive chat with Savon Matjane, the Innovation and Marketing Lead at Style ID Africa! Discover why we're Africa's leading influencer platform and how we're reshaping influencer marketing across the continent.

In this episode we unlock the world of paid media and the power of paid advertising.Learn how to maximise ROI with - Senior Search Specialist at Hollywoodbets, Kagiso Mthethwa.

In this episode, Leroy Marc and Tami Ruschin explore the complexities and nuances of scaling influencer marketing for brands and influencers. Our in-house experts share their tips, insights, strategies, and firsthand experiences. 

It’s Episode 6 of The Business Of Influence Podcast 🎙️ and we’re diving straight into the of real-time marketing and newsjacking with your hosts Leroy Marc and Tami Ruschin. This time they're joined by a very special guest, Wilmarie van der Merwe, the Head of Social and Influence at Total Exposure! 🌟 Gain insights from a bonafide industry expert as she dissects strategies for navigating the digital age! 📱