In this episode, Hazel Chimhandamba, CMO of Hollard Insurance, chats to Decland about what it really means to be a commercial growth enabler. From redefining brand value to leading with data-driven creativity, Hazel shares how modern marketers can build influence in the boardroom and creating brands people actually love.

We cover:

• Turning purpose into performance

• Building operating models that drive impact

• Creating customer-led value propositions

• Protecting and growing brand equity

• Following the eyeballs and meeting your audience where they are

"Marketing belongs in the boardroom because that’s where growth happens.”

How do you grow a business from R80 million to R1.2 billion, nearly lose it, and then sell it to one of South Africa’s biggest retailers?

Anthony Steward, co-founder of Medicare Health and now Zorros Partners, joins Declan to share the real story behind the numbers, including everything from the humbling lessons of over-ambition to the power of focus, trust, and vulnerability in leadership.

One of the most honest, reflective conversations we’ve had yet.

From embracing agency life to knuckling down brand side, Miguel Netto’s marketing career has ticked all the boxes.

As the Head of Marketing at Bootlegger, Miguel’s coffee-fueled days are focused on building a brand that doesn't advertise but rather works to belong within your lifestyle.

Miguel chats to Declan about his (and Bootlegger’s) values of quality, consistency, and sustainability, and how these have been forged throughout his life and career journey - from competitive IRONMAN racing, to his role as Global B2B & Commercial Marketing Director at Aramex, to now leading a team at Bootlegger.

Miguel shared many pieces of advice for aspiring marketers, including:

• Understand the numbers. Even if you’re a creative.

• Shoot your shot. Always.

• And, in the words of Miguel’s dad: If you’re going to miss the bus, miss the bus running. Which is to say, make it mean something 👊

What does it take to go from Intern to Award-Winning Marketer at Discovery Bank?

For Jody Ashworth, it’s been about curiosity, courage, and an unshakable belief in the power of behavioural science to change how we bank.

Jody shares how she’s shaping the future of financial health at Discovery Bank, from creating the brand’s beloved Discovery Bank Buddy to using AI and data to make banking more human.

Tune in to hear her take on leadership, culture, and how trusting your gut can be your biggest career advantage

In this episode, Declan chats with Alicia Jitaru, European Digital Director for M&M’s, about what really drives great marketing in a digital world.

They unpack why, despite all the new tools and tech, the fundamentals stay the same: understanding people, meeting their needs, and showing up authentically.

From “digital wizardry” to emotional connection, Alicia shares how brands can create real magic with their audiences today.

What do ultra-trail running and brand building have in common? For Amy Beachy Head, Adidas South Africa’s Brand Manager for Running & Outdoor, the answer is grit, authenticity, and putting people first.

In this episode, Amy takes us through her journey from turning down her first marketing job at a chicken farm to leading culture-driven campaigns for one of the world’s most iconic sports brands.

She shares:

• How running 100km through the mountains fuels her mindset and leadership style

• Why prioritising people over screens is the future of marketing and culture

• Lessons from the trail that apply to every marketer chasing big goals

Whether you’re a marketer, leader, or endurance junkie, Amy’s story will leave you inspired to keep pushing forward, one step (or three stripes!) at a time.

Bianca Liapis packed her bags, moved to London without a plan, and built a global marketing career she truly loves.

In this episode, she shares the leaps of faith, moments of self-doubt, and bold mindset shifts that shaped her journey, from startups at Uber Eats to leading digital marketing at Sainsbury’s.

We talk about imposter syndrome, building trust, navigating massive change, and why her personal motto is simple: “Start before you’re ready.”

From bioengineering labs to leading global brand strategy at Danone, Nagehan Zülal Beypazar Şad has built a career shaped by purpose, creativity, and courage.

In this episode, she shares her journey from agency life to global leadership, the lessons she’s learned launching innovative campaigns at Nestlé and Danone, and her take on the future of marketing, touching on everything from AI, to cultural agility, to building brands that are a force for good.

Her message to all marketers? Be brave.