Brands are constantly vying for attention and the ability to communicate bravely with authenticity is more important than ever. This challenge is evident in marketing, where creativity and risk-taking must be balanced with strategic thinking and audience engagement.
Jessica Wheeler, Nando’s South Africa’s Marketing Director, provides a unique perspective on this balance, revealing the intricacies of transitioning from agency life to brand management, and the profound realisations that come with it.
Her journey from agency side to brand was marked by surprising discoveries and valuable insights. “Now, as you see Nando’s from the outside is as Nando’s is on the inside,” she shares. This revelation underscores the authenticity of Nando’s both externally and internally. The culture of creativity, bravery, and willingness to make mistakes at Nando’s mirrors the dynamic environment of an agency, making the transition seamless yet enlightening for Wheeler.
Wheeler also talks how they engage with their agency partners to create the brave work we spoke about in previous episode with Ahmed Tilly, Ivan Moroke and with creative collaborators such as Bonolo Chepape.
Ultimately, Jessica Wheeler’s insights provide a valuable framework for marketers aiming to blend creativity with strategic acumen and authenticity with boldness. Her experiences at Nando’s demonstrate that successful brand communication hinges on a deep understanding of the brand’s core values and the cultural contexts of its audience.
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Our podcast audio editing and audio production are done by: Maishe Rakgoale.
