The trio’s tactical, creative and critical approach to problem-solving and creativity saw them beat out their fellow top five contestants Porschia Kim Pedro and Cebo Mpanza during their final challenge at the Capitec Live Better Talk event in Cape Town on 24 October. Soon they will be stepping into their new roles within Capitec’s marketing team. We caught up with them to learn more about what the competition experience was like for them and what they are most looking forward to from their new roles.
Reddy: I've always had this inherent need to help and inspire people. I believed that a platform such as The Next Brand Ambassador would give me the weight needed to make the process way more impactful and possible.
I loved the entire experience. This being from regional selection to the national Top 12. The highs and lows somehow allowed me to evolve and flourish.
I enjoyed how the show forces you to take a very holistic approach to marketing. You had to focus on every aspect in-depth, from creative to strategy. This helped me become more well-rounded.
I won't lie, I did not enjoy the constant grilling, even though it did help push us beyond our limits. After a few weeks, it became rather taxing. That said, it was that constant push and criticism of our skills that forced us to bring our best every single week.
Monareng: I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I felt like I had been in the industry for too long and I wanted fresh ideas, fresh thinking and a fresh mindset to marketing. I most enjoyed meeting and connecting with new marketeers and what I least enjoyed was all the fights that happened in the house.
Reddy: I am looking forward to challenging myself and those around me. I am focusing on the change I can bring to South Africa. I will create a 'door opening culture' and change the occupational environment for young professionals like myself.
Geyer: I am looking forward to representing the brand. Embodying the values of Capitec and sharing those values with others. This is an important role, as you have the power to inspire and influence others. I love uplighting people and this platform will help me to do just that.
Monareng: I am looking forward to elevating and bringing fresh marketing ideas to Capitec. I know the bank is doing very well with everything that they're currently doing, but I would like to be part of their growth and determination to change people's lives, so I am really looking forward to bringing ideas that will be valuable to the business while also changing people's lives in the process.
Who are the mentors you most look up to?Reddy: I have three prominent mentors professionally and personally:
Geyer: I have had some incredible women in my life that have taught me essentially everything that I know. These women have shaped me to be the man I am today and I will forever be grateful to them.
Monareng: I have had a mentor for a long time, named Theo Van Breda, former CEO of Mondi papers. He has helped me with all of my businesses and I really owe a lot to him. I look up to people like Thebe Ikalafeng in the marketing space and I have read a lot of books from Muzi Kuzwayo, which have really inspired me. But, essentially, all people who want to bring change inspire me in some way.
Reddy: My advice to the youth:
Geyer: Always stay true to yourself. Find your passion, focus on it and develop your skills. Always be willing to learn from others and surround yourself with people that make you want to be better and perform at your best. Uplift those around you and they will uplift you. These are the values that I have lived by and they seem to be working.
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