The Dylan Kohlstadt Show

Dylan Kohlstadt

Welcome to The DK Show, where I chat with industry leaders, creatives, and marketers on everything from entrepreneurship and B2B digital marketing to personal growth, AI, and technology. Sit back and tune in. Grab your pen and take notes. Time to grow together.  Live life with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt Grow with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-kohlstädt   Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/ Grow your B2B business: www.shiftonedigital.com Train yourself or your team with The Digital Marketing Academy: https://digitalmarketingacademy.co.za/   About Dylan: Dylan Kohlstädt is the founder and CEO of Shift ONE Digital and the Digital Marketing Academy. She’s a B2B digital marketing expert with over 25 years of experience, an MBA, and an IMMA Marketing Diploma, and she is passionate about helping leading B2B brands grow through digital marketing.

  1. 3d ago

    Why You're Losing Tenders (And How to Win More) with Larissa Cornelius

    Over November and December we submitted six tenders and didn't land a single one. I blamed price, so I asked Larissa Cornelius, CEO and Chief Win Strategist, where we really went wrong. Her answer changed how I'll approach every bid from here. Larissa Cornelius, the CEO of Nfold and her team help companies win more proposals, tenders and pitches, and she has sat across the table from enough procurement teams to know exactly what gets a bid binned. It was the most practical half hour I've spent on business development this year. In this episode: Why compliance still knocks out more bidders than price ever doesThe mistake of treating your proposal like a company profileThe difference between pricing to compete and pricing to winPrice-sensitive, functionality and quality buyers, and how each one decidesWhy win rates are falling even as AI-written proposals multiplyThe quickest way to lift your win rate by bidding on fewer opportunitiesChapters: 0:00 Intro 0:45 Winning Proposals and Tenders 4:11 Common Tendering Mistakes 9:09 Pricing and Value Strategy 14:31 Read and Filter Tender Requirements 17:14 Planning and Proposal Presentation 22:40 Services and Training Packages If your business chases RFPs, RFQs or tenders, this conversation will save you weeks of wasted effort. Get in touch with Larissa Cornelius: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-cornelius-winbusiness-proposals-salescollateral/n Nfold: https://www.nfold.com/ Get in touch with Dylan Kohlstadt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Shift ONE B2B: https://shiftone.co.za/ #TheDKShow #Tenders #ProposalManagement #B2BSales #BusinessDevelopment

    Why You're Losing Tenders (And How to Win More) with Larissa Cornelius
  2. Sep 25

    He Went Net Negative Before He Got Rich: Jose Berlanga on the Ugly Side of Success

    Everyone sees the finished home, the successful developer, the published author. Nobody sees the years Jose Berlanga spent worse than broke, more debt than assets, wondering if he'd ever make money again. In this episode, the real estate developer behind Tricon Homes and Onix Residential (2,000+ homes built) gets brutally honest about what building a business actually costs. Jose Berlanga and Dylan Kohlstadt talk about why "success is never linear," why the less you have the more you should be willing to risk, and why chasing money instead of purpose is one of the fastest ways to fail. Jose also opens up about his own struggle to delegate, why he thinks he might be the reason his businesses stay dependent on him, and the difference between building a business and building a practice that can't survive without you. If you've ever felt like everyone else has it figured out and you're the only one struggling, this conversation is the reality check you need. In this episode: Why "how bad you want it" matters more than any business plan Debunking the myth that hardship as a child guarantees drive as an adult What it actually means to go "backwards to negative," not just back to zero Jose's philosophy on risk: the less you have, the more you can afford to lose Why his early motivation was money, and what eventually replaced it Choosing business partners like you'd choose a spouse The addictive trap of becoming the business instead of building one Why writing four books hasn't made the process any easier Connect with Jose Berlanga: Website: https://joseberlanga.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-berlanga-900a9518/  Connect with Dylan Kohlstadt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/  Website: https://dylankohlstadt.com/  Contact Dylan Kohlstadt for consulting: dylan@shiftone.co.za Work with Shift ONE to outsource your B2B marketing: shiftone.co.za  #TheDKShow #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateDevelopment #BusinessLessons #Resilience Subscribe to my channels / @dylankohlstadt Connect with me on all my social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dylankohlstadt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanKohlstadt/

    He Went Net Negative Before He Got Rich: Jose Berlanga on the Ugly Side of Success
  3. Sep 18

    He Went Unbooked for 2 Years, Then Built a Personal Brand That Never Stops Working

    If you think personal branding is about bragging, this episode will change your mind. Andre Du Toit, "The Big Positive Guy," went two years without a single speaking booking after declaring himself a professional speaker. What he did next built him a career spanning nearly 20 years and a personal brand so strong that people recognise his wife from his posts alone. In this episode, Andre breaks down what actually separates speakers who get booked from speakers who don't, and why most CEOs are sitting on a thought leadership opportunity they're too nervous to use. Andre and Dylan dig into why authenticity beats polish every time, how to figure out your personal values instead of confusing them with goals, and why giving content away for free is the fastest way to build trust that converts into business. Andre also shares his personal content model, the "silent majority" mindset that's shaped his public voice, and practical advice for any CEO or founder wondering how to step into the spotlight without losing themselves in the process. In this episode: Why Andre went two years without a booking, and what he did with that time The difference between personal brand as self-promotion and personal brand as authenticity How to identify your real values instead of chasing goals Andre's content ratio for balancing personal and business posts Why giving content away builds more trust than selling ever will The "silent majority" approach to staying positive in a noisy world Practical starting points for CEOs ready to build a public profile Connect with Andre Du Toit: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bigpositiveguy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodNewsSouthAfrica Connect with Dylan Kohlstadt: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt #TheDKShow #PersonalBranding #ThoughtLeadership #B2BMarketing #PublicSpeaking Subscribe to my channels / @dylankohlstadt Connect with me on all my social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dylankohlstadt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanKohlstadt/

    He Went Unbooked for 2 Years, Then Built a Personal Brand That Never Stops Working
  4. Sep 11

    The Truth About South Africa's Economy – Freddie Mitchell, Chief Economist at Aluma Capital

    What's really happening to the South African economy – and what businesses must do now. Dylan Kohlstadt sits down with Freddie Mitchell, Chief Economist at Aluma Capital, for an unfiltered look at the economic forces shaping South Africa in 2025 and beyond. Freddie has advised government, worked inside SARS, and spent years analysing what drives (and stalls) economic growth. In this episode, he breaks down what business leaders in industrial, manufacturing, and capital-intensive sectors need to understand right now – from interest rate trajectories and infrastructure constraints to AI adoption and the role of government in enabling (or hindering) growth. This is the conversation South African business owners and executives need to have. In this episode: – The real state of the South African economy – Interest rates: relief or false hope? – Infrastructure gaps and what they mean for industry – AI adoption in an emerging market context – What government is getting right – and where it's falling short – Key risks for industrial and manufacturing businesses in the year ahead 🔗 Connect with Freddie Mitchell:   / freddie-mitchell-economist  🔗 Connect with Dylan Kohlstadt:   / dylankohlstadt  Check out Aluma Capital to elevate your investment strategically: https://aluma.co.za 🎙️ The DK Show is hosted by Dylan Kohlstadt, founder and CEO of Shift ONE Digital – Africa's #1 ranked SEO and AI visibility agency. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the business leaders, economists, and innovators shaping the future of B2B in South Africa and beyond. #SouthAfricanEconomy #TheDKShow #DylanKohlstadt #B2BMarketing #ShiftONE #Economics #SouthAfrica #Manufacturing #IndustrialBusiness #InterestRates #AIinAfrica #BusinessGrowth #AlumaCapital #EconomicOutlook #FounderLife Subscribe to my channels / @dylankohlstadt Connect with me on all my social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dylankohlstadt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanKohlstadt/

    The Truth About South Africa's Economy – Freddie Mitchell, Chief Economist at Aluma Capital
  5. Sep 7

    Why Peter Shankman Says His "Broken Brain" Is His Biggest Business Asset

    Peter Shankman only has two speeds: namaste, and out the door before you can stop him. As founder of Help A Reporter Out, a six-time bestselling author, and a leading voice on neurodiversity in the workplace, he's built an entire system around a brain that never idles. Dylan sits down with Peter to unpack the life rules, the environments he engineers to kill decision fatigue, and the discipline behind writing a bestseller on two flights to Tokyo. In this episode: – The "life rules" that remove friction and protect focus – Playing the tape forward: the technique that keeps discipline honest – How gamification and algorithms are rewiring attention spans – The stoplight system that made an office more neuro-inclusive – The 50-minute rule for deep work without losing the plot to FOMO Connect with Peter Shankman: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petershankman Website: shankman.com Connect with Dylan: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt Website: dylankohlstadt.com Shift ONE: shiftone.co.za #TheDKShow #PeterShankman #ADHD #Neurodiversity #Productivity #DeepWork #Neuroinclusion #DylanKohlstadt #ShiftONE #B2BMarketing Subscribe to my channels / @dylankohlstadt Connect with me on all my social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dylankohlstadt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanKohlstadt/

    Why Peter Shankman Says His "Broken Brain" Is His Biggest Business Asset
  6. Aug 31

    How to Build a Positive Workplace | Andre du Toit on Optimism, Leadership & Business

    In this episode of The DK Show, Dylan Kohlstadt, CEO of Shift ONE, sits down with Andre du Toit, “The Big Positive Guy,” for a powerful conversation about optimism, leadership, workplace culture, and building a better future. Andre shares why optimism isn’t about blindly believing that everything will be okay. It’s about believing that tomorrow can be better than today and having an action plan to make it happen. They explore how business owners and leaders can help their teams stay motivated, manage negativity, avoid burnout, and create a workplace where people believe in the future. In this episode, they discuss: • How CEOs and business owners can create a more positive workplace • How leaders can motivate employees and manage negativity • The difference between optimism and blind positivity • Why having a clear action plan is essential to optimism • How social media and constant phone use can affect our mental space • Finding purpose in business and leadership • Why successful entrepreneurs continue working even after achieving financial success • How optimism can influence leadership teams, suppliers, and employees • Building a company that believes in its future • Staying positive when difficult things keep happening • Why walking, disconnecting, and getting away from your phone can make a difference Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, business owner, manager, or employee, this conversation offers practical insights into creating a more positive mindset and a stronger workplace culture. Connect with Andre du Toit: LinkedIn:   / bigpositiveguy  Facebook:   / andredt  Connect with Dylan / Shift ONE: info@shiftone.co.za https://shiftone.co.za #Leadership #Business #Entrepreneurship #WorkplaceCulture #Optimism #PositiveLeadership #BusinessGrowth #CEO #Entrepreneur #ShiftONE #TheDKShow Subscribe to my channels / @dylankohlstadt Connect with me on all my social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dylankohlstadt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanKohlstadt/

    How to Build a Positive Workplace | Andre du Toit on Optimism, Leadership & Business
  7. Aug 31

    Why Your Agency Is Losing Deals (And How to Fix It) | Gordon Henry

    Gordon Henry spent years on the other side of the table – as a procurement manager deciding which agencies made the cut and which didn't. Now, as co-founder of IAN (Independent Agency Network), he's using that insider knowledge to help independent agencies stop underselling themselves, compete with the global giants, and finally take their seat at the table. Shift ONE is a proud member of IAN, and in this episode Dylan sits down with Gordon to talk about what's really holding agencies back – and what it takes to turn things around. They get into rate cards, repositioning, differentiation, and the uncomfortable truths most agency owners avoid. If you run an agency – or work in one – this conversation will challenge how you think about your value. In this episode: Why so many agencies are stuck – and how to diagnose it What procurement managers actually look for (and what disqualifies you immediately) How to build a rate card that reflects your real worth What it means to be distinct in a crowded market How IAN helps independent agencies compete on a global stage And so much more you'll just have to watch! Connect with Gordon Henry & IAN: Independent Agency Network – https://ianetwork.co.za Gordon Henry on LinkedIn –   / gordon-henry-189b6726  Connect with Dylan: LinkedIn:   / dylankohlstadt  Website: dylankohlstadt.com Shift ONE: shiftone.co.za #TheDKShow #AgencyGrowth #IndependentAgency #IAN #GordonHenry #AgencyLife #B2BMarketing #MarketingAgency #AgencyBusiness #DylanKohlstadt #ShiftONE #RateCards #AgencyDifferentiation #MarketingLeadership #AgencyTurnaround Subscribe to my channels / @dylankohlstadt Connect with me on all my social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dylankohlstadt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanKohlstadt/

    Why Your Agency Is Losing Deals (And How to Fix It) | Gordon Henry
  8. Jul 28

    From Zero Cash to Top Rated App | Join Dylan Kohlstadt and ProfileMe CEO, Rizanne

    Rizanne, CEO and Founder of ProfileMe, joins The DK Show to unpack how professionals can get the digital version of themselves into their clients' pockets, making a great first impression, building trust faster, and staying top of mind. ProfileMe is South Africa's #1 client engagement tool, giving professionals one link to share everything clients need to do business with them: contact details, social profiles, booking links, and more. No designer, no developer, no big budget required. In this episode, Rizanne breaks down: – How fully customisable digital profiles keep brand consistency across teams, big or small – Why one link beats a stack of business cards and PDFs – How teams become brand ambassadors with individual profiles, instant updates, and zero print waste – The simple process: sign up, pick your profession, choose a look, and make it yours If you're in financial services, professional services, or any client-facing industry, this conversation shows exactly how to turn a digital profile into a competitive edge. Check out ProfileMe - https://profileme.app 🎧 Watch the full episode for the practical breakdown of how ProfileMe works. #TheDKShow #ProfileMe #ClientEngagement #DigitalProfile #B2BMarketing #FinancialServices #PersonalBranding #SouthAfricanBusiness #ThoughtLeadership #DylanKohlstadt Subscribe to my channels / @dylankohlstadt Connect with me on all my social platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylankohlstadt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dylankohlstadt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanKohlstadt/

    From Zero Cash to Top Rated App | Join Dylan Kohlstadt and ProfileMe CEO, Rizanne

About

Welcome to The DK Show, where I chat with industry leaders, creatives, and marketers on everything from entrepreneurship and B2B digital marketing to personal growth, AI, and technology. Sit back and tune in. Grab your pen and take notes. Time to grow together.  Live life with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylankohlstadt Grow with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-kohlstädt   Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylankohlstadt/ Grow your B2B business: www.shiftonedigital.com Train yourself or your team with The Digital Marketing Academy: https://digitalmarketingacademy.co.za/   About Dylan: Dylan Kohlstädt is the founder and CEO of Shift ONE Digital and the Digital Marketing Academy. She’s a B2B digital marketing expert with over 25 years of experience, an MBA, and an IMMA Marketing Diploma, and she is passionate about helping leading B2B brands grow through digital marketing.