Durban Small Business Podcast

Kythe Creative
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Meet the humans behind our local businesses and find out what they do, why they do it and how they keep on going. I hope the stories will inspire you and help you feel connected to our 031 community. This podcast is hosted by Luke Holden and is produced by his own business - Kythe Creative. Kythe Creative helps Business owners and NGO's discover their story and share it with the world through video and audio content.

  1. Why long-form content, attention, and trust are reshaping how small businesses grow

    FEB 16

    Why long-form content, attention, and trust are reshaping how small businesses grow

    Small business marketing is shifting from campaigns to conversations. In this episode, we unpack how long-form content, conversation-driven marketing, and trust-based marketing strategies help small businesses grow in today’s digital and attention-driven economy. We discuss why traditional interruption marketing is losing effectiveness, how attention has become more valuable than data, and why long-term conversation builds brand trust and sustainable growth. Who is Jon Oliff? Jon Oliff is a marketing strategist and co-founder of Tim.Africa, specialising in performance marketing, long-form content, and brand development. 🔗 Website: https://heyjon.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliff/ 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oros Timestamps: 00:40 Meet Jon Oliff02:35 The Problem with Traditional Advertising04:45 Why Attention Is More Valuable Than Data06:20 What Brands Get Wrong About Change08:50 Why Quality Builds (or Breaks) Trust11:05 Interruption vs Education in Marketing14:25 Marketing vs Sales (And Why It Matters)20:50 The Lessons from Building an Agency23:20 How Tim.Africa Began28:05 Campaigns vs Conversations31:45 Why Long-Form Content Works Better33:50 Long-Form Gives You Margin for Error38:30 How Small Businesses Should Start Creating Content42:55 Why Every Business Is Now a Media Company46:00 Using AI to Create Content (ChatGPT & NotebookLM)49:45 Attention Is the Real Currency52:10 Search vs Social Media: What Actually Converts?53:50 Final Thoughts: Trust Is Earned Over Time Produced by Kythe Creative High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content. Learn more: Website: ⁠kythecreative.co.za⁠ Socials: ⁠YouTube ⁠and ⁠Instagram⁠ 📈 In partnership with Tim.Africa Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch. Learn more: ⁠tim.africa⁠ --- Support Durban Small Business: If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond. Follow us on social media: ⁠Instagram ⁠and ⁠Facebook

    54 min
  2. How a Durban Entrepreneur is Building Resilient Communities with Callum Oberholzer

    12/15/2025

    How a Durban Entrepreneur is Building Resilient Communities with Callum Oberholzer

    What happens when a city in crisis sparks a movement of connection instead of fear? In this episode we sit down with Durban entrepreneur Callum Oberholzer, founder of Black Box, OpenSeat, and the Durban Crisis Map. We explore how his team built a tool in 36 hours during the 2022 floods, and how that effort has grown into the Community Resilience Map. We also look at how food, technology, and AI can help rebuild social connection in a world that often feels disconnected. A powerful conversation for anyone passionate about community, resilience, and purpose driven entrepreneurship. Reach out to Callum: Websites: Black Box: https://black-box.ioOpenSeat: https://openseat.co.zaCommunity Resilience Map: https://communityresiliencemap.comLinkedInCallum Oberholzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-oberholzer-4502a943/

    1h 13m
  3. The Longform Content Advantage with Mawanda Maphumulo

    12/01/2025

    The Longform Content Advantage with Mawanda Maphumulo

    Shortform content might get attention, but longform builds relationships. And relationships are what grow businesses. In this episode, Luke Holden, Founder of Kythe Creative, sits down with Mawanda Maphumulo, founder of Creative Replay and host of The Creator Concept, to unpack why longform content is the most powerful branding tool small businesses are ignoring and how to start using it today. Whether you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, coach, or professional trying to stand out online, this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap for building authority, trust, and discoverability through longform content. In this episode we touch on: Why longform content outperforms shortformHow to start a podcast or longform format with zero budgetWhy your story is your strongest branding assetHow to repurpose one longform piece into weeks of contentWhy authenticity matters more than production qualityHow small businesses can use content to become discoverableThe mindset shifts needed to start creating consistentlyIf you are tired of chasing trends, battling algorithms, or overthinking what to post, this episode will give you clarity and direction. About Mawanda: Mawanda helps coaches, entrepreneurs, and professionals build strong personal brands through identity-driven content. Contact Mawanda: InstagramLinkedIn The Podcast is Produced by Kythe Creative High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content. Get in Contact: Website: ⁠⁠⁠kythecreative.co.za⁠⁠⁠ Socials: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ In partnership with Tim.Africa Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch. Learn more: ⁠⁠⁠tim.africa⁠⁠⁠ --- Support Durban Small Business: If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond. Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

    47 min
  4. Build Trust and Transform Your Team with Katherine Bekker-Smith

    11/16/2025

    Build Trust and Transform Your Team with Katherine Bekker-Smith

    Trust is the foundation of every great team — but it starts with you. In this episode, leadership coach Katherine Bekker-Smith breaks down how conscious leadership, self-awareness, and understanding your strengths can transform the way you lead and the way your team works together. A practical, human conversation for any business owner ready to grow from the inside out. In this episode we touch on:- Why trust is the foundation of every great team- Conscious leadership and the “inner game” of leading others- How to use CliftonStrengths to build team cohesion- Understanding your strengths and blind spots- Creating psychologically safe spaces in your business- The importance of self-awareness in leadership- How breathwork, grounding, and simple practices regulate your leadership- Practical tools to transform how your team works togetherAbout Katherine Bekker-SmithKatherine is a StrengthsFinder coach, team facilitator, and founder of Soul Centre. With a background in organisational culture, transformation, NLP, and conscious leadership, she helps individuals and teams unlock their potential through self-awareness, trust, and human connection.Her work blends behavioural science, Gallup CliftonStrengths, the Time to Think™ framework, and deep inner work to help teams thrive from the inside out. Contact Katherine: Website⁠ Linked In ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ The Podcast is Produced by Kythe Creative High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content. Get in Contact: Website: ⁠⁠kythecreative.co.za⁠⁠ Socials: ⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ In partnership with Tim.Africa Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch. Learn more: ⁠⁠tim.africa⁠⁠ --- Support Durban Small Business: If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond. Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

    57 min
  5. Be Your Own Hero – From Pain to Purpose with Luke Visser

    11/03/2025

    Be Your Own Hero – From Pain to Purpose with Luke Visser

    How do you build a business rooted in healing, purpose, and real human connection? In this episode, I sit down with Luke Visser, co-founder of Live Smart Nutrition, to explore how personal loss and a passion for helping others inspired one of Durban’s most impactful wellness brands. Luke opens up about his journey from struggle and uncertainty to building Live Smart — a business designed to help people take back control of their health, habits, and lives. We talk about transformation, small steps that lead to lasting change, and what it means to turn pain into purpose through meaningful work. In this episode we touch on: Finding purpose through personal challenges Building a wellness business that puts people first What it means to truly take back control The role of mentorship and lessons learned along the way Why real transformation starts with small, consistent actions Time Stamps:00:00 Who is Luke Visser?04:32 From Struggle to Starting LiveSmart09:15 Building a Business That Heals14:48 Lessons in Mentorship and Growth20:02 Small Steps, Real Change25:16 Turning Pain Into Purpose30:04 Helping Others Take Back Control35:20 Advice for Durban Entrepreneurs39:12 Be Your Own Hero About Live Smart NutritionLive Smart Nutrition helps individuals take back control of their health through sustainable, habit-based coaching. Co-founded by Luke Visser, in Durban, Live Smart empowers people to make small, consistent changes that lead to lasting transformation. Learn more: Live Smart Nutrition Website Live Smart Instagram Live Smart Facebook Luke's Instagram The Podcast is Produced by Kythe Creative High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content. Learn more: Website: ⁠kythecreative.co.za⁠ Socials: ⁠YouTube ⁠and ⁠Instagram⁠ In partnership with Tim.Africa Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch. Learn more: ⁠tim.africa⁠ --- Support Durban Small Business: If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond. Follow us on social media: ⁠Instagram ⁠and ⁠Facebook

    45 min
  6. Why People-First Leadership Wins in Business with Richard Talbot

    10/20/2025

    Why People-First Leadership Wins in Business with Richard Talbot

    What happens when leadership starts with people first? Founder Richard Talbot shares how a care‑centered approach, integrity, and culture built GoFourIT into a resilient IT company. We explore leading by example, turning hardship into growth, empowering teams, and removing tech anxiety so businesses can focus on what matters. Hosted by Luke Holden. Time Stamps: 00:00 Who is Richard Talbot?05:24 The Weight of Leadership07:00 "Passion, Problems, Empowering Teams"10:48 "Lessons in Partnership and Leadership"14:06 Persistence Through Life's Challenges18:47 Mentors, Leadership, Departure, New Venture20:22 "Fixing Problems with Good Advice"25:43 "Human-Centered Leadership Goals"28:20 Removing IT Anxiety for Businesses31:48 "Human-Centered Small Business Power"36:30 Balancing Worth and Performance38:06 "Advice for Durban Entrepreneurs"--- About GoFourIT GoFourIT partners with businesses to remove tech anxiety, scale their business and provide IT solutions that empower people. Learn more: https://gofourit.co.za Produced by Kythe Creative High-end video and podcast production that helps brands make meaningful content. Learn more: Website: kythecreative.co.za Socials: YouTube and Instagram 📈 In partnership with Tim.Africa Podcast publishing and performance marketing studio. Together, we offer a full end-to-end podcast solution — from strategy to launch. Learn more: tim.africa --- Support Durban Small Business: If you found value in this conversation, please like, share, and subscribe — it helps us reach more people building meaningful businesses in Durban and beyond. Follow us on social media: Instagram and Facebook

    39 min

  7. 10/16/2023

    Education, Innovation, and Adventure with Dillon and Prinola Murugan

    Meet Dillon and Prinola Murugan In this latest episode of "The Durban Small Business Podcast" as we delve into the inspiring journey of Dillon and Prinola Murugan, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who are making waves in the worlds of education, personal training, and digital storytelling. Hosted by Luke Holden, this episode shines a spotlight on their incredible story, showcasing the passion, dedication, and innovation that define their work. Dillon, known for his thought-provoking "After The Bell Podcast," is dedicated to unraveling the untold stories of individuals. And guess what? He recently featured our very own Luke Holden on his show! Watch Luke's Interview now. Prinola, on the other hand, is the creative genius behind "Travel Diaries," a captivating digital realm spanning YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Through captivating visuals and engaging narratives, she invites you to explore the world's wonders alongside her. In this super fun conversation, we uncover the 'why' behind their recent journey leaving employment in the education system, we explore the motivations that drive them, and you get an exclusive peek into their unfolding plan building these vibrant platforms. Discover how they're making an impact on the South African education system by infusing cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, ensuring a brighter future for both students and teachers. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as we uncover the heart and soul of this remarkable couple. Join us in celebrating Dillon and Prinola Murugan, the humans behind Durban's up and coming creators and influencers. 👂 Tune in for a heart warming and insightful episode of The Durban Small Business Podcast, now live on YouTube! Follow Prinola's Travel Diaries on Instagram and check out her LinkTree where you can find out more. Discover Dillon's world in Instagram and check out his Linktree for more. SUBSCRIBE for more Stories from our local Durban Brands. This Podcast is Produced by Kythe Creative, catch them on YouTube or Instagram Follow us on Instagram or Facebook

    50 min

  8. 09/25/2023

    Helping Heroes Clarify their Story | Charlene Udal

    🎙️ Discover the Heart of Marketing and Empowerment with Charlene Udal as we dive into the world of marketing and community empowerment with Charlene Udal, one of South Africa's first Certified StoryBrand Guides and the Founder & Owner of BrandHeart Marketing. 🌟 Charlene, a born and bred Durban local, embarked on a journey to transform the marketing landscape for SMEs. With over 12 years of experience, she's on a mission to help businesses thrive by generating a consistent stream of quality leads that keep their sales pipelines flowing. 🚀 Learn about Charlene's fascinating history, from her early days working in marketing at Trellidoor to her bold venture into the digital marketing space with Brand Heart. Discover the insights and expertise that have empowered her to make a difference. 🤝 Charlene and her husband, Brett, embarked on a meaningful project called "Thusana" in 2020. Thusana is an ecommerce platform that uplifts talented local crafters from disadvantaged communities, providing them with new opportunities to increase their income. Charlene shares the inspiring story behind Thusana and how it aims to break the cycle of poverty by helping informal traders become small business owners. 🌍 We delve into the idea of building businesses that go beyond personal success, focusing on creating opportunities for others and making a positive impact in our communities. 🇿🇦 Charlene's insights shed light on the pivotal role that SMEs play in shaping the future of South Africa. Discover how they are not just the backbone but the hope for a brighter tomorrow. 🛍️ Want to be a part of Thusana's mission? Visit www.thusana.com to support local crafters and join the journey of empowerment. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation that highlights the power of marketing, community, and the boundless potential of small businesses. Tune in now! For more from Charlene Udal and BrandHeart Marketing, visit her website at www.brand-heart.co.za or see the links below LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/brandheart Instagram: www.instagram.com/brand_heart BrandHeart Website : www.brand-heart.co.za Thusana : www.thusana.com SUBSCRIBE for more Stories from our local Durban Brands. Follow us on⁠ Instagram ⁠and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative: YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kythecreative⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kythecreativemedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    54 min
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About

Meet the humans behind our local businesses and find out what they do, why they do it and how they keep on going. I hope the stories will inspire you and help you feel connected to our 031 community. This podcast is hosted by Luke Holden and is produced by his own business - Kythe Creative. Kythe Creative helps Business owners and NGO's discover their story and share it with the world through video and audio content.

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