Talking in Creative Circles

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Talking in Creative Circles is the official podcast of the Creative Circle. In this series we invite a diverse group of experts to talk about the latest developments in the South African advertising industry, celebrate successes and share the inspiration that drives creativity forward. Email us your suggestions on info@creativecircle.co.za. Talking in Creative Circles is produced in partnership with Kagiso Media Radio.

Episodes

  1. The BIG creative reset

    11/25/2025

    The BIG creative reset

    Ad New Year is that brief moment after The Loeries when the industry resets after a busy award season and looks forward to new work. In this episode, we look back on the past year and on tackling new challenges. This episode features guest host Fran Luckin, CCO at VML, along with Jacquie Mullany, ECD at FCB Africa, and Saf Sindhi, CCO and co-founder of the new independent agency Bananas. This episode centres on the importance of fostering a positive work culture, navigating the impact of AI on the advertising industry, and maintaining creativity in award-winning work. The conversation also highlights personal experiences from the past year, including challenges, strategies for motivation and innovation, the rise of independent agencies, changing criteria for creative judging, and the role of joy and humour in creative projects. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:53 Welcome to the Podcast 01:53 Reflecting on the Year in Advertising 03:36 Challenges of Starting an Independent Agency 07:19 The Role of Awards in the Creative Industry 08:57 Navigating Trends and Originality in Advertising 12:19 The Impact of AI on Craft and Creativity 16:37 Motivating Creative Teams 20:37 Finding Fun in Advertising 21:26 Embracing Mischief and Meaning 22:26 The AI Dilemma in Advertising 26:39 Balancing Craft and Technology 33:38 South African Creativity and Unity 37:14 Hope for the Future of Creativity 39:29 Encouraging Young Talent 41:16 Conclusion Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    42 min
  2. The Radio Renaissance

    10/01/2025

    The Radio Renaissance

    Radio and audio ads are thriving in the digital age, and South Africa has a strong track record of global wins in this discipline. In this episode, guest host Grant Sithole, CCO of Dopemine, talks with Sbu Sithole, CCO of The Odd Number, and Ravi Naidoo, Programme Manager at Jacaranda FM. They cover new opportunities, the craft, and some behind-the-scenes insights into making great radio work. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Radio and Audio Ads 00:51 Welcome and Guest Introductions 02:42 The Evolution of Audio Advertising 02:47 The Boom in Podcasting and New Audio Formats 05:04 The Power of Radio: Theatre of the Mind 08:01 Crafting Great Radio Ads 13:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Radio Advertising 19:03 Nostalgia and Iconic Radio Campaigns 20:59 Insights from a Veteran Programmer 21:08 Engaging Branded Content 21:15 Creative Advertising Examples 21:58 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Media 22:47 The Odd Number's Unique Flavour 23:34 The Recipe for Effective Radio Ads 27:07 The Role of Gut Feel in Advertising 27:32 The Courage to Pull an Ad 34:12 The Power of Shorter Ads 37:02 Final Thoughts and Future Possibilities Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    40 min

  3. 06/23/2025

    What really happens in the global jury rooms?

    Global awards season is with us and it’s time to ask that eternal question yet again. Do we have what it takes to be competitive? (spoiler alert: of course we do, but in the words of Olivia Rodrigo “its brutal out here!”) Our guests are all fresh from the jury rooms of One Show and delve into the challenges of competing globally, how SA talent is coming to the party, and share the work that stood out. This episode features: Carl Willoughby, Chief Creative Officer of TBWA\Hunt Lascaris; Pete Little, CCO, Publicis Groupe Africa;  Naledi Manama, an Independent Group Head Art Director, and Suhana Gordhan, CCO, LoveSong. Recorded just ahead of Cannes Lions so expect more on this topic shortly. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Panel Overview 01:33 Judging Experiences and Insights 04:14 Challenges and Reflections on Judging 08:43 Impact and Innovation in PR 12:59 Film Craft and Budget Considerations 19:14 Highlighting Notable Case Studies 19:31 Johanna's Favorite Piece: In Transit 21:44 Exploring Magnetic Stories 22:34 The Tail Orchestra for Pedigree 23:59 Challenges and Opportunities in PR 24:53 Crafting and Case Studies 25:35 The Importance of Time in Creativity 27:35 Final Thoughts and Reflections 36:14 The Glamour and Reality of Judging 37:49 Closing Remarks Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    38 min
  4. What the Best Of The Year judges really thought

    04/16/2025

    What the Best Of The Year judges really thought

    In this episode of 'Talking in Creative Circles,' Julie Maunder, founder of Ididthat.co, hosts a discussion with industry veterans Xolisa Dyeshana, Chief Creative Officer at Joe Public, and Alex Goldberg, Creative Partner at Ogilvy Cape Town. They delve into the highlights of the Creative Circle Best of Year Awards, discussing standout campaigns and the judging process. The conversation covers some of the categories including film, print, audio, and digital communication, emphasising the importance of storytelling, compelling case study creation, and client-agency collaboration. They reflect on the evolving standards in South African advertising, highlighting innovative campaigns. This episode is packed with insights and advice for creating award-winning work, making it essential listening for anyone in the industry. Key moments: 00:58 Overview of Creative Circle Best of Year Awards 01:18 Meet the Industry Experts 01:55 Judging the Best of the Year 04:17 Debating the Top Work 06:39 Innovation in South African Advertising 09:35 Creating Award-Winning Campaigns 14:58 The Importance of Case Study Videos 19:01 Client-Agency Collaboration 30:21 Integrated vs. Film Categories 32:55 The Power of Storytelling in Advertising 33:43 Crafting Compelling Film Pieces 34:18 The Impact of Integrated Campaigns 37:45 Celebrating Excellence in Print 40:59 Radio: South Africa's Strong Suit 44:37 Innovative Out of Home Campaigns 46:55 Design Excellence in Advertising 49:59 Digital Communication Highlights 54:58 PR and Media Communication Success 56:44 Final Thoughts and Industry Insights Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    1 hr
  5. A deep dive into design in South Africa

    11/19/2024

    A deep dive into design in South Africa

    We’re talking all things design with some Loeries judging insights and a wider conversation about the state of the discipline. On this episode our guest host Liana Liebenberg, Creative Partner at Design Bridge and Partners, talks to Wade Moonsamy, Co-Founder & Creative Director at BCKRDS and Vumile Mavumengwana, Creative Director at VM DSGN. 00:00 Introduction to South African design 01:24 Meet the Guests 01:44 Challenges in the design industry 03:35 The role of awards in design 07:23 Impact of AI on design 11:43 Innovation in design 18:28 Judging the Loeries 23:57 Distinctiveness of African design 30:49 Conclusion and future of African design Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    32 min
  6. What’s the Cannes Plan?

    08/30/2024

    What’s the Cannes Plan?

    When it comes to Cannes, South Africa has a history of punching way above its weight. But not this year. What’s shifted? What is needed to get back up on that global stage? Is it an industry issue, an agency issue or is it simply not a priority anymore? Join our SA Cannes judges Keith Manning, Executive Creative Director at TBWA Hunt Lascaris, Zee Ntuli, a director from Darling Films, and Thandeka Gilbert, Creative Group Head from McCann Joburg, as they discuss our performance and their experiences at this year’s Cannes Lions awards. 00:00 South Africa's Struggle at Cannes Lions 01:54 Judging the Industry Craft Category 03:10 Judging the Film Craft Category 04:49 Challenges in Judging and Producing Work 08:22 The Importance of Craft and Time 11:22 Agility vs. Quality in Advertising 16:02 Breaking the Cycle and Innovating 21:32 Embracing Local Identity in Film Craft 22:44 The Importance of Authenticity and Originality 24:09 Challenges with Client Approval Processes 27:16 Understanding Client KPIs for Better Results 30:55 Building Creative Communities and Fandoms 35:30 The Role of Bravery in Creative Success 40:11 Incorporating Creative Accolades as KPIs 43:23 Final Thoughts Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    44 min
  7. A new era in advertising: The mission of Open Chair

    07/08/2024

    A new era in advertising: The mission of Open Chair

    Are the days of advertising being an Old Boys' Club really in the past? Today, there are plenty of women in Adland, but are they staying? And has the glass ceiling disappeared, or has it just become harder to see? In this episode, the leaders of the Open Chair movement share how they believe it can help make the advertising industry better. Open Chair exists for two main reasons: 1. To inspire and uplift women in advertising and marketing, ensuring that they stay and take up senior roles. 2. To help make the industry safer for ALL our people. The women at Open Chair recently launched #OnMyWatch - a code of conduct that aims to tackle the problems we still face, that are rarely spoken about. Join the conversation with Independent Creative Leader Suhana Gordhan, Nkgabiseng Motau, CCO of Think Creative; Melina McDonald, Executive Producer at Darling Films and guest host and Chairperson of the Creative Circle, Carl Willoughby. 00:00 Introduction: Gender Disparities in the Industry 01:01 The State of Women in Advertising 01:42 Personal Experiences and Challenges 07:51 The Role of Open Chair 12:25 Code of Conduct: A Movement for Change 19:28 Support and Future Vision 35:45 Conclusion and Call to Action Get in touch with Open Chair via thewomen@openchair.tv Connect on social media: Instagram: openchair_ Facebook: Open Chair LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openchairsouthafrica/ Follow on LinkedIn · Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    36 min
  8. How do you earn Earned Media?

    05/14/2024

    How do you earn Earned Media?

    In this episode we talk the highs and lows of Earned Media with Keri-Ann Stanton, PR Strategist and Creative at KAMuses; Steph Van Niekerk, ECD at TBWA\ Hunt Lascaris and Mike Sharman, Chief Creative Officer at Retroviral. They break down what sets earned media apart from paid and owned media, why PR is crucial from the start of a campaign, and how to create content that catches media attention and engages audiences. Listen in for practical insights on going viral, navigating the changing media landscape, and crafting genuine, impactful messages. Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    38 min

  9. 03/19/2024

    Best of 2023

    Our very first episode! We bring together some of the Creative Circle Best of the Year Award judges to talk about what caught their eye among the winners. In this episode we hear from Carl Willoughby, Chief Creative Officer at TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, Sibusiso Sitole - Chief Creative Officer and founding partner of The Odd Number and Roanna Williams, Chief Creative Officer & co-founder of Boundless. 00:00 Introduction to the podcast 00:23 Launching the Official Podcast of Creative Circle 00:56 Meet the Creative Minds Behind the Mic 01:47 Diving Into the Best of the Year Awards 02:38 Spotlight on Award-Winning Work: Riky Rick's 'Stronger' 05:45 Exploring the Power of Purpose-Driven Campaigns 06:04 Assessing the Creative Landscape of 2023 14:48 The Art of Crafting in Advertising 18:02 The Evolution of Film in Advertising 21:05 Design Excellence and Motion Graphics 31:27 Final thoughts 33:04 Wrapping up Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    34 min

  10. 03/15/2024

    Talking in Creative Circles launches 19 March, 2024! (Trailer)

    Talking in Creative Circles is the official podcast of the Creative Circle. Episode 1 drops on 19 March. Creative Circle website · Kagiso Media Radio

    1 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Talking in Creative Circles is the official podcast of the Creative Circle. In this series we invite a diverse group of experts to talk about the latest developments in the South African advertising industry, celebrate successes and share the inspiration that drives creativity forward. Email us your suggestions on info@creativecircle.co.za. Talking in Creative Circles is produced in partnership with Kagiso Media Radio.

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