108. AI, Humanity, and the Art of the Impossible with Google's Gopi Kallayil at the Tutu Foundation
In this inspiring episode, Jon sits down with Gopi Kallayil, Google’s Chief Business Strategist for AI, at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town.From connecting Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama for their first-ever live Hangout years ago, to leading Google’s AI strategy today, Gopi shares remarkable stories of innovation, spirituality, and purpose. He reflects on lessons from Mandela, Tutu, and Silicon Valley, and explores how AI is reshaping the world as a tool to amplify human potential.Together, Jon and Gopi discuss:The “healthy disregard for the impossible” that defines Google’s culture.How AI can uplift humanity, from healthcare to climate resilience.Gopi’s personal philosophy for balance and fulfilment: the “MEDALS formula.”What it means to live a life of purpose in the age of intelligent machines.A conversation that bridges technology, ethics, and the human spirit, reminding us that progress, at its best, begins within.
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1:20:23
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1:20:23
107. Consistency Over Chameleons with adidas' Roy Gardner
Declan sits down with Roy Gardner, VP - Brand Activation Europe at adidas, for a masterclass in brand clarity, curiosity, and career longevity.Roy’s journey has taken him across some of the most iconic names in sport and lifestyle, from adidas to Helly Hansen, Leeds United, Reebok, Clarks, and ultimately back to adidas, where he now leads a team of 120 people across four countries.Roy shares why consistency is one of the most powerful marketing tools a brand has, and why “chameleon-ing” across platforms only erodes trust. We explore how sticking to a core message, even while adapting to the nuances of each channel, is essential to building familiarity, integrity, and long-term customer connection.We also dig into Roy’s belief that the best marketers are, above all else, curious problem-solvers. From big strategic challenges to everyday frictions, brands grow when they continuously ask: What is our problem? And what are we going to do about it?If you’re passionate about brand-building, leadership, creative discipline, or shaping culture through sport and storytelling, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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49:44
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49:44
106. Curiosity as a Career Strategy with Opella's Alberto Hernandez
From testing video games to leading global brands, Alberto Hernandez’s career has been defined by one thing: curiosity.He’s proof that asking “why?” (and acting on it) can lead to successful and continuous reinvention.In his words, the best marketers are “curious about people’s daily struggles.” They are in the business of solving problems in the best ways they know how.Alberto shared many valuable lessons in his chat with Declan but this one stuck with us: Be curious enough to see what’s next, and courageous enough to chase it.
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51:00
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51:00
105. Redefining Brand Value with Hollard's Group CMO Hazel Chimhandamba
In this episode, Hazel Chimhandamba, CMO of Hollard Insurance, chats to Declan about what it really means to be a commercial growth enabler. From redefining brand value to leading with data-driven creativity, Hazel shares how modern marketers can build influence in the boardroom and create brands people actually love.We cover:Turning purpose into performanceBuilding operating models that drive impactCreating customer-led value propositionsProtecting and growing brand equityFollowing the eyeballs and meeting your audience where they are"Marketing belongs in the boardroom because that’s where growth happens.”
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44:34
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44:34
104. From 80 million to 1.2 billion and back again with Zorros Partners' Anthony Steward
How do you grow a business from R80 million to R1.2 billion, nearly lose it, and then sell it to one of South Africa’s biggest retailers?Anthony Steward, co-founder of Medicare Health and now Zorros Partners, joins Declan to share the real story behind the numbers, including everything from the humbling lessons of over-ambition to the power of focus, trust, and vulnerability in leadership.One of the most honest, reflective conversations we’ve had yet.
Your fireside‑chat podcast powered by Engage Video Group, where data‑driven creativity meets human-centred storytelling 💪
Each episode features candid conversations with leading voices from global brands and top educational institutions.
Hosted by Jon Ratcliffe (Founder, ex‑Google/YouTube) and Declan Hollywood (Chief Growth Officer), as well as EVG’s Business Development Executives, the series brings together inspiring guests from diverse backgrounds, from financial services to creative tech, media, and global communications.
South Africa