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Listen "Turning Stories into Strategy at KPRM with Kopano Mashoana"
Episode Synopsis
Episode Summary
In this episode of South African Tech Marketers, Kopano Mashoana, founder and managing director of KPRM Media Solutions, shares her inspiring journey from freelancing during university to building a purpose-driven agency centered on conscious marketing. Kopano opens up about the grit it takes to grow a business from scratch, why empathy and storytelling are the foundations of great marketing, and how building a personal brand—especially on LinkedIn—can unlock opportunities you never imagined. Whether you’re an aspiring marketer or a seasoned pro, Kopano’s story is a masterclass in courage, intentionality, and community-driven growth.
Topics Discussed
Starting an agency at just 21 years old—and surviving the slow road to profitability
How freelancing and “working for free” built a powerful marketing portfolio
The importance of soft skills and empathy in hiring and client relationships
Why conscious marketing means aligning client work with purpose and impact
Growing from one-off projects to retainers and scaling a team in South Africa
Breaking away from toxic agency culture and redefining what work should feel like
Building a personal brand that’s more powerful than a logo
Why LinkedIn is the ultimate platform for South African marketers to get noticed
Key Takeaways
Empathy is your superpower. Great marketing comes from understanding people deeply—not just pushing products.
A portfolio beats a CV. In digital marketing, showing real work (even unpaid) matters more than qualifications.
Soft skills > technical skills. Curiosity, grit, and empathy will get you further than knowing every tool.
Personal branding is career insurance. Whether you run a business or work in corporate, being visible makes you employable and promotable.
LinkedIn is currency. Treat your profile and content as assets that can attract clients, investors, and new roles.
Culture fit matters both ways. Choose clients and teammates whose values align with your purpose.
Community creates opportunities. Surround yourself with marketers who share knowledge, support, and inspiration.
In this episode of South African Tech Marketers, Kopano Mashoana, founder and managing director of KPRM Media Solutions, shares her inspiring journey from freelancing during university to building a purpose-driven agency centered on conscious marketing. Kopano opens up about the grit it takes to grow a business from scratch, why empathy and storytelling are the foundations of great marketing, and how building a personal brand—especially on LinkedIn—can unlock opportunities you never imagined. Whether you’re an aspiring marketer or a seasoned pro, Kopano’s story is a masterclass in courage, intentionality, and community-driven growth.
Topics Discussed
Starting an agency at just 21 years old—and surviving the slow road to profitability
How freelancing and “working for free” built a powerful marketing portfolio
The importance of soft skills and empathy in hiring and client relationships
Why conscious marketing means aligning client work with purpose and impact
Growing from one-off projects to retainers and scaling a team in South Africa
Breaking away from toxic agency culture and redefining what work should feel like
Building a personal brand that’s more powerful than a logo
Why LinkedIn is the ultimate platform for South African marketers to get noticed
Key Takeaways
Empathy is your superpower. Great marketing comes from understanding people deeply—not just pushing products.
A portfolio beats a CV. In digital marketing, showing real work (even unpaid) matters more than qualifications.
Soft skills > technical skills. Curiosity, grit, and empathy will get you further than knowing every tool.
Personal branding is career insurance. Whether you run a business or work in corporate, being visible makes you employable and promotable.
LinkedIn is currency. Treat your profile and content as assets that can attract clients, investors, and new roles.
Culture fit matters both ways. Choose clients and teammates whose values align with your purpose.
Community creates opportunities. Surround yourself with marketers who share knowledge, support, and inspiration.
In God we trust