#Newsmaker: Up close with The Next Brand Ambassador winners

Sharadel Reddy, Chase Geyer and Mpho Monareng were crowned the winners of the debut season of The Next Brand Ambassador. Image supplied.

The trio’s tactical, creative and critical approach to problem-solving and creativity saw them beat out their fellow top five contestants Porschia Kim Pedro and Cebo Mpanza during their final challenge at the Capitec Live Better Talk event in Cape Town on 24 October. Soon they will be stepping into their new roles within Capitec’s marketing team. We caught up with them to learn more about what the competition experience was like for them and what they are most looking forward to from their new roles.

What motivated you to apply and what did you most and least enjoy?

Reddy: I've always had this inherent need to help and inspire people. I believed that a platform such as The Next Brand Ambassador would give me the weight needed to make the process way more impactful and possible.

I loved the entire experience. This being from regional selection to the national Top 12. The highs and lows somehow allowed me to evolve and flourish.

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Who knows this statement ➡️ “you can’t sit with us”? I know this statement all to well. I experienced it in my personal and professional life. The culture of exclusion has to stop. Capitec focuses on inclusivity. The brand aims to empower and inspire individuals to do more and be more. Capitec adopted the “you can sit with us” culture & that’s what the Brand Ambassadors aim to promote. Door opening, I got you SA �� #southafrica #bethebrand #capitec #brandambassador

A post shared by Sharadel Reddy (@sharadels_spaces) on Nov 13, 2019 at 11:27pm PST

I enjoyed how the show forces you to take a very holistic approach to marketing. You had to focus on every aspect in-depth, from creative to strategy. This helped me become more well-rounded.

I won't lie, I did not enjoy the constant grilling, even though it did help push us beyond our limits. After a few weeks, it became rather taxing. That said, it was that constant push and criticism of our skills that forced us to bring our best every single week.

Monareng: I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I felt like I had been in the industry for too long and I wanted fresh ideas, fresh thinking and a fresh mindset to marketing. I most enjoyed meeting and connecting with new marketeers and what I least enjoyed was all the fights that happened in the house.

What are you most looking forward to from your new role?

Reddy: I am looking forward to challenging myself and those around me. I am focusing on the change I can bring to South Africa. I will create a 'door opening culture' and change the occupational environment for young professionals like myself.

Geyer: I am looking forward to representing the brand. Embodying the values of Capitec and sharing those values with others. This is an important role, as you have the power to inspire and influence others. I love uplighting people and this platform will help me to do just that.

Monareng: I am looking forward to elevating and bringing fresh marketing ideas to Capitec. I know the bank is doing very well with everything that they're currently doing, but I would like to be part of their growth and determination to change people's lives, so I am really looking forward to bringing ideas that will be valuable to the business while also changing people's lives in the process.

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COLORFUL INDIVIDUALS ��

A post shared by Mpho Monareng (@couchpotato.sa) on Sep 9, 2019 at 7:35am PDT

Reddy: I have three prominent mentors professionally and personally:

• My mother: My mum has guided and supported me in every way possible. All my victories are owed to her. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for her.