Women In Marketing 2024 Edition ft. Mpho Nyembe from SoluGrowth

In our latest Woman In Marketing interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mpho Nyembe, the Global Marketing Manager at SoluGrowth. Mpho shared her inspiring journey, including a remarkable stint where a temporary three-month role extended into a three-year impactful tenure. Currently, she is pursuing her MBA, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning. Mpho also discussed the evolving landscape of tertiary education, emphasizing the significant role of MOOCs in this transformation.

Personal Background:

Thanks for taking the time to participate in our ‘Women In Marketing’ feature. Where were you born, and what childhood memories stand out for you?

I was born in Soweto, at the legendary Baragwanath Hospital. My early years were a whirlwind of family love and a bit of chaos, first with my Grandmother’s sister in Zola 3, then moving to Zondi 2 with my “actual” grandmother, mom, uncle, aunt, and basically half the neighbourhood 😊!

It was your typical Soweto family home bustling, loud, and full of character.

One memory that stands out is when I was around six. My grandmother announced that we were moving to Freedom Park and that I would attend school in Eldorado Park. The big deal? I would be learning Afrikaans and English. Imagine my excitement! My cousins and I started speaking this hilarious mix of gibberish Afrikaans and English, practising for the big days.

It was such a unique experience, especially for a black child from Soweto it felt like I was stepping into a whole new world.

Little did I know that an early mix of cultures and languages would shape my journey into where understanding diverse perspectives is key!

Describe your high school and college years. You were the coolest one, right?

Oh, high school was a blast! I was the smallest and shortest person in the entire school — I am still short and small! In my first year, the seniors took to me right away. They would buy me lunch and sweets during breaks, and I became this tiny little mascot they loved to play around with. They would even pick me up and sometimes pop me into a wheeled bin, pushing me around like some sort of mini race car. It was all in good fun. I guess that made me the popular smallest person with the biggest laughs!

College, on the other hand, was a different story. I had to study a bit later in life due to financial challenges, as no one at home was working. But I was lucky that my employer at the time, IBM, covered my marketing studies at IMM Graduate School. In a way, I am glad it worked out this way. By the time I got to study, marketing had evolved, and I could directly apply what I was learning to my work. It was a rewarding experience — proof that sometimes, taking the long route has its perks!

What’s your favourite meal that you wouldn’t share with anyone?

Pap, eggs, and mango atchaar (if you know, you know) hahaha!

What would be your plans for a sudden $10 million windfall if you were to receive it tomorrow?

If I were to receive a sudden $10 million windfall tomorrow, I would first start with my family. Coming from a big, humble background, I believe that any success or wealth I gain should uplift those around me. I would ensure that my extended family is well taken care of and has the support they need.

With the rest, I would invest in something close to my heart; starting a nonprofit organisation focused on career guidance for township and rural communities. There is such a huge gap in these areas where career support and guidance are concerned. Too many young people have potential but lack direction — I would love to help bridge that gap, providing them with the tools and mentorship to shape their futures.

Can you share an interesting fact or hidden talent not found on your LinkedIn profile? Previous Women in Marketing candidate Anastasia Hamel says that she can breathe fire!

My superpower is influence specifically, the kind that sparks positive transformation in others. I have a unique ability to uplift people and inspire them to mirror the good I do. It is about creating a ripple effect, where positive actions and behaviours spread naturally through my influence. It is all about igniting positive change and making good things happen.

Career and Work:

How do you typically start your day, and are you #TeamCoffee, #TeamTea, or both?

I am definitely #TeamTea, though I occasionally dip into #TeamCoffee territory. On warm summer mornings, my day usually kicks off with a refreshing gym session followed by a smoothie to keep the energy flowing! It is my way of staying balanced and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me.

What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing? Didn’t the “I want to become a doctor” bug bite you?

Oh, no doctor bug for me 😊!

When I was younger, I did dream of becoming a doctor, but that quickly changed during my teenage years. I was heavily involved in a community group where we acted, sang, danced, and even did gumboot dancing. I was quite the star in our little productions, and I thought, This is it! I am destined to be an actor, a TV star, and live a glamorous life!” (Oh, the dreams of youth!).

However, my mom had a different view. She saw acting more as a hobby than a career. Fast forward to my time at IBM, where I started with a temporary receptionist role. When the events coordinator went on maternity leave, I stepped in for what was supposed to be three months but turned into three incredible years. Working closely with the marketing team at the IBM Innovation Center, I discovered my passion for marketing and technology. Engaging with clients and partners, I realised this was my calling. So, I embraced it and decided, I wanted to be a marketeer!

You obtained your MBA at Henley Business School (You Go, Girl!!). Considering the rise of online educational platforms like Coursera and Google Skillshop, how do you foresee the future of tertiary-based education?

Oh, I am still on my MBA journey — graduation is still a little way off, but it has been a fascinating ride so far! 😊

Looking ahead, I see the future of tertiary education evolving significantly. Instead of traditional 3–4-year degrees, we will see a shift towards shorter, more targeted international online courses that offer practical and impactful learning experiences. Platforms like Coursera and Google Skillshop are paving the way for this transformation, making education more accessible and tailored to the skills people need in today’s fast-paced world. It is an exciting time for learning, with endless possibilities for those seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.

Many industries had to create systems overnight that would enable their respective workforces to work from home due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s your perspective on remote and hybrid work, and how have you dealt with its challenges? Do you have a preference?

Currently, I am fully remote and love the flexibility it offers, allowing for better productivity and work-life balance. Remote and hybrid work have their respective pros and cons, but I believe in hybrid for its balance. Regular team-building activities, transparency, and flexible hours help keep communication and culture strong. Virtual coffee chats and informal check-ins also help maintain that office vibe. For me, hybrid work offers the best of both worlds enhancing culture, onboarding, and collaboration.

AI is the hot topic of the day, most specifically, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. How do you address the challenges you face in your day-to-day responsibilities? Any specific tools you’d like to plug us with?

AI, especially generative tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, is indeed a hot topic and has made a significant impact in many areas. In my day-to-day responsibilities, I use AI tools to streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and drive creativity. For instance, I leverage generative AI for drafting content, brainstorming ideas, and automating repetitive tasks, which frees up valuable time for more strategic work (and maybe a tea break or two).

With new AI tools popping up daily, it is like being in an ever-expanding tech playground. One tool I have found particularly impressive is Napkin AI. It is like magic for turning notes into visuals, perfect for those moments when you wish your scribbles would magically turn into something presentable and understanding complex information.

Of course, the trick is integrating these tools into our workflows without letting them take over. While AI is a fantastic ally, I always make sure to blend its capabilities with my personal insights and strategic thinking. After all, even the best tech needs a human touch to hit the sweet spot of success.

According to the WEF, the pandemic caused a 4.2% reduction in women’s employment compared to 3% of men (from 2019 to 2020). How can organisations better support women and mothers, especially in light of the pandemic’s impact on women in the workplace?

The stats show that organisations need to step up in supporting women and mothers. Balancing work and family can feel like juggling on a tightrope, so here’s how companies can help:

First, flexible work arrangements are key. Offering remote work, flexible hours, and job-sharing options can help working parents thrive without feeling like they’re part of a circus act. It’s about giving them the space to manage both work and family with ease.

Next, enhanced parental leave is essential. Equitable leave for both parents ensures they can enjoy those early moments without worrying about work piling up. It’s not just a nice gesture; it’s a necessary step toward equality.

Supportive childcare solutions, like on-site childcare or subsidies, can also be a game-changer. When parents have access to affordable, reliable childcare, they can focus on their work without constantly checking in on the babysitter.

Additionally, career development programs are crucial. Mentorship and development opportunities give women the tools they need to climb the corporate ladder — no diaper bags required!

Tackling bias and inequality is another important step. Cultivating an inclusive workplace where everyone has a fair shot, regardless of gender or background, is essential for real progress.

Finally, mental health and well-being support should not be overlooked. Providing resources to help employees manage stress ensures they can keep their cool without needing a superhero cape.

Organisations can create a supportive environment where women and mothers can truly shine, making juggling work and family feel less like a high-wire act and more like a well-choreographed dance!

How can organisations ensure equal opportunities for women to advance into executive positions?

Ensuring equal opportunities for women to advance into executive positions is a bit like trying to build a bridge. Only this bridge needs to support the whole team and be sturdy enough to manage the weight of talent and ambition. Here’s how organisations can make that bridge both strong and welcoming:

Think of it like using a GPS for career advancement. Clear, objective criteria for promotions ensure everyone is on the same map and heading in the right direction, not just taking the scenic route.

Offer mentorship and leadership programs designed specifically for women. It is like giving a GPS with all the best routes, shortcuts, and detours to navigate the journey to executive roles.

Run training sessions on unconscious bias like a GPS recalibration. It helps everyone get back on track and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, so no one’s career path gets lost in the fog of bias.

Establish clear diversity and inclusion targets, and track progress by checking your car’s mileage. Regularly reviewing these goals ensures the organisation is making meaningful strides and not just idling in the same spot.

Foster an environment where women can connect with peers and senior leaders. It is like building a supportive pit crew that offers guidance, encouragement, and a few high-fives along the way.

Beyond mentorship, encourage senior leaders to actively sponsor high-potential women. Think of it as having a champion in your corner, ready to advocate for you in the boardroom and beyond.

Organisations can build a bridge to executive roles that are not only inclusive but also a testament to the diverse and dynamic leadership teams we aspire to have. It is about making sure everyone, regardless of gender, can reach the top without getting lost along the way.

2024 and Beyond:

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

Do not be afraid to ask questions, and do not worry so much about having all the answers. Curiosity is your superpower, so embrace it! Also, remember to trust your instincts and enjoy the journey. It is okay to make mistakes along the way, they often lead to the best lessons.

What are your personal or professional goals and aspirations for the future? We hope to see you on Forbes’ Most Influential CMOs list. No pressure!

Of course, being featured on Forbes’ Most Influential CMOs list is on my radar 😊. But first, I am focused on working towards an executive position where I can drive purposeful impact and meaningful change. One step at a time and make a difference along the way!

Who are some of your sheroes?

I will start at home with my grandmother.

Her unwavering support and endless love shaped me into the person I am today. She instilled in me the belief that no dream is too big, and no challenge is undefeatable. Her influence is knitted into the fabric of my being, reminding me that true heroism often lies in the simple, everyday acts of love and sacrifice, shaping the next generation in ways that resonate through time.

The second person is Rebecca Kanoerera. She is a leader who saw potential in a young woman without experience and gave me a chance at a big corporate firm. Her belief in me, along with her mentorship and leadership, has left a permanent mark on my career. I will forever be grateful for her guidance and the opportunities she provided.

What are you currently reading, and how do you consume your content?

I love reading on paper, I think I absorb the content more easily that way. Right now, I am not reading any books because I am deep into my literature reviews and research papers. But I recently finished ‘The Mountain Is You’ by Brianna Wiest.

What are you currently streaming that you’d recommend?

‘Owning Manhattan’ on Netflix, real estate mogul Ryan Serhant leads one of the biggest firms in New York and pushes his agents to greatness while tackling the most expensive listings.

You wake up one day, and before you know it, you are nearing retirement. What would you like your professional legacy to be? Furthermore, what do your colleagues and superiors admire about you the most?

I would love to leave a legacy of building a centre that helps high school learners discover and pursue opportunities, empowering them to reach their dreams.

As for what my colleagues and superiors admire most about me, they often describe me as someone who, like a rose, continually grows and evolves. I strive to improve with each season, learning from every experience and nurturing my skills. My drive and passion for growth inspire those around me, making me a natural leader who encourages others to flourish.

One colleague even said I am a breath of fresh air in the workplace. My happy and free-spirited nature brings positivity and energy to every team interaction. With a sassy wit and unique charm, I make conversations both memorable and approachable. My clever insights and problem-solving skills shine through in my work, earning respect and admiration from everyone around me.

We are always looking for amazing Women In Marketing to profile. Who would you like us to get in touch with?

My friend Mpho Hlalele, Head of Marketing at BoxFusion and Ayanda Khumalo, Marketing Account Manager at Pink Elephant SA.

Share a unique message for young professionals in the marketing industry.

Be curious, ask questions, and stay aware of what’s happening around you — whether at home, work, or in the market. Your curiosity and awareness will fuel your growth and help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the marketing industry.

Thank you for your time, Mpho. We hope this interview will inspire future leaders and other Women in Marketing. How can people follow you and your company on social media?

It has been a pleasure 😊, people can follow me on LinkedIn