HEY FRIEND, I CAN HELP YOU OUT 👋🏽
I've spent the past 10 years working in marketing. I've pivoted from being one the first female DJs & producers in Africa to leading digital & marketing for your favourite global brands by navigating my career across agency, consultancy, brand and now tech.
But here's the truth. The rules in marketing are shifting. The way we show up at work has shifted. We seek community and connection.
This is why Hype and Happening was created.
From a monthly podcast to weekly cheatsheets, join the community.
If its Hype, how did it Happen?
Desh
"Hype & Happening gives you the drop when you need it, keeping you informed. It's more than a podcast or resources - it's a community to empower you"
Desh Govender | Marketing Leader & Founder Hype & Happening
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MY MISSION
I thrive on turning cultural insights into innovative strategies that fuel business growth & make brands shine.
As your coach in culture I want to empower you through our Hype and Happening community giving you the tools you need to unlock insights and growth when it comes to culture & career.
CAREER JOURNEY
MY STORY
MARKETING LEADER IN TECH
CULTURE PLUG
SPEAKER
CREATOR
FROM THE DJ DECKS TO THE MARKETING DESK
HOW I PIVOTED FROM MUSIC INTO MARKETING
I departed my law studies to take up a career in music as I accidentally fell into a career as I pursued it over the weekends. As one of Africa's first female DJs & Producers (2006) I toured locally and internally over the next 5 years with a number 1 hit single. After booking my first gig in Ibiza from a Unilever campaign I was inspired to expand my career into marketing and pivoted into digital marketing securing my first agency role.
I AM SO PROUD OF THE COMMUNITY WE'VE BUILT OVER THE PAST DECADE
AS FEATURED IN
Leading content, community & social at leading agencies in South Africa working on a vast portfolio of brands across FMCG, Fintech, Beauty & Telco.
Roles: Social Media Lead, Content Lead
Brands: Absa, Vodacom, L'Oreal, Lexus, MTN, Hollard, Virgin, SABreweries, Heineken, Renault, Nestle, River Island.
AGENCY SEAT
THE FOUNDATION
CONSULTANCY SEAT
Building & executing digital strategies including creator & digital marketing. Working with Brands & Partner Agencies across Africa.
Roles: Digital/Strategy Consultant.
Brands: Accenture, L'Oreal, Virgin, SABreweries, Heineken.
STRATEGY ON DEMAND
Marketing Lead (Whisky) across 33 African markets. Building digital & culture strategies. Digital & Creator training across Africa, EU & NAM.
Roles: Johnnie Walker Marketing Lead (Diageo), Head Digital (Diageo SA) & Head Channels of Influence (ABinBev)
BRAND SEAT
MARKET MAVERICK STRATEGIES
TECH SEAT
Part of TikTok Africa Leadership Team within METAPSA. Leading Marketing and Strategy for TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa.
Roles: Head Marketing TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa
BUILDING THE FUTURE
B2B Creator Content that started off as Marketing tips on Social Media evolved into a community and podcast called Hype and Happening. The show has travelled locally and internationally unpacking the secrets of success that drive leaders in Marketing and Culture
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CREATOR SEAT
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP UNLEASED
CAREER LESSONS
WHAT FMCG
TAUGHT ME
The career pivot from digitally-centric functional roles to marketing was intentional.
Leveraging my extensive digital experience, I have navigated into this dynamic marketing realm to lead brands, as I develop holistic brand strategies, and cultivate strong consumer connections.
Bringing a brand to life is ensuring that along with the commercial & financial management, you are also crafting stories that resonate with the hearts and minds of the next-gen consumer.
Being a Marketing Manager isn't just a job – it's a responsibility to nurture relationships, drive growth, and guide the brand through the ever-changing currents of the market. It's about creating connections, both with our team and our audience, and turning ordinary products into experiences that people cherish.
My experience across 33+ African markets has also pushed me to ensure my global mindset & brands resonate with the local consumer. Getting "under the skin of the city you're in" is critical.
CAREER LESSONS
GOING INTO
TECH
My story is one of adaptability, strategic thinking, and a relentless drive to push brand growth forward, no matter how the market landscape dances and changes.
Being afforded the opportunity to lead the brand strategy & marketing for a giant such as TikTok was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I love how this shift has given me a broader perspective on business challenges. Leading Marketing, I get to zoom out and see the bigger picture working with product and operations team globally all whilst placing the consumer at the centre of what we do.
It's like switching from playing a single musical instrument to conducting the entire orchestra. I'm all about crafting cohesive brand strategies, collaborating with expert cross-functional teams, and building connections with our consumers to fuel business growth.
A seat at the leadership table also results in being confident & comfortable with making tough business decisions to future-proof the 3-5-year business plan.
Tech is the final piece that weaves my agency, consulting, and brand experience overlayed with culture-forward marketing & marketing effectiveness
CO-SIGNS FROM MARKETING LEADERSHIP
Zumi Jongwe
Marketing Director Diageo
(Now Marketing Dir at Nestle)
I am really proud of what Deshnie has achieved in 1 year in the business as she has really driven high increase in consumer conversations, brand awareness and helped us start the journey of driving in culture coolness of our brands. Her strengths are strong understanding of digital platforms, strong connections with key influencers and strong connections planning understanding.
Natalie Wills
Global Head Ciroc
(Now VP at Bookings.com)
Deshnie is a bright shining light of enthusiasm and optimism! When you work with Desh you can’t help but to feel inspired. She was critical to the success of the CIROC X MOSCHINO campaign in South Africa - bringing superb ideas to the table and delivering top notch results. Not only is she a pleasure to work with she is constantly up-skilling herself and as a result is always on top of trends and what is happening on the digital and cultural landscape. She inspires me and other woman to reach for the top and to never give up! If I could work with more Deshnie’s I would be extremely happy! Desh - thank you for all that you do! Never stop being as cool as you are!
Sifiso Pule
Marketing Manager Stella Artois & Corona
Deshnie is a Digital powerhouse and a zeitgeist of urban culture – the quintessential Plug! I have had the pleasure of working with Desh on category-leading campaigns across AB InBev’s super-premium brands, Corona and Stella Artois. Nothing is too difficult for Desh - just because something has never been done before is all the motivation she needs to pursue it. I admire her insatiable passion for learning and honing her skills! Above all her over achievements, Desh is such an awesome, genuine human being - very rare in our industry!