My grandFather advised me to be self employed'

Creative Director – S’buko Sesive Advertising Agency

Be self-employed was the best advice I've ever received and it came from my grandfather. It's ok to work for someone else in order to gain experience in a particular field but the goal must be to then use that experience to cultivate your own enterprise. This is the point where I'm at right now by having established S'buko. When I was younger my grandfather's advice was difficult to understand but now that I'm older it's clearer.

I believe you become more experienced than wise as you grow. Time is the best teacher and you practically need to experience something so you know what works and what doesn't and that's wisdom.

The UK was my first country abroad. I went there as I wanted to explore advertising on a global level and get more exposure in the advertising field especially in London. My advice to anyone wanting to enter this field is to be a good observer than participator which I equate to a form of social science. I would further advise them to travel to London as I find it's still number one in advertising. Advertisers there have a distinct understanding of the power of communication. For example, the UK was perceived as grey and stiff and generally people were more inclined to lifestyles of Americans, French and Italians. The Brits became quite vigilant in changing that perception by rebranding the country which resulted in them being the best advertisers.

My nickname is Karl Marx, don't ask me why, ask my friends as I have no idea whatsoever!

Hmm...I recall my mum's childhood remedy was Castor Oil especially before embarking on a long trip! She would say to us it's best to clean our tummys so that singeno-hlupha along the way! Ha! Ha! This was followed by gulping down an orange! Oh another one was to pour salt over a bleeding wound.

My best comedian award would go to Kedibone Mulaudzi from South Africa. I've had the opportunity of working with him way back when he was still unknown and starting out and I've watched him grow and do well which has been encouraging. I also like the entire Madea range as it's an interesting approach to comedy.

Going home after work and being with my daughter, Moya is my Comfort Zone. I play with her and do all sorts of baby activities and googoo and gaga talk! I find children so unconditional, honest and trusting. Her smiles and giggles just make my day!

I make a mean dish with fish! I enjoy cooking and without a doubt can spin some magic with fish.

In the brotherhood we want a brother to trust you enough to open up, but we also don't want for the brother to then betray my trust in him. Emotional blackmail is a big NO because it means you are using my weaknesses against me. Guys at a certain point in their lives become more ambitious. Collectively we support each other's visions and help each other but it wouldn't necessarily for example mean that we should open a company together.

There's no coincidence. Everything happens for a reason as we are part of a bigger plan, for example, the way you would meet someone, what you say it's all part of a grand plan.

Saying what you mean is important. It could be offensive but it's not a sin. People presume that sometimes by speaking the truth you are sinning. I believe as long as your conscience is clear about what you said. I may feel bad about it but as long as I know that what I've said is not a sin.

As neighbours we should be civil. We don't have to be the best of friends but do say hi.

If I were to be a global ambassador for a cause it would be to restore African dignity. We tend to be apologetic for what we say and do. If dignity can be restored we can deal with the rest. This can be achieved by first of all, campaigning for African stories to be heard in different spheres of communication, say a movie, poem or song. What I've learnt from Jews is that from the holocaust and being downtrodden to where they are today they never forget what has happened to them. They acknowledge this by reminding themselves of the realistic importance of freedom and determination not a mirage of what it should be. This inspires me to face reality.

Board games and playing any type of games is generally not my thing but chess is the closest I'll get to as it resembles aspects of life, like how to deal with people and strategy. I'm an average player but chess has taught me to save the best move for last. Scrabble is another as I am a wordsmith and words are an important aspect of my work.

Perceptions become reality. This is what everyone should know about the power of advertising. Advertising can assist with building, rebuilding or correcting an image to control perceptions. If a company doesn't do anything about its corporate perceptions they can become their publics REALITY. In my early advertising days we were taught that adverts control minds and hearts of people. I've found that in Swaziland when we pitch a concept to a corporation it's best to involve the CEO, Marketing Manager and Financial Manager. The CEO focuses on whether the concept supports the company's Vision, marketing focuses on execution and finance will consider resources to support the advertising strategy. This also assists with quicker feedback and turnaround times.

Is the answer always Yes for customers? It's important to understand that power can corrupt. It also depends how it moulds me. For example, a client may have money to spend hence they assume a position of authority and can sometimes disregard your expertise. I believe you can't have a blanket approach where money is concerned. We have to be careful about always saying Yes because when a situation backfires you can get caught in the crossfire. I like to deal with a person's conscience versus the person in front of me. Gauge the person and advise them, they might not accept your advice but at least they'll be informed.

Sir Richard Branson has made an impact on me because he's a self-made billionaire. He's achieved everything as a result of his own toil.

He's ventured into no go zones, which has led to his success and outwitting competition. If you can't beat them change the game. I believe if you don't change the game the rules are likely to remain in a master-servant or teacher-student relationship. Level the playing field for equality.

My best adverts of all time are the BMW advert with a mouse which was basically promoting power steering. The second was for an Australian beer called XX XX. It depicts a man driving a car with the beer on the front passenger seat and the woman in the back seat. Lastly, the Nike ad with Michael Jordan promoting Nike Air sneakers.

Kids are a necessary resource we should take good care of. Whatever we aspire as adults it's important to involve them in the process as they'll be the ones to finish off what we have started.

Vogue is being a good listener. It's a waste of time to sit and have a conversation with someone and they're not listening but just rushing to jut in and talk about their view instead and usually, their story will be more grand, more important, more adventurous, more sadder or worse etc than yours. If you don't listen it's like you are not sharing a part of yourself with the person you are conversing with.

Rediscovering Swaziland is in the culture especially if you've spent time away from here. Our culture is such a gem. It's survived colonialism and time. It's our treasure no money can buy!

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