Episode 27 - Mervyn D'Couto

🎙️ Podcast: Inside ALX Africa with Kuda MangweHow do you build a brand that feels personal to millions of young people across an entire continent, each with their own culture, ambitions and everyday realities?For our latest BrandSpot podcast, we spoke with Kuda Mangwe, Director of Brand at ALX Africa, one of the continent's largest tech and leadership skills accelerators.We talked about what being Director of Brand means at ALX, what the brand stands for and the role it wants to play in the lives of young Africans. We also explored its roots in the African Leadership Group, why ALX speaks about career transformation rather than education or training, and the story behind its "Learning Fit for Jugglers" idea.We discussed how ALX keeps its brand feeling local for learners from Morocco to South Africa, and how its alumni community can take ownership of the brand as it grows. We also looked at Chidi, the AI learning companion ALX has put in front of more than 200,000 learners, and the challenge of giving an AI product a personality that still feels like ALX.Finally, we looked ahead to the legacy Kuda hopes the ALX brand will leave for the next generation of young Africans.It was a fascinating conversation about building a brand with real purpose across a continent.🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Kuda Mangwe of ALX Africa on BrandSpot.

🎙️ *Podcast: Inside HeyBobo with Mervyn D’Couto*What happens when AI moves beyond simply answering questions and becomes a companion that can understand more about your everyday life?For our latest BrandSpot podcast, we spoke with *Mervyn D’Couto, CMO of HeyBobo*, about the idea behind HeyBobo and what it means to build an AI companion designed to support people in their day-to-day lives.We talked about what first inspired HeyBobo, what Mervyn has learnt about the kind of help people actually want from AI, and why the platform brings different parts of daily life together in one companion.We also discussed AI and wellbeing, the importance of trust and privacy when an AI learns about you, and the challenge of making its guidance feel genuinely useful and personal.Finally, we looked ahead to what Mervyn is most excited about and what HeyBobo could make possible in the future.It was a really interesting conversation about where AI is heading and, more importantly, how it can be made genuinely useful for the people using it.🎧 *Listen to the full conversation with Mervyn D’Couto of HeyBobo on BrandSpot.*

In this episode of BrandSpot, I’m joined by Keith Chipudhla, Co-Founder and Head Grower at Vitagrow Urban Farms, a pioneering hydroponic farming business based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Keith shares the remarkable journey from studying finance in China to building one of Zimbabwe’s most innovative urban agriculture businesses, with a vision to transform how fresh produce is grown, distributed and consumed across Africa.We explore the challenges and opportunities of building a brand in an emerging industry, the importance of solving real food supply issues, and how Vitagrow is combining innovation, sustainability and education to create lasting impact within local communities.Tune in as we discuss:Keith’s unexpected journey from finance graduate to hydroponic farming entrepreneurHow Vitagrow evolved from a small backyard greenhouse into a thriving commercial operationThe challenges of educating the market while building a brand in the growing hydroponics and vertical farming sectorThe role of Vitagrow Empower in training and supporting the next generation of farmersA must-listen for entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, food industry professionals, brand leaders, and anyone interested in how innovation can create meaningful change in communities across Africa.

In this episode of BrandSpot, I’m joined by Lucy Balona from the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). We explore the vital work CANSA is doing to support individuals and families affected by cancer across South Africa, as the organisation marks an incredible 95 years of impact.We discuss how cancer care has evolved over the decades, what it means for CANSA to be “future-focused”, and how the organisation is expanding its reach through both physical care initiatives and digital platforms. From emotional support to early detection, this conversation highlights the human side of cancer care and the importance of accessible, community-driven services.Tune in as we discuss:How cancer care in South Africa has changed over the past 95 years and where it’s headingWhat CANSA’s “future-focused” approach looks like in practiceWhy emotional and practical support are just as critical as medical treatmentThe challenges around early detection and what’s preventing more people from getting screenedThe role of partnerships in driving meaningful, on-the-ground impactPractical advice for anyone concerned about cancer and where to startA must-listen for healthcare professionals, non-profit leaders, caregivers, and anyone interested in how organisations are making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.

In this episode of BrandSpot, I’m joined by Kelly Hiller, Chief Marketing Officer, and Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand at Purdue University. We explore how Purdue has built one of the most trusted university brands in the United States and what it takes to sustain that reputation in an increasingly competitive and evolving higher education landscape.We discuss the thinking behind Purdue’s brand strategy, the balance between heritage and innovation, and how trust is cultivated across a diverse and global community of students, alumni, faculty and partners.Tune in as we discuss:The journey behind Purdue being recognised as the Most Trusted University Brand and what that means for the institutionHow Purdue builds and maintains trust across its wide-ranging audiencesThe key initiatives and brand decisions that have shaped Purdue’s identity in recent yearsHow storytelling and positioning help differentiate Purdue in a crowded higher education marketThe role of leadership, collaboration and consistency in strengthening brand culture at scaleA must-listen for brand leaders, higher education professionals, marketing strategists, and anyone interested in how institutions can build and sustain trust in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of BrandSpot, I’m joined by Jhon Parra, Leader of Customer Experience in Transformation and Evolution at Protección. We discuss how digital transformation is redefining the company’s channels and the way it serves its customers.We explore the strategic vision behind Protección’s digital evolution, the milestones that have defined its transformation journey, and how the organization is building the infrastructure for a more connected, responsive customer experience.Tune in as we discuss:∙The origins of Protección’s digital transformation journey and the strategic imperatives that set it in motion∙How Protección has approached the complexity of transforming established processes and systems at scale∙The role of leadership and organizational culture in embedding a customer experience mindset throughout digital changeA must-listen for digital transformation leaders, financial services professionals, customer experience strategists, and anyone interested in how forward-thinking institutions are building the future of client engagement.

In this episode of BrandSpot, I’m joined by Kingsley Jackson, CEO of Gastec, to discuss how innovation in gas technology is shaping energy solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.We explore Gastec’s recent recognition as “Most Innovative Gas Technology Solution Provider – Sub-Saharan Africa 2025” by Global Brand Magazine, the breakthrough technologies behind that achievement, and how the company balances cutting-edge innovation with safety, reliability, and sustainability in complex markets.Tune in as we discuss:* What the Global Brand Magazine award means for Gastec and its team* The key innovations and technologies driving Gastec’s success* How Gastec navigates infrastructure, regulatory, and local market challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa* The importance of talent development and building local technical capacity* How partnerships and collaborations fuel innovation at scale* Gastec’s vision for the next five years and the future of gas technologyA must-listen for energy professionals, infrastructure leaders, innovators, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable energy solutions in emerging markets.

In this episode of BrandSpot, I sit down with Abeer El-Leithy, CEO and co-founder of Momken For Her, to explore how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can unlock opportunity for women at every stage of their careers.We talk about Abeer’s journey from pharmacy and biochemistry into marketing and social enterprise, and how those early experiences shaped her mission to help women return to work, reskill, or start entirely new career paths — regardless of age or background.Tune in as we discuss:* The career pivot that led Abeer from science into entrepreneurship* The moment she realised there was a critical gap in support for women re-entering the workforce* The challenges of building a purpose-led platform — and how Momken For Her overcame them* Real stories of women who rebuilt confidence and careers through the Momken community* Why partnerships are key to scaling impact and creating sustainable change* A powerful message for women who feel it may be “too late” to start againA must-listen for women navigating career transitions, founders building impact-driven businesses, and anyone passionate about inclusive growth and meaningful work.

In this episode of BrandSpot, I chat with Dan Goldberg, Co-founder & CEO of Bridgement, about how smart finance and data-driven tech are reshaping the future for South African SMEs.We dive into the challenges small businesses face, practical uses of data science, and how Dan’s engineering and banking background influences the way he builds solutions that help small and medium sized businesses grow.Tune in as we discuss:* The biggest financing barriers South African SMEs face* How Bridgement uses data science to support smarter, faster lending* Real examples of SMEs transformed through accessible funding* Where the next big opportunities lie for small businesses in SAA must-listen for founders, fintech fans, and anyone curious about the next era of business lending.

In this episode of BrandSpot, we sit down with Sergey Ryzhavin, Director of B2COPY and a fintech product veteran with over 15 years in trading, brokerage, and technology. With a rare 360° view of the financial markets — from trader to platform architect — Sergey shares how all-in-one money management platforms like B2COPY are reshaping the trading landscape.From Copy Trading to PAMM and MAM services across MT4, MT5, and cTrader, we explore how brokers are scaling smarter, faster, and more securely.Tune in as we discuss:The rise of integrated money management systemsHow brokers are tapping into automation for growthReal-world insights on aligning tech with trader behaviorIf you're in fintech, brokerage, or just fascinated by where trading tech is headed, don’t miss this powerful conversation.