I work across five offices – two in Johannesburg, two in Cape Town and one in Durban.
I live in Gallo Manor in Sandton, and play wherever I go.
The question implies that I have fame? Not so sure about that.
I am, however, very proud to work with the best media group in South Africa. I get to learn about consumers, media and business every day. I really believe I know a little about a lot.
I started as an intern at The MediaShop in 1999, before leaving for 18 months to work for the late-Gordon Patterson, before returning “home” in 2004.
My then-boss Harry Herber told me in August 2004 that if I work hard, by 2006 he will promote me to management, by 2008 he will promote me to the board, and by 2010 I could run one of the offices. This is exactly what happened. I took over from Herber in January of 2011, and have had one helluva ride. I count myself very blessed to have had such a giving mentor.
I love learning. I love spending time with people and better understanding them, their businesses, and their lives. It makes me happy. Sport is also a real passion. I love running, playing squash and tennis, cricket and rugby, and especially MMA.
Our industry is amazing. We get to solve problems every day. No two days are ever the same, and we are on the cutting edge of so much innovation.
#DidYouKnow #SoWhat #KnowMore #DelveDeeper pic.twitter.com/8Qk6x4S9ee
— MetaMediaZA (@meta_za) February 27, 2019
I define my job by three things. For our group, I focus on 1) Vision; 2) Touch; and 3) Tone.
I try and spend time thinking and implementing new directions for the business (vision), I have regular meetings with clients and media owners (touch), and look at the work to ensure it is world class (tone). As I said, I really love my job.
My Bible. Google. Business Day.
MultiChoice. They have been industry leaders for more than 30 years, and they just keep expanding.
From launching new platforms like Showmax, to playing in the audio entertainment game with Joox, I just greatly admire how they keep growing and evolving. They are real pioneers.
Respect for each other.
Meetings starting late is a sign of disrespect. People treating others like suppliers is disrespect. Ignoring the views of partners is disrespect.I really think disrespect is a real pain point we need to fix.
We have just launched a second media agency called Meta Media, so raising and rearing this baby is huge.
At the same time, we have launched a holding company called Park Advertising, which houses both The MediaShop and Meta Media.
Big data. Integration. Automation. Transformation.
On the road. When I go for a run my head clears, and that allows space for new thoughts to enter.
I can speak a fair bit of Sesotho. I generally love listening in on conversations and then joining them at the right time.
Somewhere in between the two, I guess. I’m by no means a geek, but I do get mild palpitations when Wi-Fi is switched off…
In my pictures, you would find pics of my kids and funny “punny” jokes. I love myself a good pun. I’m very active on my Garmin app (for running), and also have an app for Bible reading. I am reading the Bible cover to cover in a year, and the app has amazing video content on the various books of the Bible.
Importance of male Christian leadership. https://t.co/smPp86TZlq
— Chris Botha (@chrismediabotha) September 20, 2018
Whatever advice you give your clients, you need to live yourself. You have to be distinct. You have to be physically and mentally available, you have to learn and grow. Lastly, see your career for what it is – a long-distance race. Long-term perspective and planning is everything.
Simple as that. Follow Botha on Twitter and Instagram; Meta Media on Twitter and Facebook; and The MediaShop on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.
