I am a Gauteng Province (GP) woman. I know GP is huge, so to be specific, I run the streets of Johannesburg North. So that’s where I work, play and eat.
My sense of humour and my dancing skills – good to some, and outdated to others. Oh, and my out-of-tune singing tone.
I have had an enormous amount of fun in most of the career choices I have made, except one – which I will plead the Fifth on. Marketing and broadcasting run in my veins. Advertising is my soul.
Travelling to new and unchartered destinations, playing tennis when my frozen shoulder isn’t bothering me, and I enjoy learning new things – I still need to learn to ride a motorbike.
The passion the people possess and display. The fluidity in their approach to problem-solving and the frankness, sometimes with respect.
The people make this industry what it is, and their commitment to their work is immeasurable.
Which average day? OK, I will give you ‘Wednesday’, which you can replicate to 90% of my week. Meetings, meetings and more meetings, answering endless emails and returning all the missed calls I received whilst I was in the meetings.
The tools of my trade are; diplomacy, and dealing with fact rather than emotion.
Kindness is paramount.
I cannot pick and choose. I lead a member-based organisation and everyone is equally important.
The industry is not about the one getting it right, but rather the collective. When we all pull together, this industry finds its place in the sun.9. List a few pain points the industry can improve on.
At the time of writing: The 2019 Apex Awards, ACA Bursaries for Copywriting, setting up of the MAC Charter Council, positioning of advertising as a career.
Digital engagement, transformation, black female leadership.
When I am having breakfast in bed.
Dancing like a fool. I embarrass my daughter all the time.
Thank you Mathe for putting in an amazing event in an inspiring new venue! Wow �� #APEXawards2019 pic.twitter.com/Ksx7SJIiui
— Karin Du Chenne (@karinduchenne) July 11, 2019
TECHNOPHILE! Anything I buy, I ask for the advanced technological version of that product.
If it doesn’t exist I am highly disappointed, even if it’s toilet paper.
A gazillion photos, word games and love letters to my daughter.
Show up, don’t be afraid to be you, set goals and commit.
Simple as that. Follow Okaba on LinkedIn and Instagram; and follow the ACA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds for the latest updates.
*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.