In an advertising industry constantly bemoaning the lack of talent – particularly black talent – it’s refreshing to meet a determined young man who came into the business eleven years ago as an ambitious junior account executive in the same agency he now owns. In 1999, Groovin Nchabeleng founded an advertising agency called Blueprint and grew it to a formidable force. He shocked the industry last year when he bought Leo Burnett advertising agency with his partner, Billy Modise, Chief of State Protocol. His personal blueprint has mirrored his ambitions. Groovin is now Chief Executive Officer of Leo Burnett Group South Africa and has been recognised for his many achievements by his peers as indicated by the esteemed AdReview 2007 honouring him as “Advertising Person of the Year”. Where does he plan to go from here? “I intend to bring Leo Burnett South Africa back into the South African limelight, generating below-the-line returns for our stakeholders, both internal and external.” Groovin defines stakeholders as shareholders, employees, suppliers and, most emphatically, clients. “Our clients are what make us tick – we are there to build their images, build and enhance their brands. We aim to use our creative, strategic and media talent to advantage each client. That is my first task and I’m driving the agencies in the Group in this direction.” “I have another business strategy,” he adds, “to employ talented black people to add another dimension to our skill sets. I don’t want black because they are black – Leo Burnett, Starcom, Red Nail and MS&L will only grow and prosper with skilled and talented people in their respective teams.” Acknowledging the dearth of black people in the industry, Groovin believes that he and the Leo Burnett Group in South Africa can make a difference. “Where will I find them? It won’t be easy but I will recruit them and when they are in our companies, we will motivate, mentor and monitor their careers.”