M&C Saatchi Abel's Mike Abel, one of South Africa's leading marketing, advertising and communications specialists, has announced the launch of his new podcast, Willing & Abel. Abel is the founder of the award-winning agency M&C Saatchi Abel, a fast-growing advertising agency in South Africa.
According to Abel, challenging perspectives are more needed than ever at this point in history.
"Comments sections on news sites and social platforms are not known for their nuance," says Abel, a regular columnist. "So, I started this podcast to provide a space for conversations that allow for complexity and challenge perspectives."
In his new podcast, Abel aims to answer the following questions:
- How can we connect with others, despite our differences?
- How can we balance strength and vulnerability, hope and realism, traditions and tech?
- How do we keep moving onward and upwards as a society?
In candid conversations with some of the nation's top minds in business, entertainment, branding and social entrepreneurship, Abel explores the subjects of:
- leadership
- intuition
- how to contribute meaningfully in this uncertain world, and
- who to take with you on the journey.
"It's also a continuation of the ideas in my book Willing & Abel: Lessons from a Decade in Crisis and my ongoing belief in embracing a spirit of radical openness and sincere generosity. I hope this podcast inspires listeners to feel optimistic despite all the reasons to despair and take action in some positive way. And know that each one of us is part of the solution," adds Abel.
"Democratising these invaluable insights gives listeners a 'fly on the wall' opportunity to glean wisdom, learnings and lessons from brilliant and accomplished minds across sectors and industries," Abel says.
Guests include:
- Takealot group executive chairperson Mamongae Mahlare
- RISE Mzansi national leader Songezo Zibi
- Veldskoen founder and CEO Nick Dreyer
- LIFT co-founder Gidon Novick
- executive coach Joanne Smollan
- national cultural icon David Kramer
- South African AI Association (SAAIA) founder Dr Nick Bradshaw
- social entrepreneur Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba
- investor and consumer champion Steven Nathan
- community changemaker Mbali Ntuli, and
- M&C Saatchi Group South Africa CEO Jacques Burger.
While this is Abel's first podcast, it is not his first foray into the social impact space, says M&C Saatchi Abel. He has consulted with and supported many NGOs and was pivotal in creating The Street Store, the world's first free pop-up clothing "store" for those in need, which is celebrating its 10th year in 2024.
The first three episodes of Willing & Abel are available now on the following platforms:
Listeners can subscribe to ensure they don't miss new episodes, which are released every week until May 2024. The podcast was produced by 2Stories, concludes M&C Saatchi Abel.
*Image courtesy of contributor