Exploring the Intersection of People, Marketing, and Social Media!
In a world that’s increasingly becoming digital, there are individuals who proudly wear the badge of being analog. Among these exceptional souls is someone driven by an unwavering passion for people, a deep understanding of marketing, and an insatiable curiosity about the dynamic realm of social media. This person is none other than the embodiment of a harmonious blend between the analog and digital worlds.
Meet Mbali Cherry Ubisi, a trailblazing CEO at Trending Topix Agency. Her unique blend of interests—people, marketing, and the digital landscape—propelled her into this exciting sector.
Fascinated by how social media engages minds and evolves, Mbali envisioned a space where creativity and business partnerships could flourish. Her mission is clear: empower individuals to creatively express themselves while building collaborations with brands. At Trending Topix Agency, she transforms this vision into reality.
Mbali doesn’t just focus on numbers; she values stories of personal growth, brands finding their voice, and businesses thriving through partnerships. She’s become a guiding light for navigating social media’s complexity, turning it into an opportunity-rich landscape.
As CEO, Mbali isn’t just a leader; she’s a force for change, nurturing creativity, and championing collaboration. Her journey showcases how passion, vision, and expertise can revolutionize social media’s role in our lives. In a rapidly evolving digital world, Mbali exemplifies how embracing creativity and forging connections can reshape how we express and succeed in the vibrant realm of social media.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Could you elaborate on your company and its inception story?
Trending Topix Agency was born as a boutique operation with a clear vision to provide unique value to big brands and corporations. The company’s inception story revolves around offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional amplification strategies. We wanted to create trending conversations that were not only engaging and entertaining but also considered informative.
To achieve this innovative approach, Trending Topix strategically partnered with nano influencers. These influencers possess a remarkable ability to generate authentic and compelling conversations, setting them apart from mainstream influencers. By collaborating with these nano influencers, Trending Topix ensures that the content they create resonates with audiences on a deeper level, fostering engagement and brand loyalty.
Since its inception, our agency has become a trailblazer in the industry, crafting meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through captivating conversations. By focusing on authenticity, creativity, and thoughtful content. We continue to thrive and deliver exceptional results for our clients while remaining at the forefront of cutting-edge marketing.
As a leader, what do you consider the most crucial factor in driving the success and growth of your company?
I believe the most crucial factor in driving the success and growth of the company is fostering a culture of collaboration and embracing young, talented minds. By working closely with like-minded individuals who share the same passion and drive, we can tap into a wealth of creative ideas and innovative solutions.
How do you maintain a strong company culture and keep your team motivated and engaged?
One key aspect of our company culture is ensuring that individuals feel heard and valued. We actively seek input and feedback from team members, fostering an open and inclusive atmosphere. This helps us understand the needs and aspirations of our team, allowing us to align our goals with theirs. Transparency in leadership is also crucial. We ensure that the team is aware of the leadership structure and the roles it plays.
However, it’s equally important that our leadership doesn’t stifle the ingenuity and creativity of individual team members. We empower our team to take ownership of their work, encouraging them to think outside the box and contribute their unique ideas and perspectives. Regular recognition and appreciation are also integral to maintaining motivation and engagement. We celebrate achievements, both big and small, and acknowledge the efforts of our team members. This not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of pride in their work.
What are the key challenges you’ve faced as CEO, and how did you overcome them?
As a CEO, I’ve faced several key challenges in navigating the business world. One significant challenge has been dealing with difficult clients who attempt to dictate how to run the company. Differentiating between constructive and destructive criticism has been essential, as well as remaining composed and not reacting emotionally in such situations.
In the early stages of the business, I struggled with delegation. Initially, I believed I had to handle every aspect of the company myself, leading to potential burnout and inefficiency. Learning to trust and empower my team and business partner to fulfill their roles and responsibilities has been crucial in overcoming this challenge.
Furthermore, I have learned the importance of prioritizing self-care and taking time to rest. Recognizing that showing up in the best way possible for the company requires personal well-being and rejuvenation has been instrumental in my growth as a CEO.
In what ways has your company embraced innovation and technology to stay ahead in the market?
Our company fully embraces innovation and technology as essential components to stay ahead. We leverage social media as a primary communication channel, engaging with our audience and collaborating with content creators and topic experts to create impactful campaigns. To enhance our marketing strategies and gain valuable insights, we utilize various social listening tools and analytics platforms to analyze social media performance and gather valuable data. The data-driven approach allows us to optimize our campaigns and make informed decisions.
Recognizing the power of technology, we have taken a step further and started developing our own proprietary technology. This tech has been designed to streamline our internal processes and make our work more efficient. However, it has evolved into a valuable tool that can benefit others beyond our company. By creating our own system, we have come full circle, from using existing platforms and tools to becoming creators of technology that has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This innovative approach not only reinforces our position in the market but also strengthens our reputation as a forward-thinking and dynamic company.
What are your strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion within the organization?
We are a pioneering organization, proudly 100% black-owned and female-led. Our team is committed to promoting gender diversity, with an impressive 80% representation of women of color. Embracing the spirit of innovation, the median age in our agency stands at 27 years old, making us a dynamic youth-driven force in the industry.
How do you approach decision-making when faced with complex or critical situations?
At our organization, decision-making authority rests with the leadership. We believe that as leaders, we possess a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges we face. This insight enables us to empower our team to continue their excellent work without being disrupted by crisis management.
Delegating responsibilities strategically allows us to maintain a positive company culture and ensure that our team members remain focused and productive. It’s important to clarify that this approach does not imply any lack of trust or involvement in our team’s endeavors; rather, it reflects a conscious choice to allocate certain tasks while retaining a cohesive and supportive work environment.
What are the long-term goals and vision you have set for your company, and how do you plan to achieve them?
The agency of the future that we envision is a dynamic organization that harmoniously blends youthful exuberance with experienced leadership. It is a nurturing environment that prioritizes both company and individual growth, fostering a culture of continuous development. This forward-thinking agency inspires innovation, promoting creative thinking and pushing boundaries.
Crucially, it is an organization that empowers not only its employees but also every supplier and collaborator it engages with. Our vision is to create an ecosystem where everyone involved can thrive, maximizing their potential and achieving their best. In essence, our agency of the future is a collaborative powerhouse that embraces diversity, encourages growth and leads the way in shaping the industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs venturing into the same sector?
Embrace a passion for learning, as this field is constantly evolving and demanding new skills and knowledge. You must be agile and ready to pivot when needed, flexibility has been so crucial on this journey. Most importantly, hire individuals smarter than yourself, their expertise will strengthen your company. Remember, success doesn’t have a time limit; persistence and consistency will pave the way for long-term achievements.
Please give us a few testimonials from your clients and awards or recognition that accurately highlight your achievements in the corporate niche.
‘I really enjoyed working on the campaign with you and look forward to more’ – George Mnguni
‘We value your expertise and enjoy doing campaigns with you’ – M Sport Marketing
‘Your input is valuable, and we appreciate the work you have been doing since we began working with you as it improves our offering’ – LM Relations
