14 Jan The Wonder of Dr. Pepe Marais: Storyteller, Visionary, and Purpose-Driven Leader
Dr Pepe Marais is more than a keynote speaker – he’s a beacon of creativity and authenticity in the world of marketing and personal growth. As the co-founder of Joe Public, one of South Africa’s most celebrated independent agencies, he has transformed the advertising landscape with his commitment to purpose-driven branding.
His journey began with a serendipitous encounter with a graphic artist in Namibia, sparking a lifelong dedication to the creative industry. From those humble beginnings, Dr. Marais co-founded Joe Public, leading it to become a powerhouse of innovation and impactful storytelling. His relentless belief that creativity should be purposeful and aligned with human values has set him apart as not just a marketer, but also a much-valued thought leader.
The Soul of His Work
Dr. Marais’ impact extends far beyond award-winning campaigns. He is the author of Growing Greatness and 20 Habits That Break Habits, both of which delve into the importance of personal development and clarity of purpose. His belief that work should be a calling, not just a job, challenges conventional business thinking.
In a memorable keynote at Innovation City in 2022, Marais captivated his audience by emphasising the human side of business. He shared profound ideas such as:
- Humans are analogue, living in a digital world.
- The digital space should evolve to be more emotive, blending magic with logic.
- The next generation craves more fun and emotional connection online.
His insights resonated deeply, especially his call to bring back creativity, heart, and inspiration into professional spaces. He questioned why so many wait for Fridays when the magic can happen any day when purpose and passion align…
Transformative Perspectives
Dr Marais’ leadership style emphasises authenticity and purpose. He challenges businesses to find the one word that defines their core reason for being – a concept he calls a business’ “being name.” His philosophy on moving from scarcity to generosity and redefining success from mere profit to meaningful impact continues to inspire global audiences.
His ideas are not just theoretical but grounded in his own experiences and the transformative success of Joe Public. His ability to blend wisdom, vulnerability, and practical insights makes him a speaker who leaves lasting impact long after the applause fades.
Catch Him Live at Digital Mastery Summit 2025
We are honoured to have Dr. Pepe Marais as the keynote speaker for the Digital Mastery Summit 2025 happening on 27 February 2025 at Innovation City, Cape Town. His presentation, “Building Purposeful Brands in a Digital World,” promises to be a transformative experience, blending creativity, personal growth, and marketing mastery.
Seats are limited! More information and tickets available here.