Keynote speaker and digital marketing strategist
Marketing teams, brand leaders, creative agencies, entrepreneurs, and organisations seeking to increase digital impact, relevance, and shareability
Influencer marketing has taken the world by storm.
Think about the Kardashians and how anything they post to Instagram results in record sales drives for that particular product or service.
This is a tale of the antithesis of this trend; welcome to unfluencer marketing.
Mike Sharman talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format and has received more than 4,500 views since it was posted to YouTube last month.
Length: 45mins – 60mins (flexible)
B R A N D A L I S M, is the follow up to his bestselling, award-winning debut, as well as his brand new keynote.
Mike Sharman delves into the (start)ups and downs associated with brand building and the need for business to dismantle, and vandalise its perceived, public-facing, persona.
The future of PR and influence, when – or if – to launch a new business as opposed to a division, raising capital, the impact of presentations, startup school fees, and emphasis on a manifesto rather than purpose, are the aspects
Mike obsesses over in this insightful presentation, wrapped in his trademark, comedic delivery.
The co-founder of the creative, digital agency that has made more brands ‘go viral’, globally, than any other agency in Africa, Mike Sharman uses unique storytelling proposition to provide insight into 10 years of building a business from scratch, while elevating his clients to emotional, (commercial) cult status.
Length: 45mins – 60mins
#MyKreepyTeacher was Kreepy Krauly’s most successful digital marketing campaign in the brand’s history, and its most ‘viral’ campaign.
Our campaign was a branded content, news hijacking tactic – supported by traditional and digital PR methods – that 702 called ‘an astonishing piece of creative! The timing is perfect. It shows enormous courage.’
The campaign is one of the most successful PR campaigns as it was collectively viewed by two billion people, globally, and made a direct impact on Kreepy Krauly sales, in the midst of a pandemic – a 20 per cent increase year on year.
Mike Sharman keynote delves into the science of ‘going from zero to viral in 96 hours’
Length: 45mins – 60mins (flexible)
Mike Sharman is a pioneering South African marketer, storyteller, and digital strategist whose career demonstrates how bold creative thinking, backed by data and cultural insight, can propel brands into the global spotlight. As co founder of Retroviral, he has launched more than one hundred high impact campaigns, many of which achieved international virality and redefined how brands engage audiences online. Mike is known for a signature approach that fuses creativity with analytics, resulting in narratives that resonate deeply and spread organically across platforms.
His work has earned recognition from leading industry bodies including the Bookmarks and the Loeries, yet the true measure of his impact lies in the lasting cultural imprint of his campaigns. Whether through satire, emotional storytelling, or social commentary, Mike consistently taps into the zeitgeist, transforming brand messages into movements that people want to share.
A natural storyteller, Mike is also an accomplished author. His first book, The Best Dick: Made in South Africa, blends humour with hard earned marketing wisdom, tracing the journey of building a daring, idea driven agency.
Mike Sharman’s career is a masterclass in blending creativity with data-driven marketing. Through Retroviral, he has launched over 100 successful campaigns, many of which have achieved international virality. Known for his unapologetically bold approach, Mike has helped brands become household names by transforming their messaging into movements that resonate across platforms. He doesn’t just talk about virality—he engineers it.
His work has garnered accolades from respected industry bodies including the Bookmarks and the Loeries, but perhaps more impressive is the cultural impact his campaigns have had. From parody-driven brand awareness videos to emotionally resonant storytelling that goes beyond selling products, Mike’s unique formula involves tapping into the zeitgeist and creating narratives that people want to share.
A natural storyteller and digital strategist, Mike is also an accomplished author. His book, The Best Dick: Made in South Africa, mixes marketing wisdom with humorous memoir, illustrating the journey of building a company that thrives on bold ideas and calculated risks. His second book, Brandalism, is a deep dive into the brands that have dared to be different—an essential read for anyone looking to disrupt the marketplace.
Mike is a frequent guest on major media outlets, including CNBC Africa, ENCA, and PowerFM, where he offers sharp commentary on digital trends, brand innovation, and the psychology behind viral behavior. His credibility is further bolstered by speaking engagements at global conferences such as SXSW, Marketing Indaba, and TEDx, where he captivates diverse audiences with his charisma, wit, and unfiltered insights.
Furthermore, Mike’s track record of success speaks for itself, with a portfolio of viral campaigns that have garnered international acclaim. By inviting Mike to speak at their events, planners can provide attendees with valuable insights and actionable takeaways that can drive real results for their businesses. From unlocking the secrets of viral content to navigating the ever-changing digital landscape, Mike equips audiences with the tools they need to stay ahead in today’s competitive market.
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Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
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