Mike Sharman: Expert Branding

  • Mike Sharman co-founded Retroviral, a digital marketing agency that quickly gained recognition for its innovative and disruptive campaigns. Under his leadership, Retroviral became known for its viral marketing strategies, leveraging social media to create engaging and shareable content that captured the attention of audiences worldwide.
  • With over a decade of experience in the digital marketing landscape, Mike Sharman is a seasoned expert in leveraging digital platforms to drive brand awareness, engagement, and growth. His deep understanding of consumer behavior, social media dynamics, and emerging trends has positioned him as a thought leader in the field of digital marketing.
  • Mike Sharman is the author of “The Best Dick: A Candid Account of Building a Business in the Digital Age,” a candid and humorous memoir that chronicles his entrepreneurial journey with Retroviral. 

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • **Fee range: 50,000 - 75,000
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Keynote Topics

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’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 […]

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.

In summary, Mike Sharman stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity in the digital marketing landscape, with a proven track record of making brands ‘go viral’ globally. His expertise in crafting viral campaigns and navigating the digital sphere has earned him accolades and recognition as a top influencer in the industry. As a speaker, Mike captivates audiences with his dynamic presentations and actionable insights, leaving a lasting impression on event attendees.

For event planners seeking to elevate their conferences or seminars, booking Mike Sharman through Speakers Inc offers a unique opportunity to engage audiences with cutting-edge marketing strategies and industry trends. With Speakers Inc’s unparalleled expertise in speaker management and event planning, planners can trust that their events will be in capable hands from start to finish. By leveraging the expertise of speakers like Mike Sharman, event planners can create memorable experiences that inspire, educate, and empower attendees to take their businesses to new heights.

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Mike Sharman | Branding Marketing

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