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
5/5
5/5 (1 reviews)

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.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Facebook

Mike Sharman | Branding Marketing

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent Resources to download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links

View further speakers

  • (3 reviews)

Shelley Walters is a globally recognized expert in sales enablement, a dynamic keynote speaker, and the founder of The Sales Counsel, a boutique Sales Enablement Solutions company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in sales leadership, business development, and training, Shelley has dedicated her career to transforming the way individuals […]

  • Sales Speaker

Dr. Adrian Saville is a distinguished economist, strategic advisor, and visionary speaker known for his in-depth insights on economic growth, business strategy, and competitive advantage. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Saville has advised global firms, regional businesses, and academic institutions in South Africa and beyond. His ability to make complex economic trends […]

  • Economist

Mark Grobbelaar began karate at the age of nine and holds a 6th Dan, as well as provincial and national colours, he has over 45 years experience in his field and is founder of a revolutionary concept to give women their power back. “The course of my life changed after a friend of mine, was […]

  • Personal Security

5FM’s Fikile ‘DJ Fix’ Moeti is a well-known South African Radio DJ, Club DJ and TV Personality (born 10 September 1986).  Fix, made MTV history when she became the first female VJ on ‘MTV networks Africa’. The entrepreneurial 27-year-old beauty has graced our screens since 2006 when she won a nationwide competition to become MTV base’s […]

Noni Gasa is a trailblazer in South Africa’s media and fashion industries, renowned for her charismatic presence and insightful contributions to both television and journalism. With over a decade of experience spanning across these fields, Noni has established herself as a dynamic and highly sought-after event emcee and host. Her passion for storytelling and her […]

  • Celebrity Emcee

Over the past 3 years, Kali Ilunga has worked with 150 start-ups. As co-founder of Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, he has bridged entrepreneurs with a network of 300+ angel investors once they were investor-ready. As co-founder of Viable, he has assembled 50 world-class coaches from companies such as Netflix, Google, and Square, as well […]

  • Digital Speaker

Mpho Popps Modikoane is a remarkable South African comedian who is best known to TV viewers for being one of the superstars to compete in the sixth edition of the SABC3 reality dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing, in 2013. Popps initially got noticed on the SABC1 competition So You Think You’re Funny! in 2009 before […]

  • Comedian

With a commanding presence and an unwavering commitment to education, Professor Jonathan Jansen stands as a beacon of inspiration within the academic community. As a distinguished South African leader, he embodies the essence of resilience, intellect, and compassion. His journey, marked by transformative leadership and profound insights, has positioned him as a sought-after speaker globally. […]

  • Leadership
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel