Welcome back to Mantra After Hours — Season 2, Episode 2.

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's shaping the future of the creator economy: personal branding, individuality, and what it really takes to grow as a creator in today's digital world.

From finding your unique voice to building an authentic brand that stands out, we unpack the challenges and opportunities creators face while navigating an increasingly crowded online space. We explore why individuality is your greatest asset, how to create meaningful connections with your audience, and the role consistency plays in long-term growth.

Whether you're an aspiring content creator, established influencer, entrepreneur, marketer, or someone looking to build a stronger personal brand, this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world perspectives to help you grow with intention.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on branding, influence, marketing, creativity, and business.

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Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.

Episode 1 of Season 2 of Mantra After Hours is all about answering your burning brand questions.

In this episode, the our host tackles some of the most frequently asked questions from brands, marketers, entrepreneurs, and content creators navigating today's fast-changing marketing landscape.

From building a memorable brand and understanding the role of PR, to influencer partnerships, social media strategy, and measuring success, we unpack the challenges many businesses face and share practical insights from our experience working across industries.

We also explore common misconceptions about marketing, the mistakes brands often make when trying to connect with audiences, and the strategies that can help businesses build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their customers.

Whether you're launching a new business, growing an established brand, or simply looking to sharpen your marketing knowledge, this episode offers valuable advice and actionable takeaways to help you navigate the world of branding and communications with confidence.

If you've ever wondered how to make your brand stand out, what role influencers should play in your strategy, or where to focus your marketing efforts for maximum impact, this conversation is for you.

Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.

Episode 8 of Mantra After Hours dives into the science and future of skincare with Dr Ashley Naidoo, founder of BiomeRenew.

In this episode, we unpack the story behind BiomeRenew and how it’s challenging traditional skincare by putting the skin’s microbiome first. Dr Naidoo breaks down why your microbiome is the foundation of healthy skin, how modern lifestyles disrupt it, and what that means for everything from sensitivity to breakouts.

We also explore where skincare is headed, from barrier-first formulations to microbiome-friendly innovations, and how BiomeRenew is adapting to meet this shift with intention and science-backed solutions.

If you’ve ever wondered why “more products” isn’t always better, or what your skin actually needs to thrive, this conversation will change the way you think about your routine.

Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.

Episode 7 of Mantra After Hours gets real about the journey of entrepreneurship, the wins that keep you going, the failures that test you, and everything in between.

In this episode we speak to Dr Ashley Naidoo - Surgeon by day and Business Owner by night, on what it actually looks like to build something from the ground up: the messy middle, the pressure to keep pushing, and the constant balancing act between ambition and everyday life. It’s an honest conversation about resilience, learning as you go, and finding your footing even when things don’t go to plan.

If you’re building, dreaming, or just trying to figure it out as you go, this one’s for you.

Listen now, and we’ll see you after hours.

Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.

In Episode 6 of Mantra After Hours, Sheena returns to unpack the real business behind being a creator, influencer and UGC creator.

This conversation moves beyond the highlight reel and into the strategy: how to attract brands instead of chasing them, the difference between UGC and influencing, what brands are actually paying for, and how to turn once-off campaigns into long-term partnerships.

We explore positioning, professionalism, campaign seasons, media kits, pitching, pricing and what it really means to treat your platform like a business, not a hobby.

If you’re serious about building a sustainable creator career in 2026, this episode is your blueprint.

Listen now, and we’ll see you after hours.

Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.

In this episode of Mantra After Hours, we unpack what brands and agencies really wish creators understood before pitching, posting or partnering.

Joined by creator Sheena Deepnarain, we have an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what actually influences brand decisions, from professionalism and positioning to consistency, communication and credibility.

If you’ve ever wondered why some creators secure repeat campaigns while others struggle to land once-off deals, this episode breaks it down from both a creator and agency perspective. We explore the common mistakes that cost creators opportunities, what brands are truly paying attention to, and what makes someone rebookable.

Whether you’re an aspiring creator or already working with brands, this conversation will shift how you approach your content and your business.

And this is only part one.

In Episode 6, we take it further, diving into UGC vs influencing, how to attract brands, and how to build long-term partnerships that go beyond one campaign.

Listen now, and we’ll see you after hours.

Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.

In this episode of Mantra After Hours, we unpack a major shift in the marketing world: the growing demand for multi-skilled talent. Gone are the days of rigid job titles and single-lane careers. Today’s employers are looking for marketers who can think strategically, create compelling content, understand data, adapt to AI, and pivot fast.

We dive into why hybrid skill sets are becoming non-negotiable, how marketers can future-proof their careers, and what this means for teams, agencies, and brands navigating an ever-evolving landscape. From adaptability to curiosity, we explore why versatility is the new competitive advantage and why being “just one thing” might no longer be enough.

If you’re a marketer looking to stay relevant, or a business leader building resilient teams, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.

AI isn’t coming for marketing, it’s already here. In Episode 3 of Mantra After Hours, we unpack what AI really means for marketers today, beyond the buzzwords and panic headlines. From smarter workflows to faster creativity, we explore how adaptability has become the most valuable skill in modern marketing.

This episode dives into how marketers can work with AI (not against it), why multi-skilled teams are winning, and how staying curious, flexible, and human is the real competitive edge in an AI-driven world. Whether you’re a strategist, creative, or brand builder, this conversation is about evolving with the industry, not being left behind.

In this episode, we cover:

• AI’s real role in marketing today
• Why adaptability beats specialisation
• How to future-proof your marketing skill set
• What AI can’t replace (and why that matters)

Marketing is changing. The question is - are you adapting fast enough?

Support the show

Mantra After Hours is an original podcast by Mantra Publicity, exploring marketing, media, business and culture through unfiltered, after-hours conversations.

Follow @mantra_afterhours for new episodes and behind-the-scenes insight.