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?

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: The reality of working in Marketing

Breaking into marketing isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about strategy, mindset and knowing how the industry really works. In our second episode of Mantra After Hours, we unpack what happens after you land your first job in marketing and what the experience is like. We continue our conversation with Pamela Mubuza on her first-hand experience working for Mantra Publicity as an intern.

Whether you’re a student, graduate, career switcher or just trying to level up, this episode offers you insight into deciding if a career in marketing is for you.

🎧 Listen after hours.

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.

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: How to Get a Job in Marketing

Breaking into marketing isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about strategy, mindset and knowing how the industry really works. In our very first episode of Mantra After Hours, we unpack what it actually takes to land a job in marketing today.

From building experience without “years on your CV” to standing out in interviews, navigating agencies vs in-house roles, and avoiding the common mistakes that hold candidates back, we share practical advice, real-world insights and honest truths the job ads don’t tell you.

Whether you’re a student, graduate, career switcher or just trying to level up, this episode gives you a no-fluff roadmap to getting your foot in the door and keeping it there.

🎧 Listen after hours.

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.

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.