Selae Thobakgale

Selae Thobakgale is one of South Africa’s most sought-after Brand Strategists with over a decade experience in the advertising industry. She has won multiple pitches for new business, been a lead strategist for some of the top creative agencies in Africa and has worked with a plethora of local, African and global brands. She has transcended many boundaries making her one of the youngest trailblazers in her craft. As a result of her entrepreneurial spirit, one of her highlights was being hand-picked as a social media journalist to represent MTV for Michelle Obama’s #YoungWorld Tour in Southern Africa. In addition, Selae was recognised as one of the ’40 Under 40’ most powerful women in South Africa at the age of 23.

Now, at only 33, Selae is the Chief Strategy Officer of one of the top creative independent creative agencies in Africa, The Odd Number Group and founder of its global strategic consultancy, The Strategy Network. As of 2020 Selae acted as a board member of the South Advertising Association and is in the process of completing her executive MBA at the Berlin Creative School of Leadership.

Selae believes in the power of the creative industry in having a real transformative impact in the world.