KZN Leaders

MIKE SAUNDERS’ love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind his entrepreneurial journey. An international keynote speaker, digital thought leader and author, Mike has a unique ability to lead business with a crystal-clear leadership philosophy that encompasses ‘unlocking potential’, ‘nurturing trust’ and ‘developing narrative’.

Mike was recognised on the list of ‘Top Global Digital Marketing Experts & Influencers in 2019 You Should be Following’. He was acknowledged by his peers in 2012, as one of the Top 20 South Africans to follow on Twitter. Mike was awarded Special Honours at the New Generation Awards for his contribution to the industry. Over the last few years, Mike has won the respect of business by his determined approach to helping people navigate a diverse and complicated world of digital business.

As an international keynote speaker, Mike is able to engage his audience in an interactive, personal and energising manner by drawing on his life experiences and personal stories. Mike speaks with authority from over ten years’ experience in the digital industry.

He leaves delegates captivated and inspired about the potential in both technology and people. He has had the privilege of working with some of the most prestigious organisations in the world including Vodafone, Bidvest, Santam, IBM, Toyota, Norton Rose and Exxaro.

Mike delivers customised presentations around the following themes:
• Fourth Industrial Revolution
• Digital
• Marketing Brand and Innovation
• Entrepreneurship
• The Millennial Generation
• Motivation

Entrepreneurial Journey
Mike believes technology helps innovate a new future, accelerates growth potential and scales business. According to Mike, “Technology unlocks our future and is a fundamental driver of our success.” It’s his belief in technology and people that spurred him to founding Digitlab.

Digitlab has grown to be one of South Africa’s premier digital marketing agencies and was voted one of South Africa’s best digital agencies in 2012. Digitlab provides services in social media, SEO, advertising, digital research, mobile apps and web development.

The agency is proud to include a variety of national and international brands on their client list including KPMG, Nedbank, Alexander Forbes, Beiersdorf and City Lodge Hotel Group.

In 2015, Mike launched The Digitlab Academy to educate marketers and support the academic industry with sound digital strategy education material. A powerful partnership with Vega, School of Branding, saw over 150 people run through the academy in its first quarter. Today, the Digitlab Academy educates over 1000 people a year.

Digital Swarm, a nationwide digital community that fuels the growth of the digital marketing industry is another brainchild of Mike’s. The swarm hosts quarterly events in Durban and JHB and has attracted speakers from South Africa’s top brands like KFC, AXE and Google.

Author
In 2016, Mike released his first book The Five Year Mark. The Five Year Mark imparts the lessons he has learnt while establishing his businesses and is an inspirational, clear and practical template for entrepreneurs looking for success.

In 2019, Mike published his second book Renowned. Your guide to building a powerful personal brand online.

His latest book, Humancentric, unpacks how to do business in a Fourth Industrial Revolution.