JOY RUWODO
As an esteemed marketer and strong advocate of education and learning, Joy is energised through her ability to change the way in which people think and act with regards to marketing strategy and execution, as well as by driving market education that makes real sense and empowers others to learn and grow.
Joy Ruwodo is the Founder and Executive Director – Marketing & Communications for Feel the Joy (Pty) Ltd, a communications consulting firm which she formed to further pursue her passion for marketing and communications. Pursuant to this, Joy hosts a weekday radio show named The Joys of Life on Radio Today. As an avid communicator, Joy has naturally extended to hosting and officiating events (MC), conference and corporate event facilitation as well as keynote speaking in the area of communication.
Prior to this, Joy was the Marketing & Advocacy Executive for a leading independent research firm, Ask Afrika, a role that was underpinned by her solid market expertise. A career path designed to demonstrate success, Joy has shown some remarkable achievements in her 17-year career.
Before joining Ask Afrika, Joy was the Marketing & Fundraising Manager at HospiceWits, a reputable non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides palliative care to over four thousand people annually. Through a comprehensive marketing strategy that she formulated and implemented, incorporating through-the-line techniques; she managed to grow awareness and attracted significant levels of funding for HospiceWits – despite a tough economic market. Further to this, she helped champion over R10 million worth of pro-bono PR value for the organisation per annum, across various platforms.
Following her passion for business integration and growth, she served as President for the Masters Business Network International (BNI) Chapter, a business and professional networking organisation whose sole purpose is to generate business for its members. Her responsibilities included running and coordinating all chapter meetings and activities, hosting monthly leadership team meetings and ensuring the success and growth of the chapter, thereby empowering members with valuable business skills.
With a Rhodes University Bachelor of Commerce degree in Management and Economics, she began her career in marketing, as the head of marketing for the Phones & Accessories division of Cosmos Cellular, in 1999. Joy went on to join Caltex, a global oil and gas company, where she spent 8 years as a Retail Business Consultant overseeing a network of 45 retail outlets. She was also appointed as the Brand Associate for Caltex during that time and led the organisation through a transition period from Caltex to Chevron.
Following her passion for ongoing education and self-development, she embarked on an MBA through Wits Business School, as well as gained international expertise through undergoing MBA Electives at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She is currently completing her MBA Thesis, while providing consulting services in the area of Marketing and Communications through Feel the Joy.
A well-connected individual with exceptional communication skills, as well as an ability to build holistic team performance and drive initiatives that support bottom line outcomes. Joy strives to ensure that organisations retain and attract new clients. Atop her natural charm, impeccable industry knowledge, professionalism and networking abilities, she places great value in building and developing strong relationships and utilises this energy to nurture all stakeholders and assure mutually beneficial engagements.
One of Joy’s distinctive characteristics is her fun-loving nature – she secretly believes that she is the life of the party!