Success should be multiplied

Retroviral’s executive creative director, Koketso Masisi, is passionate about empowering women, particularly women of colour, because she knows what happens when someone invests in your potential (Image supplied)

Creative from a young age - “Creativity came naturally to me” - it became much more than a talent; it helped fund her education.

“Through the Rotary Foundation, incredible bursaries and teachers who recognised and invested in my talent, a young girl from the North West Province was given the opportunity to dream bigger than her circumstances,” she explains.

This experience has shaped her profoundly.

“Someone believed in my potential before I fully believed in it myself.

“It taught me that talent can open a door, but access, investment and someone saying “I see something in you” can change the trajectory of a life.

Building a life of choices

Today, she says success isn't simply about achievement.

“It's about building a life where I have choices; professionally, financially and personally. Using that position to create choices for other women too.”

As she aptly puts it,” Success is the child of audacity. Sometimes you have to be brave enough to pursue the life you can see before anyone else can see it for you.”

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The challenges

Her path has not been without challenges.

“One of the biggest challenges has been navigating spaces where you don't always see people who look like you in positions of influence. I've had to work hard to establish credibility and find my voice,” she says.

But, she says, she has learnt that you cannot build your life around other people's approval.
“I've learned to set boundaries, protect my energy and walk away from environments that require me to shrink myself.”

She also believes that success isn't just about breaking barriers for yourself; it's about breaking generational patterns.

“Every time we pursue education, build financial stability, lead a team or choose a healthier environment, we expand what becomes possible for the women who come after us.

“Focus, girl. You're breaking generational curses.”

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Leadership approach

“I was raised by a village of bold and strong, compassionate women, which ultimately shaped my leadership style.

“Grounded in empathy, accountability, clarity and trust, I don't believe a leader needs to be the loudest person in the room.

“A leader's job is to create an environment where people can do their best thinking and their best work.”

She adds that she has also learnt that empathy needs boundaries.

“You can care deeply about people without carrying everything for them.

“I believe great leadership creates environments that challenge people without making them live in fear. Rest, psychological safety, clarity and respect aren't luxuries; they're foundations for sustainable performance.

And she has learnt not to apologise for being ambitious.

“Women shouldn't have to choose between success and softness, boundaries and compassion, or financial independence and femininity.

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Success should be multiplied

Professionally, she is m incredibly proud of the role she has played in Retroviral's transformation.

She joined the agency as a head of design and has been part of its evolution from a specialist social media business into an integrated creative agency.

That journey contributed to recognition including Ad Age International Small Agency of the Year, Sabre Africa Consultancy of the Year, MarkLives Small Agency of the Year and AdFocus Small Agency of the Year.

But one of the projects she is most personally proud of is Ko.Kreate, which she co-founded with Kgothatso Maditse.

“We created Ko.Kreate because we didn't want to simply talk about the barriers facing women of colour in advertising.

“We wanted to create a platform that helps women navigate those barriers through mentorship, personal branding, leadership development, financial wellness and community.”

That work matters to her because she believe success should be multiplied.

“Do it because your daughter is watching. And even if you don't have a daughter, there is always another young woman watching what you do and learning what she believes is possible for herself.

Have the audacity to put yourself forward

Her advice to other young women is to not wait until you feel ready. “Build the skill, build the reputation, then have the audacity to put yourself forward.”

She adds, “Choose people and environments that align with your values, and don't be afraid to outgrow spaces where you've become smaller than your potential.”

Most importantly, she says, don't measure success only by what you achieve. “Measure it by what becomes possible for the people who come after you.

“May your success offend anyone who didn't want to see you win.”

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Women’s month: Deeply personal

Women's Month is deeply personal to her.

“I think about the women who came before us and the women who are still trying to find their place.”

She explains that an empowered woman isn't necessarily the woman doing the most.

“She's the woman who knows what matters to her and has built enough stability, confidence and boundaries to protect it.”

A version of success

She believe in a version of success that allows women to work hard and rest, be ambitious and soft, build wealth and protect their peace, and lead without losing themselves.

“A soft life isn't about avoiding hard things. It's about intentionally building a life that doesn't require you to live in survival mode all the time.”

Lastly, she thanks the her personal village of women.

“My mothers, sisters, my amazing nanny, friends, Retroviral women, Ko.Kreate Women, Open Chair Women, ACA Women. Thank you. I am because you are.”