Chris Botha is the Group Managing Director of Park Advertising, the owner of two of South Africa’s most prominent media agencies: The MediaShop and Meta Media. A Bloemfontein boy by birth, Chris started his life in media at the University of the Free State’s local campus radio station. He was appointed to The MediaShop management team in 2006 and to the Board of Directors in 2008. In January 2010 he was appointed Joint Managing Director of the Sandton operation, and one year later in January 2011, was made Group MD of the entire MediaShop operation. Under his guidance The MediaShop has shown massive growth in billing and initiated various industry-first initiatives that has set the agency apart from its competitors. In 2018 the group launched a new media agency called Meta Media. It further launched a large number of new services, including Econometric Modelling to a full digital capability.
Describe your leadership style.
I built a lot of my leadership style on the writings of Liz Wiseman. I see myself as a multiplier. My job is to make sure that I get the best out of the team around me and empower and equip them to do their jobs exceptionally well.
Your top tip to beat procrastination?
Start with a plan. I start every week with a plan, and every day with a more detailed plan. Then focus on doing all the difficult work first. Get that out the way otherwise your mind won’t be free.
Favourite getaway destination?
Free State. I am a Bloemfontein boy and there is something uniquely beautiful, peaceful and calm about the area.
Who or what inspires you?
Jesus does. His word is more relevant now than ever before. I pray to him every day and he guides my steps.
Your one wish for South Africa?
That we as a population realise that the government can’t change our day-to-day circumstances. No matter which party rules. It is up to us as civil society to stop looking to the government for answers and step up and make the country the place we want to live in. Once every citizen has that attitude, we will succeed.
If you could have any 3 people over for dinner, who would they be and what would you serve?
My favourite writer is John Bevere, he would be a definite. I think Donald Trump would have some interesting things to say – I’d have him over too. And then Serena Williams – she’s one of my favourite sports heroes. I would have them over for a delicious braai.
What is the one thing most people don’t know about you?
My first job was as a sports journalist. I was a cricket and rugby reporter for some regional radio stations and was one of the first-ever writers for Supersport’s website when it launched.
What would you do with an extra hour in your day?
Read more. I love reading, but struggle to find enough time to do more of it.
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