JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA // Pepe Marais is the founding partner and Chief Purpose and Vision Officer of brand and communications group Joe Public. His definition of success is to create an environment of harmony and joy, where the focus is on the well-being of people – growing them to achieve the highest levels of self worth, honesty and excellence by nurturing ideas, dreams and trust. Pepe is currently ranked as the number one creative leader in the South African advertising industry.

He holds a doctoral degree in Business Management, with a focus on Organisation Purpose and Conscious Leadership, is a published author, and a thought leader and public speaker on the subject of purpose, and how it unlocks creativity. He believes that Joe Public is at the beginning of what they set out to do in terms of the calibre of work they aspire to create, and that all past, current and future accolades are by the grace of the people within their business, and their clients. Pepe is also the founder and Chairman of One School at a Time, with a deep interest in serving the growth of the South African economy through a stronger educational system. He is a closet Afrikaans rocker who lives to bring out the best in those around him.