Brian Mtongana, the husband to chef Siba Mtongana, has been appointed as the executive creative director of Woolworths earlier this month. Mtongana served as the group’s retail design director for over 13 years. During his tenure, the newly appointed executive creative director oversaw the brand’s expression and execution. Recognised locally and internationally, Mtongana currently serves as Loeries Awards jury president. He boasts a wealth of creative and brand-building experience both locally and abroad, cutting his teeth designing the patch for Mark Shuttleworth’s spacesuit and has collaborated with international design heavyweights Vince Frost and the late Massimo Vignelli in the development and implementation of Woolworths' refreshed corporate identity in 2010 and has also led the creative development of some of Woolworths' leading brand projects. In this conversation, Lerato Mbele talks to him about leveling up your personal brand and building influence and unpack what it takes to build a strong and impactful brand that resonates with your audience, why branding is all about impression management, and how you can elevate your personal brand through intentional work.