One-on-one with Ogilvy's Megan Pritchard

Careers recently caught up with Megan Pritchard, Chief Executive of Ogilvy Namibia, and this is what she had to share."At the helm of Ogilvy Namibia, I bring over a decade of hands-on experience and heart-led leadership," Megan (MP) said. "My journey from intern to CEO in ten years is one built on energy, a drive for excellence, and a love for our people. I believe culture drives performance; empowered people build extraordinary brands. I lead with energy, empathy, and consistent intention, blending strategic thinking with a human touch. Whether it’s business growth, asking hard questions, guiding teams, or instilling continuous change, I bring soul, vision, and values into every room I walk into."The evolution of OgilvyCareers (C): How has Ogilvy Namibia evolved over the last decade, and what excites you about the future?MP: It’s been a privilege to walk alongside Ogilvy Namibia for the past ten years. Looking back at 2015, the transformation has been remarkable. While our purpose and values remain our anchor, everything else - our people, mindset, talent, capabilities, and impact - has evolved. It’s been a season of grit, reinvention, and growth.What excites me most is that we’re just getting started. This isn’t just a new chapter; it’s a new book. My vision is to cement Ogilvy Namibia as the most effective, creatively courageous partner for brands in Namibia and beyond. We’re ready to define the next era of African creativity, one that’s insight-driven, data-backed, and rooted in bold, locally relevant ideas.C: What does “making brands matter” mean in practice, and how does it guide your strategy?MP: “Making brands matter” is more than a tagline; it’s our filter. It means building brands with purpose, relevance, and impact—not just for now, but for generations to come. We help clients find their ‘why’ and translate it into ideas that move culture and grow business.As CEO, this keeps us focused on meaningful creativity, not just beautiful work, but effective work that aligns with our Twin Peaks philosophy. In a digital-first world, where attention is currency, we blend strategy, platform thinking, and cultural insight to ensure the brands we work on truly matter.C: How does Ogilvy Namibia stand out in a fast-changing landscape?MP: We remain creatively brave, insight-obsessed, and relentlessly collaborative. We don’t just serve clients; we build partnerships and lead transformation. Our difference lies in our ability to be bold, relevant, and effective - always.LegacyC: What does it mean to be part of Ogilvy Namibia’s lineage of women leaders?MP: It’s both an honour and a responsibility. To follow in the footsteps of women like Anny Mouton and work alongside Rozanne van der Merwe is deeply humbling. Anny laid the vision, Rozanne brings clarity and consistency, and I bring boldness and heart. Together, we form a continuum of resilience and reinvention.Leadership, for me, is about service, listening, and creating space for others to rise. This legacy fuels my commitment to empowering the next generation of women to lead boldly.C: How does the Red Academy fit into this vision?MP: Driven by Anny, the Red Academy is our investment in Namibia’s creative future. Powered by Red & Yellow, it nurtures local talent, helping raw creatives grow without needing to leave the country. It’s our way of building brilliance from within.Creative cultureC: What gives Ogilvy its creative edge?MP: Our edge lies in bold ideas rooted in local insight, executed with discipline. We don’t create work just for awards; we create work that connects, converts, and endures. This is thanks to a culture of listening; to people, data, and context.We’re proud to have a strong internal strategy team: Blasius Avula, our data analyst and researcher, and Britney Burger, our Head of Strategy, who bring insight to life every time. We protect the creative process while always challenging it.C: What kind of internal culture drives great work?MP: Culture is everything. Collaboration is king, ego is left at the door, and every voice matters, from intern to creative director. We champion curiosity, reward bravery, and demand excellence with empathy. That’s our magic formula: trust, talent, and tenacity.OutlookC: How do you balance strategy with operations in a fast-moving industry?MP: My time is purposefully divided: fifty per cent on the internal team, management, and leadership; twenty-five per cent on strategic development; and twenty-five per cent on stakeholder partnerships.I stay close to the day-to-day but never lose sight of the big picture. Strategy isn’t a document on a shelf; it’s how we choose to show up every day. I constantly ask: Are we still building towards the future we believe in?C: What key trends are you watching?MP: Quality over price and value is key; hyper-local, culturally tuned content; data-driven personalisation and AI; and a local-first mindset. We’re not just reacting to change; we’re leading it.Leadership in practiceC: What’s your leadership style when managing creatives and strategists?MP: It’s about setting a clear vision, then stepping back and letting people own their craft and their mistakes. Great leadership is knowing when to guide and when to get out of the way. I believe in open feedback, fearless ideas, and natural collaboration.C: What are you most proud of at Ogilvy Namibia today?MP: That we’ve stayed true to our purpose. We’ve grown, adapted, and innovated, but never lost our integrity. Today, we are a proudly Namibian agency with global thinking and a local heart. We are bold, inclusive, and proof that excellence can be homegrown.We’ve been building for 29 years, and we’re just getting started. We look forward to celebrating 30 years of legacy in 2026.

One-on-one with Ogilvy's Megan Pritchard

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Republikein 2025-07-04

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One-on-one with Ogilvy's Megan Pritchard

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