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Taffy L. Gotora’s Journey to Marketing Excellence

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Taffy L. Gotora, a renowned marketing strategist and thought leader, recently had the honor of serving as a Deputy Chief Judge at the Institute of Marketing in Malawi’s Annual National Marketing Excellence Awards.

This prestigious role is a testament to her expertise and contributions to the marketing industry.

As a judge, Taffy was responsible for evaluating marketing campaigns and strategies submitted by various companies and organizations.

When asked how her experience as a marketer informed her approach as a judge, Taffy replied: “My experience as a marketer has given me a unique perspective on the craft of marketing and its impact on businesses and consumers.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of marketing campaigns, from traditional advertising to digital marketing, and I’ve seen firsthand how different approaches can be effective in different situations.

“This experience has helped me develop a keen eye for what makes a great marketing campaign,” said Taffy.

Taffy also mentioned that she had not transitioned from being a marketer to being a judge, but rather, the role was an honor bestowed upon her by the Institute of Marketing Malawi, based on her multiple awards and experience as a marketer.

Reflecting on her experience as a judge, Taffy said, “It’s been an inspiring journey to move from being recognized for my achievements to now recognizing the outstanding efforts of my peers in the region. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to contribute to our vibrant marketing community in a new and meaningful way.”

During her time in Malawi, Taffy also had the privilege of attending and presiding over the graduation of two Digital Marketing cohorts from the Institute of Marketing in Malawi, whom she had taught remotely through the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe.

This experience was a fulfilling highlight of her trip and a testament to her commitment to empowering marketers across the region.

But what led to this notable achievement?

With over 7 years of experience in advertising, Taffy has established herself as a seasoned strategist, integrated marketing leader, and keynote speaker. Her passion for digital literacy and gender gap advocacy has earned her numerous awards and recognition.

Her career began in 2005 as a Personal Assistant to the Managing Director at Big Law Management Consultants.

In this role, she developed strong administrative skills, including updating share prices and market information, documenting corporate shareholder actions, and establishing communication channels with company secretaries.

In 2007, Taffy moved to African Encounter, where she worked as an Office Administrator/Receptionist.

Taffy’s career in marketing began to take shape in 2009 when she joined Celebration Ministries Media as a Copyeditor and Writer. She wrote copy for the website and organization, edited and wrote the Celebrate International Newsletter, and edited and proofread books written by pastors.

In 2014, Taffy joined Big-Law Management Consultants as a Social Media Consultant. She managed social media marketing strategies and implementation for clients, tracked and analyzed social campaigns, and created weekly content calendars.

Taffy’s experience and skills continued to grow, and in 2015, she became a Co-Founder of the Great Zimbabwe Initiative. She also co-authored a chapter in the book 20 Beautiful Women Africa Edition.

In 2016, Taffy joined TBWA\Zimbabwe as a Digital Account Manager/Social Media Consultant. She managed social media marketing strategies, tracked and analyzed campaigns, and created monthly content calendars.

Taffy’s career continued to flourish, and in 2017, she joined Barkers Ogilvy Zimbabwe as a Digital Account Manager/Social Media Consultant. She managed social media marketing strategies, tracked and analyzed campaigns, and created monthly content calendars.

In 2020, Taffy became the Head of Digital at Barkers Ogilvy Zimbabwe. She also served as the Account and Digital Director at Fulcrum Zambia from April 2024 to October 2024.

Additionally, Taffy has been a Board Trustee for Grassroots Cricket since June 2020 and a part-time lecturer in Digital Marketing for the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe since June 2019, sharing her expertise with the next generation of marketers.

Currently, Taffy serves as the Chairperson of the MAZ Institute of Digital Practitioners, a part-time role she has held since March 2023. In this position, she oversees programs and activities conducted by the Institute, ensuring they align with the organization’s goals and objectives.

Her extensive experience in the industry has equipped her with a unique perspective on marketing and its impact on businesses and consumers.

As a marketer, Taffy has developed a keen eye for what makes a great marketing campaign. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of marketing campaigns, from traditional advertising to digital marketing, and I’ve seen firsthand how different approaches can be effective in different situations.”

Recognition and Awards

Taffy L. Gotora’s outstanding contributions to the marketing industry have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She was a recipient of the Gumiguru Achievers Award in 2023 and was named one of the 50 Most Inspirational Women in Zimbabwe by the Women Directors’ Network Zimbabwe.

Additionally, Taffy was awarded the Digital Marketing Practitioner of the Year 2023 by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe and received the Exceptional Professional in Digital Marketing (Silver) award at the National Exceptional Marketing Awards.

She was also a Diamond Winner at the National Exceptional Marketing Awards and a Founding 100 Honoree by the GoGetter Movement in 2021.

Furthermore, Taffy received awards for her commitment to the Rotary Club of Harare CBD, including the Commitment to the Club award and the Membership Drive award.

Bridging the Digital Divide

In addition to her work in marketing, Taffy is passionate about digital literacy and gender gap advocacy. She believes that technology has the power to transform lives and empower individuals. “I’m passionate about digital literacy and gender gap advocacy because I believe that technology has the power to transform lives and empower individuals,” she says.

“However, the digital divide, particularly along gender lines, limits opportunities and perpetuates inequality.”

Taffy’s commitment to empowering women and girls through digital literacy is evident in her work as a mentor and speaker. She has spoken at conferences in Zambia and Malawi, sharing her expertise on digital marketing and branding.

As a thought leader, Taffy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. “To establish oneself as a thought leader, individuals should develop deep expertise, create high-quality content, build a strong online presence, network strategically, speak at events, publish thought leadership pieces, engage with other industry peers online, be consistent, collaborate with others, and be authentic,” she advises.

Taffy L. Gotora’s journey to becoming a Deputy Chief Judge at the Institute of Marketing in Malawi’s Annual National Marketing Excellence Awards is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for marketing. Her commitment to empowering women and girls through digital literacy and her expertise in marketing make her a true leader in her field.

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