Khaya's not a big guy, but he's huge on the web. He's an agony uncle, a YouTube celeb, a blog master and a comedian. And he gets paid to do all of that while working in advertising. Sweet.

The world of marketing is full of interesting personalities. In my humble opinion, Khaya Dlanga is the most colourful and thoughtful marketing personality I've ever come across. He's a frequent blogger, he's a dedicated online political analyst, he's always updating his facebook profile and he's even asked Barack Obama a question on YouTube. I think it's safe to say that Khaya has two very exciting parallel lives, one on planet earth and an even better one in cyber space!

I met Khaya at a buzzing restaurant in Rivonia. Rivonia is crawling with SA's up-and-coming movers and shakers. It's lunch hour, and I can hardly hear myself think over the sound of people talking and the pumping music. When Khaya eventually arrives, he's dressed in a smart suit, but he still looks funky - possibly because of his insane dreadlocks, which he wears with obvious pride. He gives me a firm handshake and immediately sits down, the noise magically fades away and we begin one of the most interesting conversations I've ever had with a complete stranger.

You have a successful career in advertising and judging by the articles you've written, you seem to be very positive about life. What would you consider to be the key factors in your success as a professional and person?
I'm not sure if I would describe myself as successful; I think I'm just curious. I always want to try new things and do things differently. I've always enjoyed reading and creative writing. I get my creativity from my mother; she's a brilliant storyteller! I think success implies a level of overall satisfaction with one's own achievements. I don't think I will ever be satisfied. Satisfaction to me means relaxing and quenching my natural desire to try new things and do things differently. Success also means knowing that you have made a contribution to society, and so far I don't think I've done enough. There is so much more to do. All my current achievements have been part of a learning process.

What did you do before your current job?
After studying at the AAA school of Advertising, I worked for a youth development organisation. I loved working with young people, but my love for advertising didn't die. I eventually decided to be proactive and apply for a placement at an ad agency, despite failing to complete my diploma at AAA due to financial constraints. I knew I had to differentiate myself from the rest of the applicants, especially given my apparent disadvantage (the incomplete diploma). I sent them an unconventional CV and to my delight, they responded positively: my interviewer was still laughing when she called me.

What made you decide to pursue a career in advertising?
If you asked me or any of my peers in high school what I'd be doing now, we'd have predicted I'd be a lawyer or a politician. I changed my mind in Grade 11 when someone gave a career talk on opportunities in marketing. I remember thinking to myself that I could be good at it and that I really wanted to do it. Knowing what I know now, I would have made more money as a lawyer! But I prefer advertising because it leaves greater scope for creative initiative. I think I have a short concentration span, so the scope of trying to do things differently is great.

What challenges did you confront at the beginning of this career?
People don't always take you seriously. I had an unpleasant experience at the first agency I worked for in Cape Town. They didn't take my ideas seriously; they were the type that employ black people for numbers. I left them to join another agency in Cape Town and my experience was totally different. Now I'm in Joburg and still growing. I'm always on the lookout for a new challenge!

What's your advice for young people?
Make sure you contribute positively to society. Do things that uplift others and money will follow; don't spend your life chasing after money. If you make a positive contribution, you will be remembered, and that is better than making lots of money. Michael Jackson followed his passion and changed the music industry for ever. He made a contribution, money followed and he will always be remembered. You could make a contribution doing anything you are passionate about if you are prepared to work hard. The awesome thing about doing something you love is that you don't have to force yourself, your natural curiosity or passion will drive you to excel.

Khaya in 10 seconds
Name: Khaya Dlanga
Age: 31
Profession: Creative Strategist
Favourite colour: Not Pink!
Favourite place in the world: Wherever there are people, it's about who you are with.
Favourite musician: Michael Jackson, Emiliana Torrini
Cricket, rugby or soccer? Cricket!
Most important qualities in your future wife? 1. Very smart and organised (cause I am not organised) 2. She must love people

Fast Facts
>Khaya was raised in rural Eastern Cape and was a shepherd boy before his mother took him to boarding school.
> Khaya's life was struck by tragedy at age 5, when his father died
> Khaya's just launched his new blog, Dear Bhuti Khaya, at http://dearbhutikhaya.wordpress.com/ Hilarious stuff!
> Khaya is related to someone you might have heard of: Hlomla Dandala

TALK GROUP DISCUSSION – Living the Dream
What can we learn from Khaya about reaching our dreams?