Kudzi Chikumbu: Lifestyle Influencer

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Kudzi Chikumbu is a lifestyle influencer who shares the transformative power of being a creator on the internet and beyond.
  • Currently the Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok, Kudzi is responsible for connecting and building the creator community while advocating for diversity, inclusion, and representation online.
  • He has been listed in Fortune Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list and The Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen: Hollywood’s 35 Rising Executives 35 and Under. 
  • Kudzi also advocates for making the world of luxury lifestyle more inclusive which is on full display with Sir Candle Man, his candle-loving account which aims to bring a new, relatable, diverse, and inclusive voice to the fragrance industry.

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Outcomes:
Reading time: 3 min
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  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

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Keynote Topics:

With more scrutiny on marketing budgets and recent technology privacy restrictions, it’s harder for marketers to reach their desired target audience. Despite the challenges, Kudzi Chikumbu – known as Sir Candle Man online – has built the exemplary type of engaged niche community many marketers are looking to reach.

In this conversation, Kudzi teaches organizations and creators how to build niche communities, how to sell to them, and how to keep them engaged. Audiences walk away with a fresh playbook on how to approach marketing in an authentic and effective way. 

Between emerging technologies and culture-driven trends, there are constantly new ways to leverage digital spaces. As Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok, Kudzi Chikumbu is tapped into the communities – and micro-communities – that are driving tremendous change online.

In this talk, Kudzi discusses the aspects that make social media a unique platform to discover new and diverse voices and the important cultural understanding marketers need to authentically reach these communities.

Kudzi shares with audiences the trends he has seen develop, what he believes the future holds, and how marketers can use this information to discover and target new audiences.

Whether building your personal brand or managing a global company, social media is essential. As Global Head of Creator Marketing at Tik Tok, Kudzi Chikumbu is equipped to provide audiences with a crash course in how to show up digitally – and the perils of doing it wrong.

From expanding your customer base to building a network to self-expression, he explores the limitless potential of the full digital landscape.

In this talk, Kudzi will provide a step-by-step guide to finding your audience and connecting with them authentically online.

Audience takeaways include:

  • How and where to start telling your story
  • How to stand out with all the noise and connect with an audience
  • How to be ahead of the game
  • How to fix it when things go wrong
  • The often-missed secret to success when building a brand online

When Kudzi started his career, he didn’t set out to become the Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok – partly because neither the role nor the company existed at the time. However, Kudzi was preparing himself for this role throughout his life simply by living authentically.

After working as an accountant and consultant at Deloitte, he took a leap of faith to follow his long-time ambition to monetize his creative mindset. In this talk, Kudzi meets the audience where they are – a generation that is obsessed with being influencers and creators online – and demonstrates how the principles that make a successful creator can lead to a successful career in any industry. 

He leaves audiences with the 5 guiding principles that have led him through the pivotal moments along his journey as a creator and an executive:

  1. Have a clear why. This is your guiding light.
  2. Have a creator mindset – you can create your best life. Take action.
  3. Be authentic and trust your instincts.
  4. Build a community. We are stronger together so make friends, help others, and ask for help (in that order).
  5. Pivot when you need to. You can change your why.

Audiences will walk away with actionable takeaways to bring their full selves to everything they do and, in turn, create the life and career they want. 

As a black, gay man working in tech, Kudzi Chikumbu stands out every single day. Instead of caving to the pressures of a world full of trends that promote replicating and copying others, Kudzi focuses on authenticity. He makes a point to bring his full self to work and encourages everyone to do the same, whatever their identity is.

Based on his own experiences in the workplace, Kudzi shares how diversity leads to creativity and discusses the power that comes from bringing together different perspectives to achieve success.

Kudzi Chikumbu, a dynamic force in the realms of lifestyle influence and digital creativity. As the Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok, Kudzi is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of social media and empowering creators worldwide. With a wealth of expertise, a passion for storytelling, and a commitment to driving positive change, Kudzi Chikumbu stands as a beacon of inspiration in the digital age.

About Kudzi Chikumbu:

Kudzi Chikumbu is a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving growth and fostering community engagement. Hailing from Zimbabwe, raised in South Africa and now based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Kudzi brings a global perspective to his work, drawing upon diverse experiences to fuel his creative endeavors.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Creator Marketing: At TikTok, Kudzi Chikumbu spearheads initiatives to empower creators, nurture talent, and amplify voices across the platform. His deep understanding of digital trends, audience dynamics, and content strategy enables him to craft impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences worldwide.
  • Innovation and Technology: With a keen eye for emerging technologies and consumer trends, Kudzi is a thought leader in the digital landscape. He navigates the ever-evolving realm of social media with agility, leveraging data-driven insights to drive innovation and drive results.
  • Storytelling and Brand Building: Kudzi Chikumbu is a master storyteller, adept at crafting compelling narratives that capture hearts and minds. His expertise in brand building and strategic communication has helped numerous companies elevate their presence and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: As a champion of diversity and inclusion, Kudzi advocates for representation and authenticity in the media landscape. He is committed to fostering a culture of belonging and empowerment, driving meaningful change within organizations and communities.

Why Book Kudzi Chikumbu as a Keynote Speaker:

  1. Inspiring Storyteller: Kudzi Chikumbu’s journey from Zimbabwe to the global stage is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and creativity. As a keynote speaker, he captivates audiences with his compelling storytelling, sharing insights and lessons learned from his remarkable career.
  2. Thought Leadership: Kudzi is at the forefront of innovation in the digital space, shaping the future of social media and creator culture. His keynote presentations offer invaluable insights into emerging trends, best practices, and strategies for success in the digital age.
  3. Empowering and Engaging: With his infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for empowering others, Kudzi Chikumbu leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Whether discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion or sharing practical tips for content creation, his keynote presentations inspire action and drive positive change.
  4. Relevance and Impact: In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Kudzi Chikumbu offers timely and relevant perspectives on the intersection of technology, creativity, and culture. His keynote presentations are tailored to resonate with diverse audiences, sparking meaningful conversations and driving tangible results.
  5. Global Perspective: As a global citizen with a multicultural background, Kudzi brings a unique perspective to his keynote presentations, bridging cultural divides and fostering connections across borders. His insights into the nuances of global markets and audience dynamics make him a sought-after speaker for international events and conferences.

In conclusion, Kudzi Chikumbu is more than just a lifestyle influencer and digital strategist—he is a visionary leader, a passionate advocate for change, and an inspiring storyteller. Whether sharing his expertise on creator marketing, innovation, or diversity and inclusion, Kudzi captivates audiences with his authenticity, energy, and commitment to making a difference. Book him as a keynote speaker and prepare to be inspired, informed, and empowered to unleash your creativity and drive positive change in the world.

This website profile aims to highlight Kudzi Chikumbu’s accomplishments, expertise, and appeal as a keynote speaker, positioning him as a thought leader and inspiration in the digital and creative industries.

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