At 33, Inam Qoma is the chief executive and co-owner of Rothko Brand Partners. Her job involves helping people and organisations achieve business goals through strategic content marketing. She oversees the strategy, creation and execution of tailored campaigns across diverse industries, including education, sustainability, finance and research. She uses her experience in strategic communications to help business-to-consumer and business-to-business entities, as well as corporates and nonprofits, achieve their objectives. She also drives Rothko’s commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity, championing young Africans.
One achievement Inam is most proud of is approaching the founder of Rothko Brand Partners about becoming a shareholder at just 26 years old. “The lessons I learned are the importance of backing yourself, being proactive about creating opportunities and not being afraid to take calculated risks. Building on that, I’m proud to have stepped up as CEO in March 2024 at the age of 33.” She believes the youth will play a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s future: “With the right support and resources, the youth can spark meaningful dialogue and unite the nation in envisioning an equitable, prosperous future.”
Bachelor of Arts in English, Media Studies, Film & TV Studies, University of Cape Town, 2011.
Design Thinking in Practice, Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking in Afrika, University of Cape Town, 2022;
Marketing Strategy, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business, 2019;
Brand Creation, UCT Graduate School of Business, 2018; and
Developing Women in Leadership, UCT Graduate School of Business, 2017.
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is taking a bet on myself by approaching my employer, the founder of Rothko Brand Partners, to invest in the business and become a shareholder at just 26 years old. That bold move allowed me to infuse the company with fresh energy and strategic vision. The lessons I learned are the importance of backing yourself, being proactive about creating opportunities and not being afraid to take calculated risks.
Building on that, I’m proud to have stepped up as chief executive in March 2024 at the age of 33. This experience has taught me the value of continual growth, embracing new challenges and leading with purpose and vision.
I’m also immensely proud of the brands we’ve worked with, such as The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship, The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance and Oxford University Press Southern Africa. Helping them create meaningful content that drives awareness and engagement on critical topics shaping our future has been incredibly fulfilling. This journey has reinforced the power of storytelling to drive positive change.
Overall, this journey has instilled in me the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability and using my voice and platform to empower others and create a brighter future for all.
There have been several influential mentors and role models who have shaped my journey. My mother’s powerful words: “Where you are planted, grow. With or without integrity nothing else matters. Lead with head, hands and heart,” have been a guiding light. I’m honoured to step into the CEO role building upon Jane Notten’s incredible 20-year legacy at Rothko, where she championed social responsibility and inclusivity, making it a 100% women-owned and 51% black-owned agency forging impactful partnerships. My executive coach, Tenji Moyana, has been instrumental. Through dedication and a holistic approach, Tenji helped me find deeper meaning in all I do, leave my comfort zone and truly transform my professional and personal life. Peter Willis, the founder of Conversations that Count, has inspired me with his movement for meaningful dialogue that drives problem-solving, strategy and positive change for a better future. Additionally, people from all walks of life who I’ve worked with, collaborated with and shared stages with have inspired me immensely throughout different parts of my journey, through their ideas, actions and embodiment of positive impact.