SuperLead Podcast Episode 156 with Monalisa Sibongile Zwambila, CEO and Founder of Riverbed, South Africa’s largest female-owned advertising agency
Tue Feb 03 2026
Monalisa’s remarkable journey began in 2007 when she started Riverbed as a single mother, unemployed and facing overwhelming odds. Against all expectations, she built an agency that has become a category leader, with revenues exceeding R100 million by 2020.
A multiple award-winning powerhouse, Monalisa has been named AgencyLeader Woman of the Year for three consecutive years, was a finalist for the prestigious RMB Africa Fearless Leader Award, and won the Santam Woman of the Future Award in 2022.
Under her leadership, Riverbed made history as the first agency owned by a woman of colour to rank at the Loeries, breaking barriers in a space long dominated by multinational firms across Africa and the Middle East.
Beyond business, Monalisa is a global speaker, board leader, mentor, and advocate for women leading with authenticity and influence. Guided by her philosophy of the Power of Care, she is committed to creating positive impact through leadership and service.
🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, purpose, and redefining what’s possible.
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Monalisa’s remarkable journey began in 2007 when she started Riverbed as a single mother, unemployed and facing overwhelming odds. Against all expectations, she built an agency that has become a category leader, with revenues exceeding R100 million by 2020. A multiple award-winning powerhouse, Monalisa has been named AgencyLeader Woman of the Year for three consecutive years, was a finalist for the prestigious RMB Africa Fearless Leader Award, and won the Santam Woman of the Future Award in 2022. Under her leadership, Riverbed made history as the first agency owned by a woman of colour to rank at the Loeries, breaking barriers in a space long dominated by multinational firms across Africa and the Middle East. Beyond business, Monalisa is a global speaker, board leader, mentor, and advocate for women leading with authenticity and influence. Guided by her philosophy of the Power of Care, she is committed to creating positive impact through leadership and service. 🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, purpose, and redefining what’s possible.