Siyanda Mqulwana, 30, lets us in on his job as a reserve brand ambassador for Brandhouse.
When did you finish school?
I matriculated at Muir College Boys High School 2002
What and where did you study after matric?
I studied Travel and Tourism Marketing Management at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth.
Where did you first work? (Internship)
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (PE) marketing department
What does your job now as a reserve brand ambassador involve?
I build relationships with key stakeholders and customers through affiliation with world class and reserve club programmes, portfolio plays and passion to inspire. I lead, manage, measure and evaluate progress to ensure the reserve brands are constantly performing and doing well in the marketplace. My portfolio includes brands like Ciroc, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Singleton, Singleton Tailfire, Don Julio, Ketel One, Ron Zacapa, Lagavulin, Talisker and Dalwhinnie. 
What does it take (apart from the academic qualifications) to do what you do?
- The ability to engage and educate consumers on a daily basis in the most respectful manner.
- People skills.
- A knowledge of all the reserve brands in the portfolio.
- A brand ambassador must have travelled and been exposed to regions that make the luxury brands like Scotland (UK)
- Understanding the SA market as it tends to be segmented into different trends, styles, ways of behaving, etc
- The passion to educate and empower the market in SA – leading entertainment venues across SA.
- A strong background in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry and previous experience with luxury brands/goods/market.
What do you love most about what you do?
- The constant engaging and interaction with people daily.
- The passion it takes to create and innovate ways to enjoy our luxury brands.
- The creativity that is expected from the ambassador.
- The education and information providing aspect of being an ambassador – teaching SA about the brands.
- Driving responsible consumption and advising legal drinkers.
- Travelling across SA and globally.
What has been the greatest highlight of your job so far?
Creating a luxury concept that drives the brands in the market called The Reserve Club. I’m also embarking on a journey to the UK – London and Scotland this year.
If anyone would like to do what you do, what advice would you give them?
- Make sure you love working with people daily.
- Understand the market in SA and also be able to find solutions when it comes to building and developing brands in the market.
- Study as much as possible – relevant qualifications and experience are important.
- Understand global trends and be able to introduce luxury brands to the SA market.
