Member Interview with Mike Rich

We are delighted to bring you a Member Interview with Mike Rich, Founder and CEO, RICH

What’s your golden rule?

I don’t hire people based on their education. Some of the best marketers I know don’t have marketing degrees. Marketing is something you truly learn in the field.

If I studied marketing 15 years ago, nothing from back then is still relevant today. Everything has changed.

The key is to always keep an outside view, challenge yourself to try new things, and stay curious. That’s how you grow in this game.

Who has been your biggest influence?

I would have to say my dad, he had his own business, and since then, its always been my life goal to run my own successful business. Well here I am… I started the business, now to make it successful! - Or I could be cliché and say Steve Jobs, because I’ve always admired his straight-to-the-point approach and powerful storytelling - But lets go with dad! 

What is your most hated business expression?

Self Funding - When I hear that, it usually means, you need to get rid of someone if you want to bring another onboard.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?

When I was 19 years old, I owned a cocktail bar at a really big night club, and on Saturday mornings they would host a party for under 18's (We are talking about 20,000 kids) . There was a shooter bar that was obv not being used during these events, so I asked the venue owners if I could rent it for a small amount, they agreed and I opened a lollypop bar, and made a fortune! Bought my first car with that money.

Which leader do you admire most and why?

I’d have to say Rassie Erasmus, the South African rugby coach. The man brought an entire nation together through sport. Winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups is insane on its own, but the way he did it won the hearts and minds of every South African.

What I admire most is his innovative thinking he’s always pushing boundaries, always the first to try something new. As fans, we sometimes wish we could storm into the change room at halftime and give the team a piece of our mind, but with Rassie, you know he’s already saying exactly what you would. His passion for the game is infectious.

I love how he bends and stretches the rules to their limits. There’s never been another coach like him, and there probably never will be.

What is on your mind the most right now as a marketing leader?

I think something on the mind of all marketing leaders (Besides the obv like the next marketing trend or ai development) is costs, How do we reduce costs, while increasing marketing firepower? The key question on everyones mind...

Why is being part of The Marketing Society important for your career?

I love connecting with like-minded people who truly understand the wins and losses we all face every day in this industry. It’s not just about networking, it’s about sharing, learning, and growing together. A platform like the Marketing Society creates that space: giving young talent a chance to learn, while giving experienced professionals the chance to pass on their knowledge.

Why does marketing matter to you?

Marketing matters because it sits at the intersection of business and people. It’s about connecting solutions to human challenges, translating complexity into clarity, and shaping how industries move forward. For me, it’s not just about campaigns—it’s about impact, relationships, and enabling growth.

Tell us something that’s not on your CV

I was the South African flair champion in 2002 (Think Tom Cruise in the movie COCKTAIL)