Khadija Patel

The Innovator 25:

Khadija Patel

Managing editor

The Daily Vox

Johannesburg

"I am doing what I have always wanted to, making sense of our times for the world"

Patel co-founded the Daily Vox digital platform last year in a bid to amplify the voices of young South Africans; since then, the site's work on the student-led #feesmustfall campaign has attracted particular attention, confirming his status as one of the most important media voices to emerge from the country in recent years. Patel is not just an accomplished journalist and entrepreneur, but her work has demonstrated an ability to transcend channel boundaries, and use techology as a force for change. "I can't even think of myself as a journalist without technology," said Patel at our South African In2Summit earlier this year, before cautioning that "the answer is in knowing that no matter what the medium is, we need to remain good storytellers."

How do you define innovation?

Innovation is the creative responses in our efforts to bridge the gaps between our work with whole new worlds.

Most innovative PR/comms campaign you’ve seen in the last 12 months?

Telkom in SA — 'Bolt speed'

What brands and/or agencies are most innovative when it comes to marketing/PR?

Joe Public

Describe a moment in your career that you would consider ‘innovative.’

I can't pin a single moment. But I think my own involvement in innovation in the industry relates to the continued effort to show the possibilities in our challenges.

In what area of marketing/PR do you see the most innovation?

Content & creative

How would you describe the communications/PR industry’s level of innovation?

About the same as other marketing disciplines.

Where do you see the greatest opportunity for marketing & PR to become more innovative?

Content & creative

Who most influences how innovative a brand’s marketing/PR is?

CEO

Who is your mentor and why?

I don't think I have a single mentor. But I am surrounded by people who continue to guide and support me.

How do you find inspiration?

My inspiration lies in knowing I am doing what I have always wanted to, making sense of our times for the world.

Advice for people seeking to bring new ideas, ways of doing things to their organizations?

Be brave, keep trying.

In your opinion, what’s the most innovative place in the world?

This is impossible to answer. But if we're ready to accept the digital world as a neighborhood, then the creativity on social platforms is astounding.

What’s your favorite time of day and why?

Sunrise, because the world feels replete with promise and opportunity.