ABOUT ANTHROPOS
We believe that knowing where you're going
is the best way to start a journey.
This is ours — the name, the people, and the values behind it.
A name as old as branding itself. Anthropos is ancient Greek for person.
Our logo icon is 人 — the Japanese character for person: two strokes leaning on each other, neither able to stand alone.
It's the same idea Southern Africa calls ubuntu: I am because you are.
A Greek name, a Japanese symbol, an African value — one idea, told three ways, celebrating the extraordinary ability of people.
WE STAND FOR
Mission
Helping leaders build an authentic brand promise that resonates with every stakeholder, and inspiring the people who have to deliver on it, every day.
"If your team members had to write your promise down today — would they say the same thing"
Not sure? That's exactly what the first conversation is for.
Promise
To help build great brands from the inside out.
Purpose
To inspire brand ambassadors to keep their brand's promise.
Vision
A portfolio of clients we're proud of, built on good leadership, a stakeholder focus, and a values-based way of working.
Five values support what we call anthropositivity —
we are positive about people.
Creativity
We listen and learn because it's the ordinary, brought together in extraordinary ways, that captures the imagination.
Kindness
We see people as individuals, not as segments or labels. Everyone is someone.
Authenticity
If you believe in people — and in yourself — there's no need to hide behind fiction.
Optimism
We believe people are capable of progress. Our instinct, on the whole, is to help.
Humanity
We respect people — their potential, their diversity, and our interdependence. Best captured by ubuntu: I am because you are.
THE INDIVIDUAL - WHO WE ARE
We help people define their personal brands. So it's only fair we share our own — using exactly the same framework we'd use for you.
Brand and Communication Strategist
Johnny Johnson
Badge of origin
Is the English language rooted in African soil
Promise
To help people express themselves.
What makes me different
I'm a wordsmith who sees through other people's eyes.
Purpose
To find explanations that promote understanding.
Brand and Communication Activist
Magda Dickens
Badge of origin
A caring home, which set the tone for my own.
Promise
I always do my best to help people be their best.
What makes me different
I'm absolutely authentic — people know what to expect from me.
Purpose
My own growth comes from my family's growth; from that foundation, I can positively influence others'.
What does "Anthropos" mean, and why the Japanese symbol? Anthropos is Greek for person. Our mark, 人, is the Japanese character for the same word — two strokes leaning on each other, unable to stand alone. It's the same idea Southern Africa calls ubuntu: I am because you are.
Is Anthropos a marketing agency? No. We don't produce campaigns or manage advertising. We help you define an authentic brand promise and build the leadership capability to keep it — brand strategy, not marketing execution.
We already have a logo and brand identity. Do we still need brand strategy? A logo is an expression of a brand promise, not the promise itself. If the promise underneath isn't clearly defined, even the best-designed identity has nothing solid to communicate. Strategy comes first; design brings it to life.
Is Anthropos only for large organisations, or do you work with smaller or founder-led businesses too? Both, deliberately. We work with founders and entrepreneurs, leadership teams and SMEs, and purpose-driven or scale-up organisations — the common thread is a real promise worth building, not a company size.
What is anthropositivity? It's our word for the five values behind how we work — humanity, optimism, authenticity, kindness and creativity. In short: we're positive about people, and we believe brands are built by people who believe in people.
Will I actually work directly with Johnny and Magda? Yes, on every project. Anthropos stays a two-person practice on purpose — no account handler, no junior researcher standing between you and the thinking.
What does the first conversation actually involve? Are we committing to anything? No pitch deck, no obligation. It's a genuine conversation about where your brand stands and where you're trying to take it — the same conversation Johnny or Magda would have with you either way.
How long does a typical brand strategy engagement take? It depends on what's already in place and how much clarity you're starting with. We'd rather size the timeline honestly in the first conversation than quote a number that doesn't fit your business.
FAQ
Questions worth answering upfront
The things people usually want to know before their first conversation with us.
You've met us. Let's talk about you
45 min
No pitch deck. No obligation. Just a conversation.
COMMUNITY - OUR NETWORK
We don't try to do everything ourselves.
When a brand needs more than strategy we bring in associates we trust.
What it's like to work with us
Natalia Rosa, Big Ambition
Mike Fabricius- The Journey
Aviva Marock- Pump Brand Ideas
FROM ANTHROPOS
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