marianne olaleye

I’m a brand and content strategist, and an award-winning photographer based in London. 

I help brands tell better stories and produce content that is rooted in community, cultural relevance, and longevity. I do this through my own marketing agency, JAIKU. 

I also write a marketing newsletter, sharing insights on how to grow your business and connect with your community through storytelling. Subscribe to The Business of Storytelling.

I’ve worked with brands in tech, design, food and drink, non-profits and government organisations. 

One thing all my jobs have in common is storytelling about real people, doing great things, and making the world a more exciting place. 

My work includes brand positioning, campaigns, content strategy, copywriting, thought leadership, demand generation marketing, SEO, social media, and video. 

I recently spent 2+ years working as Global Content Lead at ustwo, leading on content marketing and partnerships across their design studios in London, New York, Malmö, Tokyo and Lisbon. I established ustwo’s global partnership with Where are the Black Designers? — a nonprofit advocacy organisation — to drive tangible change across the design industry and rectify systemic inequalities.

Before that, I spent a few years working next to 10 Downing Street at the Department for International Trade. My job was to create good news from all over the UK at a time when there was very little to be positive about (read Brexit). I was tasked with producing stories about small businesses achieving big things in international markets, in the hopes that it would inspire other businesses around the country to sell overseas. The quirky and soulful stories were always my favourite.

I’ve written about all kinds of businesses, from haggis producers in Scotland, to a company exporting human tissue for scientific research. I’ve even written about the seaweed business co-founded by a member of English indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs. These stories all ended up in national and international newspapers, magazines, and on radio or TV. 

My work has been featured in Design Week, The Sunday Times, BBC, Creativepool, The Guardian, and The Telegraph. 

Long story short, I know where to find good stories, how to craft them, and how to sell them to any audience. 

I'm also an award-winning photographer recognised by the British Journal of Photography. You can see some of my photographs here. 

I enjoy sharing my learnings and insights with people. My past speaking engagements include → Peloton, BBC Radio, Squarespace x ábiké studio, and Aga Khan Foundation.

When I’m not doing any of the things mentioned above, I’m either listening to a podcast, eating my way around the world, or growing the West African dessert brand I founded with my sisters.

Now it’s your turn. I’d love to know more about you. 

Say hello: marianne@jaiku.co