In the vast digital landscape that defines our modern world, few individuals have managed to navigate its intricacies and harness its power for social impact. Elfried Samba, a name that resonates with innovation, resilience, and a desire for positive change, stands as a guiding light amidst the noise and distractions on social media.
Formerly the head of social media at Gymshark, Elfried Samba has emerged as the visionary co-founder of The Butterfly 3ffect—an organisation poised to revolutionise how we understand and wield our collective digital influence.
In an era where hashtags and trending topics hold immense sway over public discourse, Samba has recognised the untapped potential of these platforms to ignite meaningful movements and inspire genuine change. Samba’s ascent to prominence in the digital realm was far from effortless.
Born and raised in a modest household, he navigated the virtual world with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a determination to make his mark. With every strategic campaign he crafted and every viral moment he orchestrated, Samba honed his craft, transforming the online presence of Gymshark from a mere fitness brand into a cultural phenomenon. Yet, despite this resounding success, he felt a calling that transcended commercial interests.
Through his transformative journey, Elfried Samba embodies the belief that we can shape our digital world through the power of diversity rather than being shaped by it. With The Butterfly 3ffect, he seeks to harness the untapped potential of diverse talent to help companies and brands flourish.
Tell us about your business – Butterfly 3ffect (why you started it, what you offer and what your vision is).
At Butterfly 3ffect, we aim to shake things up in the creative industry by championing diversity within creative teams. We love bringing together talented individuals with diverse perspectives to create an environment where innovation thrives, and the best ideas emerge. Our main focus is supporting challenger brands and helping them win.
Our work shows the incredible power of diversity and what happens when different talents join forces. We’re all about promoting diversity and embracing the unique contributions of everyone. We truly believe that by doing so, we can ignite a positive change in the creative landscape and unlock a world of unlimited potential for success.
As the former Head of Social Media at Gymshark, you were pivotal in building the brand’s online presence. What social media lessons can smaller startups learn from how you helped build a billion-dollar brand?
Sure, the main focuses for any start-up are as follows:
Define Your Goals:
Could you define your social media goals to shape your strategy? Specific goals will guide your actions and tactics, whether increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, or boosting sales.
Understand Your Target Audience:
Gain a deep understanding of your target audience’s demographics, interests, and behaviours. This knowledge will inform your content creation and engagement tactics, helping you create relevant and compelling content that resonates with your audience.
Choose the Right Platforms:
Select social media platforms that align with your target audience and business objectives. Focus on platforms where your audience is most active and where your brand can have the most impact. You can effectively reach and engage your desired audience by choosing the right platforms.
You’ve been consistently building your brand on LinkedIn for many years; what advice would you give someone trying to grow their audience?
When building your personal brand, start by figuring out what matters to you most – your values, strengths, and passions. Be yourself and stay true to yourself across all platforms, sharing personal stories that connect with your audience. Tailor your approach to speak directly to your target audience and make meaningful connections with others in your industry.
Show off your expertise by creating valuable content, embracing feedback to grow, and staying up to date with the latest trends in your field. And don’t forget to watch your online presence, ensuring it reflects the positive image you want to portray.
How important is growing a personal brand in 2023?
In a crowded digital landscape, having a personal brand helps you stand out by showcasing your unique skills and perspectives. It allows you to shape your online presence, establish credibility, and build trust with your target audience. A strong personal brand opens doors to professional opportunities and networking, attracting clients, employers, and like-minded individuals. It’s a pathway to differentiation, online reputation management, and personal growth.
What has been the highlight of your year so far (professional or personal)?
Getting married! They say choosing your life partner is the biggest decision you’ll ever make. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my amazing wife and an incredible circle of friends and family. Having all that support in one place was just incredible.
What does building a legacy look like for you?
Building a legacy involves encouraging creators from diverse backgrounds to enter the space and seeing a creative industry that reflects the world that we live in.
Favourite book/podcast?
I love listening to books on Blinkist. It’s a fantastic platform that provides concise summaries of popular books, enabling me to understand the main ideas and insights without committing to the full reading experience. Some of my favourite titles include:
- “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek,
- “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”
By Stephen R. Covey - “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki
I’m also a huge fan of the Y Combinator YouTube channel, which offers valuable insights and knowledge into the entrepreneurial and start-up world.
Favourite food?
Nandos, all day.
Bucket list holiday destination?
I have always wanted to go to Japan; definitely on
top of my bucket list.
Connect and Follow Elfried on LinkedIn.
