Jason Nartey: A Master Storyteller and Visionary in Integrated Marketing Communications
The 10 Most Creative Leaders to Watch in 2024
Jason Nartey is the Founder and Director of The Storytellers and the Group Creative Director at Ogilvy Africa, bringing over 20 years of award-winning excellence in integrated marketing communications across West and East Africa. His remarkable career has seen him shape and elevate both African and global brands, including industry giants such as Guinness, MTN, Vodafone, Coca-Cola, Nescafe, Peugeot, Woodin, Vlisco, Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank and the Kenya Tourism Board.
Jason’s core competence lies in crafting differentiated creative ideas that are deeply rooted in relevant customer insights and sound strategic thinking. His unique ability to combine creativity with strategy has set him apart as a leader in the industry, driving successful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences across the continent.
For Jason, storytelling is not just a profession—it’s a part of his very essence. He describes storytelling as something that is in his DNA, a natural ability that has always felt like a calling rather than work. From a young age, Jason was captivated by the power of stories to shape beliefs, influence behaviors, and leave a lasting impact. This deep connection to storytelling has been the driving force behind his illustrious career, where he has consistently used the power of narrative to create meaningful and impactful brand experiences.
Throughout his career, Jason has demonstrated an unparalleled talent for understanding and leveraging the cultural nuances and unique perspectives of African markets. His work reflects a deep commitment to celebrating and elevating African stories while seamlessly integrating them with global brand strategies. This approach has not only earned him numerous accolades but has also helped brands establish strong, authentic connections with their audiences.
As the Founder and Director of The Storytellers Group, Jason continues to push the boundaries of creative excellence, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of storytellers. His work at Ogilvy Africa further cements his reputation as a visionary leader in the world of marketing communications, where his innovative approach to storytelling continues to drive success for some of the world’s most iconic brands.
Transforming the World Through the Power of Narrative
At The Storytellers, Jason and his team are guided by a bold and transformative mantra: “Change the world for the better, one story at a time.” This belief is the driving force behind every project they undertake, shaping the way they approach storytelling in all its forms. Their latest feature film, Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land), serves as a powerful testament to this ethos. The film is not just a cinematic journey; it is a heartfelt tribute to Ghana, crafted to invite audiences into an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty, culture, and spirit of the homeland. Through this work, The Storytellers aim to ignite a sense of pride and inspire a deeper connection to Ghanaian roots, making the film an emotional and cultural touchstone.
In the advertising world, Jason understands that stories are the lifeblood of successful brands. In a market saturated with options, it’s the brands that can tell the most compelling and authentic stories—those that resonate deeply with consumers and create memorable experiences—that truly stand out. For Jason, every advertising campaign is more than just a marketing effort; it’s an opportunity to build a meaningful connection between a brand and its audience through the power of narrative. He views each campaign as a chance to bridge gaps, foster engagement, and ultimately, change perceptions—all through the art of storytelling. This commitment to narrative excellence is what sets The Storytellers apart, making them not just creators of content, but architects of change.
Leadership at Ogilvy Africa
In his role as Group Creative Director at Ogilvy Africa (Ghana), Jason feels honored to lead a team of passionate creatives who are dedicated to achieving excellence in everything they do. Over the years, he has had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable teams across Africa, and together, they have consistently crafted stories that resonate and stand out in a crowded marketplace. This success is rooted in their ability to unearth unique insights about their audiences and express these truths in the most creative and impactful ways possible.
Jason firmly believes that creativity and strategy are inseparable. The most powerful ideas emerge from a harmonious blend of artistic vision and sharp strategic thinking. For him, developing a campaign is not just about telling a compelling story; it’s about ensuring that the story drives tangible business results. A truly great story doesn’t just engage—it compels audiences to think, feel, and, most importantly, act. This approach ensures that every piece of work his team produces is not only creatively outstanding but also effective in achieving its objectives.
Driving Creative Excellence
Continuous growth and learning are essential to staying ahead in the fast-paced advertising industry. Jason is a strong advocate of the Kaizen philosophy—Japanese for “continuous improvement.” He recognizes that Africa is a continent bursting with raw creative talent, and he is deeply passionate about nurturing that talent. In every project, Jason and his team push for creative excellence, always striving to learn from the best and raise the bar higher. This commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation is what drives their success and keeps them at the forefront of the industry.
Elevating Global Creativity Through Empowerment and Innovation
Jason’s experience as a jury member for prestigious global advertising awards—such as the Cannes Lions, the International Andy Awards, the Loeries, and the African Cristals—has given him a firsthand look at the highest standards in the industry. Competing on the world stage demands relentless dedication, innovation, and a commitment to constantly evolving. These experiences have deepened his understanding of what it takes to stand out in a global arena and reinforced his belief that creativity is a powerful force for change.
His “impossible dream”? Unlimited creative expression. For The Storytellers and the Agency teams he leads, this dream is inching closer to reality every day, fueled by collaboration. Jason firmly believes that when creatives are empowered, equipped with the right tools, and connected with one another, magic happens. They produce work that is not only artistically inspiring but also deeply connects with society in bold, meaningful, and unexpected ways.
Jason’s vision is clear: they can change the world—one story at a time. Through this unwavering belief, he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the creative industry, striving to make a lasting impact on both the brands he works with and the broader cultural landscape.
To know more, please visit: http://www.ogilvy.africa