Stonesoup
Conference in Johannesburg

Stone Soup is a public relations consultancy specialising in business to business communication. It takes its name from an ancient fable that advocates creative co-operation as a prerequisite for working for the greater good of any initiative. Stone Soup specialises in innovative communication interventions. Stone Soup offers bespoke communications strategies, public relations including all stakeholder relations, crisis management, corporate communications, and event management and media relations. Stone Soup believes that a successful campaign relies on our understanding of the client’s business and ability to harness both the intellectual and emotional impressions that audiences have of companies and brands. It is vital to understand these perceptions and their connectivity and relevance to profits. Failure to do so can result in a dilution of real worth. Unlike similar communications companies, Stone Soup, through the experience of its directors, brings extensive business acumen to its clients. We know the ins and outs of business, intrinsically and thoroughly and we see the bigger picture. We can set you apart as we have set ourselves apart. Sandra Gordon is academically trained in the fields of marketing, advertising, the media and public relations. She held various senior positions in media, advertising and public relations before launching her own magazine publishing business in She sold this to the listed Primedia Limited Group in 1995 and served on their main board for four heady years until she was headhunted to join the film and television production company Sasani Limited, as Chief Executive Officer, a position she held for three years. She has served on the Pro Bono and GALA boards, National Film and Video Foundation Council and is currently a non-executive Director of Moneyweb Holdings. She has assisted with business turnarounds in the media sector and is acknowledged as an influencer in the sector. Sandra has given back by serving on industry boards and committees and was the first female vice president of the Institute of Marketing Management. She has judged numerous journalism, media and marketing awards. Sandra’s experience and reputation as a mentor, entrepreneur and strategist, her business acumen, as well as executive positions held in the corporate sector are invaluable in her daily consulting roles for clients of Stone Soup and other Iconic Group companies. Her academic qualifications include a BA in journalism and psychology, an Honours Degree in features writing and photojournalism from Rhodes University and a MA in performance art and film from WITS. Her practical experience in PR and management ranges over a variety of sectors: print, broadcast & out-of-home media, marketing research, finance, DIY, magazine & book publishing, business administration, fine art, photography, NGO's, special needs schools, hospitality and even cherry farming. She has over nine year’s work experience in the accountancy field across various industries including IT, construction and landscaping. She has now found her niche in the media and marketing industry. She has had in-house training as a SAP Business One and Pastel consultant at Twenty Third Century Systems. Natalie completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Rhodes University), and Honours and Masters degrees in Philosophy (University of the Witwatersrand), before heading to Japan and Korea to teach English. For the past seven years she has worked as a features writer and editor, primarily covering the South African arts and culture scene.