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Events & SpeakingJune 2025·Updated June 2025·6 min read

Digital Strategy in Practice: A Masterclass at H-FARM College

In June 2025 I joined colleagues from JAKALA at H-FARM College for a masterclass with Master's students on how brands turn ideas into effective digital strategies, from social media and creator partnerships to advertising, media planning, and real-world case studies. The session was a chance to share practical experience from agency work and discuss how global brands navigate today's digital landscape.

From idea to digital strategy

Today's brands don't just communicate, they build relationships, engage communities, and create distinctive experiences. The central question for marketers is how to translate an idea into a strategy that works across channels, audiences, and business objectives.

At H-FARM College, Master's students explored this with experts from JAKALA, a company at the forefront of data, AI, and digital experiences, with headquarters in Milan and a presence in over 30 countries.

Sarah Zane presenting at H-FARM College
Guest session at H-FARM College with JAKALA experts.

Social media & creator marketing

Social media is not a standalone channel, it is a lever for brand positioning, reputation, and community engagement. Strategies need to refine every detail of a brand's online presence and integrate creator and influencer partnerships where they add cultural relevance and measurable impact.

  • Multi-channel editorial planning aligned with brand identity
  • Creator and influencer activations that feel native to each platform
  • Content supervision, tone of voice, and performance analysis
  • Connecting organic social with paid media and broader campaigns
Sarah Zane in conversation with a student after the session
Q&A and one-to-one conversations with students after the masterclass.

Advertising & media

From planning to execution, digital campaigns need both data and creativity. Media buying, programmatic advertising, and real-time analysis allow teams to reach the right audiences and refine strategies continuously, not just at launch, but throughout the campaign lifecycle.

The session highlighted how agency teams coordinate strategy, creative, media, and account functions to deliver integrated work for national and international brands.

Real-world case studies

Students had the opportunity to explore real-world examples: how global brands structure social and creator activations, measure engagement, and adapt to platform trends. Case studies grounded the conversation in what actually happens inside agencies and client teams, not just theory.

Q&A session with students at H-FARM College
Interactive Q&A with Master's students at the end of the session.
Students during the H-FARM College masterclass
Master's students following the session with laptops and notes.

Why sessions like this matter

For students entering digital marketing, hearing from practitioners closes the gap between classroom concepts and day-to-day agency work: briefing creators, aligning with client stakeholders, reading performance data, and making strategic trade-offs under deadline pressure.

For me, it was a pleasure to share experience, hear fresh perspectives, and connect with talented students. Thanks to H-FARM College for the invitation, and to everyone who joined the session.