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FBR March 2016

8 | MARCH 2016 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.com What’s your educational background? After matriculating from Kimberley Boys’ High, I did my B.Comm at the University of Natal in Durban. What was your earliest ambition? I always wanted to manage or lead some business where I could influence the end result and make an impact. Added to that, I had a passion for marketing - so becoming a marketing director and in time a CEO were major milestones for me. What’s the least healthy thing you do? Like many people, I do sometimes indulge in too much good food and wine! What’s the most healthy thing you do? I’m not fanatical but I’ve always been fairly health conscious. I absorb new ideas if they make sense - like eating less refined foods - and I’ve always kept up a reasonable level of exercise. It’s all about moderation and living a balanced life. Ever read a book that changed your life? No book has ever changed my life, but plenty have had an influence. Probably the most recent is Malcolm Gladwell’s David and Goliath, where he talks about the ‘advantage of disadvantage’ and the ‘disadvantage of advantage’. Maybe, because of my own background (I never went to a private school; I had to pay for my own varsity; I went to army first and to varsity much later), I’ve always admired people who succeed in spite of disadvantages. I’ve never employed people on the basis of their school ties or social background - I’m more interested in their values and that they are passionate. What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? Be authentic, be yourself. The minute you try to be someone else, you’ll be tripped up. Related to that, be passionate. When you’re passionate about what you do, you’re more likely to succeed and have fun at the same time. Who would you invite to your movers ‘n shakers dinner party? I’m not really a ‘movers ‘n shakers’ guy, and I’ve always kept a low profile. I would invite people I enjoy and respect, whoever they may be. For me it’s more about authenticity, not ranks and titles. How do you relax at weekends? I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My kids are both very active (one does showjumping, the other is a dancer), and supporting them in that is a form of relaxation for me. I also love reading fiction, especially on holidays. Who do you most admire in the business world? Why? There are so many good people that it’s hard to single out anyone. The traits I admire most are authenticity, passion and innovation. I also enjoy people with a sense of humour. If you can’t laugh about something, it’s a disaster! How would you describe your leadership/management style? Any ” I’ve always tried to build teams of people who are better than me “

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