Anthony Christov is an art director currently designing the look for films at award-winning Pixar Animation Studios. He most recently art directored WALL•E. He worked in a similar capacity for the successful Finding Nemo animated feature and was the set designer for Cars and The Incredibles.
My Definition Of Success | I think success is having a stable and loving family, and being able to live up to your responsibilities towards them. That has never changed for me. In that regard I am not as tolerant as I am in everything else in life. I have a hard time respecting a person who isn’t living up to his/her family responsibilities, professional achievements notwithstanding.
I Am Driven By | The well-being of my family is probably my strongest motivation, then the chance to work and interact with people I respect and make those incredible films that will stay in the world’s culture and history, through the memories of so many people.
My Highlights | My children and the people I work with.
The Difference Between Good And Great | It’s a good question. People that are great are the ones that are inspired. People that try to do things differently and don’t fall victims of our collective habits. People that are not afraid of failure. Fear of failure paralyzes creativity.
A Key Talent | I would have to say flexibility, though I still see my success as work in progress. It’s hard to tell people step by step, as every one I’ve made many mistakes too, but I think the key is to surround yourself with people who you think are better than you in what they do. It’s not always the most comfortable place, but it’s far better than the alternative, as it allows you to grow, and teaches you to be humble.
Principles I Live By | Don’t believe everything you think. Respect and consider other people’s opinions, as well – more often than not, they will help you move forward, with whatever task at hand.
Critical Skills I Develop | Well, I am still learning. I think the art of leading and listening at the same time is very difficult to master, but extremely important. Some people are too stubborn and will pile on past mistakes, by being immovable, others will linger between various opinions and advice, unable to decide.
I’ve tried to always find that balance between the two.
How I Use My Mind | I personally focus on my work, and not on my goals and ambitions. I think people feel uneasy around a person driven exclusively by their goals and ambition. Trying to be inspired at what you do, will bring you results on the success and ambition front, but that is the result of your professionalism, not the other way around.
Lessons I Have Learnt | The world does not revolve around you. Everyone around you is too busy worrying about themselves, and they are not judging you constantly as it may seem at times to a younger person.
Dealing With Doubt | Doubt is normal, but I think the key is not to connect your professional standing with your sense of self-respect. You should learn to love and accept who you are, and that will allow you to focus on what it is that you are doing. Too many people mix those and that too has a paralyzing effect.
Performing At My Peak | You don’t. There will be bad days, but you can’t let those change things. Accept them as normal and keep going. Failure teaches better than success.
Resources I Use To Stay Inspired | I am a history fan and read a lot of historic publications. As such I have realized that often what looks like a disappointment turns out to be a positive development, so history has taught me not to despair in the face of failure, but mobilize your mental capacity to deal with it.
My Future Dreams And Ambitions | I just want to keep learning.
On Inspiring Others | I just make sure that their goals are the same as mine – that we all want to make these films better and better.
I Am Inspired By | My family inspires me, but my role model has to be Peter the Great of Russia. He was a reformer, he drove people really hard to reform and change the way they had done things for centuries, yet he was not afraid to get dirty himself. Peter learnt everything that he expected other to learn, from ship building to navigation, to architecture, to warfare and so on, and his curiosity was endless.
He took his work seriously but he didn’t take himself seriously which is what made him great.
The Legacy I Would Like To Leave | I want my grandchildren one day to really enjoy the films we are making.
Designer and Technologist Jessi Baker (b.1984) creates user-centered experiences. She is particularly interested in the relationship between individual and collective decision making and emerging technologies. Jessi studied Engineering at Cambridge University (2003-2007) receiving sponsorship from Arup Consulting engineers throughout her degree. During her time at Cambridge, she won numerous awards for entrepreneurship and design, notably […]
Beth founded her first company at age 22 and launched exclusive European fashion brands across the United States. It seemed like a dream job at first but Beth soon saw the human rights violations, environmental pollution and child labor prevalent in the industry. Determined to show that fashion could make a difference, Beth created her […]
Francois Steyn is a South African and Natal Sharks Rugby player who holds the record for being the youngest player to win a World Cup after helping the Springboks beat England in the 2007 final in France. He is notorious for his long-distance kicking ability and in a 2009 Super 14 match against the Brumbies […]
Pepe Marais is one of SA’s advertising creative icons with a track-record to make anyone in the local advertising landscape swoon with awe, admiration, and to be honest, in my case, a twinge of jealousy. Together with his business partner, he founded the award-winning, highly acclaimed and sought-after agency, Joe Public, whilst still in his […]
Ajen Sita is the CEO of Ernst & Young Africa. Ajen joined the firm in 1993 focusing on entrepreneurial growth companies. He became a partner in 1999 and was appointed head of the entrepreneurial services division in 2001. Sita is the E&Y’s South African head of audit and chairman of the South Africa’s Thuthuka Education […]
Athol Williams came from humble beginnings in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, and has then lived in Johannesburg, Boston and London. He currently splits his time between Oxford and Cape Town. Athol Williams has published 3 collections of poems and 2 children’s books. He also has a deep passion for reading and education. He is pioneering […]
Gayathri Ramprasad is the Founder and President of ASHA International a non-profit organization promoting personal, organizational, and community wellness. And, the author of Shadows in the Sun: Healing from Depression and Finding the Light Within. Her successful battle in overcoming life-threatening mental illness and her amazing recovery taught her the power of hope and holistic […]
Jonathan “sprinkles” elements of wisdom and humor to create a learning environment that is light-hearted yet purpose-filled. In his talks, Jonathan provides the “wow” that audience members want and the substance that meeting planners value. Jonathan’s techniques and teaching style come from experience. Having faced many of the same personal, financial, and organizational challenges his […]
There are no results matching your search
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME