Phil has more than 24 years’ experience in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in various senior positions. Phil has previously served as COO – Africa for Coca Cola SABCO and as an Executive Director at Tiger Brands.
My Definition Of Success | Success is two-fold. My job is extremely important to me. That said, as I have matured more, my family and caring for others in a meaningful way is reaching heightened focus.
I Am Driven By | I hate losing. I am highly disciplined and somewhat of a perfectionist. High performance outcomes are an imperative.
My Highlights | Meeting my career aspirations, my marriage of 18 years, and my wider family.
The Difference Between Good And Great | Discipline and never accepting mediocrity.
A Key Talent | Being both strategic and operational. Be prepared to take risks, and pursue a non-traditional career. Learn – learn – learn!
Principles I Live By | I believe in hard work, being forthright, and authentic.
How I Use My Mind | You need mental and physical fitness. To the former you need to continuously be expansive in your thinking. Being an avid reader assists this. You literally need to train yourself on this type of integrative thinking ability. To the latter I stay very fit physically. Train at 5 am and cycle on road over weekends.
Lessons I Have Learnt | Judge less. Manage impetuousness. EQ counts a lot! Never compromise on standards. Hiring the best talent is critical. Never compromise integrity.
Dealing With Doubt | I am continuously fearful and anxious. It comes with high performance. I work harder to compensate which may seem counterintuitive. Plan and manage the detail relentlessly. Lean on my family for support.
Performing At My Peak | Keeping my mind and body ‘fit’ and never becoming over confident –hubris.
Resources I Use To Stay Inspired | Business literature, ex CEO’s and mentors.
My Future Dreams And Ambitions | I want to leave Pioneer in much better shape and organizational health that I found it. I may retire early and take on a different career or go on to lead an even bigger corporate.
The Meaning Of Life | We all need purpose. Work defines a lot of who I am. I love my family dearly and want to see them prosper and support them to the hilt. I also support many others financially which is rewarding.
The Best Advice I’ve Received | Don’t be so hard on yourself. Difficult to apply.
On Inspiring Others | I try to inspire them. I create a visualization of the future. I work them really hard and don’t tolerate sub-standard performance. Those that count respond to it well. I try to care about the whole person.
I Am Inspired By | My deceased father. I don’t emulate anyone in particular. There have been many business greats. I am my own man.
The Legacy I Would Like To Leave | Having added value to lives.
Some entrepreneurs are so ridiculously prolific, talented and ‘out-there’ that they get to take on the status of ‘celebrity’ entrepreneur. In my opinion, David Donde is one of those. I know this for a fact because I get to experience both the brand and the products that David brings to the market almost every day […]
Dave Foord serves as the Chief Investment Officer and Director of Foord Asset Management (Pty) Limited. Dave Foord founded Foord Asset Management in October 1981 when he was 28-years old together with Liston Meintjies. This month marks the companies 33rd birthday. My Definition Of Success | Success to me means having the independence to be […]
Mark is a South African writer and director. He graduated with Honours in Dramatic Art from the University of the Witwatersrand. After completing his studies, he taught himself screenwriting and film appreciation before traveling to Los Angeles, where he worked as a script reader for several production companies.Since then, Mark has worked as a freelance […]
Vicky Colbert is the Founder and Director of Fundación Escuela Nueva, and co-creator of the Escuela Nueva pedagogical model, known for its effectiveness in improving the quality and relevance of basic education in underprivileged schools across Colombia and beyond. She is the 2013 WISE Prize for Education Laureate. Vicky Colbert of Success | For me […]
Linda Olagunju is the Managing Director at DLO Energy Resources & Founder of the Renewable Energy Forum South Africa. She holds an LLB from the University of Cape Town and an LLM in International Commercial Law with a specialisation in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen. Linda was part of the team […]
After an executive sales and strategy role for a large information technology company based in Germany, Brian returned to South Africa and founded TowerStone, driven by his desire to inspire others to seek greater meaning in their lives and help them to purposefully live a life that is fulfilling and meaningful, filled with love at […]
With more than 10 years experience in the physiotherapy, hospital and medical field, Hayley Warren is a business and profit focused executive recognised as a technology pioneer in the evolution and implementation of specialised medical technology. Working from start-up phase through domestic and international market penetration, Hayley has secured a reputation for her ability to […]
Her heart has answered the call to empower the next generation in Africa to learn to code. Camille Agon has been instrumental in co founding a French and South African initiative We Think Code with Arlene Mulder. Her ambition to source and develop the next generation of Africa’s digital talent is realised thereby echoing the […]
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