Briefly tell us more about yourself and your journey thus far.
A: Born and bred Capetonian – I left boarding school (RBHS) to become an Air Traffic Controller. I discovered it wasn’t a passion after completing it and went on to study a BCom Finance at University. While there, I started a business called Oishi.co.za, an innovative sushi delivery service in Cape Town. Once I finished up my degree I dived into the next project – PropertyFox, a truly digital online estate agency, that offers everything a conventional agent offers, only better.
‘Disruptor’ and ‘disruption’ are buzzwords of late. In your opinion, what characteristics are essential to a ‘disruptor’.
A: When the value proposition of current/conventional goods and services are affected by digital technologies. Often digital disintermediation is caused and service delivery exceeds the conventional methods. Creating a shift in a market place by making things a lot more affordable, better access to information and creating a lot more transparency.
Both of you can be described as serial entrepreneurs. Can you comment on the importance of entrepreneurship to the South African economy?
A: Entrepreneurship is one of the most important factors to economic growth. Entrepreneurship should be taught and taken seriously across all educational institutions within South Africa. It’s the most effective way to kick-start the economy and allow for forward momentum in things like GDP growth, employment rates, etc.
What more can be done to help and hone entrepreneurs in South Africa?
A: Introduce it into the schooling system from an early age so that we have more people leaving school/university inspired to become entrepreneurs.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: Remain optimistic, do your research and never stop learning. Lastly, be persistent.
Quick-fire Q&A
What time in the morning do you get up and what is the first thing you do?
A: Ideally 6:00, for a gym session or run to get the endorphins flowing, triggering a good mind-set.
C: Between 5:30/6:30 and I usually head out for a run – a hard reset ahead of the day.
What is the one thing most people don’t know about you?
A: My eyes are two different colours: one light brown and the other dark.
C: I love country music.
Who or what inspires you?
A: People like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos really inspire me based on their story and journey as entrepreneurs.
C: Seeing and experiencing success. Having the right people and team around you is also incredibly important, whether it’s at work or at home.
Your strategy to beat procrastination?
A: Tackle tasks head on. Keep thinking there are people executing quicker than you out there, so stay focused and get things done.
C: Create (ambitious) deadlines. And do what you say you’re going to do.
Your personal mantra?
A: If I’m bold in thought, I can achieve absolutely anything in this world.
C: Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. Just start.
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