Please can you give us an overview of your career?
I studied accountancy at the Potchefstroom University (Now the Northwest University) in South Africa. The University was in a quiet town in South Africa, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I started working at an auditing firm and was not sure that it was for me. The routine of audits was exhausting, and I realised that I would function better in an entrepreneurial environment.
In 2000 I had the opportunity to establish a new business with family members and that became my life for the next 25 years. Our business assisted wealthy families to secure their wealth outside of their home jurisdiction with the aim of keeping it secure for future generations.
Being part of a family business has its challenges and even though every day was not a walk in the park it was a very enjoyable experience. The most important lessons I have learned:
- We are colleagues from 9:00 – 17:00 and family from 17:00 – 9:00. Leave personal matters at the front door of the office and pick them up again when you leave.
- There will always be difficult days and periods. Don’t let them define relationships. In hindsight, the difficult times were really difficult, but the good days far outweigh any negativity.
- It is not all about the money and the success of the business. The relationships we have as a family is equally important and should be seen as part of wealth.
I am now privileged to continue helping families secure their wealth through the services that Boston offers.
Another milestone was penning a book with a one of my brothers and a friend. It was an opportunity to write down what we have learned and for others to learn from our experiences.
Where is the most interesting place you have travelled to for work and why?
I have travelled a lot over the past 25 years and have visited many interesting places. I don’t know if I have a favourite place to visit for business. My memories are rather connected with the people I have met during my travels. My best memories are nestled around families that has indeed managed to secure their wealth for the rising generations.
What’s the one gadget you couldn’t live without?
I cannot function without my Remarkable. It is a tablet that allows me to make notes and draw structures in a meeting, without the disruption of emails and messages coming through.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I meet the most amazing and interesting people. Not only is the team at Boston interesting, qualified and professional, they’re also a nice bunch of people to be around. The potential clients I meet have so many stories of how they made their wealth and how they use their wealth. It makes for interesting meetings and experiences.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
I love gardening. Putting a lot of energy and effort into something that grows and gives joy is an incredible experience.
What’s your motto or personal mantra?
I read this week: Reality informs, it does not constraint. It represents a lifestyle of getting out into life and living it to the fullest extent possible.