Full Name: Michael Roberts
Position: CEO of Khonology
Main Activity of the Company: Technology services
Date and Place of Birth: February 27, 1972, Harare, Zimbabwe
Education: MSc (financial markets and information systems)
First Job: Waiter and Edgars sales assistant
Career History Prior to Current Position: Regional head for a global consultancy
Size of First Pay Packet: About R100 a week
First Job with Present Group: Founder
Value of Assets under Your Control: R75-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 160
Management Style: Democratic – open and engaged
Personal Best Achievement: Starting my own business
Professional Best Achievement: Delivering global systems integration and an upgrade for a major investment bank
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My grandfather
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My first boss – he made life difficult for me and expected me to be self-driven and not to be spoon-fed
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Ricardo Semler
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson
Philosophy of Life: Make it happen
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Building our business
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not having done it sooner
Hope for the Future: Have a purpose that is meaningful
Favourite Reading: Business books and success stories
Favourite TV Programme: Dragon’s Den
Favourite Food/Drink: All food
Favourite Music: Good music that is upbeat
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Favourite Website: Flipr
Hobbies: Travel and cars
Car: Audi A3
Pets: Two dogs
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Rude people
Favourite Other South African Company: Bidvest
Favourite Foreign Company: Berkshire Hathaway
Married: To Liza, since August 1, 1998
Children: Tatum, 17; Jorja, 12
Clubs: Bellville Golf Club