Rhian Capostagno, a partner at Partners in Performance
Full Name: Rhian Celia Capostagno
Position and Company: Partner at Partners in Performance
Main Activity of the Company: Partners in Performance is a firm of management consultants
Date and Place of Birth: January 24, 1967, Wales
Schools and Tertiary Education: Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls; BScChem, University of Wales, Swansea
First Job: Pharmaceuticals sales representative
Career Path to Date: I was a sales rep in the UK from 1989 to 1991 and my first job in South Africa, from 1991 to 1996, was as a product manager. I then became a partner and shareholder in Gemini Consulting, from 1996 to 2002, and an independent consultant from 2002 to 2019, when I joined Partners in Performance
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: As part of the Africa practice leadership, we grow and unleash potential in about 70 people
Management Style: I lead from the front – I never ask someone to do something I have not attempted
Personal Best Achievement: Double international sportswoman for my country, Wales
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Me
Person You Would Like to Meet: Elon Musk
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: John Kearney, former CEO of Pfizer South Africa
Philosophy of Life: Not Stated
Biggest Ever Opportunity: An opportunity to move to South Africa, as a relatively fresh graduate, on a two-year contract during probably the most unpredictable time in recent South African history – 1990 to 1991
Hope for the Future: On a country level, that South Africa delivers; on a work level, to make director before I retire; on a personal level, to see my daughter achieve her dreams and live a safe and happy life; and, healthwise, to be fit enough in my retirement to gad about the world judging International Federation for Equestrian Sports eventing shows
Favourite Reading: The Sunday Times newspaper. I have a personal challenge to complete the Samurai Sudoku during my 50-minute flight to work each Monday
Favourite TV Programme: All Creatures Great and Small, Father Brown and Strictly Come Dancing – none of them needs any brain power
Favourite Food and Drink: Rare fillet steak and avocado; Blue & Blue (Bombay Sapphire gin with tonic)
Favourite Music: Whatever has been loaded on Spotify for me
Favourite Hobbies: My farm and horses
Car: 1974 Jaguar E-type drophead, British racing green with black leather interior and chrome trim
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Pasta (hard since married to a cooking Silician!), any food with less than substantial texture, and rusks
Clubs: Welsh Rugby Union Past Internationals Club