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