Full Name: Sizakele Marutlulle

Position: CEO and founder of Marutlulle & Co

Main Activity of the Company: Business strategy and ‘ideation’

Date and Place of Birth: Many moons ago, Soweto, Johannesburg

Education: MA in communication sociology; PhD candidate

First Job: Research assistant

Career History Prior to Current Position: From a junior position in an advertising agency and working on the African National Congress’s historical 1994 campaign, I went on to occupy several executive positions before starting my own firm, Marutlulle & Co, a strategy and ideas lab

Size of First Pay Packet: A princely sum of R5 000 a month

First Job with Present Group: I am the founder, so I started as CEO

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: More than ten

Management Style: Firm and fair

Personal Best Achievement: Taking the road less travelled when I chose a career in advertising, despite my mother wanting me to study medicine

Professional Best Achievement: When I meet young people who feel inspired by my journey and are encouraged to aim high

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Everyone who has overcome some impediment

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Several dear souls

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: T-Michael, of Norwegian Rain

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Tilda Swinton

Philosophy of Life: To thy ownself be true

Biggest Ever Opportunity: My first overseas trip to New York City, in 1995, and meeting the greats in advertising – from Caroline Jones to Byron Lewis

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing business because of unscrupulous behaviour by other people

Hope for the Future: Gender justice

Favourite Reading: Monthly: Vanity Fair, Monocle and AnOther

Favourite TV Programme: I prefer documentaries

Favourite Food/Drink: Salmon, egg whites, artichoke, avo, jellybeans/champagne

Favourite Music: Anything and everything Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diane Schuur, Dianne Reeves and Nina Simone

Favourite Sport: I prefer strength training, aerial yoga, running and boxing

Favourite Website: www.mrporter.com

Hobbies: Travelling to places where I can get lost, listening to music, physical work-outs and solitude

Car: A truck called Zeerba

Pets: None

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Rudeness, insecurity disguised as arrogance, folk who talk about money and poor service at high prices

Favourite Other South African Company: Nando’s

Favourite Foreign Company: Droga 5

Married: In my rearview mirror

Children: None

Clubs: None