Michelle Jackson, MD: Property & Buildings at WSP in Africa
Full Name: Michelle Jackson
Position: MD: Property & Buildings at WSP in Africa
Main Activity of the Company: WSP is a multinational engineering and design firm
Date and Place of Birth: June 19, 1974, Johannesburg
Education: Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Bachelor of Architecture (Wits), PrArch
First Job: Kate Otten Architects
Career History Prior to Current Position: I practised architecture for five years and spent nearly 18 years at multinational professional services firm Turner & Townsend
Size of First Pay Packet: R 3 000 a month
First Job with Present Group: MD: Property & Buildings
Value of Assets under Your Control: Our people are our assets
Number of People under Your Leadership: 110
Management Style: Collaborative
Personal Best Achievement: I am still aiming for this
Professional Best Achievement: South African Professional Services Awards (SAPSA) Professional of the Year 2019 (commendation); SAPSA Woman Professional of the Year 2019 (finalist)
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I have had several mentors during my career who have all played a significant part in my career development
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Michael Schumacher
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Reed Hastings
Philosophy of Life: I am a secular humanist
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Moving from architecture into project management
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Most disappointments are learning opportunities
Hope for the Future: That we grow a South Africa that works for everyone
Favourite Reading: Crime novels
Favourite TV Programme: Drive to Survive
Favourite Food/Drink: Chocolate
Favourite Music: 80s alternative
Favourite Sport: Rugby and Formula 1
Favourite Website: Google – all of it
Hobbies: Repurposing and upcycling unique furniture pieces
Car: Toyota Prado
Pets: Dobby (a three-year-old Labrador cross) and Bella (a Bullador puppy)
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Indecision and admin
Favourite Other South African Company: Takealot
Favourite Foreign Company: Netflix
Married: I have a life partner, Neil
Children: Luke, 16; Katherine, 13
Clubs: The Doors, Le Club, Duke’s