Full Name: Sean Edgar Lesley Blake
Position: Executive director of the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW)
Main Activity of the Company: The SAIW is an industry association involved in the implementation of standards in the industry, offering training and consulting services
Date and Place of Birth: December 17, 1970, Johannesburg
Education: BSc (engineering – physical metallurgy), University of the Witwatersrand
First Job: Metallurgist
Career History Prior to Current Position: I worked for Highveld Steel as a metallurgist for three years, and spent 14 years at Afrox in a variety of roles, including technical support to the heat treatment industry and product management for carbon dioxide and hydrogen, before entering the welding industry as technical manager; I have been at SAIW for nine years
Size of First Pay Packet: R4 375 a month
First Job with Present Group: Project manager
Value of Assets under Your Control: R100-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 55
Management Style: Participative
Personal Best Achievement: My family
Professional Best Achievement: Appointment as SAIW executive director
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Jim Guild, previous SAIW executive director
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The Dalai Lama
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk
Philosophy of Life: Life is to be enjoyed
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Appointment as SAIW executive director
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None
Hope for the Future: A prosperous future and productive employment for all
Favourite Reading: Ken Follet novels and historical thrillers
Favourite TV Programme: Big Bang Theory
Favourite Food/Drink: Seafood/wine
Favourite Music: Easy-listening ballads
Favourite Sport: Golf
Favourite Website: www.news24.com
Hobbies: Cycling, photography and golf
Car: Volkswagen Tiguan
Pets: Angel, a golden retriever
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty and greed
Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol
Favourite Foreign Company: Apple
Married: To Jacqui, since April 13, 1996
Children: Aiden, 16; Conor, 13
Clubs: Benoni Lake Golf Club