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