Full Name: Andrew Hardie

Position and Company Name: CEO of Pay@

Main Activity of the Company: Pay@ is a payments aggregator

Place of Birth: Johannesburg

Schools and Tertiary Education: I attended Michaelhouse, in KwaZulu-Natal, followed by the University of Cape Town

First Job: I worked for a vet during school holidays, which I loved. But my first job was in the banking sector

Career Path to Date: I started working in the banking sector, and this laid the foundation for my career, leading me into management consulting, investments, corporate finance and strategy, insurance, fintech and then the payments sector. Eventually, I took on leadership roles, including my current position as CEO of Pay@

Number of People under Your Leadership: 70

Management Style: My management style is inclusive, with a focus on creating a great culture that is activated by appropriate values and behaviour. An effective culture, coupled with clear direction and accountable people, drives ownership at all levels and negates the need for micro-management. Structure is important, but to thrive a framework must also allow for individualism, innovation, et cetera. Credit must be forthcoming where it’s due and integrity is crucial to me

Personal Best Achievement: I’ve had many successes in sport and other aspects of life and I’ve travelled the world extensively. However, I’m particularly proud of my family, including my three children. Becoming the CEO of Pay@, a business of tremendous significance, is also an achievement that I cherish

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I’ve been lucky to learn a great deal from work colleagues over the years. More recently, the Pay@ founder has been an inspiration. The frameworks and culture he established have been instrumental in our success. His approach has taught me that “culture truly eats strategy for breakfast”, and his leadership style comes close to that of a Level 5 leader, as articulated in Jim Colins’ book, Good to Great

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: David Attenborough. His dedication to nature and the environment is something I greatly admire. He’s made a significant impact through his work, creating awareness and inspiring change, all while staying true to his passion

Philosophy of Life: I’m inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s passage about “the man in the arena”. It’s about being willing to take risks, to experience both victory and defeat, rather than being a timid soul who never tries. As Goethe says, “The moment one commits oneself, then providence moves too!”

Hope for the Future: I’m passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and animal welfare. I’d like to find more time to make a difference in these realms

Favourite Reading: I enjoy autobiographies and books on history, but for relaxation I turn to fiction, such as the Jack Reacher series. The lessons in leadership books such as Jim Collins’ Good to Great are a good reference point from time to time

Favourite Food/Drink: A fish braai around our firepit, especially when it includes locally sourced tuna and is had with a good wine in the company of family and friends

Favourite Music: My musical taste covers quite a wide range – from rock to classical music

Favourite Sport: Paddling out in the ocean; it’s a perfect blend of physical challenge, relaxation and enjoyment. Good for the soul!

Hobbies: Paddling, surfing, hiking with our dogs and tending to a (struggling) backyard vineyard. I’m also a fan of plays and musicals