Full Name: Carlo Bolzonello

Position and Company Name: Country leader of Trellix South Africa

Main Activity of the Company: Trellix is a cybersecurity solutions provider

Date and Place of Birth: Cape Town

Schools and Tertiary Education: Not stated

First Job: I had a part-time job at 14 years of age working in a surf shop on Saturdays

Size of First Pay Packet: My salary was dependent on shift work; my hourly rate was R3.75 an hour and my average take-home amount was about R600 a month

Career Path to Date: I started in my first real information technology job as an apprentice technician at a small computer store in Milnerton called Computing Aspects. I then moved to Creative Labs and worked as a technician repairing soundcards, CD rom drives and DVD drives. While at Super Diamond, I found myself working with Dr Solomons Antivirus software. I then moved to the company that was distributing Dr Solomons called ASTB Computers, which became DRS and where I spent 12.5 years, mostly as a technical engineer. I worked my way up to technical manager for the company, but also ran the Cape Town office. I chose to leave and go on my own for a few years where I consulted for McAfee directly in the professional services space, travelling around Africa and the Middle East delivering projects; however, I had other work. I chose to join Trellix (formerly known as McAfee Enterprise) as a full-time employee ten years ago. I have moved in roles within the company to where I am today

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: 5

Management Style: I let everyone manage themselves as long as we all are working for the same goal. Results will validate people’s effort. I do engage in discussions with the team around many things, as I believe people can bring a different viewpoint to my own on many items, and that helps with making decisions

Personal Best Achievement: No stated

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late parents. I watched the work and life ethic they both had, which was amazing and which they instilled in me

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Scott Manson, my boss at Trellix (McAfee Enterprise) – he taught me some of the most important things I know in business today, with the biggest lesson being to listen and understand your customers, ask questions and be clear in your understanding of the challenges

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Neil Armstrong

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Not stated

Philosophy of Life: There’s a time for work and a time for play; slow down and enjoy the world; give me your time, not material things

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Not stated

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not stated

Hope for the Future: A South Africa that was the hope for all when we where called the Rainbow Nation

Favourite Reading: Adventure novels and autobiographies

Favourite TV Programme: National Geographic shows, sci-fi shows, documentaries, and horrors

Favourite Food/Drink: Tequila is a definite favorite/good Italian wine

Favourite Music: Mixed, not rap

Favourite Sport: Surfing

Hobbies: Surfing, hiking and camping

Car: VW Up Beats Edition

Pets: Two Border Collie dogs

Miscellaneous Dislikes: WhatsApp is a massive peeve for me; ask anyone who knows me how I blue-tick the world

Clubs: None