Full Name: Fatima-Joyce Packery

Position and Company Name: CEO of PF Africa Mining

Main Activity of the Company: Ferrochrome recovery plants

Date and Place of Birth: I was born on December 24 in Ogies, eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, to an African mother and an Indian father. I was raised in that province, which accounts for 83% of South Africa’s coal production, with a staggering 44 coal mines

Schools and Tertiary Education: Human resource management diploma, as well as mine environmental control, corporate communication and executive leadership qualifications

First Job: Human resources trainee at BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa

Size of First Pay Packet: R10 000 a month

Career Path to Date: I have been involved in the mining industry for 25 years. I worked for BHP Billiton Energy Coal SA, Optimum Coal Holdings and DRA Global in business development, corporate communication, investor relations, projects, environmental control and human resources, before founding PF Africa Mining.I am a member of Women in Mining South Africa, and was previously a board member of South African Women in Leadership and a nonexecutive director at SSC Group

Number of People under Your Leadership: 15 permanent staff plus contractors

Management Style: I have always believed that with the right team that shares our vision we will achieve excellence. As a woman in the mining industry, I believe one should never believe that one needs to behave like a man to succeed

Personal Best Achievement: Founding PF Africa Mining

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late grandfather and grandmother

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Rowan Karstel, former BHP Billiton Energy Coal SA project director and current Tumelo Coal Mines CEO, and Henry White, the now retired former VP of BHP Billiton SA. These gentlemen mentored, encouraged and guided me in this male-dominated industry

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Megan Markle

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Kris Jenner

Philosophy of Life: Live your life fully, as it is a journey

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Appointment as communication specialist at Optimum Coal Holdings, rebranding Optimum Coal Holdings from BHP Billiton Energy Coal SA to the three cranes, and supporting leadership in the listing of Optimum Coal on the JSE

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Losing my grandfather and requiring so much assurance in life

Hope For the Future: Do not be afraid and trust yourself; women add value to this industry called mining

Favourite Reading: The Diary of a CEO

Favourite TV Programme: Carte Blanche

Favourite Food/Drink: Chicken curry and hot water with lemon

Favourite Music: Smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G

Favourite Sport: Golf

Hobbies: Aerobics, horse riding and golf

Car: Mercedes-Benz

Pets: I am an animal lover, but I don’t own pets

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty and Vulgarity

Married: Single

Children: None

Clubs: None