Full Name: Michael Budynkiewicz

Position and Company Name: Group human resources executive at Multotec

Main Activity of the Company: Manufacturing of mineral processing equipment

Date and Place of Birth: July 27, 1966, Vienna, Austria

Education: BCom (Industrial Psychology), University of Johannesburg (UJ), 1989; BCom (Hon) Labour Relations, UJ, 1992; BProc, University of South Africa (Unisa), 1997; LLB, 2000

First Job: Trainee personnel officer at PPC

Career History Prior to Current Position: I previously held the positions of human resources adviser at Firestone and and regional human resources manager for Gauteng at AIC

Size of First Pay Packet: R143 a month (when I did my military service) and R3 000 a month at PPC

First Job with Present Group: Human resources manager for the Multotec Group

Value of Assets under Your Control: The value in human resources lies in people, and is immeasurable

Number of People under Your Leadership: 18

Management Style: Participative and coaching styles, focusing on team collaboration and growth

Personal Best Achievement: Completing part-time studies while working full time

Professional Best Achievement: Celebrating 27 years with Multotec and being part of a remarkable team

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: The biggest influence on my life hasn’t come from just one person but from my close-knit group of lifelong friends. From primary school to university and during our time in the army, we’ve stood by one another. There are eight of us in the group, and we share a bond like brothers in arms

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My mother

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: British broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough, who is widely recognised for his work in nature documentaries

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: South African businessperson and entrepreneur Brian Joffe, who is best known for his role in the growth of the Bidvest Group

Philosophy of Life: Fight hard for what you want and always rise quickly when you fall

Biggest Ever Opportunity: I am fortunate to have had the chance to travel the world, both personally and professionally

Hope for the Future: I hope for better world leaders

Favourite Reading: History books and human resources literature

Favourite TV Programme: Shows like Friends, Cheers, The Big Bang Theory and, currently, Shrinking

Favourite Food/Drink: Traditional dishes such as wiener schnitzel, goulash with dumplings, and cucumber salad

Favourite Music: German Schlager, country, Afrikaans music, and Demis Roussos

Favourite Sport: Rugby, cricket, soccer, and Formula 1

Favourite Website: News24.

Hobbies: Sports, socialising with friends, and spending time with my family. I am also trying to learn the violin, although it is challenge

Car: Nissan X-Trail

Pets: None at present but I am considering adopting two Schnauzers in the future

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Reckless drivers and potholes

Favourite Other South African Company: PSG and Bidvest

Favourite Foreign Company: Toyota

Children: Claudia Budynkiewicz, daughter, 21

Clubs: South African Board for People Practices