Full Name: Michael Dorn

Position and Company Name: Founder and CEO of RTgroup

Main Activity of the Company: RTgroup is a global business restructuring and turnaround firm founded in 2018 that has offices in South Africa and Germany, and works alongside management teams to implement proactive strategies

Date and Place of Birth: February 7, 1975, Mittweida, in the then East Germany

Schools and Tertiary Education: I have a background in business administration and management, and my qualifications include a preliminary diploma from the University of Bayreth. I also spent a period of study at the Leipzig School of Management, specialising in strategic management and organisation. In addition, I completed an exchange term in the MBA programme in entrepreneurship at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada

First Job: I worked at a local car dealer in the carwash department and was fired after two weeks because I spent too much time making sure each car was 100% clean, which reduced the efficiency outputs required for the job

Size of First Pay Packet: €500 a month, as a bank clerk

Career Path to Date: I have held various positions throughout my career, including senior consultant at Roland Berger Strategy, director of the Turnaround and Restructuring practice at AlixPartners LLC, and MD at AlixPartners GmbH Munich. I also served as CEO, CFO and COO of Primacom Group, as well as CRO and COO of TeleColumbus Group. After falling in love with South Africa while on holiday, I moved here to open RTgroup

Number of People under Your Leadership: 50

Management Style: Fostering a collaborative and empowered team environment

Personal Best Achievement: My family

Person who has had the Biggest Influence in Your Life: Myself – personal responsibility and self-motivation have been key factors in my journey

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Myself - through hard work and dedication, I have been able to achieve my goals and advance in my career

Person Yould Would Most Like to Meet: Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo

Businessperson Who Has Inspired You Most: Many different people inspire and motivate me as I am constantly learning

Philosophy of Life: We determine our own future

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Travelling the world

Biggest Ever Disappointment: I regret not being bolder at times

Hope for the Future: I believe that we define the future by our actions and beliefs

Favourite Reading: Material centred on water and ocean-related subjects

Favourite TV Programme: None

Favourite Food/Drink: Tomatoes and water

Favourite Music: I listen to a wide range of genres and styles

Favourite Hobbies: Surfing

Car: I don’t place too much value on cars, as they serve a functional purpose – they are a means of transportation

Favourite Sport: Surfing

Miscellaneous Dislikes: None

Clubs: None