Full Name: Michelle Jackson

Position: MD: Property & Buildings at WSP in Africa

Main Activity of the Company: WSP is a multinational engineering and design firm

Date and Place of Birth: June 19, 1974, Johannesburg

Education: Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Bachelor of Architecture (Wits), PrArch

First Job: Kate Otten Architects

Career History Prior to Current Position: I practised architecture for five years and spent nearly 18 years at multinational professional services firm Turner & Townsend

Size of First Pay Packet: R 3 000 a month

First Job with Present Group: MD: Property & Buildings

Value of Assets under Your Control: Our people are our assets

Number of People under Your Leadership: 110

Management Style: Collaborative

Personal Best Achievement: I am still aiming for this

Professional Best Achievement: South African Professional Services Awards (SAPSA) Professional of the Year 2019 (commendation); SAPSA Woman Professional of the Year 2019 (finalist)

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I have had several mentors during my career who have all played a significant part in my career development

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Michael Schumacher

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Reed Hastings

Philosophy of Life: I am a secular humanist

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Moving from architecture into project management

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Most disappointments are learning opportunities

Hope for the Future: That we grow a South Africa that works for everyone

Favourite Reading: Crime novels

Favourite TV Programme: Drive to Survive

Favourite Food/Drink: Chocolate

Favourite Music: 80s alternative

Favourite Sport: Rugby and Formula 1

Favourite Website: Google – all of it

Hobbies: Repurposing and upcycling unique furniture pieces

Car: Toyota Prado

Pets: Dobby (a three-year-old Labrador cross) and Bella (a Bullador puppy)

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Indecision and admin

Favourite Other South African Company: Takealot

Favourite Foreign Company: Netflix

Married: I have a life partner, Neil

Children: Luke, 16; Katherine, 13

Clubs: The Doors, Le Club, Duke’s