Full Name: Richard Späth

Position and Company Name: MD of TAKRAF South Africa

Main Activity of the Company: TAKRAF South Africa is a provider of equipment and solutions to the mining, minerals processing and materials handling industries

Date and Place of Birth: December 10, 1970, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

Schools and Tertiary Education: I hold a National Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

First Job: I started my career as a construction site supervisor

Size of First Pay Packet: R1 000 a month

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not disclosed

Number of People under Your Leadership: 80 employees

Management Style: I follow a transformational management style

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Various people throughout my life have inspired me to be a better version of myself

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Various colleagues over the years, including subordinates, peers and superiors

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Renowned educationist Professor Jonathan Jansen, who served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State from 2009 to 2016, and is currently Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University, in the Western Cape

Businessperson Who Impressed You Most: Honest entrepreneurs

Philosophy of Life: Happiness = reality – expectations

Biggest Ever Career Opportunity: Being given the opportunity to lead TAKRAF South Africa

Biggest Ever Disappointment: None – I try to move on from disappointments as quickly as possible

Hope for the Future: That love and respect overtake greed and power as drivers of human behaviour

Favourite Reading: Biographies and history

Favourite TV Programme: Intriguing dramas

Favourite Food/Drink: South African braai with salad, and Coca-Cola

Favourite Music: A wide spectrum – ranging from Iron Maiden to ABBA

Favourite Sport: Cycling and motorcycle racing

Hobbies: Motorcycling

Car: Nissan NP200

Pets: I occasionally babysit a Dachshund and a Yorkie

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Politics and political game-playing

Married: I am divorced

Children: Nathan, 23; Sonja, 18

Clubs: None