Full Name: Christo Visser

Position and Company Name: DRA senior VP: origination for Australia, South-East Asia, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States

Main Activity of the Company: DRA is a multidisciplinary global engineering group delivering mining, mineral processing, energy, agriculture, water treatment and infrastructure services from concept to commissioning, as well as comprehensive operations and maintenance services

Date and Place of Birth: November, 27, 1966, Bethal, South Africa

Education: BCom and MBA (international business), Central Queensland University, Australia

First Job: Second lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Division of the South African Defence Force (SADF)

Size of First Pay Packet: My first pay packet as a recruit, during my basic training, was R155. When I made lieutenant, it increased to R600

Number of People under Your Leadership: DRA has a staff of more than 3 000. Working in my team are six direct reports; however, a large part of the role is to use the reach of the organisation and empower all staff to contribute towards the development of business

Management Style: Inclusive, collaborative and supportive. I’m also decisive and believe in accountability

Personal Best Achievement: Completing my MBA in just over a year, attaining an average of over 80% – I received the Dean’s Award for leadership during this time. In my younger years, I was honoured to be promoted to the rank of major in the SADF at 26, becoming the youngest major in the force at that time

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: I have a few, including my grandfather – he taught me valuable life lessons growing up (and spoilt me a fair bit). I lost my mother when I was 18, from a very aggressive brain tumor, but, until her last moment, she always gave us unconditional love and support. But I think the biggest influence in my life has been my sister. We lost our mother fairly young and, in today’s terms, also our father when I was still in my 30s. She has taught me strength and shown me love. Finally, my partner of 12 years has been a very positive influence and always encouraged me to achieve my ambitious goals

Person Who Has Had The Biggest Influence on Your Career: I would have to say my commanding officer at the military intelligence school, a colonel called Alex Clark. I was training to become a military attaché and he had just come back from a posting in the UK. It was very inspiring

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Vladimir Putin

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Ivan Glasenberg, of Glencore, and Sir Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: I have a cycling bracelet with the following words engraved: ‘I Can . . . I Must . . . I Will . . . I Shall’ – which pretty much is my daily view of life

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Moving to Australia in 2001

Biggest Ever Disappointment: I haven’t won the lotto yet

Hope for the Future: Equality for all

Favourite TV Programme: Game of Thrones

Favourite Food/Drink: Japanese food/red wine (Shiraz) from the Barossa

Favourite Music: Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix. I also enjoy Philharmonic concerts

Favourite Sport: Road cycling, without a doubt. Then I like to watch Rugby Union and Australian Football League

Hobbies: Cycling is probably a hobby and a sport

Car: BMW

Pets: Two amazing miniature schnauzers

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Laziness