Full Name: John Teeling
Position: Chairperson of Botswana Diamonds plc, which is quoted on the London Aim and listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange
Main Activity of the Company: Botswana Diamonds is a diamond exploration and project development company with exploration licences in Botswana
Date and Place of Birth: January 7, 1946, Dublin
Education: BCom, M EconSc, University College, Dublin; MBA, Wharton, University of Pennsylvania; DBA, Harvard University
First Job: Van boy, at age 14
Size of First Pay Packet: €1.50 a week
Value of Assets under Your Control: $50-million, over five companies
Number of People under Your Leadership: Fewer than 50 employees
Management Style: I delegate
Personal Best Achievement: Three children – one is a professor and the other two are entrepreneurs
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father died when I was 14, leaving me as the eldest to run a business. This gave me confidence, so I did not look up to anyone
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: The professor who gave me my first university job
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: None
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk
Philosophy of Life: Just do it
Biggest Ever Opportunity: A number I have missed – Realex, Fexco, two financial start-ups
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not being able to hold on to African Diamonds and the Karowe diamond mine
Hope for the Future: Health
Favourite Reading: Crime fiction
Favourite TV Programme: Big Bang Theory
Favourite Food/Drink: Diet Coke
Favourite Music: Easy listening
Favourite Sport: Rugby, cricket
Hobbies: Reading
Car: Jaguar XKR
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Many – garlic, in particular
Married: To Deirdre
Children: Emma, Jack and Stephen
Clubs: Clontarf Rugby Club and Clontarf Cricket Club