Full Name: Dean Taylor

Position: CEO of Diamcor

Main Activity of the Company: Acquisition and development of diamond projects that demonstrate potential for near-term production, cash flow and earnings; currently advancing the Krone-Endora diamond mining project, in South Africa's Limpopo province

Date and Place of Birth: September 9, 1964, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada

Education: High school, some college, but serial entrepreneur for over 30 years

First Job: Delivering newspapers

Size of First Pay Packet: I cannot remember. But I delivered a lot of papers in both summer and the harsh Canadian winters, and was able to ultimately get a better job with the newspaper . . . inside!

Value of Assets under Your Control: The company has a market capitalisation of $55-million (R575-million) and is growing

Number of People under Your Leadership: About 80 employees

Management Style: Surround yourself with good people, give them opportunity and see who rises to the top through hard work and determination

Personal Best Achievement: My family

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Probably my parents and extended family

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: I guess the various people I worked for throughout the years, who helped me to learn about business and afforded me the opportunity to get to where I am today

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: The next person who will become a friend or associate

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Warren Buffett

Philosophy of Life: Work hard, be happy

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Always the one I am currently working on

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Disappointments are just issues you haven’t fixed yet

Hope for the Future: That Diamcor succeeds for all stakeholders involved and continues to grow

Favourite Reading: Business and general interest

Favourite TV Programme: Sports and documentary-related programming

Favourite Food/Drink: Italian food/wines

Favourite Music: Anything upbeat

Favourite Sport: Hockey

Hobbies: Golf

Car: BMW

Pets: A cat

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Negativity, dishonesty, laziness

Married: To Linda

Children: Alissa, 26

Clubs/Organisational Memberships: Various – I have held directorships/executive positions on and off for 15 years