Full Name: Simangele Soni

Position: Senior operations manager, De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa

Main Activity of the Company: Diamond mining, valuation and sales

Date and Place of Birth: November 28, 1982, Richards Bay

Education: BSc (chemical engineering), MSc and MBA

First Job: Metallurgist-in-training at De Beers Kimberley Mines

Career History Prior to Current Position: Senior process engineer, De Beers

Size of First Pay Packet: R7 500 a month

Number of People under Your Leadership: 90

Management Style: A mix of transformational and participative leadership (leading through inspiration)

Personal Best Achievement: The birth of my son during my MBA studies

Professional Best Achievement: Transition from upstream (mining) to leading teams in midstream (diamond valuation and sorting)

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

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Leaders in De Beers at all levels

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: John Maxwell

Philosophy of Life: There is enough grace from above for all to succeed, so, when given an opportunity, take it with both hands because you will do well

Biggest Ever Disappointment: There are no disappointments – only learning opportunities

Hope for the Future: That everyone realises how great they are and start to live to their full potential, as they were created to be

Favourite Reading: Myles Munroe, The Glory of Living: Keys to Realising Your Personal Glory

Favourite TV Programme: News

Favourite Food/Drink: Cappuccino and carrot cake, desserts

Favourite Music: Country and gospel

Favourite Sport: Running

Hobbies: Travelling

Car: Mercedes-Benz (current), Porsche (future)

Pets: None, but dogs are the best

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Disregard for people

Favourite Other South African Company: Unilever

Favourite Foreign Company: Coca-Cola

Married: To Manqoba Soni, since April 29, 2012

Children: Mholi, 6

Clubs: Running clubs