Full Name: John Murphy
Position and Company Name: MD of The Mineral Corporation (TMC)
Main Activity of the Company: TMC was established in 1997 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is home to a well-informed, globally focused corporate and technical advisory team of mining-sector professionals
Date and Place of Birth: 1968, Mutare, Zimbabwe
Education: St George’s College, Harare; University of Natal (Durban); Gordon Institute of Business Science
First Job: Exploration geologist
Size of First Pay Packet: R2 500 a month
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not applicable
Number of People under Your Leadership: 20
Management Style: Let’s get going
Personal Best Achievement: Finding an endlessly patient wife and seeing two daughters grow and flourish
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Many, but my parents are top of the list
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Many, with Professor Tom Mason, Basil Hersov and Derek Kyle top of the list
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Edward Tufte
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Warren Buffett
Philosophy of Life: As Bill Gates says: “It matters less what you have done and more what you plan to do”
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Leading The Mineral Corporation
Biggest Ever Disappointment: None that didn’t become an opportunity to have another go
Hope for the Future: Honest government
Favourite Reading: Current affairs
Favourite TV Programme: World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides
Favourite Food/Drink: Braai and beer
Favourite Music: Jethro Tull
Favourite Sport: Petrol head, two wheels or four
Hobbies: Motorcycle restoration
Car: Landcruiser
Pets: Bulldogs
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty
Married: To Esmé
Children: Emma, 20; Amy, 18
Clubs: Bryanston County Club