Full Name: Raphael Baiden
Position and Company Name: Director: mining and metals, Turner & Townsend
Main Activity of the Company: Programme management, project management, cost management and consulting across the property, infrastructure and natural resource sectors
Date and Place of Birth: July 24, 1985
Education: Queen’s College Boy’s High School, matric; University of the Witwatersrand, BSc (Hons) (quantity surveying)
First Job: Graduate quantity surveyor, Turner & Townsend
Size of First Pay Packet: R16 000
Number of People under Your Leadership: 35
Management Style: Democratic and collaborative – I like to get input from my team and allow them to express themselves and contribute their insights on various aspects of our business
Personal Best Achievement: Being appointed a director at the age of 31. My personal goal was to achieve this position before the age of 35
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My mother – she is undoubtedly the hardest-working person I know
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: There are a few: Tim Wray, our former chairperson and CEO; Dennis Nolan, Africa Mining sector lead; and James Dand, the current Turner & Townsend COO
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Barack Obama – I love the story of the 'outlier/underdog', those that go against the grain and set a new benchmark. I think it is because of the rugby player in me
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Phuti Mahanyele – ever since I first read about her, I have been intrigued by her career journey and what she has been able to achieve
Philosophy of Life: Be the change you want to see in the world
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Representing the Africa region on the Turner & Townsend Chairman’s Group (leadership programme)
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not playing in my last high school rugby match. I got the flu the week before the game
Hope For the Future: An African continent that realises its full potential in my lifetime
Favourite Reading: Self-improvement books and autobiographies
Favourite TV Programme: Supersport Blitz – I love catching up on all sports
Favourite Food/Drink: Anything breakfast-related – it must have eggs
Favourite Music: Hip hop
Favourite Sport: Rugby
Hobbies: Playing touch rugby, drawing, reading
Car: BMW 3 Series
Pets: None – my wife does not like pets
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Intolerant people
Married: To Dr Anima Baiden