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