Standard Bank, the Gordon Institute of Business Science and Jacaranda FM recently hosted the third business breakfast, Business Best in 2016 and Beyond, at the Vodacom Dome in Midrand.
The much-anticipated event gave attendees the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the greatest and most admired personalities in the business and sporting fields including Brett Archibald, Jean de Villiers, Dr Judy Dlamini and Vusi Thembekwayo.
Dlamini, a recipient of the Lifetime African Economy Builder Award and a businesswoman, stressed to attendees the importance of planning and taking pride in one’s work. She urged business people to invest in themselves and believe in their businesses so that they are a success.
Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers told his story about the ups and downs he encountered in his rugby career. He urged, “Have a team of employees around you who are willing to take a chance with you and are committed enough to align themselves to the business goals.
“Adversity is a given in business and sport. Your attitude through the lows is what makes or breaks your business.”
A participant on Dragon’s Den and entrepreneur, Vusi Thembekwayo, under the theme, What got you here, Won’t get you there, advised business people to think differently about their businesses in order to succeed. “Anyone can build a business when the economy is great, but can you do it when the odds seem against you, when you are at the edge of chaos?”
Lost at sea for 27 hours in 2013, Brett Archibald should not have survived, but he did. He shared his story of perseverance and how he fought off deadly jellyfish stings and a shark attack. “In spite of the odds against you in whatever business you take on, never give up. Your lifeline could be moments away.”
