Full Name: Alpheus Mangale

Position and Company Name: Group CEO of SEACOM Limited

Main Activity of the Company: Provision of digital infrastructure and digital services for Africa and the world

Date and Place of Birth: Soweto, Johannesburg

Schools and Tertiary Education: Guvhukuvhu Secondary School, Tshwane University of Technology, Henley Business School, and Harvard Business School

First Job: Selling ice cream and ice blocks to fellow learners during my secondary school years. After graduating, my first formal job was as a systems engineer for a software company in Johannesburg

Size of First Pay Packet: It was a marginal amount that I gifted to my father to thank him for everything he had done for me. Although he refused to accept it, he said it was the proudest moment of 
his life

Career Path to Date: Starting as a systems engineer developing and testing code, I went on to become a product manager, solutions consultant, and practice manager. I subsequently became chief technology officer and chief operating officer at Dimension Data, before serving as MD of Cisco South Africa and chief enterprise officer at MTN South Africa. Prior to joining SEACOM, I served as group CIO and later chief engineering officer at Standard Bank Group

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: SEACOM has 500 to 1 000 employees

Management Style: I would describe my management style as authentic; I pride myself on being an authentic leader

Personal Best Achievement: My greatest personal achievement was when I became a father for the first time – it  changed my life and is a day I consider to be my most precious

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: As a fresh graduate just starting out, my then CEO, Chuck Bonza, instilled his personal values and interest in youth development in me. Other notable individuals include Christo Schoeman, Mike Abela, Brett Oberstein, Jason Goodall, Allan Cawood, Ben Kruger, Mteto Nyati and Andile Ngcaba

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: All my mentors had a significant impact on my career; however, if I had to single out two, it would be Mike Abela and Allan Cawood, who continue to be friends and mentors to this day

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: President Xi Jinping and Warren Buffett

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates

Philosophy of Life: Life is a gift, and every moment of it must be cherished, as tomorrow is never guaranteed

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Early exposure to senior leaders who believed in my potential. I strongly believe in the power of mentorship and that I am where I am today because of not only my abilities but also leaders who guided me

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Generally speaking, I am disappointed when people and leaders fail to remain true to their word

Hope for the Future: That, as a society, and as leaders, we engage more with young people and enable them to shape a better future for themselves

Favourite Reading: Leadership and motivational literature

Favourite TV Programme: Documentaries, especially those that explore history and world sciences

Favourite Food/Drink: A plate of salmon with a side of grilled vegetables

Favourite Music: I enjoy a wide variety of genres, including classical music, R&B and pop

Favourite Sport: Formula One racing and football – I am a passionate Arsenal FC and Orlando Pirates FC fan

Hobbies: During my downtime, I enjoy playing golf and five-a-side football, as well as spending time outdoors with my family

Car: Land Rover

Pets: Five dogs: a Jack Russell Terrier, two Yorkshire Terriers and two Rottweilers

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Tardiness and people being late for meetings, appointments, and so forth

Clubs: I am a member of my local golf club and investment club together with friends who share common interests and values