

Michael Budynkiewicz
Full Name: Michael Budynkiewicz
Position and Company Name: Group human resources executive at Multotec
Main Activity of the Company: Manufacturing of mineral processing equipment
Date and Place of Birth: July 27, 1966, Vienna, Austria
Education: BCom (Industrial Psychology), University of Johannesburg (UJ), 1989; BCom (Hon) Labour Relations, UJ, 1992; BProc, University of South Africa (Unisa), 1997; LLB, 2000
First Job: Trainee personnel officer at PPC
Career History Prior to Current Position: I previously held the positions of human resources adviser at Firestone and and regional human resources manager for Gauteng at AIC
Size of First Pay Packet: R143 a month (when I did my military service) and R3 000 a month at PPC
First Job with Present Group: Human resources manager for the Multotec Group
Value of Assets under Your Control: The value in human resources lies in people, and is immeasurable
Number of People under Your Leadership: 18
Management Style: Participative and coaching styles, focusing on team collaboration and growth
Personal Best Achievement: Completing part-time studies while working full time
Professional Best Achievement: Celebrating 27 years with Multotec and being part of a remarkable team
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: The biggest influence on my life hasn’t come from just one person but from my close-knit group of lifelong friends. From primary school to university and during our time in the army, we’ve stood by one another. There are eight of us in the group, and we share a bond like brothers in arms
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My mother
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: British broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough, who is widely recognised for his work in nature documentaries
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: South African businessperson and entrepreneur Brian Joffe, who is best known for his role in the growth of the Bidvest Group
Philosophy of Life: Fight hard for what you want and always rise quickly when you fall
Biggest Ever Opportunity: I am fortunate to have had the chance to travel the world, both personally and professionally
Hope for the Future: I hope for better world leaders
Favourite Reading: History books and human resources literature
Favourite TV Programme: Shows like Friends, Cheers, The Big Bang Theory and, currently, Shrinking
Favourite Food/Drink: Traditional dishes such as wiener schnitzel, goulash with dumplings, and cucumber salad
Favourite Music: German Schlager, country, Afrikaans music, and Demis Roussos
Favourite Sport: Rugby, cricket, soccer, and Formula 1
Favourite Website: News24.
Hobbies: Sports, socialising with friends, and spending time with my family. I am also trying to learn the violin, although it is challenge
Car: Nissan X-Trail
Pets: None at present but I am considering adopting two Schnauzers in the future
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Reckless drivers and potholes
Favourite Other South African Company: PSG and Bidvest
Favourite Foreign Company: Toyota
Children: Claudia Budynkiewicz, daughter, 21
Clubs: South African Board for People Practices