My father always said one should invest one third each in property, shares and cash. It differs from person to person and also depends on the size of your estate. My father was more conservative than me and it remains a broad piece of good advice.

“If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm,” said Bruce Baron, American member of congress and author of books on personal success. That same cornerstone I desire for my offspring, PSG. That we don’t break or brake, but build. It took me many years to realise that enthusiastic and positive people inspire me, but the

It’s amazing what one can come across, and then one has to sit and think. One has to think outside the parameters. That way you will come up with an interesting business opportunity.

The new possibilities one devises and considers have to fit in with the whole, however. Nor should businesses under the same umbrella crowd one another out.

Action, action, we want action

In the years when Capitec came into being we had to tread lightly so perceptions about microloans would not endanger the whole of PSG. In addition there was unhappiness in the group itself, which had to be managed. We had to keep a close eye on the future to avoid being obsessed with short-term threats.

The same alert attitude can also prevail in your daily dealings. One has to keep wondering all the time. When you have your hair cut . . . where does your hairdresser buy, and why? If you have a cup of coffee . . . what would happen if Famous Brands cut off one of its trademark entities like Mugg & Bean? If you’re driving around . . . why is

I didn’t know what the banks were doing by granting loans with insufficient collateral, but I thought as founder and major stakeholder of PSG I dare not sell any of my shares – what kind of example would that have set? The market would see on the news service Sens if PSG was up to something. Since I knew I would always be invested in PSG, I just

Hierarchy paralyses and an open-door policy fosters resilience. Colleague Chris Otto will tell you I’ll open a closed door in the office, for closed doors create a vibe we don’t want in PSG. It surprises newcomers that anyone can walk into my office without an appointment. The days of levels have long been numbered and titles are undesirable too.