Guy Golan

CEO, Perfomanta

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

It is a combination of three things attached to one topic: 1. Having our SAFE platform ready to serve our clients at magnitude; 2. Being recognised as the top 40 MSSPs in the world by MSSP Alert; 3. Having our Encore platform being recognised by Gartner in its Hype Cycle as a promising tech. As I mentioned, all three are connected as our vision is to become the first Managed Cyber Safety Services organisation, something the world is in dire need for.

If you were ruler of your own country, what law would you introduce first?

As I spent most of my adult life in South Africa, I would pass harsher laws against corruption. I have seen what it turned this amazing country to. On a lighter note, I would strongly motivate a law that asks people to greet others with a smile and kindness. This is something many of us tend to forget. Act of kindness goes a long way. Add a smile, and it goes even further.

Which channel or tech leader (outside of your own company) has impressed you most in 2022?

On a global scale, Satya Nadella - the way he drives Microsoft with humility and getting the job done is simply admirable. I had the privilege of meeting with him five years ago. Whatever he committed to do then became a reality now. His employees seem happy, and the culture seems great. His products seem solid. On a local level: Donavan Hutchinson, the MD of SHI. I met with Donavan at a leadership event earlier this year. Donavan's inclusive, energetic, no-nonsense and yet empathetic leadership style is something many of us can learn from.

If you had a warning label, what would it say?

"Do not be fooled by these glasses."

What was your first job?

Comix Express. As a complete comics geek and fan, I worked for the guy who invented the Magic software back in the 1990s. He opened a comics company where he tested his Magic ERP software as the main tool. I used to take calls from customers and place orders on their behalf.

What was the last book you read, and was it any good?

The Phoenix Project. A lady whom I appreciate recommended this book to me. I liked the fact that it is a novel, but it talks about devops, something I decided I truly need to know in more depth to be a better leader.

What's the most important lesson you've learned from another business leader or mentor?

Do mix business with pleasure. At the end of the day, we spend nearly half of our lives working. We owe it to ourselves to have fun. Quite often I motivate my employees who travel overseas to stay a bit longer and enjoy the place, as tourists should. If they are on their way to a meeting and feel like having an ice cream - why not!

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Most likely Benedict Cumberbatch. He comes across as an intellectual and as one that appreciates intellect. He seems to have a strong geeky side to him as well. At the same time, he is not afraid of action and risk taking. One thing that may be a challenge for him is doing my mixed Israeli-South African, mishmashed accent.