Etienne Greeff

CEO, Flow Transform

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Seeing the return of customer projects after a tough start to the year. It is great to see the supply chain easing somewhat and some level of normality returning to business.

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

I would make mathematics education compulsory until the age of 16, with different streams to cater for people with different capabilities.

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

I continue to be impressed by the transformation that Satya Nadella has effected at Microsoft. It has become a security and cloud leader, which is no mean feat for an organisation of its size.

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

It is close between "Don't say it can't be done" or "No meetings about meetings!"

What was your first job?

I started a software development shop while at school.

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

The Cold Start Problem, which was most excellent as it introduces an element of science in trying to understand how to grow businesses.

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

To focus on the things you can control and not to try and predict the future. Focus on the things that you know will not change.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

I would plump for somebody significantly less handsome than me. While this creates a tough casting challenge, people will be pleasantly surprised when they meet the real me.