Q&A@beBee with Gert Scholtz

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With Q&A@beBee, I ask some of the most interesting people on this network 7 questions. The result, unedited, is the most fascinating answers. Q&A@beBee is an ongoing series that gives us the opportunity to hear and learn from, and be inspired by, some of the most successful people, as they speak for themselves!

Today we hear from Gert Scholtz

1. What motivates you to get up in the morning?   

Contributing to my family, work and social environment, and pursuing challenges I set for myself. My motivation and sense of accomplishment hinges on the value and meaning I add to those around me, and on pursuing my own goals.

2. How do you spend the first hour of your day?  

I spend the first hour trying to wake up! I am more of a night owl than an early morning person. I usually drink coffee with the family at the breakfast table and then drop my children at school and drive to work.

3. What are you passionate about?  

I guess my attitude is explorative and analytical and strange as it may sound, that is what gets me excited. New people, new ways of doing things, new places, new concepts - I am passionate about learning and discovering.

4. What is the most practical advice you can offer someone in business? 

See yourself as a one-person business. Your work colleagues are also your clients and you provide a service to them as well as to external clients. From this point of view, strive to bring value to the company you work for and to the people you work with.

5. If you had the opportunity to ask a great mind any question, what would it be?  

I would like to spend time with Charlie Munger (Warren Buffett’s business partner) and ask him to tell me about his life and his beliefs. I find Munger’s insight and advice grounded and to the point.

King Solomon’s Mines by Rider Haggard which I read when I was about twelve years old. This book first introduced me to the adventure and mystery of Africa. I was the third generation in my family to read it (the exact same copy!), which is of special significance to me.

“To succeed at something, you must exclude other interests and accept that you might miss those, narrow the focus on your goal, and know that there will be highs and lows, potential successes and probable setbacks, and ultimately, the satisfaction of having given it your best shot.” – My father.

Links to past interviews:

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-ali-anani

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-javier-bebee

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-deb-helfrich

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-ian-weinberg

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-netta-virtanen

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-brigette-hyacinth

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-david-b-grinberg

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-john-white

https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/q-a-bebee-with-renee-cormier