OD11 digital HR - Flipbook - Page 35
YOUNG ODs
“W
e were the first
all-South African
team to be accepted
into Y Combinator, the worldrenowned start-up incubator,
which we are very proud of. Since
then, we’ve been funded by US
investors and entrepreneurs, and
our company is continuing to grow.
“It took a long time to get to
the ‘next level’ – just putting my
head down, consistently iterating
with my team, and pushing the
boundaries of what we were doing.
We really had to believe in what
we were doing, connect with the
right people and learn from them.
“Success takes perseverance,
discipline, hard work and a
lot of serendipitous timing. It’s
important to surround yourself
with the right people – those you
hire to work at your company,
and those you plan to learn
from. Some people taught me
the importance of relationships;
others have shown me how
to think strategically about
the economics of a business.
Some have taught me about
vision and strategic partnerships;
others about hiring the right
people for the right positions.
I’ve learnt from people in all
walks of life – from my peers,
mentors, friends and family.
“The biggest lesson I took from
Bishops was discipline. Many say
that school isn’t necessarily an
indicator of success, but discipline
is a key factor. You won’t always
be working on things you want to
work on, and you will need to get
through those tasks and perform.
School is a lot like that. That’s why
people who do well in school often
have great discipline, which drives
success beyond the classroom.
“There’s always another level
to reach, constant boundaries
to push and a multitude of
opportunities to pursue. For me,
the key is to stay humble, give
back, help other entrepreneurs,
and stay in that learning mindset.”
Michael’s advice for young ODs
“Focus on building relationships.
It’s the most important aspect of
business. People want to work with
people whose company they enjoy,
and it puts you in good stead.
“Look for ways to be different.
If you follow the typical path
of your classmates, it’s difficult
to differentiate yourself in the
workplace. Follow the path less
travelled, constantly question
the norm, and pay attention
to what makes you great!
“Take risks when you’re young.
The worst-case scenario is you’ll
move back in with your parents…
People often think they need
experience first, but the only
way to gain experience is by
diving right in. It’s like saying a
professional soccer player should
watch clips of football their whole
life instead of actually playing. So
my biggest piece of advice is: play
the game in whatever field you
want to succeed in.”
“Follow the
path less
travelled,
constantly
question the
norm, and pay
attention to
what makes
you great!”
Michael Louis
THE OLD DIOCESAN | 33
