Quick-fire Q&A with Nicholas Bell

Entrepreneur and CEO of Decision Inc., Nicholas Bell, dreamt of building a billion-rand business from a young age. He launched Decision Inc. in 2008 and by the age of 30, he was running a R100-million business.

Nicholas is responsible for driving the strategic and operational vision of the company.

1. Describe your leadership style.
   I think it’s quite visionary and direct. I like to lead from the front and work with my team.
2. Your top tip to beat procrastination?
   Set yourself deadlines and tell someone – forces you to stick to it.
3. Favourite getaway destination?
   Kruger National Park or anywhere in the bush.
4. Who or what inspires you?
   My son is phenomenally good at connecting to and making people happy.
5. He inspires me to be more focused and aware of the power of connecting personally to everyone.
6. Your one wish for South Africa?
   That we develop an accountability in our leaders for our people.
7. If you could have any 3 people over for dinner, who would they be and what would you serve?
   Nelson Mandela, Tiger Woods and Richard Branson. I would serve a lekker potjie.

8. What five pieces of advice would you give to aspiring young business starters?

• Don’t be afraid to give your idea a chance to succeed.
• You have to be the hardest worker in your business, especially in the beginning.
• Surround yourself with people that are excited about the idea of your business.
• Focus on understanding your customer deeply.
• Stay out in the front line for as long as is possible.

9. What is the one thing most people don’t know about you?
I have played lead guitar since I was 7.

10. What would you do with an extra hour in your day?
Read.