If Ivan Epstein was still at school he'd be the kind of kid that everyone loved, but certainly would have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). He's got a mind that is easily bored by too little challenge, and that feasts on multiple level thinking and problem solving.
Small wonder then that Esptein would take R5 000 in start-up capital and in 20 years would turn this into an accounting software empire that spans a few continents and owns the lion's share of the market locally. It's those kinds of minds that create, envision, act and adapt in ruthless markets with enormous success.
A charismatic Epstein talks a lot about luck, but with media reports that Softline owns 70% of the South African accounting software market and an astute acquisition that opened new markets like the UK, Europe, North America and Australia to the company, there's the realisation that luck can only do so much. The rest is all about intelligence, hard work and brilliant people who deliver awesome products and services.
Named the Computer Society of South Africa's IT Personality of the Year, it is largely Epstein's ability to inspire people and his values driven leadership style that saw him take this year's title among fierce competition. Previous winners include Mark Shuttleworth and T-System's Mardia van der Walt-Korsten.
People who know Epstein say he's passionate, driven and lives what he believes in. But what is his Achilles heel? Like other quick thinkers he's a bad listener and can be distractible. Insiders say he has multiple interests, moves quickly and can't always decelerate to another's slower pace. In a world where economies shift over lunch, sounds like Epstein's agile mind and active speed is a boon that bodes well for Softline's future growth.
ITWeb: What makes a good leader?
Ivan Epstein: Leadership is set by example and is the ability to inspire others to achieve. It's more about getting people to believe in themselves and in turn to inspire others. You need to engage emotions in leadership because people don't act on reason alone. Then there is also an element of tenacity. I often tell people that the temptation to quit is greatest just before you succeed. Then an important aspect of leadership is the ability not to take yourself too seriously. Let's face it; you are not always as in control as you'd like to think. A lot of what happens in business is more about luck than control.
ITWeb: What were your dreams when you started Softline over 20 years ago?
Ivan Epstein: I wanted to build a business and was very driven. I remember at the time I didn't want to change the world and didn't even think that we'd change an industry, which we've now done. But I did have big dreams and was very driven.
ITWeb: What have you learned over the years?
Ivan Epstein: Some of the world's greatest feats were achieved by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. I have learned never to give up. Nothing works easily the first time. Just because what you are doing is not working doesn't mean it won't work. If it were easy everyone would be doing it. Then the most important aspect of business is people. This said, I would rather go into an average venture with good people than a great venture with average people.
Nothing works easily the first time. Some of the world's greatest feats were achieved by people not smart enough to know they were impossible.
Ivan Epstein, CEO of Softline and IT Personality of the Year 2009
ITWeb: What's the most important aspect of running a successful business?
Ivan Epstein: Providing fantastic levels of service and looking after your people.
ITWeb: What are your values?
Ivan Epstein: Integrity. Honesty. Passion. But everyone says that. What's important is that the people that you work with feel it. My view is that if you are not happy then don't come to work. At Softline we make a huge effort to ensure that people enjoy their work environment.
ITWeb: How do you get people to adopt good values at work?
Ivan Epstein: Quite simply by living those qualities, being those qualities and leading by example. It's not just about telling people, it's about being.
ITWeb: What legacy would you like to leave behind?
Ivan Epstein: I'd like to know that if I stopped working and come back in 15 years time, business would still be getting better and enhancing the lives of all involved or associated with it. I want to have made a difference, and helped create a business that is sustainable and that continually improves.
I would rather go into an average venture with good people than a great venture with average people.
Ivan Epstein, CEO of Softline and IT Personality of the Year 2009
ITWeb: What do you do for fun?
Ivan Epstein: I like exercising. I am not structured but like to keep fit. I like to relax and exercise. But for the most part, I love entrepreneurship and am very stimulated when talking about business. It's my work and my passion, but also what gives me the most enjoyment in life.
ITWeb: What do you dream of?
Ivan Epstein: I dream about business.
ITWeb: Who do you admire?
Ivan Epstein: I think it is harder and tougher for women in the workplace. I think it is admirable to see women in our organisation who have got to senior positions, who help run this successful business and manage their family at home at the same time.
My view is that if you are not happy then don't come to work.
Ivan Epstein, CEO of Softline and IT Personality of the Year 2009
ITWeb: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Ivan Epstein: When I was an auditor and I was told to go into the software industry.
ITWeb: What news or media do you consume on a regular basis?
Ivan Epstein: Business Day, The Times, Fortune Magazine and Financial Mail.
ITWeb: What's your motto?
Ivan Epstein: Vision without execution is hallucination.