Mike Stopforth

The honour of our first ever interview goes to entrepreneur, writer and professional Speaker, Mike Stopforth.

Mike at the age 29 is the CEO of Cerebra, a social and mobile media company based in Johannesburg and is also the co-founder of Afrigator.com and the 27dinners.

Website: http://www.mikestopforth.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mikestopforth
Location: Johannesburg

Mike was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: A close friend might not be very complimentary :) Mike Stopforth, 29, currently the CEO of Cerebra, a social and mobile media company based in Johannesburg. Also the co-founder of Afrigator.com and the 27dinners.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: My only nightmares involve heights. I’ve only ever really been scared of heights. I have tried to overcome this by being a little more daring over the years and think I’m getting better :)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I love the bush, game viewing, camping, scuba diving, fishing or even hunting. Being in nature has a primal, healing effect. If I can’t get away I love listening to classical music, oddly enough.

Business in South Africa

Q: As a South African entrepreneur, what advice you would offer would-be entrepreneurs wanting to start their own company?

A: I get asked this a lot, and I guess my primary advice would be start. Most guys have great ideas, and some even have the means to make those ideas happen, but are so afraid of failing they never get off the ground. I believe you only live once – so you may as well give this life your best shot!

Q: What has your experience been working with corporate South Africa in regard to social media and the web in general? Is the perception that many companies are only now starting to see the true benefit correct?

A: Not really, I think most companies have many smart people working at them who have long understood the opportunities and challenges of the social Web.  However when you’re not in a corporate it’s easy to forget the necessary structures, regulations and processes that keep those massive engines running.  It’s not as easy to try new things or change old things.  There is also the fear that ‘getting in’ to social media means having to behave remarkably different, causing hesitation and trepidation among key decision makers.  But generally companies are very receptive.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: You know, apart from a relatively tame mugging of my brother in town one day, we’ve been remarkably lucky. I am not naive enough to say that violent crime would not change my perception of this country, but I’d like to believe that I’m in South Africa for the long haul, primarily out of a real passion for the country and the opportunities available for people like me here.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: At one stage I did. Very briefly. Of the places I’ve seen I really liked Germany and fell madly in love with Austin, Texas in the States (real music-loving geek friendly culture) – those might be options. I have friends in Brisbane too and they love it there.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: Most small businesses fail in their first three years of operation.  I think I’d throw them a bone by offering a tax rebate of sorts (perhaps even wavering VAT) for these businesses, with up to 25 staff, in their first three years.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: Tough one.  I love the Kruger Park so would obviously like to take them there.  Then a whistlestop tour of the sights and sounds of Jozi and iKapa respectively wouldn’t go amiss :)  Very general, I know, but how do you narrow down such a beautiful place into just three destinations?

Life in Johannesburg

Q: What is the best nightspot in Johannesburg?

A: Crikey you’re asking the wrong person.  I’m not much of a party animal.  I guess it depends what you’re in to, but I’m going to be flat out honest and say the best night spot in Jozi is the back yard of a mate, braai sizzling, beer flowing, music blaring and friends laughing.  Nothing could be more South African.

Q: As father, which Johannesburg restaurant do you consider being the most kid friendly?

A: Is the Spur a restaurant?? :)

General

Q:What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: Jeez, good question.  Probably a car, if I don’t already drive my dream car by then.  Maybe a holiday home somewhere nice.  Maybe just a hamburger.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: Has to be the 438 ODI between Australia and South Africa.  Nobody could have scripted it, nobody could have guessed what would happen.  All seemed hopelessly lost when Ricky and the boys posted 434 and yet our lads pulled off a miracle.  Insane stuff!

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Probably Moby Dick.  It’s an amazing story.

Q: Favorite South African band? Have you seen them live and do you own at least one of their albums?

A: Favorite band is without a doubt Zen Arcade.  Sadly, they no longer exist and I never got to see them live, but their EP is one of my most prized possessions :)

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: I would like to be introduced to people not currently in my circle – people who are interesting and insightful!

A massive thank you to Mike. We look forward to following your career and successes with great interest. Thank you for being an inspiration.