The CEO X factor

'A fantastic opportunity to drink from the pool of excellence.' - Bonang Mohale, President of Business Unity SA CEOs can build up a business from nothing or turn around a company that is on the verge of bankruptcy. Inspiring with their relentless drive, strong leadership and innovation that can turn whole industries on their heads, they are the dynamos of our economy. What is the X factor that ensures a CEO's success? KC Rottok Chesaina seeks to uncover the unique personality traits, business acumen and leadership values that have turned CEOs into captains of industry. Based on extensive research and focused interviews with the leaders of some of South Africa's top companies, including Vodacom, Bidvest, Capitec Bank, RMB, Dis-Chem, Discovery Health, Nedbank, Sanlam, Momentum, Curro, Exxaro, Harmony Gold and MTN, Chesaina's book takes you to the heart of corporate South Africa. With real-life examples, The CEO X factor shows that reaching the top is about much more than money - it requires a very specific kind of character, straightforward strategies, a true focus on people and a value-driven approach.

KC ROTTOK CHESAINA is a chartered accountant with a master's degree in commerce. He is the author of Masters of Money: Strategies for Success from the CFOs of South Africa's Biggest Companies (2022).