How to build success on hard work

THIS week we speak to the executive director and shareholder of Pentad Quantity Surveyors, Sandi Mbutuma (33), whowon the Young Achiever Award (35 years and younger) at the 10th annual Top Women Awards 2013 held in Joburg last month.

What do you do?

I work for Pentad, a professional registered quantity surveying organisation. I have been practising quantity surveying for 13 years, but my role is that of executive director and shareholder.

What does your company do?

We are at the forefront of building development, specialising in corporate head offices and office park developments; retail developments, including refurbishments and fit-outs; hotel and leisure projects; and residential facilities, nationally and internationally.

What does a typical day at work entail?

Ensuring my projects are adequately resourced and efficiently running, meeting clients to ensure client satisfaction, and meeting potential clients.

And I'm constantly in communication with the other shareholders about matters of the business.

What has been your highlight since joining the company or establishing your own company?

Gaining momentum to accumulate business relations and clientele that our company never had exposure to.

What do you like and dislike about your job?

The position requires decision-making and turnaround times are always restrictive. You are measured and judged by the decisions you take and there are no rehearsals.

We don't build buildings. We build homes for families, offices for companies to grow and realise their dreams, hotels for business to flourish and people to take time off from their work.

It brings great satisfaction when a project is completed.

What did you study?

I did my national diploma and followed it with a B.Tech in quantity surveying at the University of Johannesburg. I then did a programme in management development at the Gordon Institute of Business Science in Joburg and completed a programme in property development at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business.

Any advice for young people who would like to follow in your footsteps?

Hard work and tenacity will take them very far. A great attitude and outlook can also put springs in your career. Investment in mentorship accelerates your progress enormously.