As we mark 18 remarkable years in the business, we’re pulling back the curtains and letting you in on a little secret: our success story isn’t just about the projects we’ve done or the awards we’ve won — it’s about the people who dream, decide, and deliver consistently. You may know us as SOLID, but do you know our Senior Management Team?
To get to know us a little better, we’re publishing a quirky “18 Questions with…” series. Each edition we’ll put another Team member in the spotlight, giving you a front-row seat to the personalities and stories that keep our SOLID wheels spinning smoothly. 🌟
First up: Trevor Nel
For those of you who are lucky enough to work with Trevor – you’ll know him as the dry-humoured Development Manager who can dead pan deliver news and reviews – both good, bad and otherwise. Don’t let the tough guy vibe fool you – Trev, Treff or Treffer has been with SOLID for *almost* 12 years and is a deeply caring and gentle soul – especially when it comes to protecting his teams.
His 18 questions went a little like this:
Question 1: What’s your favourite time of day?
Evening
Question 2: What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
The first time having to lead a team. Having to be the one to make decisions and provide guidance to others. It taught me a lot about how to communicate ideas effectively, and also how to collaborate with others to arrive at the best solution.
Question 3: What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Raiding the pantry after midnight 😁
Question 4: What’s a cause that is important to you?
I can’t think of a specific cause, but anything towards education and women’s health I view as important.
Question 5: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
I’m not very good at taking or remembering compliments. The best that comes to mind is that I’ve been called “logical and calm under pressure”
Question 6: When are you the most inspired?
Usually at the start of something, when everything feels new.
Question 7: Sweet or savoury?
Why not both?
Question 8: What song can you listen to on repeat?
It’s usually whichever band/artist I’ve found and am currently enjoying. At the moment that’s “Never Fight a Man With a Perm – IDLES”
Question 9: What are the three things you can’t live without?
Apart from the basics like water, food and shelter?
1. I’ve really come to appreciate how much I rely on electricity.
2. My PC.
3. Snacks
Question 10: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
Probably a Spartan race I did in the Netherlands. Close second is having to code without Internet access.
Question 11: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Don’t sell yourself short”.
It was a few years back, and a friend had just overheard me telling someone what I did for a living. Apparently, I had done a poor job! He said something along the lines of “You’re a lot more than you’re describing to people”. It stuck with me that my friend had a much higher view of me than I had of myself. The lesson I learned from this advice is to have a healthy mix of introspection and self-confidence.
Question 12: What’s something you notice about someone when you first meet them?
Their face. I’m really good at remembering faces, but unfortunately not names!
Question 13: What’s your favourite board game?
Risk 2210 A.D. You get to go to the moon!
Question 14: What’s one city you’ve always dreamed of traveling to?
Seoul
Question 15: What’s the one talent you wish you had?
Perfect pitch. Although, that would probably be more annoying than cool. Is decisiveness a talent? Can I have that?
Question 16: What’s your favourite fast food order?
Make your own pizza at Gino’s: Bacon, Olives, Salami, Ham, Garlic, Peppadews, Mushrooms.
Question 17: Do you like surprises?
Nope, no thanks
Question 18: What did you want to do with your life at age 12?
I have no idea. Probably something like become a Springbok rugby player 😁
And that’s a wrap!
We hope you enjoyed this ’18 Questions’, know a little more about Trevor and are looking forward to getting to know our Senior Management Team with this series.