18 Years of SOLID means 18 questions with each of the SOLID Senior Management team who, along with your support, keep the wheels of our successful business moving ahead.
Designed to be insightful and fun (what our brand is really all about) – this series is really a ‘the-people-behind-the-business’ type of thing. Please join me in getting to know our Senior Management Team a little more.
Next up we have: Manuel de Jesus
Manuel is SOLIDitech’s CEO and one of our esteemed co-founders. Starting with just 2 people, Manuel and Charles have grown SOLID to over 130 team members, based all over the globe. A true encyclopaedia of all things SOLID and a technical wizard, Manuel is the driving force behind our platform. His passions extend beyond the digital realm; he’s a dedicated sportsman with a love for the outdoors, conquering cycling, running, and swimming with equal zeal. (We’re all eagerly awaiting that first triathlon entry!) Always encouraging the team to embrace physical activity, Manuel embodies dedication and single-minded determination in everything he tackles, whether it’s a coding challenge or a challenging bike ride. He inspires each of us to push our boundaries and reach new heights.
His 18 questions went a little like this:
Question 1: What’s your favourite time of day?
Sunrise, I love early morning bike rides at sunrise with my friends. Especially in winter – the colours are breathtaking, and no two days are the same. There are some amazing coffee spots in Kalk Bay where you’ll meet interesting people and can enjoy great coffee at 6am all year round. It’s the best way to start my day.
Question 2: What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
Embrace change, try new things and meet new people. Say yes to new experiences and opportunities – they are key to your growth. Look for the gift in the challenge when things don’t go as expected … and appreciate that it has taken you forward regardless of the outcome.
Question 3: What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
The urge to instinctively help people :). Strange I know, but I’ve since learnt how coaching is a better approach. It empowers and develops others and has a lower cost to family time. It’s something I’m still working on though.
Question 4: What’s a cause that is important to you?
The struggle against racism and prejudice. I really wish more people would explore and actively seek to understand other cultures. We all have internal biases and it’s important to acknowledge that you do, you can learn so much about yourself and others if you have the uncomfortable conversations.
Question 5: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
That I am friendly and always willing to help.
Question 6: When are you the most inspired?
Seeing people succeed in the face of difficult challenges through hard work, ingenuity and grit really inspires me.
Question 7: Sweet or savoury?
Savoury
Question 8: What song can you listen to on repeat?
Life without Fantasies (Neon Dreams, Max Hurrell)
Question 9: What are the three things you can’t live without?
Family, Friends and Freedom
Question 10: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
My life’s not over yet ;). I love taking on new challenges and trying new things, 300km bike races in Sweden, running events, open water swimming events (had to learn how to swim in 2023) …. or going to networking meet ups with random groups of strangers. I like trying a few new things every year.
Question 11: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Life is tough, don’t judge others – be kind and curious, you’ll learn so much and be a better person for it.
Question 12: What’s something you notice about someone when you first meet them?
Their eyes and smile.
Question 13: What’s your favourite board game?
30 seconds
Question 14: What’s one city you’ve always dreamed of traveling to?
Hangzhou, China
Question 15: What’s the one talent you wish you had?
To be able to play a musical instrument (2024 goals?)
Question 16: What’s your favourite fast food order?
Poke Bowls, Fried Rice or Sushi
Question 17: Do you like surprises?
Yes
Question 18: What did you want to do with your life at age 12?
I wanted to be a neurosurgeon.
And that’s a wrap!
We hope you enjoyed this ’18 Questions’, know a little more about Manuel and enjoyed getting to know our Senior Management Team with this series.