JOHN SMIT
JOHN SMIT
“ When you measure success it ’ s about having learnt from all the little failures along the way ”
John Smit is now in the third phase of his rugby life , as of July 2013 he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Sharks Rugby Union . South African rugby is a difficult beast to comprehend at the best of times and he now has to analyse it from a financial perspective alongside the ever-present question of transformation and the constant pressure for success . Smit has taken these challenges head on as the Sharks CEO , “ Sport is changing all the time and trying to see into the future helps to create sustainable , future success .”
Does the fact that you were an accomplished rugby player with great earnings guarantee that you can retire in comfort after an illustrious career ?
Unfortunately no , one has to plan cleverly as rugby players don ’ t yet earn enough to be able to completely retire post career .
Briefly describe your first investment and the most important lessons you learnt from the experience ?
“ My first investment was my first home , I extended myself to buy it , but it was a great buy . Ironically I had to sell it to make up the losses for the car dealership experience ” ( an early investment scheme which was entered into naively and resulted in a substantial loss )
What category ( equities , shares , property , offshore , etc .) of investment has produced your most significant returns and what insights can you share from the experience ?
Currently the best performing investments are the ones I have abroad in property , the only upside , sadly , of a vulnerable rand .
BIOGRAPHY
Current Position : CEO – The Sharks Age : 38 Married : Yes Children : 3
John ’ s Top Success and Investment Tips
• Do research
• Ask for advice from people who have done it for a long time
• Remove emotion
www . reimag . co . za JUNE 2016 SA Real Estate Investor 9