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