Industry Profile – Donald Kau
Posted on 27. Aug, 2010 by Graham in Personality Profiles
Shimi Donald Kau
Director, Meropa Communications
Donald is a Communications Strategist with an extensive background in Corporate Communications and Media Relations. Having started his career within a communications and PR agency, his experience includes 9 years with the Transnet Group serving as Public Affairs Manager for Transnet Corporate Social Investment, Communications Manager at Marine Data Systems and National Spokesperson and Stakeholder Relations Manager at the National Ports Authority of South Africa (NPA). He has extensive experience working with government at a senior level to drive issues in the fields of media, advertising and sponsorship as well as reputation management. His academic qualifications include a diploma in Public Relations from Witwatersrand Technikon, Graphic Design from the AAA School of Advertising as well as further studies in Media Management and Project Management. He has also successfully completed the Transnet Executive Development Programme from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and University of Pretoria.
What’s a typical workday for you?
I get into the office around 07h30 and do newspaper reading and scanning for client news. Most of the day is keeping in touch with consultancy teams where I have oversight on specific clients. It’s all about making sure we’re on strategy and that our clients are getting good value from us.
I’m also responsible for tracking and chasing prospects as well as leading new business pitch teams. That’s time to network, attend briefings and preparing submissions.
I’m ready to leave the office around 18h00.
What do you enjoy most about your portfolio?
I love strategizing with the teams I work with. The teamwork can be fun but also stressful at times. I have broad responsibilities so I can enjoy several peaks on any given day from doing different things.
How do you handle work stresses?
I’m learning to pace myself since I stress easily. Also as I’ve grown and succeeded, I’m also trying not to take it all too seriously and personally. Laughter helps too, alternatively I just jump into my car and listen to a good cd.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
Leadership is proving to be about constant learning, trust and self-confidence in the face of trying circumstances. The economic downturn has put survival skills at the fore and I’ve been tested more than I thought possible. I’m up for bigger challenges but right now I’m taking stock.
What is your No 1 industry peeve?
Badly written briefs!!!
What are the favorite brands that you cannot live without?
Exclusive Books and the Blue Bulls.
How do you relax?
I read a lot, and watch a lot of sports on TV. I also keep two dogs who are hugely entertaining when I can get to spend time with them.
What’s your chosen way to communicate with family and friends, (mobile, social networking pages like Facebook, Skype, emails, fixed lined telephone)?
I phone my family a lot. The rest is left to Facebook and weekend get-togethers mostly at the same places.
What’s a favorite local holiday destination?
I love driving through Mpumalanga so every year I’m up there at the end of winter.
What’s your idea of a relaxing Sunday morning?
I wish there would be a Sunday morning without newspapers. Alternatively, lying in the grass over a breakfast is ultimate.
Which are your favorite must-have printed media titles?
I love international GQ and Vanity Fair…they have some great interviews. I hardly ever miss Fortune magazine and the Mail and Guardian. The rest is car magazines.
Do you have a favorite online site?
Springwise.com is a must for new business ideas and inspiration, You-Tube for all the music I can watch.
What’s your best dining out venue?
Bhukhara in Sandton Square is an indulgence I’m up for any day.
