<B>Hungry for success</B>

He put down his suitcases on Mauritian soil last November as GM of Inter Ocean. Brendon already has a positive opinion of the island…

He is young and clever but his main asset is his burning desire to succeed. All Brendon Jones wants is to be successful in his work. “I am someone quite sociable. I am very open and like to meet new people. Regarding work, I consider myself as focused and driven towards my work with a great desire to succeed in what I do. Yet, I may be successful but not as successful as I would like to be. I want to make a success of my current role. But I think I am on the right track.”

Brendon was born in Urahee, Zimbabwe on a 15th January. He just turned 33 yesterday. But he moved to Durban in South Africa when he was only one year old. After his secondary education, he went to Technikon Natal where he did his first degree in Human and Resource Management. In 2003, he did an MBA at the University of Cape Town.

Before coming here, Brendon lived in several places such as London and Thailand. In London, he spent six years as a business analyst in investment banking. And in Thailand he worked for a travel company. But he has noticed a big difference in the standard of living in Mauritius compared to England and Thailand and compares them in a humorous way. “Mauritius is very different from the other places I have been to. In Thailand, it was very hectic and I was always busy. In Mauritius, things seem to go at a slower pace. But I enjoy the climate and the people while I don’t particularly enjoy the driving. There are bad drivers here.”

One of the reasons why Brendon believes himself lucky to be in Mauritius is the opportunities the island provides for the practice of his hobbies. Sports such as golf, running, going to the gym or cycling are what he enjoys the most. When he is at home he spends his times reading non-fiction books. Or else he sometimes goes to the beach for a beer with his mates. “Here in Mauritius I can easily practise my favourite hobbies. For example, I am a member of the expatriates’ golf club. But, to be honest, I am not really good at the moment. So I am just battling with my game.”

Brendon has not been here for a long time, but he is confident about his stay on the island. “I enjoy being here. I am almost settled down. When I get my house where I can put all my stuff I will be really settled down. So far I speak neither French nor Creole but I look forward to learning them. But I am already enjoying being here. I have a great working environment and that is a key factor. At a later stage I want to do my best to be able to see my family based in South Africa on a more regular basis. It is one of my priorities.”