Pavlo Phitidis

Pavlo Phitidis

Current title
Chief Executive Officer, Aurik Investment Holdings

Course at Wits Business School
Master of Business Administration, 2000

A defining moment in my career
Late one Thursday night, as I walked past my library, an epiphany struck me. I realised, just then, in that moment, what the purpose of my life was. I realised that every element of my being wanted to be in service of courage, creativity and care, three qualities that revere the human spirit.

I found these qualities manifest in the business owners that I work with today. They have the courage to start and risk everything they have. They have the creativity to do things differently and justify their existence. They have the patience to care and sustain the lonely, challenging journey of building a business.

My passion is in serving them. My purpose is in working with them to build their businesses into wealth producing assets, something I call an Asset of Value. This is a business that can of a day be sold for a premium price. Given that 94.6% of businesses started never get sold, this matters enormously to entrepreneurs. 

As a business owner, you invest and sacrifice deeply to manifest your vision through the business that you build. That successful sale is your legacy. In practical terms, it is also your retirement and dignity.

Similar Posts

  • Odongo Kodongo

    Bali Island, Indonesia, was in its usual element in December 2013 – beautiful and tranquil with the warm Indian Ocean waters and hospitable local inhabitants blending seamlessly with the hot and humid weather. Yet, enjoying the warm Bali weather was only peripheral to my visit.

  • Nazli Jugbaran

    Heraclitus said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” My entire life and career have been and continue to be defined by a series of radical changes; a series of moments, based on numerous epiphanies that have led to an amazing journey of personal transformation and an exploration of experiencing the true nature of who we are.

  • Thando Ntsinde

    The day I gave birth to my son, who is five years old now, was the day my career focus changed. That day I realised that I not only need to talk the talk but also walk it in order to be the example that I want my son to follow.

  • Ebrahim Kharsany

    As an activist and a businessman, I experienced several defining moments in my career. I completed my MBA at Wits Business School in 1971. I could not find any meaningful employment as the predominantly white corporate business sector would not employ people of colour in senior management positions.

  • Wendy Luhabe

    After spending about ten years in corporate South Africa from 1981 to 1991, I was overlooked for a marketing position that became available. The marketing manager would not even allow me to be interviewed.