Michael Dorn, founder and CEO of RTgroup
Full Name: Michael Dorn
Position and Company Name: Founder and CEO of RTgroup
Main Activity of the Company: RTgroup is a global business restructuring and turnaround firm founded in 2018 that has offices in South Africa and Germany, and works alongside management teams to implement proactive strategies
Date and Place of Birth: February 7, 1975, Mittweida, in the then East Germany
Schools and Tertiary Education: I have a background in business administration and management, and my qualifications include a preliminary diploma from the University of Bayreth. I also spent a period of study at the Leipzig School of Management, specialising in strategic management and organisation. In addition, I completed an exchange term in the MBA programme in entrepreneurship at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada
First Job: I worked at a local car dealer in the carwash department and was fired after two weeks because I spent too much time making sure each car was 100% clean, which reduced the efficiency outputs required for the job
Size of First Pay Packet: €500 a month, as a bank clerk
Career Path to Date: I have held various positions throughout my career, including senior consultant at Roland Berger Strategy, director of the Turnaround and Restructuring practice at AlixPartners LLC, and MD at AlixPartners GmbH Munich. I also served as CEO, CFO and COO of Primacom Group, as well as CRO and COO of TeleColumbus Group. After falling in love with South Africa while on holiday, I moved here to open RTgroup
Number of People under Your Leadership: 50
Management Style: Fostering a collaborative and empowered team environment
Personal Best Achievement: My family
Person who has had the Biggest Influence in Your Life: Myself – personal responsibility and self-motivation have been key factors in my journey
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Myself - through hard work and dedication, I have been able to achieve my goals and advance in my career
Person Yould Would Most Like to Meet: Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo
Businessperson Who Has Inspired You Most: Many different people inspire and motivate me as I am constantly learning
Philosophy of Life: We determine our own future
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Travelling the world
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I regret not being bolder at times
Hope for the Future: I believe that we define the future by our actions and beliefs
Favourite Reading: Material centred on water and ocean-related subjects
Favourite TV Programme: None
Favourite Food/Drink: Tomatoes and water
Favourite Music: I listen to a wide range of genres and styles
Favourite Hobbies: Surfing
Car: I don’t place too much value on cars, as they serve a functional purpose – they are a means of transportation
Favourite Sport: Surfing
Miscellaneous Dislikes: None
Clubs: None