Self-starter knows the business strategist game
Kgati Khutjo Diaz (KK Diaz) is the CEO of A-Game Business Consulting
Tell me about the work you do as the CEO and founder of A-Game?
Being a founder of a business is an activity with an expiration date. I never consider myself a founder because the work I do is 99.9% focused on the building of the business, not so much in starting it.
I guide the people in the business to do what needs to be done, and they are recognised and rewarded accordingly. This is part of a culture of innovation and people development, for which I’m responsible as a CEO. I also drive revenue growth through sustainable client relationships.
How do you help businesses to grow?
I was fortunate enough to have found my passion for business when I was young. However, most of my business ventures failed due to a lack of understanding, experience and skills. I eventually dropped out of college in 2000 and was employed at Softline Pastel, where I started working with SMEs and large businesses, training them, consulting and implementing payroll and accounting software for these businesses.
It was during this time that I met many entrepreneurs and business leaders who were struggling to manage and grow their businesses. And because I have an obsession with solving problems, I learnt and sharpened my abilities and honed my skills as a consultant and later a business strategist.
What is a typical day for you?
I typically wake up just before 5am to read, do some writing, review my schedule for the day and for the week, and work out for 30–50 minutes at my home gym.
My workdays and schedules are not the same, which I enjoy very much. One day I could be talking to prospective clients on social media, doing interviews and speaking at events. And the next day I could be writing books, hosting webinars, training and supporting clients with their strategy and digital transformation.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be a professional soccer player. However, my soccer career ended after being transferred from an Orlando Pirates reverse side to play for Young Chelsea in Marlborough, where I had a serious ankle injury that ended my career, and I started focusing on music. That’s how I eventually launched my record label, Liber8 Records.
What do you do to keep your entrepreneurial skills current?
I read at least four books a month, I attend workshops, watch webinars every week and network with some of the smartest and most talented entrepreneurs and professionals. I also have two coaches and a few mentors I engage with regularly.
About 80% of start-ups in SA close their doors. What do you think are the common mistakes business owners make?
Entrepreneurs lack the understanding needed to manage and grow a business. They have technical product-specific skills, but not the sales, business management, admin, HR and legal expertise needed to grow the business. Most don’t have enough cash flow to pay for the expertise they lack.
What do you find most meaningful about the work you do? And why?
Helping entrepreneurs and employees achieve prosperity and fulfilment in their work and businesses gives me meaning.