And then they fired me

by Jannie Mouton, Carié Maas

Jannie Mouton is one of South Africa’s greatest success stories. Here is the inside story of how he started PSG from scratch after getting fired at age 48 and turned it into a triumphant success in 15 years. Today it has interests in companies with a market capitalisation of R61 billion. In this book Jannie Mouton talks openly about what went on behind the scenes – even the most controversial events, such as the Pioneer Foods cartel saga. With his typical honesty and humour, he freely shares his business and investment advice. Losing is not a word in Jannie Mouton’s vocabulary.

Genres: Business, Biography, Autobiography

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2011

Reviews

[Dion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I had to re read some if the sentences / paragraphs, to understand the business concepts and “flow” of the information, better but overall, very interesting and Proof that we should not allow bad/negative circumstances to dictate our futures.
It is possible to change everything, completely around, by applying, research, planning, discipline, drive and intuition

[Ramon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides the Afrikaner work ethic, some of the fortunes of Jannie Mouton is linked to the old boys club from Stellenbosch University. Too many of his friends are in the same circles of influences like Christo Wiese and the FirstRand boys like GT Ferreira. One wonders how successful he would be without their advice and support when putting together the many, many brilliant investment deals over the years.

And yet this remains a very powerful testament to entrepreneurship and also capitalism. Its been said that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. So if I learned anything from this book it's to find mentors, and people you admire and do business with them.

So after reading this book I am buying shares in PSG to gain access to the AGM and meet Mr Jannie Mouton.

[Sicelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being kicked out of a job for "business reasons" can be a refreshing if sobering experience, as I have found; and reflecting on the experience of strong characters such as Jannie Mouton who once encountered an even more damning situation, comes across as alluring especially when such event turned around their lives for the better.

[Farai Gorden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get a hard copy of this book and when I finally read it, it was worth the wait.

I found quite a number of nuggets from the book but my best was the one that Jannie got from G.T Ferreira "Take the cash and leave the sound of distant drums."

Grab a copy, read and keep it in your library.

[Albert Bezuidenhout · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest book

Good advice from someone who has given it a go. Reads like a conversation with your grandad. A lot of advice from real people.

[Mbachi Thindwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest book that explores the ups and downs of Jannie's journey in business. I was especially impressed by his attitude towards reading and self-improvement.

[Bongani · Rating 5 out of 5]

When something ends. something new begins. Being fired for no reason soon proved to be a blessing in disguise for Janie. An entrepreneur to be respected.

[Johan Du Plessis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jannie is a shrewd entrepreneur who went through some deep waters to be where he is now.