Catherine is the founder and managing director of Power of 9.

You are such an inspirational boss. Power of 9 has such a close-knit team. How do you manage such brilliant interpersonal relations?

Thanks. I hate the vertical structure of traditional business; in fact it was one of the reasons I chose to leave the corporate world. When you work with senior, creative and skilled individuals, micromanaging, red tape and boundaries stifle the individual and the company’s growth. It starts with choosing the right people for the culture of your company; skills can be enhanced and trained, but synergy of values is most important.

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When do you feel most inspired?

Like a true cat I come alive at night, the quiet of the house after my kids have gone to bed and the collecting of daily thoughts often gets my creative juices flowing.

Despite the fast evolution of technology and the impact it has on marketing, what aspect of marketing is still ‘key’ to any solid strategy?

Human truth. Irrespective of who you are, what you are marketing or to whom you are speaking, we must never forget our common human truths. The fundamental principles of communication always apply; respect, honesty and a willingness to learn and engage. Technology is only a channel or tool.

Who are the five people (dead or alive) that you would invite to dinner?

Jamie Oliver – to prepare the dinner.
Dave Matthews, Jimmy Hendrix and Janis Joplin to entertain (imagine the after-party).
My man – he is without doubt the most interesting, intellectual and invigorating company I know.

What’s the best part of owning your own business?

There are so many ‘best parts’ from having the freedom to plot my own course, to being able to watch my kids’ sports matches in the afternoons, to choosing who I want to work with, to not having to ask permission and most importantly knowing that I am building a future for my children.

If you could kick one habit, what would it be?

Coke Light

How did you come up with the name ‘Power of 9’?

Actually I didn’t! We did, my then best friend (now considerably more than a friend) and I were having lunch and brainstorming my new company name over some fresh seafood and wine. Power of 9 is an analogy for a cat, be it a wild cat or an alley cat – their agility and survival instinct ensures that they are never out of lives; 9 lives.

Who would you rather be stuck in an elevator with: Darth Vader or Julius Malema and why?

Julius Malema because I have this naive but indefatigable belief that I can turn anyone.

If you were a chocolate bar which brand would you be and why?

Kit Kat – no explanation necessary.

You can read Catherine’s blog posts here and follow her on Twitter here

Questions by: Daryl, Monique, Sanja and Wikus.

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