What industry do you work in?
I work in the field of security and project/program management within the Mining Industry.
What are your strengths?
My extensive working experience has been thus far diverse and very challenging as I have been exposed to volatile area’s.
What inspired you to get into this sort of industry?
After 11 years in the French paratrooper I was inspired to get into this field.
What is the most challenging aspect within your field of work?
To be able to perform under very tense and stressful situations is extremely challenging.
How do you manage and overcome these challenges?
Through focusing on the goals that need to be achieved.
What has been the highlight of your career?
10 years as paratrooper (French SF). I have worked 6 years in Africa as head of security, Projects/Programs Security Manager, 3 years in East Europe for E.U. embassies as Security Officer, 6 years in Iraq as PSD, TL, NSA, 2 years in Afghanistan as Provincial Manager for USAID and Deputy Project Manager on a US super FOB construction and recently in Ivory Coast, Guinea and Burkina Faso on a gold mine located 23 kilometers south of north Mali border.
If somebody starts as a trainee / beginner within your line of work, what could they earn in salary?
Around 150 pounds abroad.
What can this person expect to earn after 10 years of experience?
Can be around 450 to 1000 pounds daily working overseas.
What advice can you offer people who are in the same industry as you?
To build your reputation because the working environment is a very small circle, hard to get in and hard to stay in.
If you had to describe yourself in FIVE WORDS, what would they be?
- 1. Capable of handling all types of company related works;
- 2. Able to do work on project as per policies and requirements;
- 3. Able to complete project in given time period and budgets;
- 4. Exceptional ability to carry work of multiple projects at a time;
- 5. Excelent in both French & English communication.
Where in Africa have you worked before?
Center African republic, Chad, Rwanda, Ivory coast, Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso and Madagascar!
As you know, numerous African countries are being invested in due to their rich minerals. Which country within Africa do you think will be the next hot spot and why?
The all Sahel region, Libya, Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, all those countries are full of minerals but potentially instable and quiet volatile.
CA Global is a big believer in Africa, why do YOU believe in Africa?
Africa is the next Eldorado, the potential is huge and local government are quiet flexible with private investors.
