Tobie van Heerden is the CEO of 10X Investments. With prior stints at Ninety One, Investec and Alexander Forbes, he’s got both institutional heft and a challenger spirit – but we wanted to know about his life beyond the corporate grind. Here’s a small peek.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year, and why?
Thomas Erikson’s Surrounded by Idiots offers a brilliantly simple framework for understanding people, strengthening relationships, and building more cohesive teams. It outlines four key behaviour types that shape how we interact: Reds – dominant and driven; Yellows – social and optimistic; Greens – calm and supportive; and Blues – analytical and detail-focused. Learning to recognise and work with these types has transformed the way I lead. It’s helped me tailor my communication, deepen team connections, and create a culture where everyone feels understood, valued and empowered to thrive.
How do you keep fit?
I cycle four to five times a week and do strength training twice a week.
Weeknight low-key restaurant go-to?
Bacini’s on Cape Town’s Kloof Street – it’s close to home and has a super-nice family vibe with great Italian food.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
William Kentridge did a series of prints of an old-school typewriter. Something about the uniformity, but also simplicity and “old-school” way of doing things, speaks to me. I don’t have one, unfortunately.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
Unfortunately, I don’t have time for a hobby, with three young girls aged 3, 5 and 7. So, between work and family, my cycling has turned from something that used to be a serious sport to a hobby!
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
My coffee machine. I have a retro manual coffee machine and grinder. If I go anywhere in South Africa for more than a couple of days, it travels with me!
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Angelina Jolie. I was fortunate enough to marry her South African double – except my wife is nicer than her!
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
One by U2, Forever Young (the David Guetta remix) and Shallow Waters by Just Jinjer.
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