Ross Volk

MD at MSC Cruises

Ross Volk is the Managing Director at MSC Cruises South Africa. As MD of MSC Cruises South Africa, Ross Volk is responsible for growing the cruising market in South Africa. Ross joined MSC Cruises South Africa in 2015 as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, following a varied and successful auditing career at KPMG. His 12 years at KPMG instilled in him a love for travel, visiting over 75 countries while working as a Senior Manager for the company. He also acquired a range of diverse skills during his time there, working across multiple departments in the company and frequently engaging with high-profile individuals of different cultures. It is this diversity of experience that has served Ross well since he was promoted to MD of MSC Cruises South Africa in December 2016. Ross finds the ever-changing world of cruising a fascinating and exhilarating industry to be a part of, and he enjoys the fact that this fast-paced world allows him to make maximum use of his varied skillset and tackle new challenges every day. Ross leads a team of individuals who are passionate about helping South Africans discover the hidden gem of cruising. He strongly believes in leading by example and is committed to working alongside his colleagues to ensure that cruising becomes a popular holiday ‘destination’ that South Africans love. Ross speaks three languages – English, Afrikaans and Zulu.

Q

Who is your hero? (In business, life, or both.)

A

My father both in business and life. For business, Warren Buffett.

Q

What’s the single best piece of business advice that helped shape who you are as an entrepreneur today, and why?

A

A happy workforce is a productive workforce.

Q

What’s the biggest mistake you ever made in your business, and what did you learn from it that others can learn from too?

A

Showing too much emotion has been one.

Q

What do you do during the first hour of your business day and why?

A

Review daily sales statistics to make sure all is on track. Review vital emails that requires your attention)

Q

Who is your company’s target customer?

A

Cruising is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday option that caters to everyone. Old or young, family focused or single, affluent or on a budget – all kinds of holidaymakers are drawn to the allure of the sea and the magnificence of cruise ships.

Q

What’s your best financial tip for entrepreneurs just getting started?

A

Invest wisely in people and technology. Cheap is not always cheap and expensive is not always expensive.

Q

What’s ONE thing you recommend ALL aspiring or current entrepreneurs do right now to take their business to the next level?

A

Focus on the numbers.

Q

What’s your definition of success? How will you know when you’ve finally “succeeded” in your business?

A

When you’re well respected by peers and people.

Q

What is your favourite quote?

A

“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark” – Michaelangelo