A local CEO who follows 3G, only hires PSDs – poor, smart, desirous

By Alec Hogg

Soon after Biznews started, we became clients of Mercantile Bank. It was a decision I've never regretted. Positioned as the banking specialist for entrepreneurs, my experience has shown this to be a rare instance where the marketing message is actually backed up by the operations.

During our three years as clients, I've engaged professionally and personally with the bank's CEO Karl Kumbier and delight in receiving his occasional feedback on my daily musings. Karl responded to yesterday's newsletter by sharing that Dream Big "is the best and most inspirational book I've ever read."

He added: "A lot of what we are doing at Mercantile is modelled on 3G. I love the part of only hiring PSDs – people from a Poor background; incredibly Smart; and with a deep Desire to do well."

Unfortunately the book is hard to find in SA shops. Thank goodness for Kindle.