Page 191 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

CHRIS TYSON

hris Tyson, the chief executive He says, “Having started business and being a strong focus on doing the right thing are key
officer of Tyson Properties, has had actively involved for almost 20 years, I consider to overcoming such challenges. “If you put your
a longstanding relationship with the the team at Tyson Properties as part of my family.” head down, focus on what you’re doing, and make
C real estate industry, beginning long He reflects, “I know most of the team individually, sure you always do the right thing, you will get
before he took the helm of his company in 2015. and for me it’s a big why to get up in the morning through them,” he asserts. These experiences have
His connection to the field traces back to his and go to work and actually experience a very reinforced his belief in the importance of resilience
childhood, where his first exposure came from different environment. It’s not just a job for me, it’s and maintaining a steady focus during tough times.
sitting in the car while his mother conducted show something so much more…” Motivating the team at Tyson Properties, especially
houses. This early experience sparked a lifelong in recent years, has been extremely important. The
interest in real estate and laid the foundation VALUES AND ETHICS fluctuating interest rates and an unpredictable
for his career. As Tyson Properties approaches its When asked about his proudest accomplishment, market have made it difficult to maintain consistent
20th year, Chris reflects on the journey with pride Chris comments on the cumulative successes morale. “Just when we think it’s getting better, it
and a deep sense of commitment to the industry.
over the years rather than a single event. “After slumps back down again,” Chris observes. Despite
Before diving into the world of real estate, 20 years of owning your own business, you have these challenges, he remains optimistic. Chris
Chris’s first job was in a completely different some very high highs and some very low lows,” he believes that with recent developments, including
environment. After finishing school, he decided notes. Among the highs are winning prestigious elections and infrastructure improvements, the
to take a gap year and worked as a barman at a international awards and gaining recognition from market will stabilise. “We’re looking forward to a
hotel in Grahamstown, primarily serving students industry peers for the company he has built. “It’s more motivated environment to work in,” he says,
from Rhodes University. This experience, though all based on values and ethics,” Chris emphasises, acknowledging that motivation requires continuous
effort and adaptation to changing circumstances.
far removed from the real estate sector, was expressing his pride in the company’s adherence
invaluable in teaching him the importance of hard to these principles. This focus on ethical behaviour PROMISING DEVELOPMENTS
work, customer service, and adaptability. These and long-term thinking has been a cornerstone of
skills would later prove essential as he navigated Tyson Properties’ growth and success. Chris has an optimistic vision for KwaZulu-Natal
the challenges of running his own business. over the next five years. Despite facing significant
Throughout his career, Chris has adhered to a piece
of advice that has significantly shaped his approach challenges, including storms and infrastructure issues,
PRIMARY MOTIVATION he sees promising developments on the horizon.
to business: “How you conduct yourself today
Chris’s drive is deeply rooted in his commitment will determine how your business grows in years “The right people are being put in place to ensure
that service delivery is restored,” he says, expressing
to his family who serve as his main source of to come.” This guidance has influenced his every confidence in the province’s future. He believes that
inspiration. “My family inspires me the most. action, encouraging him to behave in a way that with improving infrastructure and stabilising interest
They are my why and it’s a big why,” he explains, aligns with his personal and professional values. rates, KwaZulu-Natal will see strong market growth.
highlighting that they are the primary motivation “I’ve always been very mindful to behave in a certain “We’re continuously looking at our business in Durban
behind his professional efforts. way to make sure that whatever I do is done to the to ensure we grow in the right direction,” Chris states.
best of my ability and with a strong personal belief
The pride his family takes in his accomplishments, to always do the right thing,” he reflects. Chris lives by a simple yet powerful motto: “How
particularly his son’s reactions, deeply inspires you conduct yourself will determine how your
him. “When he makes comments like, ‘Dad, I saw SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES business continues to grow.” This principle, which
a YouTube advert for Tyson Properties,’ or notices he mentioned earlier, guides his actions both
our boards on the side of the road, it makes me Chris identifies two major challenges that personally and professionally.
very proud and motivates me,” shared Chris. have defined his career: the financial crisis of
2007 and the Covid-19 pandemic. Both events In conclusion, Chris Tyson’s journey with Tyson
However, his sense of responsibility extends posed significant financial challenges, creating Properties is a testament to his dedication, resilience,
beyond his immediate family. For Chris, Tyson uncertainty about the future of his business. “You and commitment to values. As Tyson Properties
Properties is more than just a job; it represents a find yourself wondering, ‘How on earth are you approaches its 20th year, Chris remains focused on
significant part of his life’s work and a community going to go from today till tomorrow?’” he recalls. leading the company with integrity and optimism
he deeply cares about. However, Chris believes that perseverance and for the future.
189