Q&A with Michael Rubenstein Head of Aprio Africa

1.What countries does Aprio Africa work across?

We service clients in a number of countries, including?Uganda, Nigeria, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Lesotho,?Eswatini, Cote D’Ivoire,?and?Mozambique.

2.What keeps an African strategic communications consultant up at night?

For me, it is about?maintaining effective culture sensitivity and staying up to date with the amazing and rapidly changing macro and micro-environments in each country?that we operate in.

3.What do you spend most of your working hours doing?

My role includes strategic planning, creative ideation, client management, strategic counsel, and solving problems as they arise.

4.What’s the most fun you’ve had in your role?

I really enjoy meeting new people and learning from them. There are so many ways one can grow simply by listening and observing and asking the right questions.

5.What’s the most stressful time you’ve had in your role?

It was being?delayed at OR Tambo?International Airport?for three days and not been able to leave to?reach?my country of destination due to?a?technical problem with?the aircraft. After three long days the?airport lounge food all starts tasting the same!

6.What makes your dream client?

It's a combination of a strong relationship, deep mutual respect, being able to problem solve together, great communication, and healthy boundaries.

7.What would you say to your younger self?

"Travel more, experience more, listen more, and do more."