You've now met the Services Team, so time to get to know each of our amazing GMs! This month, we introduce you to Elevate's longest serving dynamo, Adam "Dippa" Diprose, Co-Founder of the UK office, and Founder and GM of Team South Africa.
Nickname? Dip, Dippa, Dipsy, Adsy, The Golden Dragon
What did you study at university? I started out doing a Bachelor of Commerce/Arts and finished with a degree in International and Global Studies majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. I was interested in a wide range of subjects and thought this would be a good idea to cover them all!
Describe your journey to becoming GM: This my 10th year with Elevate and it has been incredible to see the company grow over the last decade. I started out as a presenter in Sydney, moved into a TL position in New South Wales, before having the opportunity to go and present in the UK. When I finished my degree the opportunity came up to move to the UK so I spent 3 1/2 years in Oxford, before moving to Cape Town to set up the SA office where I am currently based.
What is the thing you enjoy most about being a GM? The role is so varied and challenges you in so many ways – from leading and managing people in the office, to getting across financial statements, to setting strategy and working on a marketing campaign. I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever been bored in the role!
What is the best book you have read in the last 3 months? The Way of the Seal – about leadership in the Navy Seals
If you were stranded on a deserted island which 3 Elevators would you want with you and why? DB for his leadership, JV for his wisdom and Fenech because his smile would give me hope while I wait to be rescued… oh, am I allowed to choose anyone…? Hahaha well then…
Do you have a hidden talent? I enjoy spoken word performance, and fancy myself as an amateur rapper.
If you had one song to sing at Karaoke? Shaggy by Angel… absolute classic
Favourite TV series? Friends, then Scrubs
Ideal holiday destination? Madagascar
Favourite food and dish? Kraft Deluxe Macaroni Cheese
What are you most excited about at Elevate at the moment? The growth of the company in so many different ways – product lines; territories; people; and the opportunities that are being created for people to progress within Elevate. I was fortunate enough to have been given an unbelievable opportunity to work for Elevate in 3 countries, and it’s hugely exciting to see more people being given similar opportunities.