Interview with Irene Bettencourt

The Interview

On 19 June 2006 Secunda.co.za received this nomination via e-mail to interview Irene Bettencourt. This nomination motivated us to interview Irene and it was the only reason why Irene decided to be interviewed.

I would like to suggest you interview Irene Bettencourt from H2O ( Homes to own).

Irene is an outstanding individual who has poise and elegance, and has overcome certain struggles in her life, including being divorced, and a horrific car accident.

Irene is independent and strong, and has managed to come out on top stronger and wiser, she is raising two children and faces the demands of supporting her family and having a full time job.

She has worked in the real estate business for over 7 years now, and is one of Secunda’s most knowledgeable people when it comes to real estate. Anyone who meets Irene, whether through work or play, will tell you she is a very honest person who often tells it as it is! She is beautiful inside and out and is often the life of many a party…she is interesting, and not just your average kind of person…Interview her and you will see…I’ve always thought if she would run for Mayoress of Secunda, she’d probably win!

Thank you
Regards

Zoe Van Deventer

Where did you grow up and why did you move to Secunda?

Good question! I was born and I grew up in Johannesburg. My father then bought Bapsfontein hotel and that was just pumping! When I was about +- 9 years old, my parents bought a bottle store in Evander and we moved here.

Describe yourself in one sentence:

I am VERY talkative! It’s my thing and it’s what I do. If you think of Irene you think TALK, TALK, TALK.

Tell us about some of the milestones in your life:

One of my greatest achievements in life has got to be my kids. I really believe that it is the only way that you really learn to love unconditionally, when you have your own kids.

What car do you drive?

I am driving a BLACK BMW but I should be driving a Racing Red Ferrari. I enjoy fast cars with sexy hot curves.

What qualities in people do you like?

Honesty – rather hurt me honestly than mislead me with a lie.

What academic qualifications do you have?

I have my BSC degree - Behind the Shop Counter - Joke And I have a T-shirt that says: matric(I’m Portuguese ok!)

I got married when I was just a child (my own choice). I was a happy housewife…then became an estate agent. Done every course imaginable.

…oh! and I am a Jamie Oliver in training. Love to cook.

What was your first job?

Like I said BSC - Selling curry and rice at Bapsfontein Hotel.

I always loved money. I think the best way to teach your kids the value of money is to borrow from them. I mean, when my parents used to borrow money from me, I made sure that I got every cent back form them…plus interest.

What was the size of your first paycheck?

When I was is St 1, 8 years old I got R2 a week, which was R 8.00 a month…I was better of then than I am now

What is your current position in the company?

I am self employed (Estate Agent). I don’t think I have a position, I am the entertainer in the office, I entertain everybody here. I am like Penelope Cruz in “Woman on top” – she’s gotta be in charge, she is the one that’s gotta drive and all that – that’s me! - watch the movie and you’ll see. BUT, it is time for a change. I am moving to something greater - so please watch this space 4 more of me…

Tell us about your experience in the real estate market?

It’s one of the greatest things in my life. I enjoy all the people that I meet everyday, the lawyers, the bankers, everyone. I really enjoy the people, I can’t do an office job. People do it for me.

What is your favorite company in South Africa and why?

Vodacom – There is no way that I could live without my cell phone, it is literally my life line.

What is your favorite foreign company?

BMW – it IS all about sheer driving pleasure. Drive a BMW and you’ll know what I mean.

What was your professional best achievement?

The first commercial building that I sold, it took a lot of work, but it was great!

Who is the person who had the biggest influence in your life?

Zoe v Deventer – She Brought me out of my shell. Although she goes through really hard times in her own life, she still picks me up. She is just so awesome and I wouldn’t want to live without her. I live her to bits.

Who is the business person who impressed you the most and why?

Put this in capital BOLD - JOSè MACIEL. He is awesome – there is no other word to describe him. He is a down to earth type of guy and he treats all people equal. He is into building up people and never breaks anyone down. I met him and his wife at a Portuguese event, his wife is great! As they say, behind every successful man is his wife. I don’t think there are enough Josès in this world.

What is your philosophy of life?

I have so many. The main one would be, ” that not everything you face in life can be changed, but nothing faced can be ever changed.

What was your biggest disappointment ever?

I have always believed - only you can make you happy - then I woke up, suddenly I had invested my heart, soul and happiness in another human being…BIG disappointment.

What doesn’t kill - you makes you wiser…

If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?

Dead: Elvis – I just loooove the man – I watched all his movies. He was a legend of his own. I have all his music on Vinols.

Alive: Oprah Winfrey - It may sound like a cliché, because a lot of people want to meet her, but I really feel that she is where she is because she is a giver and just keeps giving and that is why she gets getting. It’s a wonderful circle.

What did you want to become when you grew up?

A Hotel Manager – it would be awsome!

What changed or what kept you going?

Gosh, I got married hey! And became a house wife…

What is your biggest dream?

To go to Houston Texas – travel around America - Spend Christmas in New York – how amazing would that be! I would also like to hold a real Portuguese festival here in Secunda, with Portuguese food, music and everything. Portuguese people are just “out there” people, always friendly and very passionate about everything.

What are your thoughts on Secunda as a town?

Secunda is great – sometimes too small. After my accident I just realized how amazing and caring the people in Secunda are. If every person just do their bit and stop complaining, Secunda would be a much better place. Start with your own home and take pride, that is where it all begins. Together each and every one of us can so our bit and change this town from strength to strength.

If you could change one thing in Secunda what would it be and why?

The mentality of the people (not everyone. I’m not generalizing) BUT REALLY – people always say there is nothing to do here in Secunda, but there is! The action cricket, tenpin, burnt orange and lots more. Just start supporting the local events and invest in your own town! Go out and find what there is, you will not be disappointed.

Any inspirational words to the community?

Live each day for yourself, find happiness in yourself. No one can make you happy. Turn to God in all times, good and bad, because He IS the answer. He is my rock and my salvation.

I want to thank all my friends and family, who have always stood by me and picked me up. I love you and I owe you everything. I am grateful for you and thank God for you everyday