One of the initial yet lasting impressions of Steven Cohen, founder and managing director of Softline Pastel – clad in casual jeans and orange Crocs – is his down-to-earth, realistic approach to running one of the most successful South African software companies.

The 46-year-old Johannesburg native completed a degree in chartered accountancy, but didn`t start working immediately as he got his call-up papers and served in the South African army in 1987. He then consulted for a year and pursued his dream of combining accountancy with his love for technology.