This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
Published on May 9, 2020, Robert Ochieng's story is a testament to the power of combining soft and technical skills in achieving business success.
As the community leader of the Young Nairobi Stock Exchange Group, Ochieng's journey began when he sought an internship position at Software Technologies Limited in Gigiri. The implementation manager, Peter Kitheka, challenged him, saying, “You have come to look for internship in a technology firm that deals with Oracle software but you have no skills in the technology.”
However, Kitheka's words turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He offered to teach Ochieng the skills he needed, and the young professional gained a lot of knowledge in Oracle software. This experience not only helped him gain skills but also led to him training staff at the Central Bank of Kenya and Uganda Revenue Authority on Oracle budgeting systems.
Ochieng's story serves as a reminder that success in business requires a combination of technical and soft skills. He emphasizes the importance of investing in learning and avoiding the trap of being 'penny rich but pound foolish' by investing in assets that one doesn't understand.
Looking back, Ochieng wishes he had invested in learning soft skills such as financial planning, mindfulness, and focused networking. He also stresses the importance of building capital through investments with high returns, such as offshore stocks.
For Ochieng, success means being a devoted husband and helping his children grow into confident adults. He believes that the biggest opportunity in business lies in engagement and being available for customers.
