This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
On a fateful day in 2008, Robert Ochieng walked into Software Technologies Limited at Gigiri, seeking an internship position. Little did he know that this chance encounter would change the course of his life. 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.” Despite this initial setback, Kitheka offered to teach Ochieng the skills he needed, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Robert Ochieng is a renowned IT professional, financial markets analyst, and community leader of the Young Nairobi Stock Exchange Group. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the right guidance. As he shares his story, Ochieng emphasizes the importance of giving value and brightening the world. He believes that champions always have energy and momentum, and that investing in learning is key to avoiding financial pitfalls.
One of Ochieng's biggest regrets is failing to take advantage of his skills in ICT to invest in listed technology companies in the US early enough. He also acknowledges that focusing too much on technical skills was a career loss, and that he would have benefited from developing soft and technical skills like financial planning, mindfulness, and focused networking.
When asked about his saving method, Ochieng reveals that he puts aside a percentage of his income into a unit trust money market account religiously, earning returns above the inflation rate. This allows him to build capital for other investment opportunities with high risk and high returns, including offshore stocks like Amazon.
As he looks back on his journey, Ochieng's parting shot is a poignant reminder of the importance of family and customer engagement. Success, to him, means being a devoted husband and helping their children grow into confident adults. In business, the biggest opportunity lies in engagement and being available for customers.
This story was first published on Saturday Magazine on May 18, 2020.
