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In an enlightening session with MBA students at Strathmore University, I had the opportunity to share valuable insights on my entrepreneurial journey. Like every other great achiever, my story started from humble beginnings, which played a huge role in shaping the entrepreneur I am today. The challenges I had to overcome at an early age strengthened my resilience and adaptability to situations turning these challenges into opportunities.
The Optiven story began with a clear vision of changing the real estate sector through social economic transformation. Then our slogan was “Pacesetters of real estate” and though we were just starting off this vision saw Optiven Group recognized as one of the Top Real Estate in the country. This credential proved significant as we gained momentum and pushed even further and more recognition becoming a powerhouse real estate.
I have authored 3 books, Soaring Like an Eagle which is my memoir and details the rise from my background to the loss of sh. 5 million and the establishment of the 15 businesses that failed before Optiven Limited. Unleash Your Full Potential is my second book and this is a practical guide to entrepreneurs on how to successfully start and run a business. In 2023 I launched my most recent book After the Plunge which is a story of a scam we faced and how I was able to turn the challenge around into an opportunity for growth.
Navigating the business industry is bittersweet, especially in real estate which has a lot of skepticism but resilience and agility are 2 traits that you need to pick up early. Our industry is capital intensive, requires regulatory compliance but with all these we have been able to celebrate 25 years and are still pushing to create more opportunities for others.
Our soft arm the Optiven Foundation deals with the social aspect of our vision and that is supported by 4 key pillars. We identify needy and deserving students from across the country and sponsor their education through our Soaring Eagles Scholarship Program (SESP). We mentor, finance the basic commodities for school and also have partnered with other like-minded organizations to build classrooms, libraries and laboratories to enhance the education quality.
We have Poverty Alleviation pillar that is involved with donating meals and supporting children’s homes. Environmental Protection Pillar looks after our environment by promoting sustainable efforts and lastly, our Health and Dignity Pillar revolves around conducting medical camps and raising awareness on healthy living. This is how we give back to the community and it is important to also identify a cause that you can champion.
Looking ahead I want to emphasize the need to integrate technology and automate processes as embracing this streamlines operations in business. Invest in good talents to move your business to the next level and prioritize the client’s needs to deliver value and maintain strong customer relationships.
“Good leaders lead followers. Great leaders develop other leaders.”
