- Robert Kibaara, the CEO of HF Group, credited his professional achievements to adopting a "self-employed" mentality, consistently going above and beyond his responsibilities and committing himself to ongoing education.
- Kibaara emphasized the importance of wise financial management and promoted investing in appreciating assets along with cautious utilization of loans.
- He emphasized the significance of volunteering, establishing connections, and generating "practical value" for fostering both personal and career development, noting that these elements unlock avenues that enhance an individual’s potential to achieve higher earnings.
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Roberto Muyela is a seasoned business journalist working for INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.co.ke, boasting more than nine years of expertise in the digital media sector. He provides profound analysis on both Kenyan and international economic patterns.
Robert Kibaara, the CEO of HF Group, has recounted his motivational story along with insights into professional development and fiscal stewardship.
Kibaara, who has spent more than three decades in banking, stated that he views his professional journey through the lens of considering himself "self-employed," irrespective of his position or designation. This insight was shared during a recent Twitter Space event organized by Abojani Investment.
Kibaara mentioned that this method had driven his achievements and might serve as a crucial factor for those looking to advance in their respective areas.
“Regardless of who pays your salary, consider yourself as self-employed. By viewing yourself this way, you won’t place limitations on yourself. Instead, continuously look for opportunities to increase value, irrespective of your role," said Kibaara, who started his professional journey as a clerk at Barclays Bank when he was 21 years old.
His path has been characterized by an unyielding drive for knowledge acquisition and professional growth. He began his academic journey at Kenyatta University with intentions to major in education but decided to switch fields and pursue banking instead. This decision led him to ascend to high-ranking positions such as serving as the Retail Director at NIC Bank and taking on responsibilities as the Retail and Business Banking Executive at National Bank of Kenya.
He has previously taken up leadership positions at Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Bank of Kenya (which is now known as Absa). This experience allowed him to amass extensive expertise in areas such as finance, retail banking, and executive management.
He possesses an MBA from Strathmore University, a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Sunderland in the UK, along with a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Allocating and handling funds prudently
In addition to career guidance, Kibaara offered wisdom on handling personal finances. He believes in focusing on investments that increase in value over the years, steering clear of expenditures that deplete wealth, and utilizing time to achieve compounded growth.
He highlighted the importance of prioritising appreciating assets over depreciating ones, using the example of car purchases, a dream many Kenyas of the middle class have but has drowned many in the pit of endless debt.
Many of us have come to understand this through experience. Purchasing a vehicle is exciting initially, yet from the very first day, it begins losing value because of depreciation and upkeep costs. Alternatively, if you invest that same amount in assets that increase in value and dedicate yourself to mastering investment strategies, you'll discover your finances start generating more wealth for you.
He noted that time is a crucial factor in accumulating wealth, particularly when one effectively manages their earnings relative to spending.
The substantial impact that time compounds can result in notable advantages if you're cautious," he cautioned, emphasizing that exceeding your financial limits could diminish the positive effects of this compounding over time.
Kibaara also addressed the topic of debt, recommending its cautious and strategic utilization.
"He recommended using debt solely for purposes that contribute to growth and provide a return on investment," emphasizing the necessity of assessing the rationale behind assuming any fiscal responsibilities.
Volunteering and building breadth
Kibaara emphasized another crucial element as being willing to volunteer for duties outside of one's official job role. In the early stages of his career, he actively looked for chances to assume additional responsibilities.
At my former workplaces, whenever an opportunity arose for me to manage a team during someone’s absence, I’d seek approval from my direct supervisor. Although this went beyond what was strictly required of me, I felt it was worthwhile because I understood that hard work pays off in the long run; every positive action contributes to building a better tomorrow, with rewards multiplying over time.
Kibaara attributes this forward-thinking strategy for providing him with both "broadness" and "depth" in his understanding, which is an essential duo for advancing in one’s career.
“Having a broad knowledge means understanding many topics, whereas having deep expertise involves mastering one subject thoroughly. Both are essential in a career. To acquire broader skills, take initiative to work on tasks beyond your required responsibilities,” he suggested.
Forming networks and incorporating "functional worth"
Kibaara also highlighted the significance of establishing professional connections and incorporating what he called "practical value" in each position.
He mentioned that typically, individuals only contribute as much as they are compensated for. Those who excel invest extra into their work rather than merely taking from it. The universe doesn’t shortchange anyone; each positive action invariably receives its due return," emphasizing the principle of reciprocal benefits in advancing one’s professional life.
He stated that enhancing value goes beyond just fulfilling designated tasks; it's about contributing positively to one’s organization.
"Here’s what matters: How can I genuinely contribute more? Many individuals simply complete their assigned tasks, whereas those who excel actively look for ways to create additional value. This concept we refer to as 'value addition,' " he clarified.
For Kibaara, forming relationships and connections has been an essential part of his achievement.
"I dedicate much of my time to constructing networks and connections that prove beneficial both for the organization and for me personally," he remarked. He contended that these connections frequently create pathways and result in fresh prospects.
Financial wisdom and the river comparison
Kibaara compared money to a river—always in motion.
It doesn’t matter how big the river nearby is; it’s all about how you use the water. Effective cash flow management is crucial for enhancing our worth without compromising our financial stability," he stated, emphasizing that true prosperity isn’t about increasing earnings but rather about handling what stays after costs.
For Kibaara, this involves deliberately deciding on expenditures, guaranteeing that obligations stay aligned with their income, and investing prudently to ensure a stable future.
Investing in oneself
Kibaara’s final tip revolved around the concept of self-investment.
"You become the largest stakeholder in your own company named 'Yourself.' When I put investment into myself and enhance my skills, I can provide more value to this company and naturally boost my potential for earning," he emphasized, highlighting the significance of ongoing learning, reading, and personal growth.
Other tales of personal finance, along with stories of self-improvement
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