Focus on what matters

Collins Otieno, 27, is a valuer, property consultant and entrepreneur. He tells SHIRLEY GENGA what drives him to excel

What does your job at Pam Golding Properties-Kenya entail?

I do real estate valuation, research, property management and investment appraisal. I also advise clients on landlord and tenant laws, international real estate market trends and general real estate development. In addition, I undertake business assets, stock and equipment valuations for debenture financing purposes.

What was your childhood dream?

Like all boys, I wanted to do something thrilling. At one point, I wanted to be an astronaut, a safari rally driver then I read Gifted Hands and I wanted to be a neurosurgeon. The beauty of being a child is that you can dream as wildly as you can.

Where did you study?

I was admitted to the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree, but due to a mix-up in the course codes, I found myself in the Geology class. I quickly realised I was not cut out for that, hence, the switch to Land Economics. I graduated in 2008 with a BA in Land Economics. I am set to do my MSc in Real Estate Finance and Investment from Reading University, UK or an MBA in Finance from the University of Nairobi. The one I choose depends on time constraints.

Do you think it is important to go to school to do what you do?

Absolutely! Not only does valuation demand one to be highly skilled in specific disciplines, but in today’s world, acquiring knowledge is of great importance. If you wish to progress, you must struggle to acquire as much knowledge as possible.

Is this your first job?

I did my internship at the valuation and estate management firm Hectares & Associates, which absorbed me after graduation. I later moved to Mohamed Samji & Co and finally to Pam Golding Properties-Kenya.

What do you love about your job?

There are many reasons, but the most important one is that it enables me to help people, for example those in danger of losing their property due to unpaid loans.

Property valuing has also enabled me travel a lot and interact with people of different cultures and calibres.

What are the challenges of your work?

My job touches people’s emotions and one of the most trying moments is when you have to tell a client that his property is worth far less than he expected. But this is nothing compared to valuing a property to be foreclosed. When a client fails to service his mortgage, the bank will need to ascertain the value before selling it off.

Someone once set a dog on me in Karen. The gate was clearly marked mbwa kali, but I thought it was just an empty threat.  Keeping abreast with current developments in real estate and interacting with industry players is not easy because many people rarely share real estate information.

Do you do anything else apart from working for Pam Golding Properties-Kenya?

I am a budding entrepreneur and have tried my hand on several ventures, mostly Internet-related. I own a company that runs e-commerce websites. I believe life is a journey and a continuous learning process. It rarely pays to stay in your comfort zone. Getting into entrepreneurship has made me autonomous. However, being a young entrepreneur is very tough. 

A lot of time is spent putting out fires, worrying about lack of adequate money and sorting out multiple ideas on how to proceed. One thing I learnt early is the benefit of delegating and only handling what I can manage.

How do you balance work and?your personal life?

With proper planning, it is not difficult. I never let my personal life and businesses get in the way of my professional work. I never waste time on things that take too much and add little or no value. I achieve this by setting goals, focusing on the important things, setting standards, learning to say ‘no’ and delegating.

I also leave my worries behind. Worrying and chronic stress are bad for your health and energy level and provide no substantive benefit to you or others. For a single man, I have no woman to report to in the evening, which is an advantage.

What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do?

Education is a must and you must be highly disciplined. Life is unkind to people who are carefree. My motto is salva veritate, which means ‘with truth preserved.’ Always remain truthful, faithful and loyal to your professional ethics and standards.

For those who want to try entrepreneurship, never start a business simply because it seems appealing or boasts large hypothetical profits. Do what you love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success.

What do you do for fun?

My work is fun because of the numerous travels and interactions with people. When not at work, I catch up with friends and family. Weekend getaways do it for me.

What are your?future plans?

This can take a book to explain, so I’ll give you the summary: Growth! I plan to grow professionally, financially and socially.