‘Life can only be understood backwards’

David Gatende joined Davis and Shirtliff as a fresh graduate engineer. He rose up the ranks to become the company’s first non-family CEO in 70 years in 2016. [David Njaaga, Standard]

I’m not sure why I am so fixated on the plush, blue carpet in David Gatende’s blue-themed office as my feet sink into it. It is pristine. 

I get my answer without asking about the carpet – quality is huge to him.  He comes across as proper. It’s how he does everything.

You have to be ready to expand your vocabulary if you’re going to have a one-hour conversation with him. He reads a lot – at least two books a month, and quotes from many of them.