In your twenties, take bigger risks and make more mistakes

Brian Gacari, 31, is the CEO of Property Reality Company Limited (prc). PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • I knew I wanted to be successful one day. I wanted to be a rock star CEO of a big multinational then. I am very competitive, and I wanted to create something and be somebody. I wanted to make a change and make an impact in society. 
  • Work to gain experience and make more mistakes without fear of failure. Compare myself to others less and strive to grow and learn. 

1. What do you remember about your personality in your 20s?

I was very curious, wanted to learn, meet new people and try new experiences. I pushed many boundaries in my twenties, often living on the edge. I am much more settled in my thirties. 

2. What did you aspire to be in university and what was your driving force back then?

I knew I wanted to be successful one day. I wanted to be a rock star CEO of a big multinational then. I am very competitive, and I wanted to create something and be somebody. I wanted to make a change and make an impact in society. 

3. If you went back in time, what would you want the 22-year-old you to do to put their act together, to maybe speed up the process to get you to where you are right now?

I would take bigger risks. Work to gain experience and make more mistakes without fear of failure. Compare myself to others less and strive to grow and learn. 

4. Did you ever think, then, that you would be  running your own company at this age?

Yes I did. I am sort of a dreamer. Always have been. I knew I was going to get my way into something, someday and somehow. I have to say that I was not prepared for the journey though. 

5. What kind of music did you listen to back then? Has your taste changed?

I have a very deep and diverse taste in music. Then I had three phases.  First, I had an R & B phase where I listened to all the artists that we are bringing to Kenya today. Then I shifted to the afro jazz phase where I listened to the African greats and then transitioned to a lovers rock and reggae phase. 

6. What would you say about your sense of fashion as a university student?

I was in Strathmore University, so my weekly dress code was restrained. Over the weekends, I wore big label baggy jeans, t-shirts, baseball caps and sneakers. 

7. Give us four tips that you think one needs to become successful in whatever they set out to do.

Courage. The courage to take the risk and go for the unknown. The courage to tackle your fears that are always in the mind to go for what you want.

Patience. Success takes time. Many people are usually impatient and are not ready to wait.

Integrity. In a society where people’s source of wealth is questionable. An honest reliable business goes much further than others.

Uniqueness. I realised by accident that people recognise products and businesses that are unique. Avoid copying another’s business and look for unique ways to differentiate your product.