HF Group CEO: View Yourself as Self-Employed to Thrive in Any Career

• Robert Kibaara, the CEO of HF Group, credited his professional achievements to adopting a "self-employed" mentality, consistently going above and beyond his designated 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 highlighted the importance of volunteering, building networks, and creating “use value” as essential to personal and professional growth, stating they open doors to opportunities that increase a person's ability to earn more

Roberto Muyela is a seasoned business journalist working for .co.ke, boasting more than nine years of expertise in digital media. He provides profound analyses of both Kenya’s and international economic patterns.

Robert Kibaara, the CEO of HF Group, has recounted his motivational story along with insights into professional development and fiscal responsibility.

Kibaara, who has spent more than three decades in banking, stated that his professional outlook has always been shaped by viewing himself as "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 success and might serve as a crucial factor for those looking to advance in their respective areas.

“Regardless of who writes your paychecks, consider yourself as self-employed. By viewing yourself this way, you won’t set limitations on what you can achieve. Always look for opportunities to create more value, irrespective of your job title," said Kibaara, who started out as a junior clerk at Barclays Bank when he was just 21 years old.

His path has been characterized by an unyielding drive for knowledge acquisition and professional growth. Having first joined Kenyatta University to pursue studies in education, he shifted his focus to banking—a sector wherein he would eventually attain high-ranking positions such as Retail Director at NIC Bank and 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 has provided him with extensive insights into finance, retail banking, and executive management.

He has earned 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.

Saving and handling finances prudently

In addition to offering career guidance, Kibaara shared knowledge about handling personal finances. He advocates for focusing on investments that increase in value over the years, steering clear of expenditures that deplete wealth, and utilizing time to facilitate compounded growth.

He emphasized the significance of focusing on assets that appreciate rather than those that depreciate, citing automobile acquisitions as an instance. This aspiration is common among Kenya’s middle-class individuals but often leads them into unending debt burdens.

Many of us have grasped this reality through experience. Owning a vehicle is fantastic initially, yet from the very first day, it begins losing value because of depreciation and requires ongoing maintenance costs. Conversely, if you invest that same amount of money into assets that appreciate and dedicate yourself to understanding investments, you'll discover that your funds start generating returns 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 profits if you're cautious," he cautioned, emphasizing that exceeding your financial limits could diminish the advantages of time's compounded growth.

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 offer a good return on investment," emphasizing the necessity of assessing the rationale behind assuming any financial liabilities.

Volunteering and building breadth

Kibaara emphasized another key 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 positions, I used to inquire with my direct supervisor about taking charge of a department whenever someone was away on leave. I often went above and beyond what was officially expected of me; however, I understood that hard work pays off in the long run. Each valuable contribution plants the seeds for tomorrow’s successes, which will ultimately yield greater rewards.

Kibaara attributes his success in professional growth to this forward-thinking strategy, which has endowed him with both "broadness" and "comprehensiveness" in his expertise—an essential duo for advancing in one’s career.

"Broadness lies in understanding numerous subjects, whereas depth involves mastering a single area exceptionally well. Both are essential in a career. To achieve broadness, take initiative to engage in tasks beyond your official responsibilities," he recommended.

Creating connections 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 more into their work than what they receive in return. The universe doesn’t deprive anyone; every positive action ultimately yields a corresponding benefit," emphasizing the principle of reciprocal rewards 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 contributes significantly: How can one genuinely make a difference? Many individuals simply perform their assigned tasks, whereas those who excel actively look for ways to create value. This concept is referred to as 'value addition,' " he clarified.

For Kibaara, forging connections and establishing networks has been an essential element of his achievements.

"I dedicate much of my time to constructing networks and connections that become valuable assets for both the organization and me personally," he remarked. He contended that these associations frequently create openings and pave the way for fresh prospects.

Financial wisdom and the river comparison

Kibaara compared money to a river—it perpetually flows.

It doesn’t matter how big the river nearby is; it’s all about what you do with the water. Properly handling cash flow is crucial for enhancing our worth without compromising our financial security," he stated, elaborating that accumulating riches isn't about increasing earnings but rather about effectively dealing with whatever is left over after covering costs.

For Kibaara, this involves deliberately deciding how to spend money, confirming that obligations stay inside their income limits, and investing wisely to ensure a solid financial future.

Investing in oneself

The final bit of wisdom Kibaara shared focused on investing in oneself.

"You become the largest stakeholder in your own enterprise," he emphasized, explaining that by investing in yourself through improvement, you enhance what you bring to this personal venture. This investment naturally boosts your potential for greater earnings as well. He highlighted the significance of ongoing learning, reading, and self-enhancement.

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