 Gerald Owino has had full servings of both employment and business...and opted for the latter...
........................................................ Sometimes you meet people and you can tell from the get-go that they’re exceptional in ability or their work and that they didn’t get to where they are by accident. Gerald Owino is one of those people.
The head of Instant Grass operations in Kenya speaks with the confidence of a man who knows that he’s good at what he does, and moreover, loves every bit of it. He leads an operation that spans across East Africa, using young people to study popular youth culture, and collect information which they then sell to companies looking to market their products to young urbanites.
Gerald’s foray into this business capped an illustrious career in advertising that spanned several years. He worked with McCann Ericson and then Lowe Scanad before deciding to set out in 2005. He explains the reasons for his decision:
“I’d gotten to a point where I could do my job by remote control. When you get bored with what you do, it’s certainly time to move…if you don’t put yourself at risk, you don’t develop.”
At that time, the South African-based Instant Grass was looking to set up shop in East Africa, and Gerald jumped at the opportunity to be part of the team. For him, it was one that made sense, given the potential of the youth market, and the expertise and understanding he’d gained as an advertiser. He’s not looked back since, and confesses it was probably one of the best decisions he ever made.
Interestingly, the first thing Gerald talks about in describing how being in business has worked for him is the lessons he learnt in high school.
“I really credit Nairobi School for instilling some specific values in me”, he says. “Order, determination…I played sports, and one of those was the 100m race. I remember how every time I would get on the track, there were intimidating guys on either side. I learnt that it was not about who they are, but about me, and how I run the race. That self-belief, that whatever I do, I will succeed (has kept me even today).”
That doesn’t mean that it’s been a smooth ride so far. Gerald points out that it’s a learning and growth process. Factors like having the right people and listening to the right people make a difference. In business, he advises, you must be willing to listen to people who will challenge you to think about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Perhaps his experiences have informed Gerald’s strong belief that those who’ve been there before ought to make it their business to educate young people who are starting up.
Arguably more than any other line of business, the advertising and marketing field is fiercely competitive, and Gerald has had to use all he knows to remain on top of his game. He decries the notion that Christians don’t have to be as competitive as everyone else:
“We’re in the real world! Yes, as believers, our attitude is that the deal is ours – once we’ve prayed about it and prepared for it. Just because we’re Christians doesn’t mean we’re not as switched-on or as competitive as the next guy…”
Gerald wouldn’t be quick to advise anyone to get into business though. Well, unless they were really serious about working for every cent. What more, he would temper it with a bit of employment first. He explains:
“I appreciate the values you learn in employment. Go in and do time – it allows you to learn certain things. Then when you feel you’ve learnt enough, go to the next level…with business, it’s you on the line – you have the freedom to make decisions, and you eat what you make. You have to be serious about it!”
One more thing: what about the money? Is it good? Says Gerald:
“What is good money? To me, good money is when you have your ten bob, and you can smile about it, because you worked hard to earn it. That’s good money.”
Well said.
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» 14 Comments
1"Mr"
at Wednesday, 17 September 2008 09:50
absolutely encouraging. keep going man. ur biz values will keep u where ur quality n publicity have taken u. baraka
2"Miss"
at Thursday, 25 September 2008 10:59
very, encouraging, keep on keeping up man, blessed.
3Comment
at Monday, 06 October 2008 07:32
To God be the glory great thing He has done.May the Lord bless the work of your hand ...................... Amani
4"props"
at Thursday, 09 October 2008 14:15
wow Arnol;ds..im proud of you..congrats man..im challenged n encouraged at the same time..may the lord bless and increase you!
5"Mr."
at Thursday, 16 October 2008 09:03
thats very encouraging.keep it up man and all the best.cheers
6Comment
at Monday, 29 December 2008 06:37
i would like to get in touch with gerald can u assist me with his contacts.
7"Explainf a bit more"
at Tuesday, 03 February 2009 05:52
Nice to read the post was some good stuff but was also very general what exactly do u do in advertising vi news paper,TV, bill board etc.
8"business is abt strategy"
at Friday, 20 February 2009 10:09
what can we say but give thanks to the Lord, life will always be a challenge that\\\'s why we need strategic approach to every aspect of life.
i remember meeting you for the first time in Mccann-Erickson back in 2000, and i must say your path has been long and strategic.
i do agree with you that those of us who have been in business longer should help empower others to grow to your status or mine.
it\\\'s strategy, it\\\'s what will define your capital sources, your investment needs, your Vision and missions.
employment gives one an experience in business, also acts as an avenu
9"Wewe ni Nyota: Ng\\\"
at Friday, 20 February 2009 12:47
Shine On Man! Tru dat good money is the shilling I\\\'ve worked hard than the millions I\\\'d pilfer! Hongera kaka na uzidi kupaa juu zaidi ya mawingu...Shangwe kwa Mwafrika.com
10Comment
at Tuesday, 24 February 2009 14:23
G\\\'s the man!!!!!!!! the bomb diggity no doubt mike check one check two!! 5 months to go!!!
11"Mr."
at Thursday, 26 February 2009 19:23
Way to go guy! Clearly a fearless influencer
12"You can holler..."
at Friday, 27 February 2009 10:58
hey there, email contact is
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, fyi
13"MASS COMM STUDENT AT MMU"
at Wednesday, 14 October 2009 08:46
Man u have a reason to smile coz God has made you who you are.My advice is that u use your wealth to serve God and dont forget where you have come from.And may the Almighty God continue blessing you.
14"Maina"
at Tuesday, 16 March 2010 08:57
Get to read an article on Moving from economic stagnation I have done on FB profile. Introduce me with
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I will accept your request so that you can read the article. Have a perfect day Gerald.
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