Juliet Gateri is the founder and director of Alternate Doors Consulting. She has been in this business for the past eight years.
She holds an M.A (Clinical Psychology- Ongoing) B.A (Sociology), Bcom (Finance and Accounting) – A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management. Has additional experience and skills in recruiting, facilitating and training. Juliet has had the privilege of working in one of the best global companies General Electric (Sydney, Australia), where she obtained world class experience and training in management.
She has also worked with the youth organization (AIESEC) with presence in over 100 countries where she specialized in talent development and building new chapters. Her love for recruiting and further development of people saw her setup and establish various companies focusing on building teams and recruiting in major towns and tier two towns.
What inspired you to become and entrepreneur and what are the highlights of your entrepreneurship journey?
The inspiration came from seeing my mother running her own business. I have always wanted to start my own business from a young age.
Highlights: Working with businesses and organisations that I never thought I would work with; and finally having several corner offices, as an outsourced in house HR Manager for several companies, we are provided with offices.
Tell us about your family.
I am a generous future aunt.
How would you describe the business environment in Kenya?
Kenya is a working nation; most people would describe the business environment as being tough, but we are tougher there is always movement of money in the economy.
Who has been the greatest influence in life/business and why?
My mum has been the greatest influence in life and business. My mum started her business when she was below 25 years and a single mother and she withered the storm and challenges that come with being an entrepreneur, she is my biggest inspiration and influence.
Tell us about your business: How you started the current business (es).
I run a Human Resource and Recruitment Solutions company. I started the business after being fired. Being a service oriented business the business was not capital intensive – all I needed was a laptop, internet and office space (I’m happy someone gave me their office space for 4 months –free) I am forever grateful.
What is the range of your services?
We provide In-house Human Resource management, Recruitment and Staff leasing/outsourcing services to businesses and organisations.
What are the greatest achievements and challenges in business so far?
8 years in business is a great achievement. The biggest challenge is building trust and credibility in the market to be able to capture a bigger market share.
Who is your competition in business, and do you do to stay ahead in the game?
There are different organisations that offer similar services. There is enough business in the market, for everyone, for us we mostly focus on what we can do better- how can we compete with what we did the previous year to provide the best services to our clients.
What lessons have you learnt on managing people: staff, customers, partners, and other stakeholders?
How you start any relationship is very important – Values have to align.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
Diversified ownership and diversified locations
Are you facing any policy or regulatory challenges and what changes do you wish to see?
At the moment, we don’t have any challenges, we are compliant. The only challenge is that the licenses and fees are too many and very expensive.
Do you have any other business interests or plan to diversify your business into?
Now are focused on what we are doing now, the diversifying will come in expanding to other territories.
What is your biggest fear in business?
Loosing /clients not paying/not making money and closing down the business
What do you do for leisure?
Now I’m really into health and fitness- most of the activities revolve around this. I love travelling, would like to do it full time one day
What car are your driving currently and what is your dream car?
Toyota Porte – Dream car – None – However I would like to be driven around in a Porsche cayenne and also not having to pay for fuel, service etc… Just pick me, take me around and drive me home.
Anything you ever regret not doing?
Taking a bigger risk and travelling more.
Anything you wish you had done differently?
Engaged mentors and advisors early enough.
What advise you would give to a young person starting out in business?
Persistence and have mentors in your business from the onset.
Parting words?
Stay true to your core value system, and don’t forget to have a balanced life, never get lost in your business, and be open to new experiences and opportunities. The business cannot define you. You must derive satisfaction from other aspects of your life. Embrace the journey and believe that you can succeed.