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I was a naughty boy and as a disciplinary measure, my father decided to send me to boarding school in India for my secondary education. While there, I got involved with producing a monthly newsletter, became film-secretary with the duty of availing bi-monthly movies for the students. However, while exploiting my creative side I also excelled in electronics. Combining these two qualities allowed me to create colorful posters that highlighted the upcoming screenings for the school notice board thus heightening their anticipation. I had discovered my passion – to communicate a story through pictures and words.
I later returned to Kenya to complete my advanced certificate (‘A’ levels). I majored in Physics, Chemistry and Biology because my father’s wish was that I pursue medicine in the United States of America. While waiting for the high school results I obtained a temporary position at my father’s agency to keep me occupied. My first project, a market research was exciting and I surpassed the agency’s expectations. They spotted my potential and convinced my father to shelve the idea of sending a 19-year-old to a foreign country. They may have foreseen that I would one day be very successful in advertising.
My working career kicked off with an account executive trainee position on the Colgate-Palmolive account at Skyline where I was promoted to account director within a year. Unfortunately, soon after the company closed its operations and I moved to another agency called Advertising Associates which was later bought over by McCann Erickson where I handled the East African Industries (Unilever) account. We launched Close-Up toothpaste, Blue band and Royco Mchuzi Mix products. Back then; all media planning and buying had to be carried out with meticulous precision as there were no computers, special media departments or production departments. Those formidable years working for these companies became my training ground. Sadly, my bubble bust when I was overlooked for a much deserved promotion at McCann that I was well qualified. I resigned and left to start my own business with a friend.
Our company produced, distributed and marketed sundry food products. However, in less than two years, I was burnt out because I did not really enjoy the work. We agreed that my partner (who later became my brother-in law) would proceed while I left to start SCANAD in 1982.
I established SCANAD alone and declared it open for business without a single client. It was a one-man show as I held all the positions from accountant to media manager. I pushed and believed that at the end of the day the final creative product was more important in a business. I rocked into the office at 7:15 am and left around 11 pm every day, except on Sunday.
Entrepreneurs are people who have the natural ability to seek opportunities that will lead them to excel. They tend to start small by running a hands-on business and then grow gradually by replicating the lessons learnt and applying proven principles. This is the story of my journey I established a small agency and grew it into a formidable agency. Thereafter, I established a second agency which turned out to be a fine agency and replicated the venture in Tanzania and Uganda.
I provide leadership and mentorship as part of the employment package when they join my agencies. As a hands-on business owner, I teach them to become leaders and also reward them when they do well. Producing outstanding work is fundamental to any successful business and without a good team this cannot be achieved.
What has been your most gratifying experience as head of WPP Scangroup?
