Finding the perfect niche for a business is always a tricky thing, but for Gloria Otieno, she knew intrinsically that her entrepreneurial journey would like in the field of human resources and training. Her business, Recours Four Kenya Consultants Limited, is allowing her to live her dream and fulfil not just her aspirations, but also those of all the young people who use its services. She is making a huge difference to the development of a new, well-trained population who will drive the future economy of the country.
LoA chatted to Gloria this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
Recours Four Kenya Consultants Limited is a leading human resources consultancy and training firm based in Westlands, Nairobi. We have been in existence for over 3 years now and we use innovative approaches to curb unemployment, progress careers and improve organisational staff development. Our focus is on progressing the youth in a competitive job market and giving them with skills to help bridge the gap between unemployment and the workplace. We aspire to be the leading Human Resource Consultancy in the world that promotes profitably within any organisation by helping them achieve success through their young people.
"We aspire to be the leading Human Resource Consultancy in the world that promotes profitably within any organisation by helping them achieve success through their young people."
What inspired you to start your company?
I was working at Kenya Airways and I quit my job due to a lack of work satisfaction. I knew I had a deeper calling in the human resources sector, I wanted to do more in the industry and to shine in the industry. I had always felt like there was a gap in that sector especially with the way the youth conducted themselves at interviews. The manner in which hiring companies selected candidates, and the quality of candidates being churned into these workplaces, made such a significant contribution to my desire to make an impact in the industry. So I decided to start my own firm.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The public should use our services because they come from a passionate organisation - for one we all love what we do and in the process deliver service quality. I do not believe in short cuts, each service delivered by Recours Four Kenya Consultants is done in the best manner possible and this has attracted international clients and promoted business both locally and internationally. Each service is bespoke and tailored to the clients needs, we offer flexibility and high return on investment.
"Our focus is on progressing the youth in a competitive job market and giving them with skills to help bridge the gap between unemployment and the workplace."
Tell us a little about your team
Our executive team consists of 5 human resource management specialists, 2 administrative staff, 2 events professionals, and one accountant. In total we are 10 professionals with a combined experience of 30 years in the human resource management industry. We are not your ordinary human resource team, we are all vibrant, spunky, outgoing and fun!
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I grew up watching my dad run his own business to the point where he became extremely successful. I would often sit at his office doing my homework and watch how he would engage with his staff - I was quite fond of how they related with him. He always told me to not be afraid of big numbers, which is something most entrepreneurs are always scared of when starting out - fear of who will buy their product or service if it is over-priced. I learnt earlier on that it is key to understand your target market and not to compromise the business by charging too little. Persistence, punctuality and consistency are also key traits that I managed to acquire earlier on as I watched my father run his engineering consultancy firm - he was always up and out of the house by 6am. I admired this quality in him and I wake up as early each morning. One thing I remember is that we never saw him when he was down or even about to give up - his strength and passion in his business was everything. My entrepreneurial journey has not been easy, and in fact, it is just the beginning since the company is still young, but I am not about to give up anytime soon.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would like to see the company gain an international niche and basically set up in different countries starting with Africa first. I am looking to also gain international investors that can help us expand our reach to more people.
"I do not believe in short cuts, each service delivered by Recours Four Kenya Consultants is done in the best manner possible and this has attracted international clients and promoted business both locally and internationally."
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Making a difference however small gives me the satisfaction of being an entrepreneur. Most of all the ability to give people job opportunities and enhance their skills gives me pride.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I would advise any woman out there to explore their ideas, I mean what is the worst that could happen? Fear is often a hindrance for many, but the greatest thing is that success lies on the other side of fear. Let it all go and just START.
Contact or follow Recours Four Kenya Consultants
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL gloria.michelle@r4kenya.com
Why LoA loves it….
There is a well-known saying that any business is only as good as its people, and in the case of Gloria Michelle Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants, her focus is on developing the country’s young people to fulfil their potential in the workplace. Her expertise, and that of her own company’s employees, is making a huge difference to the job prospects of Kenya’s youth. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa