If Abdi Mohamed had not become a banker, he might well have ended up a lawyer. In fiction, at least.
In reality, he is the managing director of Absa Bank Kenya, who still finds time to lose himself in John Grisham novels despite the distractions of corporate life, the (forwarded) WhatsApp messages and a demanding schedule.
Lately, however, he has leaned more deliberately into relationships, which he sees as what remains when much else falls away — a source of grounding in an unpredictable world.
He finds joy in simple things: family, good health, checking in on friends, and noticing small moments.
“I hope I am there for my family,” he says. “I am doing my best.”
Is it fun to be you?
There is only one me, so yes, it has to be fun. It has to be enjoyable.
What does that look like?
A busy family man. Busy in the corporate world, in my job. A lot to achieve and do. But at the same time, a lot to reflect on and remain grateful. Some days are fantastic, others not. But that’s the fun of it.
How old are you now?
55, going to 56.
What question are you trying to answer with your life?
I think, I’m not sure it’s a question, but it’s about achieving significance. Even if it’s for one person. If you can achieve it for more people, I would see that as an achievement.
I don’t know how spiritual you are, but whichever faith you look at, helping others and being part of their journey, being part of their life — whether it’s family, colleagues or the wider society — is a big part of it.
What impact are you having every day? And for how many people?
Do you have to get to a certain level before you start thinking about purpose?
I’m not sure, because I have met many people at different levels of the organisation who are very purpose-led and live purposeful lives.
Purpose looks different for different people. Sometimes it’s about growth, careers or building companies. For others, it’s something else entirely.
A few weeks ago, we were in Nyeri and visited a school for children with disabilities. The visit came about through a colleague who had been supporting the school on her own. She later convinced management to visit as a branch.
Those are the moments of purpose that really make a difference. Purpose is often about identifying something within yourself, though that journey can take time.
Do you think there’s a quality that all CEOs share?
It’s more of qualities. The ability to vision and paint a picture of the future.
The ability to communicate that vision clearly enough for people to buy into it and work towards it.
Resilience, and the ability to deal with ambiguity when all the facts are not clear.
Are you ever nagged by imposter syndrome?
Not really, no. You grow through this over time. You come into these roles because you believe you can do it.
No one is a perfect fit for any role. Everyone is working on something they need to improve. Constantly questioning whether someone else could do it better is not helpful.
What part of yourself do you have to quieten to lead well?
Often, as a leader, you’re in constant problem-solving mode. There can be over-fixation on what needs fixing.
But you also need to recognise areas where the company and the people you work with are doing well.
What is the most boring part about you?
Haha! The public life you see and who I am are generally the same. I’m a family man, focused on my career, trying to help the communities around me. Just an ordinary life. I don’t know whether that’s boring [chuckles].
Are you living up to the ideal of the father you hoped to be?
I hope I am. We have six children, some now adults, and we are grandparents, with one grandson.
Every child is different — from you and from each other. The key is dealing with each child as they are, not imposing your own ambitions, but helping them find their own path.
That’s one of the most important lessons in parenting. And even then, all you can do is your best.
Did parenting help you understand your father more or less?
It helped me understand him more. He raised us in a different time and place, in a rural area. He worked in the police force and was a community leader.
He had strong ambitions for us, especially around education. As a parent, you realise the shoe is now on the other foot — you’re thinking about the future of these young people and how best to support them.
What’s the most unexpected learning fatherhood has given you?
How different people are, and the importance of listening and understanding what motivates each child. Today’s children are growing up amid rapid change, uncertainty and social media pressures. It’s more complex than it appears.
How can you be a better father, if at all?
Listening better. Listening more actively.
You seem like a listener. What happened?
Experience. When you’ve been through a long career, there’s a temptation to think you know it all. But young people are living in a very different world.
You cannot fully experience what they’re going through. Understanding that makes listening a powerful parenting tool.
Abdi Mohamed, the managing director of Absa Bank Kenya.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
What’s a small change you made personally that has made a big difference?
I’ve always enjoyed hiking and walking, but in 2025 I became more consistent — almost every other weekend. The fitness isn’t showing yet, but I’m hopeful [chuckles].
What habit have you kicked?
No, nothing.
You’ve been a good boy?
I’ve been okay [chuckles]. I’m not big on social media. I still read the old-fashioned way — books. I also take in feedback and make small adjustments where needed.
What’s a book that you keep returning to?
In the corporate world, In Search of Excellence by Tom Peters. I read it years ago and still return to it. The first edition was published in 1982, and much of it remains relevant. I think I revised it recently during the Covid-19 years.
Personally, I read a lot of fiction, especially John Grisham, and biographies.
The first serious book I completed was a Dale Carnegie book at age 12, and I’ve never been without a book since.
How do you find the time to read?
Mostly in the evenings or over the weekend. The distractions are many — especially WhatsApp forwards [chuckles].
But that’s not reading [chuckles]. Texts and captions are not reading!
If the world is divided between guest and host, which one are you?
Both, but I enjoy hosting. When required as a guest, I show up. Recently, we met with our 1988 A-level group from Garissa High School. Some are in the judiciary, others in the public sector, politics, private sector et al. It was great fun. Titles disappear when we are together.
But is it not easier to remain friends when you are all at the same ‘success’ level?
Haha! Not really. It’s just good fun, hearing what each other is doing. One of us came with his son and that was great to see, how people have turned out. That instance, by the way, I was the host.
They say men — especially leaders — are lonely. How do you deal with that?
Loneliness often comes from expectations and the difficulty of expressing vulnerability. I have a close group of friends with whom we laugh at ourselves and the world. Men are increasingly finding space to talk.
Have you set yourself up well for retirement, and not just monetary?
Haha! Of course. I see retirement as a date that comes and goes but your phases of life continue. Purpose continues. Impact continues — just in different forms.
I don’t look at it as ‘Here is the date you retire and go to your rocking chair.’ I read it as: How will I impact in a different way?
What did you want to happen in 2025 that you are glad didn’t? [drill goes off]
How lucky can I be because that was a tough question.
There were concerns about global issues, the tariffs and how they would impact us. But in the end Kenya was not a big headline.
Personally, I am a spiritual person, like many Kenyans and if something is not achieved, we pray and work hard and move forward.
Summarise 2025 with a song, a meal or a dance.
Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. Everything’s gonna be alright.
What used to make you happy but no longer does?
Material success. There’s always another shiny thing. What matters more now is the human impact you have on others.
What’s your top tip for 2026?
Preparation, commitment and action. I’m not big on New Year resolutions. If something needs doing, do it — whether in August or July. Choose it and work on it.
