THE RISE OF A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR
Boasting numerous qualifications in the business fraternity acquired from reputable institutions, Kgosi Keamogetse is substantialising what he learnt from class into practice.
Six years ago, the visionary that Keamogetse has become established a business consultancy company named Platinum Corporate Strategists that rose above ranks to earn him an award at the Youth Awards hosted by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport & Culture Development, at the 2019 Botswana Youth Business Expo and a spot to participate in the prominent Forbes 30 Africa Summit 2021 conducted in Botswana.
With plans of venturing into other businesses, his firm versatility and drive definitely secured him a place in this week’s Meet the Boss blazing sea.
Kindly introduce yourself.
My name is Kgosi Keamogetse, I am a 30-year-old Motswana entrepreneur and businessman born in Molepolole and grew up in Gaborone. I was raised from a single parent home. I am married and also an older brother to one sibling. I enjoy swimming, gym and reading books and also an aspiring farmer.
What is your educational background?
I studied Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) at Botho University (2011-2013), and later did a short course - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development certificate from Institute of Development Management (IDM) in 2019. I have a certificate in Business Management Skills obtained from Elsimate Institute (2020) as well as a certificate in Entrepreneurship with Wharton University of Pennsylvania (2020). I am currently studying Corporate Finance with the European Business University (EBU) through a scholarship that I obtained from the Ministry of Entrepreneurship.
Now, tell us about Platinum Corporate Strategists?
Platinum Corporate Strategists is a business consultancy company that was registered and incorporated in 2016 in Gaborone. The company has helped many local SME’S from different sectors remain compliant and ensured their profitability through its service offerings. One of our aims is to help meet the needs of increasing demands of the financial sector in Botswana, and to particularly help boost the low rates of youth entrepreneurship by supporting the smooth running of Batswana businesses with internal operations and structures through our different services.
Take us through your daily responsibilities.
Supervising members of staff, equally dividing responsibilities to improve performance and signing, approving as well as processing documents. I also develop systems, structures and business plans for all clients. Moreover, I represent the company in all dealings with external stakeholders such as government authorities, the public, social organisations etc. Besides that, I oversee all company operations and functions as well as coordinate activities throughout the company to ensure efficiency and maintain compliance with company policy. I am also responsible for marketing and branding the company services in an attempt to attract the target clientele to make use of company services.
What services does Platinum Corporate Strategists provide?
The company offers the e following services: financial and accounting services, tax compliance & consultancy, corporate secretarial services, risk and compliance management, strategic consultancy services and business s advisory.
What sets your establishment apart from other business consultancy companies?
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Industry knowledge and strategic partnerships with other Batswana businesses owners. The knowledge we share on the Botswana business ecosystem and the partnerships we have developed has helped me stay ahead of most of my competitors.
What have you achieved so far?
One of our notable achievements was being recognised and awarded Consultancy Position 3 at the Youth Awards held and hosted by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport & Culture Development, at the 2019 Botswana Youth Business Expo. I was also nominated by the government to attend the Forbes Africa Summit, where a lot of industry greats met primarily to network and share business opportunities and potential partnerships, obtain funding from Venture Capitalists - was a great achievement for us.
You were one of the influential participants of the Forbes Under 30 Summit in Botswana, please take us through your experience.
I am forever grateful to the Botswana Government for the opportunity I had, to have been among the Batswana entrepreneurs who attended the Forbes 30 Africa Afr Summit. I have always desired des to network firstly with Batswana Ba youth entrepreneurs n who are excelling in their t fields - to learn from them and get inspiration from their stories. Over and above a that, Forbes gave me an a opportunity to meet a lot of venture capitalists, millionaires liona and billionaires who gave me a different perspective and approach to doing business the traditional way. way I met a lot of tech-preneurs who changed a lot of my business models and helped me innovate and develop technology in my goals to better improve our economy and Batswana in general. I gained a lot of access to many business tools, strategies and new ventures and opportunities I can go into.
What do you consider to be a major highlight of your business so far?
I think being part of the Forbes Africa 30 Summit was the major highlight for us. It really shifted my mindset and attitude towards business in a way that I am now adopting certain models and technology that some of my colleagues are using in Silicon Valley in the United States, and trying to implement them here at home in order to better serve Batswana and target new markets in Africa and potentially global markets.
How do you see 2023, businesswise?
This year, all my plans are towards the business being prolific! In every area, especially with our financial goals.
What challenges do you face as a young boss in a country set-up where most corporate leaders are over 50?
In the early stages of doing business, I had to learn literally everything about business. From setting up the internal structures, sales & marketing, branding, HR etc. Consultancy is mostly intellectual property and people buy into you and the knowledge you have first, before your services. So, already, we had competition from well established companies who have been doing consultancy for many years, so entering the market was not easy. Getting mentorship was a great challenge, which led to many mistakes including hiring wrong staff without the expertise for the work, but we persevered and grew each year.
How is the reception and support from Batswana?
Batswana have really been supportive of my business. We are grateful for their continued support and for growing with us. In our journey of business, we always thrive to improve ourselves and services, so feedback we have gained from them has helped us a lot to improve our business and customer service in general.
What other businesses do you do apart from Platinum Corporate Strategists and how are they performing?
Well, I am venturing into property development and farming soon (poultry and horticulture). These businesses are still at the startup stage where we are currently securing funding for them – with the hope of starting our operations before first quarter of 2023.
Away from work, what do you get up to?
Physical exercise; I love working out at the gym and swimming. Other than that, I just relax at home, read and play video games when time permits.
This year, all my plans are towards the business being prolific! In every area, especially with our financial goals
Where do you see yourself in the next years?
I plan for Platinum to penetrate new markets and expand to South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and the rest of Africa, and help support the smooth running of many businesses around the world through our service offerings and, in the process, contribute positively to the global economy and create employment for many.