Bob Collymore, the new Safaricom CEO, spoke at Mindspeak this morning, Saturday December 4, 2010. Mindspeak is a forum hosted by Aly Khan Satchu of Rich Management.
My thoughts on the presentation by Bob Collymore were;
Humble Background; Bob grew up in a rural community, he saw a TV for the first time at age 16.
[Photograph of Bob Collymore, with his predecessor Michael Joseph, from Aly Khan Satchu]
Putin and Medvedev; Bob sounded very aware of all the chatter about him being in Michael Joseph's shadow. He said they are friends, he appreciates Michael but he is his own man. At the end of the presentation said he has no mentors but listens to many! Michael tweeted he was at Mindspeak because Bob and Aly Khan are his friends!
Confident man; Bob joked he got the Safaricom CEO job because of his good looks. At Mindspeak he was dressed casual; in jeans and an un-tucked shirt but smart and he said it himself!
Tech Savvy; I have been very impressed that Bob manages his own twitter account. He sounded like he uses it a lot as he began his presentation by addressing the twitter chatter about Michael's presence at Mindspeak. He introduced the two ladies that manage the Safaricom social media; Twitter and Facebook. Initially it was to connect and listen to customers but they are now beginning to offer customer service.
Focus for Safaricom; Bob's presentation at Mindspeak primarily focused on Safaricom's plans on social-economic change through e-learning and m-health in rural Kenya! The success of M-Pesa seems to have emboldened Safaricom to continue being innovative!
Knowledge about Kenyans; It was evident that Bob is still relatively new to Kenya. He sounded awed by how intelligent and hard working Kenyans are. He will no doubt run up against their peculiar and annoying habits. That said his irritation with cable vandalism was very evident!
Customer Service Ethos; Safaricom will be honest, relevant and responsive, develop relevant products and services, offer clear pricing, and listen to customers!
Investors; Bob seemed most serious when seeking to reassure 'small' investors that he will do all he can to ensure that Safaricom continues to be profitable and offer a return on their investment. Safaricom will charge KES 4 to other networks because if they do not they will make losses.
Safaricom Future Services and Products; M-Pesa Sacco and an Internet keyboard device that can plug into a TV as a monitor!
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