At a time when conversations around money are increasingly shaping the future of business and leadership, the Strathmore Centre for Value Investing (SCVI) convened students and industry leaders for a Money Mind Session held on 7th May 2026 at the Microsoft Auditorium.

The session unpacked how today’s Chief Financial Officers navigate strategy, leadership, risk, and corporate growth in an increasingly complex business environment. Centered on CFO perspectives in financial decision-making and investing, the engagement offered students a rare front-row seat into the realities of corporate leadership. Leading the conversation was Yusuf Omari, Absa Bank Kenya, Chief Financial Officer, whose reflections drew from his experience steering financial strategy at one of Kenya’s leading financial institutions.

Drawing from his career, Mr. Omari shared insights into his progression from a CPA-qualified accountant to a leading finance executive. Speaking on executive leadership, Omari explained that his day-to-day responsibilities revolve around three areas: driving business performance, managing strategic initiatives, and engaging stakeholders. He emphasised that while strategy may remain consistent over time, organisations must continuously refine their approaches to remain relevant in changing markets.

He also spoke about Absa’s focus on digital transformation, highlighting investments in mobile banking and digital lending platforms such as Timiza to enhance accessibility and customer experience. He further explained how global and local economic factors, including inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and changing interest rates, continue to influence banking performance and lending across the sector. In response, Absa has expanded beyond traditional lending into areas such as asset management, bancassurance, securities trading, and custodial services.

Mr. Yusuf Omari, Absa Bank Kenya, Chief Financial Officer (Right) with moderator Ms. Mercy Kano, Lecturer at Strathmore University (Left), during the SCVI Money Mind Session

The session also addressed responsible lending and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which Omari described as a major driver of Kenya’s economy. He explained that the bank uses alternative assessment methods, including transaction data and digital scoring models, to support entrepreneurs who may lack traditional collateral or audited financial statements.

The students engaged the CFO on leadership, cybersecurity, career development and investing during the Q&A session. When asked about the biggest challenges he faces, Omari cited fraud, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory changes as major concerns for modern financial institutions. He stressed the importance of building and surrounding oneself with capable professionals.

“The number one element to sleeping well is recruiting the right staff. This ensures your business’s continuity and sustainability,” he said.

Addressing career growth, he encouraged students to remain proactive. “Pick a company you want to work for, see what they need and how you can differentiate yourself.”

He also cautioned students against focusing solely on formal employment, encouraging entrepreneurship. “Look at an area of interest and identify how you can solve a problem for society,”

 He further advised students to begin investing early, emphasising the value of long-term financial discipline.

The students left with valuable insights into leadership and the importance of adaptability. Omari’s final message to the audience was, “always put your best foot forward in everything you do, whether in academics, sports, or professional life.”

Dr. Edwin Obonyo, Director, SCVI, reiterated the importance of the Money Mind Sessions in bridging the gap between the classroom and workplace.

“This initiative is designed to help students better understand how organisations operate, and what it takes to thrive in professional environments,” he said.

Article written by Maitethia Doreen, Communications Administrator, Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences.