Episode 209 | Kenneth Kinyanjui - Realizing Dreams

Guest: Kenneth Kinyanjui @kenju254 Kenneth Kinyanjui talks with Dave Rael about inspiration, passion, software, success, mentoring, and seeking out the desires of the heart Kenneth is a Software Engineer, Mentor and Entrepreneur. He is CTO and Co-founder of Infinity Space SAS , an African Technology Company based in Kenya, France and Cameroon. He has also been a resident consultant for iHub Consulting in Nairobi. Previously a GDG country mentor, Kenneth has been helping build the Kenyan GDG Community across the country. For his work in the tech ecosystem, Kenneth was honored in The iHub 100 individuals who have contributed to the growth of the Kenyan Tech Eco-System. To Continue Supporting the Sub Saharan Eco System , Kenneth is part of the 12 Google Developer Experts in SSA and in Kenya. As a Google Developer Expert and Google Launchpad Accelerator Mentor you will find Kenneth , contributing to open source projects, facilitating technical workshops, offering office hours on both technology and product strategy to early stage startups and those at the Growth Stage. Kenneth is based in Marseille , France and Nairobi, Kenya Chapters: 1:46 - Dave introduces the show and Kenneth Kinyanjui7:32 - The influence of Kenneth's father13:25 - Kenneth's university experience, passion for software, and introduction to Linux18:09 - Kenneth's introduction to Python and his first mentor21:14 - Making connections with people22:31 - Kenneth's mentors in athletics, academics, and career28:21 - Kenneth's limited access to computing resources while growing up and learning through observation31:25 - Kenneth's experience with Google Developer Groups and communities38:34 - Meeting important people at a conference42:26 - Identifying a real problem for the Google Cloud Developer Challenge and executing on a solution and getting invited to Google I/O47:14 - Success in pitching an idea at Google I/O, building an ecommerce platform to demonstrate the payment platform50:57 - Becoming a consultant, mentor, and increasing skill52:58 - Kenneth, the productivity expert56:24 - Kenneth, the athlete61:27 - Kenneth's story of failure - neglecting school and the resulting emotional crash65:25 - Taking action and being true to yourself68:49 - Kenneth's success story - graduating from university with honors while working at the same time and overcoming obstacles70:12 - More success stories - becoming a Google Developer Expert, a giving community leader, and a business success71:15 - Kenneth's top 3 tips for delivering more value74:23 - Keeping up with Kenneth Resources: Kenneth on Medium Kenneth's Website Infinity Space WeCashUp WeShopUp Google Developer Groups The Social Network Google I/O Google Developer Experts Program internet.org Google Cloud Developer Challenge Kenneth's Father - Kinyanjui Njonjo Kenneth's Mother - Ruth Kinyanjui Dr. Shikoh Gitau Cedric Atangana Annicelle Reine Kungne Chukwuemeka Afigbo Anthony Nandaa Tom Mugo Mutwa Kaigi Peter Njonjo Prosper Otemuyiwa on Developer On Fire Victor Asemota Kenneth's book recommendation: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams & Reaching Your Destiny - Robin Sharma The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho Kenneth's top 3 tips for delivering more value: Read great books from great authors Relate with people Follow your dreams and your heart