Senso Kiakuama Discusses How He Transitioned From a Career in Athletics to Entrepreneurship
Senso Kiakuama was born in Central Africa in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He spent much of his formative years playing for the Matomo Basketball team and was always involved in boxing and athletics. From the age of sixteen, Senso began a physical discipline, starting his day by working out every morning, a discipline that he maintains to date.
Senso is a highly successful entrepreneur and has always worked independently. His first business when he arrived in Canada was a Beauty Salon. Despite its tremendous success he made the decision to become a truck driver. After years of experience he opened his own business and now manages a fleet of trucks and drivers.
Senso’s business has evolved from a standard trucking company to a company providing trucking and driver services to fulfill the transportation industry’s requirements and shipping needs.
Currently, Senso enjoys working out daily at the gym and working from home. He connects daily with new people to either provide new opportunities or network for new opportunities.
The future looks bright for Mr. Kiakuama and his wife of thirty years. They plan to return to Africa to develop their land to the abundance of farming and agriculture this summer.
As an entrepreneur, what kind of business do you currently own?
I own a trucking company. I maintain a fleet of trucks and drivers. At times we will run loads, other times I lend my trucks or drivers to other companies. I no longer drive, I manage the company.
What was the inspiration behind opening your own trucking company?
My independence means a lot to me. Trucking offered independence. I took a four-month class and was hired as an independent driver. That was my start in the industry.
What defines the way you do business?
My focus is on using my fleet of truck drivers to send to other trucking companies that require additional trucks and drivers for their fleets. I think this will be my way of doing business in the future.
What are some of the things you do to be productive?
I work with Cousteau at Canadian University (CUSO), an organization that helps people in poor countries to be successful. We also send people on the ground in those places. I’m planning to do more business in Africa, through the Canadian University. I’m also very involved in developing a library.
Can you share a long-term career goal?
One of my long-term goals is to help people in Africa. I have land in Africa that I would like to grow and develop. My goal is to use the land for farming and agriculture. I would like to see the poorer people of the area surrounding the land become more independent using farming and agriculture as their means of independence. I am planning to go to Africa over the summer and begin to develop the land with the hope that it will assist the populace.
How do you measure success?
I believe the more you can impact people in a positive way, the more successful you are.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through your career?
Staying connected with people has been very important throughout my career. Many people don’t realize how important it is to help others. I believe assisting others is the most important thing in life.
What advice would you give to others who are considering opening their own trucking company?
A trucking company is a very good business. The business provides a good income when you are successful. However, it’s going to take a lot of your time and dedication. Trucking equipment is very expensive. Once the investment is made, you must take the time to support the investment. Only then can the trucking business remain successful. It’s not that easy. But if you put in the time and do what it takes, it will be very successful financially.
What are some of the things you’d like to do outside of work?
I like working out in the gym. I go to the gym six days a week. I also like to travel with my family. I have been with my wife for thirty years. I like spending time with my family.
How do you maintain a solid work and life balance?
It is much easier now to maintain a work/life balance because of the way I run my business. As a driver, there is very little time for family. I used to be at the office every day. Now, I work from home. The nature of my trucking company has evolved to lend out my drivers and equipment to other companies. I am always recruiting new drivers, but that is a given with every trucking company. I can work from home when necessary and spend the rest of the time with my family now.
What is a piece of technology that helps you the most in your daily routine?
I began attending trade school in November to obtain my Contractor’s License to work on construction projects in Canada. My training ends next month. The larger picture for learning construction is that it will allow me to use my knowledge and skills while developing the land of Africa. The technology that I use is my computer to help get me through training.
What is a piece of advice you have never forgotten?
As a young man in Africa, my trainers advised me that the only way to be successful is to use discipline to stay focused as an athlete rather than having a focus on women. I am a very disciplined person. That discipline has stayed with me throughout my life.
