The Key Is Not In Saving, But Investing: An Interview With Investment Mogul Kingsley Kobayashi

For our readers, please give a brief introduction about yourself.

Hello, my name is Kingsley Kobayashi and I am a Japanese-Nigerian. I am first and foremost husband and father, because I believe in the importance of family in one’s life. I am also a serial entrepreneur, investor, blockchain expert, and philanthropist.

What does your company do and what is the driving force behind starting this company/brand?

My company, Harry Kings International Ltd is an umbrella company for many of my ventures. We specialize in international trading, oil and gas trading, blockchain and fintech investments, hospitality, natural health products, and more. The driving force would be my goal to change my life and the life of my family. I come from a very small village in Nigeria, from a poor background, and always wanted to achieve more in life so I can live a better life and help others around me. You cannot give from an empty cup.

What were the biggest challenges you faced and how you overcome them?

The biggest was definitely the language barrier, I came to Japan without knowing the language and I realized that to be accepted, you must learn the language and embrace their customs and traditions. Japan is a very closed society, but when they see you are trying hard to fit, that you respect their traditions and their ways of conducting life and business, they embrace you. I was lucky that I met my mentor, Mr. G, early in my life, and while working for him, I was able to conduct my own business and use part of my salary for my trading. Because lack of funds was also an issue, of course. So I worked for Mr. G and reinvested part of my salary into my business while living a humble life.

If you were to describe entrepreneurship in just three words, what would they be?

Innovation. Perseverance. Discipline.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

That I am contempt. I am happy with what I have. Coming from a small village in Nigeria, being at this stage of life, I am happy and contempt with my life and I appreciate what I have. I overcome a lot of obstacles on my way and looking back on where I am coming from, I am happy and grateful to the Great Architect of the Universe for giving me good life for myself and my family.

What keeps you going when things get tough?

The fear of failure. Even though I have failed many times in life, I do not want my family and my children to go through the hardship I went through, so that keeps me going and try hard every day to maintain stability in my life and my business. Things might go wrong but luckily I have a diverse business portfolio and that helps me when business gets tough. On a personal level, having a supportive family, wife, helps me go through tough times as well, because we can discuss the situation and plan accordingly.

I know you are an expert in Blockchain. What is blockchain technology and what it does?

Well, to put it simply, Blockchain is a system of recording any information in a way that is almost impossible to change, impossible to hack or cheat the system. It is a ledger of transactions that are duplicated and distributed across the entire network. It brings Transparency and Accountability to the projects, which is so important these days. It doesn’t allow for corruption and cheating and puts the control in our own hands.

Looking back, what is one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?

Myself. We all have the ability in ourselves to succeed in life and in business, we have the zeal, but knowing how to bring the best in you, understanding you have to align yourself with people who support you and bring out the best in you is important.

What is your most memorable experience in this whole journey?

Probably Blockchain Conference in Vegas, where the best of the best from the industry gathered and being able to sit down with them in the private groups and discuss what can be done in the business. And another very memorable is our participation in Japan Cuts Hollywood Film Festival in Hollywood last year, where our company supported a documentary Defending Japan. I and my partner Tony Evans came to Hollywood with our families and were able to combine business and family life, which is very important to us. After all, we do our best to leave a legacy behind for our families.

You can know more about Kingsley on his website and can connect with him through his Instagram handle.

Also read: https://disruptmagazine.in/yoga-for-your-mind-and-body-an-interview-with-yoga-mentor-kathleen-eastman/