You can tell a lot about a man by the things he likes to hate. Dr. Sam Thinea hates wasting time. Or people who don’t keep time. He’s the kind of man who lives his life by the hand of a clock. I suppose that as a doctor one should be like that.
Time, as those who say things say, flies. “Good thing you’re the pilot.” Which is funny, considering that Dr. Thenia wanted to become a pilot, but his late father insisted that he become a doctor. Whose dream is he living? Does it even matter? He now has a portfolio of nine companies, including Nairobi Women’s Hospital, a charity – the Sexual Violence Recovery Center – and Nairobi Women’s Hospital College.
In his spacious office in Malik Heights on Ngong Road, Nairobi he reveals that he is about to get married. He says he looks excited, and that’s about it. He tells me a lot of informal things too. You had to be there. Twenty minutes before our interview ends, his board members arrive, perhaps to say hello, but mostly as a symbol of Dr. Thienia’s insistence on timekeeping.
What makes you you?
I am authentic. What you see is what you get.
What does “authenticity” look like to you?
If you say we will meet at a certain time, we meet at that time. My word is my bond. I live by a higher calling – God put me here for a reason, and I am committed to making a positive impact in this world.
Would you say you are religious?
I don’t call myself religious, but I believe in God. I go to church, and I believe there is a higher power, whatever form you think that takes. I do not impose my vision of God on others; You decide how you see it.
Have you had a conflict with God in your medical career?
Not real. Morals and values guide me. In medical school they teach you medicine, not how to become a doctor. Being a doctor requires more — understanding costs, insurance, and the like. I’m a gynecologist, and while I may have a moral objection to abortions on demand because of my faith, I believe my values and God’s are aligned when it comes to saving the mother’s life. This is the balance I aim for.
Have you heard of the Good Samaritan? Have you ever felt like a man lying on the road?
Oh, many times. I am here today because of the people who guided me. They reached out to me when I needed guidance, and I pass it forward. I never say no to mentoring others.
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Love me for who I am, flaws and all. Especially people who are not obligated to do so. My kids don’t have a choice, haha!
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
I enjoy my own company. I am a stickler for discipline. Sometimes, I expect the same discipline from others, it’s more important than motivation.
So, what do you do when you’re lonely?
What is a must-read book for you?
“for business”The richest man in Babylon“By George S. Clauson and”King of capital“By John E. Morris and David Carey.
Has any book served as a guiding light for you?
Bible. In addition to its religious aspects, it is full of lessons about life, business, and decision-making.
Who in the Bible do you identify with most?
Musa. Moses was a flawed man, a murderer – and I’m not one of them – but he was chosen. Moses dared to question God or even get angry at Him, but he persisted.
If you weren’t in business, what would you be doing?
What happened to that dream?
I grew up fascinated by airplanes. I got into advanced math at — let me get this out of the way — Alliance High. But my father had other ideas. He wanted me to become a successful doctor who would fly and even own planes. He used to say that the pilot was just a “glorious driver.” So here I am.
Do you own a plane now?
Not yet, haha! I haven’t started my lessons yet.
Are you living your father’s dreams?
I overtook them. Before he died of kidney failure, he told me how proud he was of what I had built. He always wondered where she got the money to set up the Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
He pushed me to excel academically. Education was his key to life, and he made sure we always had something to read, whatever it was Reader digest, Newsweek, Weekly review or Time magazine.
Do you encourage the same with your children?
I do that, but with greater flexibility. Education is necessary, but they do not have to become a doctor or a lawyer. We look at their strengths and weaknesses together.
Any family rituals?
We have an annual family reunion, but the one-on-one time I spend with each of my children is special. We just have fun, talk and bond. Time, just like money, is a resource that I try to utilize properly because I did not spend enough time with my parents.
What is something your children have asked of you that has changed you?
During one of our annual meetings, I had a few glasses of my favorite drink, and they didn’t seem to like it. They asked me not to drink. I just quit. I could never tell my father not to drink. how?
What childhood memory reflects your life today?
In nursery school, I received a prize for coming in second place: two plates and three spoons. My brother got more for being first. I convinced him to sell our prizes so we could buy sweets. During Sunday school, my father saw us and asked, “Why are you selling your prize?” I answered: “Because he is mine!” I was beaten down, but looking back, this was my first step into entrepreneurship.
What does money mean to you now?
Just a concept. What really matters is what it can do for you.
What are you bragging about?
Self care. I get my nails done, go to the spa, gym, and run regularly. I also love traveling with my family.
Where did your self-care routine come from?
I’d say I picked it up from my mom! We spent a lot of time together. I learned to cook, and it became my way to relax. I have no problem with most housework except washing clothes and dishes.
What is your signature meal?
Grilled seafood, especially lobster, served with roasted potatoes or vegetables.
The funniest piece of advice your mother gave you?
Good. She died when I was 17, so we didn’t have a lot of deep conversations.
What is it like to lose a mother at 17?
harsh. I was there when she died. When I was growing up (I grew up in a family of eight as the second last son), she would visit me at school and bring me traditional porridge. She also wrote me letters and helped me open my first bank account. Her death made me an angry young man. It wasn’t until sometime after her burial when we were going to a party at my uncle’s house that I realized I had never forgiven her for dying over me.
When did you learn that it was time to forgive her?
In 2006, after I spoke to a therapist, he asked me to plant five trees near her grave, which are still there. It took some time to make peace.
What makes you angry now?
People who don’t keep time. I know some people are like that, although I feel like it’s disrespectful. I’m also angry at the greed of people who steal public resources, how much is enough?
What do you do when things get tough?
I exercise, run, and pray. I do my best and leave the rest.
Do you exercise every day?
Most days except Sunday. Every Saturday I run 21 km.
You don’t drink or smoke, what’s your guilty pleasure?
I brag about myself. Diet-wise, I eat more ice cream now than before.
Do you have a theory?
I believe in karma. Things catch up with people, sooner or later.
What music defines your life now?
The eighties and nineties of the last century. It’s just the background soundtrack to my life.
What hack could make your weekends better?
Plan your life, not just your weekends. Don’t rely on others to do it for you.
What might surprise people about you?
– I do not have any political ambitions. Most people my age and position tend to gravitate toward politics.
What is your biggest fear?
I’m afraid of the future. Not knowing what tomorrow will be like is scary.
What is your insecurity now?
I worry about how my children will look. I hope they become good citizens of the world.
What do you thank yourself for?
What I achieved. My daughter recently reminded me to take a moment and appreciate all that I have accomplished.
If all of these disappeared, what would remain?
What’s the one question I should have asked but didn’t?
You?
In reality. Wedding soon!
Congratulations. Are we invited?
Oh.
Haha! It’s a small pool. Very small. However, we will send pictures.
How did you know this was him?
Because I’m getting married to my best friend.
If you could tell me just one thing, what would you tell me?
I’m keen on advice, but I would say always do your best, and never criticize yourself.
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