MY STORY
From Eldoret to Empire
This is my story—from a small town in Kenya where dreams stayed small, to owning a multi-million-dollar American franchise and transforming lives across three continents.
ABOUT ME
Oglah Gatamah
I am a leadership and business coach, author, and speaker committed to helping purpose-driven leaders build with clarity, courage, and conviction—without losing sight of who they are or why they started.
My work sits at the intersection of strategy and purpose, where leadership is not just about results, but about resilience, alignment, and legacy.
My Story
My story is rooted in resilience—and shaped by vision. I was born and raised in rural Kenya, where perseverance was not optional and faith was foundational. From a young age, I learned the value of responsibility, discipline, and community—lessons that would later anchor my leadership journey.
My path eventually led me to the United States, where I navigated cultural transition, professional growth, and personal transformation. Along the way, I learned that leadership is not defined by position alone—but by character, clarity, and the willingness to rise when the path is uncertain.
Those experiences shaped not only who I am, but how I lead.
My Professional Credibility
Leadership built through experience—not theory.
My professional journey spans entrepreneurship, organizational leadership, coaching, and real estate. I have led teams, built businesses, mentored professionals, and navigated growth through both opportunity and adversity.
As a franchise owner, business leader, and coach, I understand the real pressures leaders face—decision fatigue, scaling responsibly, leading people well, and maintaining alignment between success and purpose.
My coaching is grounded in real-world execution, not abstraction. We focus on clarity, systems, accountability, and sustainable leadership rhythms that support long-term growth.
My Faith & Leadership Philosophy
Leadership is anchored in purpose.
Faith has been a steady compass throughout my life and leadership journey. It informs how I make decisions, how I lead people, and how I define success.
I believe leadership is strongest when it is rooted in integrity, service, and clarity of purpose. When leaders are aligned internally, they lead more effectively externally—creating environments where people, vision, and results can thrive together.
This philosophy shapes every coaching engagement, conversation, and collaboration.
Who I Serve
My clients are not looking for quick fixes—they are building something that matters.
With gratitude,
Oglah
Awards & Recognition
Spectrum News 13 Housing Special
Spearheaded a groundbreaking housing special that earned the prestigious Telly Award, highlighting critical issues in the housing market and providing valuable insights for the community.
Swanepoel Power 200 Watchlist
Acknowledged as an up-and-coming residential real estate industry leader poised to make the SP 200 ranking in the coming years.
View the Full ListMore Awards & Achievements
Mo Anderson Cultural Excellence Award
Keller Williams Realty
Impact Leadership Award
Orlando Real Producers
Innovation Award of the Year
Kenya Diaspora Association of Florida
International Impact, World Changer Award
KW Next Gen
International Impact, World Changer Award
KW Kids Can
Outstanding Dedication and Leadership Award as President
Premier Network of Black Real Estate Professionals (NAREB, Metro Orlando Chapter)
Rising Star of the Year
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Central FL Chapter
Best in the Community Award
Target Corporation
In recognition of outstanding contributions of service to local communities
Outstanding Cultural Representative
Disney's Animal Kingdom
CHAPTER ONE
The Beginning: Eldoret, Kenya
I was born and raised in Eldoret, Kenya—a place where dreams were supposed to stay small. In my culture, especially for women, there was an invisible ceiling. You were told to be grateful for what you had, to not want "too much," to accept your station in life.
But something in me refused to settle.
I was an athlete. I studied hard. I excelled academically. And when I was accepted to a prestigious hospitality and tourism college in Nairobi, I knew this was my shot.
In my final year of college, I was selected for something that would change my life forever: The theme park program. I didn't know it then, but boarding that plane to Orlando, Florida would be the beginning of a 20-year journey from cleaning hotel rooms to owning an empire.
The Turning Point: America
Landing in Orlando was overwhelming. The language, the culture, the pace— everything was different. I was homesick. I missed my family. I missed the sounds and smells of Kenya. But I knew I couldn't go back without making something of this opportunity.
I started as part of the opening crew at the most popular themed park in the world. I worked in housekeeping. I cleaned rooms. I restocked towels.
People saw me in that uniform and made assumptions.
But I watched. I learned. I studied how Americans did business. From a theme park, to a hotel, to retail. I climbed fast —Team Leader, Senior Executive Team Leader, Store Director of n corporate operation that did over $1 billion in sales.
"On paper, I had MADE IT. But here's what nobody tells you about climbing the corporate ladder: You can reach the top and feel absolutely EMPTY."
Losing My "Why"
CHAPTER THREE
The Leap: Real Estate
"I'm not here to teach you real estate. You know more than I do. But I'm here to LOVE on you—to see potential you can't see yet. And I'm here to PUSH you harder than you've ever been pushed. Give me ONE YEAR to prove it."
— What I told my first team
Leadership Under Fire
"God, if this is it, let my team be safe. Let my kids know I fought for what mattered."
He put the gun down. His mom called. By GRACE, his mom called. I led him to the back exit. Police were waiting. They apprehended him.
God, Family, Business & Legacy
People ask how I "balance" it all. I don't. I INTEGRATE. Every decision I make is filtered through four pillars:
God
Does this honor the people God put in my path?
Family
Am I being intentional with my time and presence?
Business
Is this building wealth that creates impact?
Legacy
What will my children and community remember about me?
This Is Just The Beginning Of Your Story
If a housekeeper from Eldoret can own a franchise, transform hundreds of lives, and create global impact—so can you.