By Abraham Malinga, ICPAU
In a captivating presentation at the CFO Leadership Academy on 20 March 2025 at the Protea Hotel in Kampala, Eng. Dr. Frank B. Sebbowa, Principal Consultant at Frank Energy Consultants Ltd challenged conventional views on corporate success and the elusive promise of a secure post-C-suite life.
Dr Sebbowa dissected the familiar “rat race” that defines many corporate careers, describing it as an endless, energy-draining pursuit that often leaves little room for personal fulfilment.
He urged professionals to rethink the traditional path, emphasising that true success lies not in relentless upward mobility but in achieving financial freedom and personal balance through informed investments and alternative income streams.
Drawing on principles from Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant, Dr Sebbowa advised that a smart strategy for life after the boardroom involves leveraging other people’s time and money and creating opportunities for passive income rather than clinging to the false security of a regular salary.
According to Dr Sebbowa, it is possible to escape the exhausting cycle of corporate life by taking control of one’s financial education and seeking side gigs that provide both extra revenue and independence.
He also questioned the practicality of work-life balance in today’s hyper-connected world, advocating for work-life integration—an approach that harmonises professional responsibilities with personal interests through flexible work arrangements.
Adding to the discussion on post-retirement planning, Mr George Kaluma, Chartered Financial Analyst, Faculty from MAT ABACUS Business School presented insights on investing for a meaningful retirement.
He highlighted that an increase in life expectancy translates to a longer retirement period, making it imperative for individuals to secure financial independence even when regular income ceases.
Kaluma stressed the importance of maintaining one’s lifestyle in the face of rising healthcare costs and inflation, noting that without proper planning, savings might not keep up with escalating prices.
He outlined the pillars of retirement planning as building a strong foundation for a retirement fund through consistent contributions, diversifying investments, harnessing the power of compound interest, and meticulous income planning.
Both speakers agreed that a well-planned transition away from the corporate rat race is not just about financial security but also about cultivating a fulfiling life. Their combined message resonated with the audience, urging professionals to redefine success on their terms, prepare for the uncertainties of retirement, and ultimately, run the race of life at their own pace.
The CFO Leadership Academy (CLA) is organised by MAT ABACUS Business School in partnership with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU). It is designed to equip CFOs with the requisite leadership skills to enable them adapt to strategic shifts in the environment.
The CLA is a one-year programme split into 4 quarters with 3 classes in each quarter. The 20 March 2025 class was the second in the fourth and final quarter of the 2024/25 edition of the programme. The 2024/25 programme ends on 17 April 2025 with a graduation ceremony for the cohort.
The 2025/26 programme begins on 22 May 2025. Enrolment is in progress.
https://matabacus.ac.ug/cfo-leadership-academy/
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