Kishroy Robinson

Senior Branch Accounts Associate, NCB

Son: Khaden Robinson, age 14

Style Observer (SO): Have you raised your child to chart his own course or to extend your legacy?

Kishroy Robinson (KR): I’ve raised Khaden to chart his own course. While I hope to pass on values and wisdom, my main focus has been on encouraging him to pursue his own passions and interests, making his own decisions, and becoming his own person. It’s important to me that he feels free to create his own path in life, rather than feeling pressured to extend my legacy.

SO: How important is generational wealth?

KR: I didn’t come from a wealthy background, so I know that generational wealth is important because it provides a good foundation for my family’s future. I don’t want opportunities to be missed because of a lack of funding. I want to create opportunities for my child and future generations so that they can have financial security, access to education, and the freedom to pursue their passions without worrying about financial instability. I want my son to have the funds to fulfill his dreams. I also believe in balancing the importance of generational wealth with teaching my son the value of hard work, responsibility, and making his own way in the world.

SO: How has your childhood impacted your approach to fatherhood?

KR:My child is living a totally different childhood from mine. My house is way more exciting, much more outgoing; he is not cooped up in the house playing games. That said, there are lessons that I’ve learned from past experiences and from members of the community that have prepared me for fatherhood.

SO:When, how and where did you learn your money management skills?

KR:I learned my money management skills over time, through life lessons and experiences. Growing up, I observed how my parents managed finances and listened to advice from elders in the community. Working in the banking industry for over 20 years has provided me with valuable insights and training sessions on investment and financial planning, too. So, it’s been a combination of learning from family, community, and professional experiences that has shaped my approach to managing money.

SO:How important is it to teach your family about managing money?

KR:Teaching my family about managing money is crucial. It empowers them to make informed financial decisions and helps set them up for a secure future. By sharing what I’ve learned, I can help them avoid common pitfalls and help my son build good financial habits from an early age. Sometimes I even borrow money from him to test his money management skills, so I think he’s getting the lessons!

SO:What’s the most impactful financial lesson you’ve ever had?

KR:The most impactful financial lesson I’ve learned came from purchasing my home. It made me realise that whatever you want you just have to work toward it, put your mind to it, work the financials, and you can accomplish your dreams. Nothing is impossible.

SO:What has been your worst financial experience?

KR:One of my worst financial experiences was investing in what turned out to be a pyramid scheme many, many years ago. At the time, I didn’t recognise it for what it was and ended up losing money.

SO:What was the teachable moment?

KR:It was a valuable lesson in the importance of seeking advice from more experienced individuals and not rushing into financial decisions impulsively.

SO:Who’s your money hero?

KR:My money hero is definitely my father. I’ve always admired how he managed to navigate financial challenges with wisdom and resilience. Even when we didn’t have much, he always found a way to make the most of what we had and keep our family moving forward. His advice about patience and not rushing into decisions has stuck with me and continues to influence my approach to money management.

SO:What’s your best family pastime?

KR:My favourite family pastime is definitely when my son and I make jokes with my wife. I love playfully teasing her and my son always joins in and we all have a big laugh. Our interactions really influence each other, and it’s these moments that we remember and cherish, making them extra special.

SO:What’s your best Father’s Day moment/experience?

KR: Seeing my son for the first time was undoubtedly my best Father’s Day moment. The emotions were overwhelming—joy, happiness, and a sense of responsibility all at once. I remember feeling a mixture of happiness and being moved to tears, but also a sense of awe at how tiny and fragile he was. It’s a moment I’ll always cherish, and every Father’s Day, it’s a memory that comes back to me.

SO:What’s your legacy goal?

KR:I want to provide my son with the freedom to explore his own interests and passions, rather than imposing my own dreams or aspirations onto him. I want him to chart his own course in life. I don’t want him to feel pressured to live out my dreams. I also want to provide him with a solid foundation to pursue his dreams, whether it’s through entrepreneurship or education. I want to instil in him the importance of managing money wisely, learning from both positive and negative financial experiences.