Don Luis Jose Kafie - Vision

by Valeria Faraj

Often, leadership is mistaken for having all the answers. Luis Jose Kafie contradicts this definition in many ways: he sets a different kind of example, one that is not defined by ego but by preparation, vision, and thoughtful decision-making. For him, good leadership does not mean being everywhere or knowing everything; it is about being strategic.

He admits that, growing up, he was never the most focused student. School did not always click, but everything changed when he got to college. Realizing it was his last chance to develop the skills necessary to be a successful businessman, he started viewing learning differently. He did not see school as something to just get through, but as a tool to grow. That mindset has not left him since. To this day, he sees learning as a constant part of leadership. Whether it's through reading books, speaking with consultants, or learning from younger professionals, he is always looking for ways to stay innovative.

Today, Kafie is recognized as one of Honduras' most respected businessmen. From developing complex energy projects to leading major companies, he has built a career based on careful thinking and long-term planning. He believes the most successful leaders are those who know how to listen, how to ask for help, and how to build strong teams. He explains, “A leader is only as successful as the team around him,” showcasing the mentality he enters each project with.

Projects that are not always easy. He talks openly about one of his biggest challenges ever, building a hydroelectric plant in Panama that took almost a decade to complete. In the midst of substantial budget overruns and uncertainty of the project's future, he walked away with a key lesson. “Before starting any project, no matter how big or small, you have to analyze it thoroughly and make sure you are truly prepared.” In the end, after years of hard work, the plant was completed, confirming something else he strongly believes in: consistent, persevering work makes even the impossible possible.

If there is one piece of advice he would urge the next generation, it is to take advantage of their time, to try, to fail, and to learn. "Don't be afraid to get started and make mistakes," he says. "Youth is a gift that gives you time to grow. Use it wisely." And he lives by it. 

Luis Jose Kafie does not lead by chance; he leads by design. He has built his legacy slowly, through organization, constant learning, and the right mindset to face challenges. He is always ready to listen, learn, and look ahead. That is what makes his leadership so strategic. It is not just about having a well-prepared plan; it is about making intelligent, principled decisions with a clear purpose.