Nathan Loyd Ndungu is a seasoned global entrepreneur, author, and consultant with over 30 years of experience across multiple industries including real estate, agribusiness, international trade, and mineral processing. He is the Founder & CEO of Avoveg Health Kenya Ltd and Avoveg Health LLC, which specialize in ethical avocado exports, and the founder of Loyd Global Consulting, an international consulting firm helping companies scale with purpose. Nathan is based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area with business operations across New York, Georgia, and Delaware. He is deeply grounded in faith and believes in building businesses that serve people, not just profits.
What does success mean to you today, and has that definition changed over time?
Success used to mean financial growth, recognition, and achievement. In my early years, I was focused on what I could build, how fast I could build it, and what it looked like to the world. But life taught me that real success is quieter. Today, success means building something that benefits others. It’s measured in impact, not income. It’s about legacy, not lifestyle.
You’ve worked in multiple sectors—from real estate to agribusiness. How do you choose what to pursue next?
It’s always been about alignment. I don’t chase opportunities just because they’re profitable. I ask: Is there a real problem I can help solve here? Is there potential to uplift others? When I moved into agribusiness, it wasn’t just about avocados—it was about the farmers. Could we create something fair? Could we export more than just produce—could we export integrity?
What is the biggest misconception people have about global entrepreneurship?
That it’s glamorous. People see international deals, travel, and growth, but they don’t see the long nights, the cultural missteps, or the constant recalibration it takes to scale across borders. Global business is not about flash. It’s about grit, listening, and respecting the local heartbeat of every market you touch.
Faith seems to play a big role in your decisions. How do you balance faith with business strategy?
I don’t separate them. Faith informs my strategy. I believe in honesty, patience, and long-term vision—these are Biblical principles. I may lose a quick deal by turning down shortcuts, but I’ve gained trust and longevity. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding. That’s how I lead.
What was one of your toughest business failures, and what did it teach you?
Years ago, my real estate firm in Rwanda faced a collapse due to economic and regulatory challenges. I had to pause, reflect, and pivot. That moment could have defined me—but instead, I let it refine me. I realized that failure isn’t a dead end. It’s a detour. The key is to extract the lesson and keep moving.
What would you tell your 25-year-old self if you had the chance?
Don’t rush. Don’t fear failure. And most importantly, don’t compromise your values for short-term gains. At 25, I thought hustle was everything. Now I know that discernment, rest, and strategy are just as important.
You speak a lot about purpose. How does that play into business growth?
Purpose keeps you going when profits are thin and the path gets rough. In my companies, I always ask, “What’s the ‘why’ behind this?” At Avoveg, the purpose is farmers. At Loyd Global Consulting, it’s helping others expand ethically. Purpose attracts the right people and keeps the wrong motives out.
You’ve worked with small-scale farmers, global buyers, and major organizations. How do you build trust across such different groups?
You show up honestly, consistently, and with respect. Whether I’m speaking with a farmer in Kenya or a buyer in Europe, the message is the same: We value fairness, we commit to quality, and we are transparent. Trust is built through action, not marketing.
What keeps you grounded in the middle of a fast-moving global career?
Faith. Family. And quiet time. I don’t let titles or achievements get to my head. My wife, my six children, and my belief in a higher purpose keep me centered. I also take time to reflect—whether that’s through prayer, journaling, or just unplugging from the noise.
What’s one common piece of business advice you disagree with?
“Fake it till you make it.” I don’t believe in that. You don’t need to pretend. You need to prepare. People respect transparency more than perfection. If you’re not ready, say so. If you need help, ask. Humility is more powerful than pretending.
How do you want to be remembered—as a businessman, a leader, or something else?
As someone who created platforms for others to grow. As someone who stayed true to his values in boardrooms and back rooms. I want to be remembered not just for what I built, but for how I built it—with purpose, with faith, and with people at the center.
Final thoughts for young entrepreneurs trying to find their way?
Start where you are. Use what you have. Learn as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step. And when you fail—which you will—fail forward. Let every mistake become your teacher. That’s how you grow. That’s how you build something that lasts.