The journey of migrants in a new country is one of challenges, hard work, hopes and a constant struggle to prove themselves. But when one reaches a milestone in professional life, it’s a different high.
One such person is Kiwi-Indian Jagpal Khosa, who is set to become the youngest Kiwi-Indian Branch Manager in the history of Barfoot and Thompson. The 36-year-old Sikh will head the real estate chain’s Manukau branch beginning April 1, 2023. He stays with his mother, wife and three daughters at Alfriston in south Auckland.
In an emotional conversation with The Indian Weekender, Khosa recalled his journey in New Zealand, his struggle, professional successes and the road ahead.
Q1. Tell us about your journey from India to NZ.
Like many others, I was no different in dreaming of having a good life and career in NZ, but the difference was that I woke up to work towards achieving my dreams every day.
I hailed from Kolkata and was born and raised there. I was also a state-level cricket player and have played division matches in Kolkata for the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club.
I came to NZ in 2007 as an international student with one two-rupees coin in my pocket. I must thank my friends who supported me in even purchasing my flight tickets. They helped me even when I studied professional accounting and management and worked at Petrol Station Shell (now Z) at Botany downs and Waiuku. After completing my studies, I worked at a liquor store for quite some time.
The support and the love I have received from this country over the last 16 years I have been here is mesmerising.
Q2. How did you venture into the NZ property market?
While working at gas stations, I used to speak with property agents and was very fond of how they dressed and the cars they drove. Until then, I didn't even think about entering the property market. However, when I got married in 2013, I thought about changing my career. I finished my salesperson qualification from Unitec and rang Manurewa Barfoot and Thompson Branch Manager Bill Humphrey for a vacancy.
Q3. What challenges did you face, especially as a migrant?
It was hard for me to settle in a new unknown country as initially, I had no friends and didn't have anyone very close to ask for help. Moreover, there were challenges with getting the Kiwi accent right, but I gradually picked it up as time passed.
All my struggles gave me the momentum to work hard and make a better living for myself and my family. Bill rejected me in my first interview, but later that day, I got a call back from him asking me to come at 8am sharp in a suit for another interview the next day. He told me I had just three months to perform and prove myself. I was hired, and in my first week, I secured a listing. In my second week, I sold my first property. I have achieved what I have because of Bill and his constant support.
Q4 How does it feel to be the youngest Kiwi-Indian branch manager in the history of Barfoot and Thompson?
It's an honour to make my family and community proud and form a pathway for many others. People have shown their love and affection by ringing me to congratulate me. They expressed that they felt so proud that I am one of them who has been appointed to this position.
Q5 Does this new position bring a lot of responsibility?
It does as apart from being responsible for 30 or more people within your branch, now I also have more responsibility towards the community. It's the responsibility to do good work, stay grounded, and help the community fulfill their dreams of owning a property or, even more, help someone succeed in their real estate career.
Q6 How inspirational is this position for you?
It is very inspirational as this was one of the branches I shortlisted while doing my relieving manager role from 2021. It was a tough competition with many other applicants, but I am proud that I made it and now have to make the branch perform to its extreme potential. It is a dream that has come true, and now I have to work even harder than before.
Q7 What is your message to all migrants in NZ who aspire to make it big?
Don’t underestimate the power of self-belief, and plan your goals. Every year I write my top five goals and an action plan to achieve them and once done, I move to the next.
I have fallen many times, and sometimes I didn't even have money to buy food, but I never gave up and kept trying. Remember, gold has to go through extensive heat before it shines, and the grapes need to be crushed to make wine. So when life is crumbling, it will bring the best out of you.
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