WiredIn (Innovation and Technology)

Foluso Gbadamosi is the Executive Director JAN (Junior Achievement Nigeria), a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Social Advocate, Speaker &Author. She is an astute Business Leader, adept at providing solutions to business problems and challenges using technology. Her portfolio spans working in different Technology & Operations roles in the United States & Nigeria across various industries, including Telecommunications, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Financial Services, and Oil & Gas. In this interview, She shares her drive to bring about sustainable development using technology.

Sustainable Development And Tech

When I started out my career, I didn’t plan to operate in the development sector. Although I am very passionate about development as it relates to the African Continent, Women Empowerment, and Youth Development and this passion has evolved over time.

The truth is, a country that doesn’t invest in its women and youth will suffer for it. These two groups are very critical to nation-building, and in addition, it is important to speak the language of the 21st century, which is technology. Technology is a major gap-bridger and problem-solver. It gives access to a wider network, knowledge, information, and resources that truly empower people. Technology opens up the minds of young people to experiences beyond their immediate environment and inspires them to solve problems and do and create amazing things. 

When people have access to information & knowledge, they become empowered. They begin to build businesses, create jobs, and ultimately contribute to making the economy better.I am happy that young people are now taking their lives into their own hands by leveraging the millions of free resources and courses on the internet to better improve themselves and grow their capacities.

My Driving Force

One thing I love doing is encouraging people to become the best version of themselves. However, I realized I wouldn’t be able to do that effectively until I got a full understanding of myself and my abilities. This was one of the reasons I went on a journey of self-discovery. Every single person has God-given talents. However, to get those talents to their peak, they must be developed. 

The first step is to know yourself better, understand what your natural talents are, and then figure out ways to develop them. One of my favorite examples is Beyonce, she has a natural talent for singing, but if you compare her voice from when she started her career with her voice now, you will definitely see a difference. She has always been a good singer, but 

She has also invested a lot into developing that talent to its peak. What we really need to do is to identify what our talents are and stop trying to be like anyone else. 

Memorable Milestone

One major milestone for me is getting appointed as the Executive Director at Junior Achievement Nigeria. This is my first role in the development sector. Prior to this, I had always been in the private sector. 

I have also been involved in the work done by a number of reputable organizations in the development sector. In all, I am proud of the achievements around using technology to reach more people, give them access and help inspire positive change in them. 

The Spark

A few years ago, I began to feel like I didn’t have any natural talents. I didn’t know what my natural gifts and abilities were, and this stirred me to go on a journey of self-discovery. During this journey, I took a series of self-assessment tests on a mission to understand myself better. After doing this, a lot of things began to make sense to me; it was a great epiphany. I started to understand myself better, and that was how I got to realize all my special sparks. Things that came naturally to me that I assumed came naturally to everyone as well! I would say a pair of my major superpowers is my ability to connect with people and my natural positivity! I am a full-fledged extrovert; I get energized when I am around people and helping people in different ways. I have the ability to network with people easily and also connect people to each other. 

Beyond the female gender, everyone needs to “Be the change you want to see”. This should not be limited to a particular gender, age bracket, or demography but is a commonplace ideal for everyone. We all need to step up. If we want to see a particular change in our society, our first task is to be that change. We need to stop complaining about everything and start taking steps to change whatever we can in our own areas of influence. That said, I also want to live in a more inclusive society. I don’t want to live in a society where wealth is only shared by a very small percentage of the population and the larger Society suffers. 

If you look deeply at women and what women represent, you’ll notice that societies that empower their women do so much better. When you see organizations that want to thrive, they’re very big on women’s inclusion in their Board and Management positions. We all have to come together to solve the problems that plague our society. I really hope for a world where we can all be intentional about the change we want to see. This is not the time for complaints and nagging. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

#FindingHerSpark

If I had the power to make one change, it would be to change people’s mindsets! 

Over the years, I have observed that the major thing that is holding many of us back is a limiting mindset which leads to limiting beliefs! Most times, this comes as a result of upbringing, exposure, background, environment, or education. 

I think if we could intentionally find ways to stop these limiting beliefs, we would do better as people, and that will affect all areas of our lives, including our Nation. The barriers caused by those limiting mindsets & beliefs will be removed and people will truly be able to be all they were created to be.

As co-founder and CEO of Owoafara, I am bridging the financing gap for African MSMEs.

From a very young age, information and technology have sat in a special place in my mind. This love came from constant exposure to computers from a young age. I eventually took up a career in tech, almost shoving my accounting degree into a back seat. 

I got my first job in tech during the early days of technology, working in a software company. The demand for my tech expertise would blend with the need for my degree in Accounting. And although I enjoyed my role in back-end technology, I only kept it for a short time. 

I decided to get an MBA and change my career to a position at the front end of product creation. I got a job with a Management consulting firm that focused on outsourcing technology to small businesses and knew it was where I was supposed to be.

This new role brought me into close contact with small-scale business owners. I would always get more immediate and engage some of them in conversations. I offered help with my business knowledge and dished out advice on how they could structure their business, build systems that work, and leverage human talent. And I fell in love with entrepreneurship, with the spirit of it.

Memorable Milestones

When business coaching was still new, I took steps to see that top banks began to consider MSMEs. 

Many MSMEs needed help to meet the general criteria for financial support and were therefore excluded from access. Some of these banks went on to create inclusive systems by creating departments that focused on MSMEs’ needs. 

As a result of this gap between MSMEs and finance opportunities, I took it upon myself to bridge it. I founded a firm that seeks to bridge the “access to finance” gap.

Her Spark

I am driven by something more than myself. It has always been about fulfilling a purpose. And purpose to me is empowering and improving lives. That is what drives me. 

Vision and resilience are two values that have kept my Spark alive over the years. Seeing the future of a project, a goal is crucial to me because then, I can dive in with an I-am-never-giving-up-until-it-is-done grit.

Life Lessons

One thing I have learned in my career is that relationships are essential. Building relationships and networking are opportunities I have learned to grip with tight fists. 

Prioritize skills over money because with the right skills; money will come.

When you have something you know how to do well, it takes you into the circle of the top 5% in that space.

Owenize Odia on Achieving Success in the Digital Money Space

Like most people, I have always wanted to be successful. Luckily, growing up, I had my parents to look up to for inspiration. I bagged a degree in Computer Engineering and a Master of Science in Mobile Computing from the University of Hertfordshire. I worked with Zenith Bank as Mobile Payment Lead and, currently, as the Manager of Luno Nigeria.

Personal growth is my primary force, followed by solid passion.

Women’s struggle in male-dominated spaces drives me to be better and be more. I graduated as one of the two distinction graduates in my class. The reality of being the only female student in my Masters class shook me slightly. However, since, I have let this drive me to put in work. 

Memorable Milestones

A memorable milestone in my life was launching mobile money for Zenith Bank. Another is migrating from the traditional banking system to blockchain technology and heading the biggest exchange brand in Nigeria.

On Women Empowerment

Being a woman, women’s empowerment is at the core of my choices. The truth is women are not judged fairly. The world would be a better place if organizations would employ based on merit.

Her Spark

The most important value to me is determination. Determination is the fuel to reach the peak. Women need to be confident, understand their worth, and have no fear. Eventually, success boils down to interest and passion.

Oyeyemi Aderibigbe on her Two Ingredient Recipe to Success

Only some people start with a map of where they are headed, including stopovers. 

 I consistently explored every talent, gift, and the path that life tossed my way. If I had a feeling that something was right, I pursued it.

Over the years, I have discovered how much effect purposeful living, clarity, and deep insights have on business and career success. I decided to equip people with one opportunity, one contribution at a time.

Success is not a destination; it is a journey with milestones. On the journey to success, a strong belief in vision and preparation are two ingredients that have preserved me.

My mindset stretches enough to allow me to dream of being so much more. I constantly ask myself — what is next?

My colleagues’ and friends’ blazing trails inspire me. 

Memorable Milestones

A significant milestone was debating before one of the most prominent women’s network. Competing at the Women in Management Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) annual conference was elating.

I believe that the effect of society boxing the woman is a form of mind imprisonment. The years of being told that the woman can not do, be it limits how much she can dream and, eventually, how far she can go.

Her Spark

The spark is the woman’s all-encompassing personality — natural abilities, intellectual capacity, and experiences —because it is these that spark up her life.

To find her spark, it is vital that the woman takes her destiny into her hands and exercises her liberty. An apparent social construct clamps the woman’s wings, but she needs to find her spark and fly.

No one can predict the future, but I always knew and believed I possessed something yet to be explored. I believed I would be successful, but didn’t know how, where and when it would happen. My focus, drive, and constant hunger for success affirmed my vision. And so did my business and life.  

My Driving Force

To understand what drives me, I knew I had to have a clear idea of what my ‘why’ was. 

The ‘why’ behind my journey has always been: to live the life I deserve, take care of my needs effortlessly, invest and secure my future. 

I always ask myself if I know what I want to achieve, why, and if I am hungry for it. These questions help me put the goal in perspective. If I am hungry enough, I am definitely on my way to achieving it. This is what has always been my driving force. My goals and aspirations are my major driving force. 

Memorable Milestones

As the first Nigerian Baker on the Forbes 30 under 30 Africa power list, 2019 remains one of my most memorable milestones.

It was, for me, a huge achievement, and I am utterly proud of getting such recognition for the work I do. 

One saying I love so much from former US First Lady Michelle Obama is “there’s no limit to what a woman can achieve.” This saying has fueled a lot of things I have gone to do and achieve in my life. 

Lessons Learnt

I have picked up a few lessons over the years since I’ve been in business. These lessons have shaped my growth and help me navigate business’s murky waters. 

One thing that stands out is always to know what you stand for and what you don’t. I stand for persistence, hard work, and never taking shortcuts. It gives you clarity. 

This way, I am clear on my values. Another lesson I have picked is to never rest on your exam laurels. Instead, always strive for something outside of your comfort zone, and take the risks that move you somewhere new. 

I changed the course of my career at 25, and kick-started my business, and it has brought me thus far.

Don’t be afraid to do the unexpected. That nervousness you feel means you’re growing. Trust your inner compass, even when naysayers do not. But, above all, always remain humble. 

The more knowledgeable you are, the more comfortable you feel. It’s always better to give more credit than you take. Also, never stop learning because it gives you courage.

On Women Empowerment

It is important to note that, in many ways, the work field is still tilted in favor of men. The economics of inclusion is compelling, yet there is a gap between what the data tells us and the experiences of women encounter in their careers. 

I believe so much in Gender Equality. In all works of life, all genders should be given equal opportunities to thrive and explore their untapped talents. 

For all I know, the future is female. There has been a notable paradigm shift in society. Women are advancing, making big moves, and killing it in their careers. Take, for example, the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She is doing very well and inspires young girls. 

I have a degree in a supposedly male-dominated course/area of specialization — Electrical Engineering. 

In retrospect, one would think I wouldn’t be able to cope with such a tasking course like engineering, but I did, and in flying colors. 

Women are intelligent, fast-thinkers, great leaders, and everything a man can be. They should be given a fair chance. 

At Oven Secret Bakery, we empower women by training and encouraging them to acquire a skill, start their businesses and conquer the world. 

Our staff is made up of 70% women. We give scholarships and internship opportunities to women who show interest but can’t afford the training fees. 

#FindingHerSpark

My Spark has been God and His gift to me, my talent. This is the superpower that has helped me through. 

I’d say be patient for those looking to discover what The Spark is for them. Patience is a virtue. Focus on your path and strive to be better than you were yesterday. Always remember to only outdo yourself, not people. Confidence has no competition.

Cima Sholotan, her spark in Corporate sustainability is a corporate and sustainability professional. She currently works as the Director of Sustainability and Corporate Communications at IHS Nigeria. She is passionate about creating social impact, and she has impacted people’s lives, working in the Sustainability industry.

Starting Out

I considered myself fortunate. From the beginning of my career, I had clarity of purpose and a job that aligned with my purpose, which is creating solutions to social problems.  I began my career in a super-fast-paced environment where excellence was a core element, which taught me resilience, persistence, and collaboration. 

I have an unwavering faith that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to do, and I created ambitious goals with a healthy dose of reality for myself. When things got tough, my motivation is written in the book of the Bible, Luke 1:37, which says, “For with God, nothing is impossible.”

My Driving Force

The force that drives my career is excellence and the desire to create a positive impact. The realization that I could influence certain things and my work could have a significant impact on the lives of people kept me grounded and focused.

Memorable Milestones

The kind of memorable milestones that I love to look back on are the ones that mirrored me as a change agent. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Strategic Sustainability Working Group within the first five years of my career, which was responsible for setting up the Nigerian sustainable banking principles. 

I was also part of the Team responsible for setting up the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles and sectoral guidelines which the CBN has instituted and all Nigerian banks have adopted.

Another milestone for me was at the stock exchange. I initiated the sustainability reporting and disclosure guidelines for listed companies in Nigeria currently in operation. I am an ardent believer in collaboration at all levels and I have been recognized as one of the 100 women creating a better Africa, especially for my role within the SDG 17. There are several others, but I would say these are my most memorable milestones. I love how I have used my position to create a lasting impact.

Lessons I learned

As a career-oriented person, a few lessons come to mind. First and foremost, you must have a clear vision, principles, and core values. When I started working, I had a new colleague who later became my mentor, and he said, “You need to have a clear vision regarding your career; if not, people will use you to achieve their own goals.” I have never forgotten those words. 

Secondly, a career is like a business or company, and I treat it as a business decision. My core values have helped me retain my essence amid various changes. 

My third lesson is ‘don’t limit yourself. Work towards what you want. Get the skills and knowledge and be persistent. I have observed that you do not have to be fully ready to take on a higher career move; we are all learning on the Job. After all, we create Personal Developmental Plans every year. But remember that it’s not going to be an easy road. There are times when you will question your ability. But be ready to put in the work, it will give you great fulfillment when you see it.

I have also learned to build trust because we all need people. You need to build your network. You need to build credibility. This network of people needs to be able to trust you and depend on you, so you have to create excellence in what you constantly do. It’s also important to be willing to share knowledge and invest in others to help them succeed. You can never go wrong teaching others.

Ensure that you are innovative and always looking for better ways to achieve your goals. Innovation requires experimentation, going above and taking a calculated risk to achieve your goals while having fun along the way.

On Women Empowerment

There are still several distinct hindrances and limiting stereotypes of what women can and cannot do. Women face many challenges, one of which is leadership bias. Women are often judged as being too hard, too soft, and never just right. They are sometimes seen as too emotional rather than passionate why most male colleagues are seen as having the “default” style and this means that women have to work harder and constantly watch their leadership style. 

As a result of many challenges faced by women, I volunteered my time to educate different women in underserved communities, sharing my story to inspire them and help them become great achievers. I also provide the right opportunities for women to help them maximize their potential. I believe that everyone has the innate ability as humans, to navigate all of the challenges we face daily.

If I had the power to close the gender inequality gap, I would create the right policies to support gender parity at the Federal Government level. I understand that there are a number of policies in place at the moment, but we need the right systems and mindset to enforce those policies. We need to have great enforcement systems that will take Nigeria to the next level. When we have the right systems in place, we can cascade at various levels; the Federal, State, and Local Government levels.

Foluso Gbadamosi is the Executive Director JAN (Junior Achievement Nigeria), a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Social Advocate, Speaker &Author. She is an astute Business Leader, adept at providing solutions to business problems and challenges using technology. Her portfolio spans working in different Technology & Operations roles in the United States & Nigeria across various industries, including Telecommunications, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Financial Services, and Oil & Gas. In this interview, She shares her drive to bring about sustainable development using technology.

Sustainable Development And Tech

When I started out my career, I didn’t plan to operate in the development sector. Although I am very passionate about development as it relates to the African Continent, Women Empowerment, and Youth Development and this passion has evolved over time.

The truth is, a country that doesn’t invest in its women and youth will suffer for it. These two groups are very critical to nation-building, and in addition, it is important to speak the language of the 21st century, which is technology. Technology is a major gap-bridger and problem-solver. It gives access to a wider network, knowledge, information, and resources that truly empower people. Technology opens up the minds of young people to experiences beyond their immediate environment and inspires them to solve problems and do and create amazing things. 

When people have access to information & knowledge, they become empowered. They begin to build businesses, create jobs, and ultimately contribute to making the economy better.I am happy that young people are now taking their lives into their own hands by leveraging the millions of free resources and courses on the internet to better improve themselves and grow their capacities.

My Driving Force

One thing I love doing is encouraging people to become the best version of themselves. However, I realized I wouldn’t be able to do that effectively until I got a full understanding of myself and my abilities. This was one of the reasons I went on a journey of self-discovery. Every single person has God-given talents. However, to get those talents to their peak, they must be developed. 

The first step is to know yourself better, understand what your natural talents are, and then figure out ways to develop them. One of my favorite examples is Beyonce, she has a natural talent for singing, but if you compare her voice from when she started her career with her voice now, you will definitely see a difference. She has always been a good singer, but 

She has also invested a lot into developing that talent to its peak. What we really need to do is to identify what our talents are and stop trying to be like anyone else. 

Memorable Milestone

One major milestone for me is getting appointed as the Executive Director at Junior Achievement Nigeria. This is my first role in the development sector. Prior to this, I had always been in the private sector. 

I have also been involved in the work done by a number of reputable organizations in the development sector. In all, I am proud of the achievements around using technology to reach more people, give them access and help inspire positive change in them. 

The Spark

A few years ago, I began to feel like I didn’t have any natural talents. I didn’t know what my natural gifts and abilities were, and this stirred me to go on a journey of self-discovery. During this journey, I took a series of self-assessment tests on a mission to understand myself better. After doing this, a lot of things began to make sense to me; it was a great epiphany. I started to understand myself better, and that was how I got to realize all my special sparks. Things that came naturally to me that I assumed came naturally to everyone as well! I would say a pair of my major superpowers is my ability to connect with people and my natural positivity! I am a full-fledged extrovert; I get energized when I am around people and helping people in different ways. I have the ability to network with people easily and also connect people to each other. 

Beyond the female gender, everyone needs to “Be the change you want to see”. This should not be limited to a particular gender, age bracket, or demography but is a commonplace ideal for everyone. We all need to step up. If we want to see a particular change in our society, our first task is to be that change. We need to stop complaining about everything and start taking steps to change whatever we can in our own areas of influence. That said, I also want to live in a more inclusive society. I don’t want to live in a society where wealth is only shared by a very small percentage of the population and the larger Society suffers. 

If you look deeply at women and what women represent, you’ll notice that societies that empower their women do so much better. When you see organizations that want to thrive, they’re very big on women’s inclusion in their Board and Management positions. We all have to come together to solve the problems that plague our society. I really hope for a world where we can all be intentional about the change we want to see. This is not the time for complaints and nagging. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

#FindingHerSpark

If I had the power to make one change, it would be to change people’s mindsets! 

Over the years, I have observed that the major thing that is holding many of us back is a limiting mindset which leads to limiting beliefs! Most times, this comes as a result of upbringing, exposure, background, environment, or education. 

I think if we could intentionally find ways to stop these limiting beliefs, we would do better as people, and that will affect all areas of our lives, including our Nation. The barriers caused by those limiting mindsets & beliefs will be removed and people will truly be able to be all they were created to be.

No one can predict the future, but I always knew and believed I possessed something yet to be explored. I believed I would be successful, but didn’t know how, where and when it would happen. My focus, drive, and constant hunger for success affirmed my vision. And so did my business and life.  

My Driving Force

To understand what drives me, I knew I had to have a clear idea of what my ‘why’ was. 

The ‘why’ behind my journey has always been: to live the life I deserve, take care of my needs effortlessly, invest and secure my future. 

I always ask myself if I know what I want to achieve, why, and if I am hungry for it. These questions help me put the goal in perspective. If I am hungry enough, I am definitely on my way to achieving it. This is what has always been my driving force. My goals and aspirations are my major driving force. 

Memorable Milestones

As the first Nigerian Baker on the Forbes 30 under 30 Africa power list, 2019 remains one of my most memorable milestones.

It was, for me, a huge achievement, and I am utterly proud of getting such recognition for the work I do. 

One saying I love so much from former US First Lady Michelle Obama is “there’s no limit to what a woman can achieve.” This saying has fueled a lot of things I have gone to do and achieve in my life. 

Lessons Learnt

I have picked up a few lessons over the years since I’ve been in business. These lessons have shaped my growth and help me navigate business’s murky waters. 

One thing that stands out is always to know what you stand for and what you don’t. I stand for persistence, hard work, and never taking shortcuts. It gives you clarity. 

This way, I am clear on my values. Another lesson I have picked is to never rest on your exam laurels. Instead, always strive for something outside of your comfort zone, and take the risks that move you somewhere new. 

I changed the course of my career at 25, and kick-started my business, and it has brought me thus far.

Don’t be afraid to do the unexpected. That nervousness you feel means you’re growing. Trust your inner compass, even when naysayers do not. But, above all, always remain humble. 

The more knowledgeable you are, the more comfortable you feel. It’s always better to give more credit than you take. Also, never stop learning because it gives you courage.

On Women Empowerment

It is important to note that, in many ways, the work field is still tilted in favor of men. The economics of inclusion is compelling, yet there is a gap between what the data tells us and the experiences of women encounter in their careers. 

I believe so much in Gender Equality. In all works of life, all genders should be given equal opportunities to thrive and explore their untapped talents. 

For all I know, the future is female. There has been a notable paradigm shift in society. Women are advancing, making big moves, and killing it in their careers. Take, for example, the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She is doing very well and inspires young girls. 

I have a degree in a supposedly male-dominated course/area of specialization — Electrical Engineering. 

In retrospect, one would think I wouldn’t be able to cope with such a tasking course like engineering, but I did, and in flying colors. 

Women are intelligent, fast-thinkers, great leaders, and everything a man can be. They should be given a fair chance. 

At Oven Secret Bakery, we empower women by training and encouraging them to acquire a skill, start their businesses and conquer the world. 

Our staff is made up of 70% women. We give scholarships and internship opportunities to women who show interest but can’t afford the training fees. 

#FindingHerSpark

My Spark has been God and His gift to me, my talent. This is the superpower that has helped me through. 

I’d say be patient for those looking to discover what The Spark is for them. Patience is a virtue. Focus on your path and strive to be better than you were yesterday. Always remember to only outdo yourself, not people. Confidence has no competition.