Meet Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi, a Product Manager who has made impacts in the fintech space across borders with his expertise and experience. With a track record of success, Ifeoluwa has played a major role in shaping Africa’s Fintech landscape and today he will be speaking on how he has navigated his way in the tech space to build a career as a product manager.
In this interview with Techeconomy he Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi shared his story which is inspiring and with lots of lessons for budding techies:
Hello Ifeoluwa, just explain your job in simple words to a 5-year old
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: My journey in tech is like a little child building block games, taking gradual steps, making little mistakes but picking back up until done. Instead of blocks in that little child’s context, my building materials are lines of code, impactful ideas, and collaborative efforts.
With each new project, I’m adding another block to my tower, learning from my mistakes, and facing new challenges.
And just like that little child, I’m proud of what I’ve built so far, and I’m excited to see what amazing things I’ll create next.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, specifically as a Product Manager?
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: Growing up, I have always been fascinated with the idea of having a tool I can use to solve problems not just locally but globally in my hand. As I grew older, my interest in technology only deepened. I pursued a degree in Information and communication Science and I was opportune to attend a lot of tech meetups and conferences during my stay in school.
One conference stood out for me because after a Lead product manager spoke at the conference , I told myself I will build my career not just as a Product Manager in Africa but as one who will make global impact, this has been my drive since then.
What skills do you think are essential for a Product Manager to succeed in the tech industry?
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: To thrive in the tech industry as a product manager, you must have a unique blend of technical and soft skills which includes being data driven, the ability to ensure customer’s satisfaction, being able to lead and communicate effectively with cross functional teams.
How do you measure the success of a product, and what metrics do you use to inform product decisions?
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: As a Product manager, I measure the success of a product by considering both the qualitative and quantitative metrics which includes its ability to meet customer needs and drive business outcomes.
These Key metrics include customer acquisition and retention rates, revenue growth, and user engagement. I also prioritize qualitative feedback and user research to inform product decisions.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the tech industry?
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: I regularly read industry blogs and news, attend conferences and meetups, and engage with other professionals on social media.I believe networking would enable easy access to other professionals in the space and other related trends. I also prioritize continuous learning and self-improvement, whether through online courses or mentorship.
What are the challenges you have faced being a product manager in the fintech space?
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: I have faced quite a number of challenges but to mention a few, I will say one of the challenges I have faced In the Fintech industry is managing customer’s risk tolerance.
Many of the times, customers are not well educated about the potential risks and managing their expectations can sometimes be challenging.
Another problem is banking penetration and the lack of banking infrastructure in rural areas which accounts for the largest number of the unbanked population, despite our efforts towards financial inclusion.
Lastly, Fintech is a heavily regulated industry, with laws and guidelines varying across countries and regions. Ensuring compliance with these regulations while innovating and delivering products to market quickly has been a significant challenge.
What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the tech industry as a Product Manager?
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: My advice would be that it’s essential to have an in-depth knowledge in tech, it is not always easy, in fact there are many times you will go through some challenges, just have it at the back of your mind that it is part of the process.
Network with other professionals, seek out mentorship, and be willing to take calculated risks. Also, don’t focus on just having technical skills, soft skills are also essential to be a successful product manager. Lastly, stay curious, be humble, and always be willing to learn.
What’s next for you in your career as a Product Manager?
Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi: I’m excited to continue growing and learning as a Product Manager. In the near future, I’m looking to take on more leadership responsibilities, mentor other Product Managers, and explore new opportunities in emerging technologies.
