Ayodele Aransiola is no stranger to taking an idea from concept to reality and building thriving communities from the ground up.
With over four years of experience in building developer and tech communities, he remains at the forefront of fostering meaningful user engagement and driving product adoption.
Ayodele’s approach centres around breaking down the barriers between users and complex technologies, ensuring seamless adoption through education, support, and open communication.
His leadership in community building empowers users to embrace new technologies and helps companies achieve long-term growth and loyalty by aligning product development with real user needs.
After spending over two years at Polygon as a community manager, Ayodele now works as the Lead Developer Advocate at Autogon AI. Today, we had the opportunity to chat with him about his journey.
Ayodele, can you tell us a bit about your journey into community management?
Ayodele: My journey began with a passion for connecting like-minded individuals and helping them grow together. Early in my career, I realised that no matter how great a product or technology is, it won’t succeed without a robust and engaged community behind it.
This inspired me to take roles where I could empower developers and users by creating platforms for education, collaboration, and support. The opportunity to drive impact and foster innovation through these communities has continuously motivated me.
What key strategies have you used to build thriving communities for various organisations?
Ayodele: One key strategy is fostering inclusivity and making the community accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level. I always focus on creating valuable content, providing resources, and organising events catering to beginners and experts.
Regular engagement through online channels and in-person meetups is also crucial.
At Autogon AI, for example, I ensure that we provide real-time support and create spaces where users can share their experiences, ask questions, and contribute to the product’s growth.
You’ve been recognised for your expertise in community management, technical writing and developer relations. Can you share some of your key career highlights?
Ayodele: Certainly! I’ve had the opportunity to work on several impactful projects that have shaped my career. One of my proudest achievements was driving engagement and growth within the Polygon ecosystem, where I managed the community, facilitated discussions, addressed inquiries, and ensured a positive, inclusive environment.
I’ve also authored technical articles that garnered over 100,000 engagements, highlighting my passion for simplifying complex topics. Additionally, I’ve implemented community strategies that significantly boosted product awareness and adoption.
As a LinkedIn Learning instructor, I’ve released advanced technical courses that have been well-received globally, further contributing to my role in empowering developers and fostering innovation.
I love simplifying complex subjects, and this has also led me to create courses for international institutions like the University of Miami, the University of Denver and the University of Florida.
You’ve held leadership positions in various social enterprise communities. What have been your biggest challenges and successes in these roles?
Ayodele: One of the biggest challenges has been scaling communities while maintaining a personal, engaged environment.
As communities grow, it becomes harder to cater to individual needs, so I’ve had to rely on creating sub-groups or assigning community leaders to maintain that connection.
On the flip side, one of my biggest successes is seeing these communities become self-sustaining, with members actively contributing, mentoring others, and driving innovation.
Watching people grow within the community and make real-world impacts has been incredibly rewarding.
Can you tell us more about your role as a Lead Developer Advocate at Autogon AI? How does community engagement factor into your day-to-day work?
Ayodele: As a Lead Developer Advocate, I’m essentially the bridge between developers and our product team. My role involves advocating for developers by ensuring they have the tools, support, and resources they need to succeed with our solutions.
Community engagement is at the heart of my day-to-day activities. Whether it’s through creating tutorials, hosting webinars, or engaging with developers on forums, my focus is building a strong, informed community excited about using Autogon AI to solve real-world problems.
Also a great speaker, you’ve been invited to speak at numerous tech conferences. How has public speaking contributed to your growth as a leader in community engagement?
Ayodele: Public speaking has been a powerful tool in my growth. It has given me a platform to share insights, connect with a broader audience, and further strengthen my community. Speaking at conferences allows me to exchange ideas with other leaders, gain new perspectives, and inspire others to take active roles in their communities.
What role do you see technology playing in the future, particularly in Africa?
Ayodele: I believe technology will continue to drive economic growth, especially in Africa. There’s a growing pool of talent, and the barrier to entry into tech is lowering with the availability of resources and platforms for learning.
Through communities and mentorship, we can create an ecosystem where more people have the opportunity to build successful careers in tech. I’m involved in several initiatives to foster innovation and provide opportunities for aspiring developers in Africa.
What’s next for you, Ayodele? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you’d like to share?
Ayodele: I’m always looking for new challenges and ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. I’m developing new courses that address the latest trends in software development.
Additionally, I’m excited about collaborating with more organisations to build tools with broader societal impact. It’s an exciting time for technology, and I want to be at the forefront of driving that change.
