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  • Lagos, Nigeria
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  • November 15 2023

🚀Entering Tech #48: How Olukunle Aboderin went from DJ-ing to data

Get insights from an assistant vice president at Flutterwave. 15 || November || 2023 View in Browser In partnership with #Issue 48 How Olukunle Aboderin went from DJ-ing to data Share this newsletter Greetings ET readers We are hiring! We’re on the hunt for experienced senior reporters in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya to help drive our tech coverage. If you’re passionate about the business of tech in Africa, love storytelling, and have significant newsroom experience, then join us.  If this sounds like someone you know, please share this opportunity with them.  by Timi Odueso Tech trivia questions Some trivia before we begin. Answers are at the bottom of this newsletter.  How many emails are sent out daily? How long would it take to download all the data on the internet? Ten years of fintechs and banks What do you do with a physics degree and a love for math?  If your answer is, like ours originally was, teaching, then you’re not as imaginative as you need to be. Olukunle Aboderin is though.  The physicist and number cruncher describes himself as a data scientist who has spent the past 13 years working with the largest banks and fintechs across Africa. Olukunle Aboderin The physicist and number cruncher describes himself as a data scientist who has spent the past 13 years working with the largest banks and fintechs across Africa. Olukunle might have started with a Bachelor’s Degree in physics from the Osun State University, but the tech bro now has two Master’s degrees—which he mentions he got voluntarily —in risk management and data analytics, and 16 different licences. Now, he’s the assistant vice president (AVP), Financial Operations and Treasury at Flutterwave, one of Africa’s unicorns.  Wondering how Olukunle built his love for math and physics into an illustrious tech career? Let’s find out. Simplify with Rowvar Simplify property investment with Rowvar. Start here. How Olukunle built it Akin to many tech enthusiasts, Olukunle’s foray into the tech realm didn’t just happen. Armed with a background in physics, his knack for problem-solving found its niche in the intricate world of tech. “Physics prepared me for the complexities of algebra in the business world,” he explained, underlining the importance of a solid analytical foundation. Transaction Monitoring, eTranzact International PLC 2010 – 2014 Card Operations Manager, First City Monument Bank 2014 – 2016 Lead Settlement & Reconcilliation, First City Monument Bank 2015 – 2018 Internal Control & Audits, First Bank Nigeria 2018 – 2019 Senior Risk, Portfolio Manager, Renmoney 2019 – 2020 AVP, Financial Operations & Treasury, Flutterwave Mar 2020 – Present But before he was even a tech bro, he was a disc jockey—a DJ—who hosted radio shows and was infamous during his undergraduate days at Osun State University. At the time, Olukunle worked with artists like M.I. and Blaqbonez but with great rhythmic power came great responsibilities that could only be settled by a stable means of income. And so, during his service corps year, he entered tech and finance with a role at eTranzact. Olukunle’s technical acumen was honed over the years, blending mathematical prowess with hands-on experience. For him, like any one who entered tech in the early 2010s, learning data wasn’t as streamlined as it today. There were no boot camps or courses, all they had was YouTube and stronghead. “It’s about having that groundwork to understand complex tech solutions,” he said. And because he already loved math, data science was easier to understand.  “I have a big flair for problem solving, and because I had a background in math and physics, I would say it made it ten times easier to understand financial systems I was learning about.” Olukunle painted a vivid picture of how the tech scene in Africa has drastically changed over the past decade. He pointed out how nowadays there are way more ways to learn tech stuff, like online platforms and mentorship programmes, making it much easier for new folks to dive into the tech world. When it comes to getting into tech, Olukunle talked about the balance between getting certified and getting hands-on experience. He said certifications are cool and can boost your resume, but real skills come from actually doing the stuff, not just acing exams. “You have to know your stuff, And because Olukunle knows his stuff, the data scientist is helping other people know their own stuff too. He’s the co-founder of the Business Artificial Intelligence (BAI) Incubator.  The BAI Incubator is a technology business accelerator and a global talent community that provides a platform for AI-related professionals to converge, get access to mentorship, network and grow.  It’s like a supportive hub where budding entrepreneurs get guidance, support, and connections to transform their early-stage projects into viable businesses. Olukunle says there are no application forms for BAI just yet, but if you’re interested in learning from him and other experts, reach out to him on LinkedIn and tell him #EnteringTech sent you .  How you can do it too We learnt a lot from Olukunle in our conversation—especially the fact that math can mean the difference between understanding data science and being stuck on SQL or Python. Here are the top five things he highlighted that we’d like to take away:  Image source: Zikoko Memes The importance of soft skills: Olukunle emphasises the significance of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are crucial alongside technical abilities to succeed in the tech industry. It’s like they say: hard skills might get you in the door, but soft skills get you promoted. Mentorship value: Mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting aspiring individuals, providing them with exposure and opportunities they might not otherwise encounter. Focus on quality over quantity: Olukunle stresses the importance of prioritising accuracy and quality over speed or quantity in project delivery. Over-delivering quality work stands out in the long run.  Individualised Success Metrics: Defining personal success metrics is crucial. Comparing yourself to others on social media platforms can create unnecessary pressure—especially when you realise many

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