As the tech industry continues to expand rapidly, the role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders cannot be overstated. Adeola Olorunfemi, a rising star in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, embodies this belief through her work as a mentor and leader in product management.

From her early days as a Customer Success Agent at Union Bank Nigeria to her current role as a Product Manager at Glover Technologies Limited, Olorunfemi’s career has been defined by resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Beyond her professional achievements, she has dedicated herself to fostering a supportive environment for aspiring tech professionals, particularly women.

Olorunfemi’s advocacy goes beyond individual mentorship. As a woman in tech, she is acutely aware of the challenges faced by women in the industry from gender biases to limited access to opportunities. Through panel discussions and workshops, she actively champions inclusivity and diversity in tech.

Her journey and work highlight the transformative power of mentorship and advocacy. Olorunfemi’s story is a powerful reminder that uplifting others not only shapes individual careers but also drives systemic change in the industry, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.

In this interview, she spoke about mentorship, potential, learning and others.

You have mentored over 20 individuals through platforms like Utiva and People in Product. What inspired you to take on this role?
Mentorship has always been close to my heart. I know firsthand how daunting it can be to enter the tech world, especially for women. Having someone to guide you can make all the difference. For me, it’s not just about giving advice; it’s about empowering others to see what they are capable of and helping them achieve it.
Kindly share a success story from your mentorship work

One of my mentees, Fatima Abubakar, recently secured her first role in product management. When we started, she was unsure about how to break into the field. We worked together to build her skills, confidence, and network. Seeing her land that role was incredibly rewarding. Another mentee, Ibrahim Musa, transitioned from a marketing background to tech after participating in one of my mentorship sessions. He now works as a junior product manager at a growing fintech company. It’s moments like these that make mentorship so fulfilling.

How can women overcome the barriers in tech?
There are still significant barriers for women in tech, but I believe we can overcome them by creating more inclusive spaces and amplifying women’s voices, she explains.

Recently, I participated in a workshop organised by TechHer, where we discussed actionable steps companies can take to create equitable opportunities for women. It’s about systemic change as much as individual empowerment.
When asked what advice she would give to women aspiring to enter the tech industry, Adeola’s response is both practical and inspiring:

Believe in Yourself: “The first step is to recognise your potential. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back.
Seek Mentorship: Find someone who has walked the path you want to take. Their guidance can save you time and help you avoid common pitfalls.”

Build Your Network: “Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Networking isn’t just about finding opportunities; it’s about learning and growing together.
Keep Learning: The tech industry evolves quickly. Stay curious and committed to learning new skills.

Looking ahead, what’s your plan for the future?
I hope to scale my efforts and create programmes that provide even more support for aspiring tech professionals.
My vision is to see more women in leadership roles across the tech industry,” she says. “We have so much to offer, and it’s time for our voices to be heard and our contributions recognised. One of my dreams is to launch a mentorship platform tailored for women in Africa’s tech ecosystem, connecting experienced professionals with young talents who need guidance.