Backstage with BobbyD featuring Daniel Adeyanju

Daniel Adeyanju's journey from watching his father build computers in Jamaica to becoming a tech leader represents the transformative power of intentional innovation. With Nigerian roots and a unique pathway through the tech world, Daniel shares how the simple image of his father building computers to feed their family created a lasting desire to extend that opportunity to others. Growing up between Jamaica, Antigua, and eventually California, Daniel witnessed firsthand how technology could empower communities. Though initially pursuing studies in Africana Studies and biology, his realization that "tech is eating the world and none of us are in it" sparked a mission to bring more diverse voices into technology. This led him through roles as a software engineer at Macy's, a career coach at CUNY Lehman College, and work with tech bootcamps before founding his company Be Great Today. Throughout our conversation, Daniel reveals how his cultural heritage has shaped his approach to technology and leadership. The values instilled by his grandfather – "never forget where you're from" and "never forget the father of whom you are" – remain central to his philosophy. This cultural grounding enables him to bridge divides within the Black diaspora, fostering greater understanding and collaboration in tech spaces that desperately need diverse perspectives. What stands out most in Daniel's approach is his framework for success: "Always be connecting, always be building, always be learning." He applies this to everything from DevOps (which he brilliantly explains as bridging the gap between software engineers and infrastructure specialists) to his thoughts on AI as "amplified intent." Rather than approaching technological advances with fear, he advocates engagement from a place of love and service, challenging listeners to build technologies that genuinely serve underrepresented communities. Whether he's discussing his co-founded coffee shop Ka Cafe in Jersey City, his approach to public speaking, or his advice for the next generation of technologists through his four Ps framework (People, Projects, Problem-solving, and Packaging), Daniel exemplifies what it means to use technology as a vehicle for positive change. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Instagram @BGreat to continue the conversation and learn how you can unlock your potential to solve the world's problems with intention and focus. Support the show 🚀 Join the Hustle! 👥 Join Our Community – Dive into our Discord, where the tech talk never stops. 💌 Subscribe to the Newsletter – Your monthly dose of tech, culture, and community insights. 💻 Contribute on GitHub – Got code? Join our projects and make a difference. 🎤 Book a Speaker – Bring #TheTechHustle's fire to your event. 📚 Explore Our Courses – Level up with our expert-led tech courses. 💼 Advertise with Us – Become a Sponsor or Partner with #TheTechHustle! 💖 Make a Donation – Support the movement that's reshaping tech.