From 12-Year-Old Teacher to Tech Innovator: The Journey Nobody Expected

Unlock the secrets behind a successful tech career from someone who started coding at just 16 and became a product leader through curiosity, resilience, and mentorship. If you're passionate about breaking into tech, pivoting industries, or levelling up your impact, this episode is your blueprint for transformation. At only 16, our guest built a school fee management software for her mom’s school, turning a simple idea into a real-world project that sparked her love for software engineering. From teaching mathematics at 12 to managing products in Nigeria’s emerging tech scene, her journey defies convention and highlights that curiosity and continuous learning are your most valuable assets. She shares how her deep passion for tech was ignited by stories of badass mathematician hackers, and how she navigated the challenges of tech education—losing touch, then reigniting her skills with courses in AI and Python. We break down:How early hands-on projects can set a foundation for a thriving tech careerThe critical role of mentorship and community support in Nigeria and beyondWhy curiosity matters more than talent and how it propels you across disciplines—from backend engineering to UX and product managementPractical tips for transitioning into product management, even without a traditional tech backgroundThe importance of building strong relationships and camaraderie with your team that transcends work hours—creating a human-centred leadership style