Thanks for taking the time to meet today, Wole Ayeni. I’ve heard a lot about your journey, especially your work with HelpSpace. I’d love to dive deeper into your experience and learn more about your path in product management.
Can we meet you, please?
Sure, my name is Wole Ayeni, a Product Manager with over five years of experience in leading and managing product teams in FinTech, MarTech, and cloud solutions across Africa and globally.
My journey into product management began after working as a backend engineer, where I developed a strong foundation in technical skills, which I’ve leveraged to bridge the gap between business objectives and user needs.
I’ve co-founded two startups and played a key role in several high-impact projects, including the innovation of Cross-Border Payment Rails, Credit Scoring Solution, and Customer Data Platform Solution. I’m passionate about creating products that not only solve user problems but also drive business growth.
Let’s start with HelpSpace. Could you share what inspired you to start this NGO and how it’s been evolving? How does your work there intersect with your role as a Product Manager?
HelpSpace is an NGO I co-founded to connect people with mental health challenges with mentors, life coaches, and psychologists in Nigeria. The idea came from recognizing the gap in accessible mental health resources.
My role there has been pivotal in ensuring that our platform is user-friendly and addresses the real needs of our users, which aligns closely with my work in product management. This experience has honed my skills in understanding user pain points and translating them into effective product features
How did you first get to know about product management? What sparked your interest?, and How long have you been in product management, and what do you consider the most important aspects of the role?”
I first got to know about product management through my work as a backend engineer. I was always interested in how the products I was building fit into the bigger picture—how they solved user problems and met business goals.
This curiosity led me to transition into product management, where I could have a more holistic impact on the products from conception to launch.
I’ve been in product management for over 5 years now, and I’d say the most important aspects of the role are understanding user needs, aligning the product with business objectives, and effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.
What advice would you give someone who’s trying to break into product management?, and Do you think a certification is necessary for someone looking to transition into product management?
For anyone trying to break into product management, I’d recommend starting by gaining a deep understanding of the product development process and building a strong foundation in the key skills required—like user research, data analysis, and project management
Networking within the industry and seeking mentorship can also be very helpful. As for certifications, they can be beneficial, especially for learning frameworks and getting a structured understanding of product management, but they’re not strictly necessary if you can demonstrate the skills and experience.
Do you think it’s essential to have technical skills or coding knowledge to succeed as a Product Manager?
While it’s not mandatory to have technical skills or know how to code, having a technical background can be a significant advantage. It helps in communicating with engineering teams, understanding the technical feasibility of features, and making informed decisions.
My experience as a backend engineer has certainly helped me bridge the gap between the technical and business sides of product management.
Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you made the transition into product management?
My background is in engineering—I started as a backend engineer, which gave me a solid foundation in technical skills. Over time, I became more interested in the strategic side of things—how to align product features with user needs and business goals.
This led me to transition into product management, where I could leverage both my technical knowledge and my passion for creating impactful products.
There are many roles like Product Manager, Product Owner, Project Manager, and Program Manager. How would you differentiate between these roles?
Product Manager, Product Owner, Project Manager, and Program Manager are all distinct roles, though they often overlap. A Product Manager is responsible for the overall vision and strategy of a product, ensuring it meets user needs and business goals.
A Product Owner is more focused on the day-to-day execution, working closely with development teams to prioritize and manage the product backlog. A Project Manager handles the execution of specific projects within a timeline and budget, while a Program Manager oversees multiple related projects, ensuring they align with the broader business objectives.
In your words, what is product management? How do you describe it to someone new to the field?
Product management is the practice of guiding a product through its entire lifecycle—from ideation to development, launch, and beyond.
It involves understanding user needs, defining the product strategy, working with cross-functional teams to build the product, and continuously iterating based on feedback and data to ensure the product’s success.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in product management?
For someone starting in product management, my advice would be to stay curious and always focus on the user. Understand the problem you’re trying to solve deeply, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Building strong communication and collaboration skills is also crucial since you’ll be working with a wide range of stakeholders.
What do you find most challenging about being a Product Manager?
The most challenging part of my job is balancing the different priorities and expectations of various stakeholders—users, business leaders, and development teams.
It requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to make tough decisions to ensure that the product meets its objectives.
What has been your biggest career accomplishment so far, and what made it particularly meaningful for you?
One of my biggest career accomplishments so far has been leading the innovation of cross-border payment rails in partnership with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System at a Fintech company. This project not only improved the payment infrastructure across Africa but also enhanced financial inclusion by making cross-border transactions more accessible and affordable.
Thanks for this conversation. It’s always great to reflect on my journey and share insights. I hope some of this advice is helpful as you navigate your path in product management.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
