Meet Wisdom Nwokocha, the word maven using technical content to help global companies scale

From experiencing a supermarket checkout process to becoming a seasoned technical writer, Wisdom Nwokocha‘s journey to tech is a testament to the power of curiosity and determination. His first taste of technology came in a bustling supermarket, where he watched in fascination as desktop apps were used to streamline sales.

This early exposure ignited a passion for technology, leading him to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Now a senior technical writer at RootstockLabs, a global Web3 company making Bitcoin work for everyone, Wisdom uses words to drive product adoption.

Beyond his professional role, he’s also the founder of the Technical Writing Mentorship Program (TWMP), an open-source community with over 5000 members. This initiative empowers new and professional technical writers across Africa to make the most of their careers by giving them free mentorship, resources and opportunities. Today, we have a chat with Wisdom about his inspiring journey.

Question: How are you doing today, Wisdom?

Answer: Thank you. I’m doing very well. 

Question: Can you tell us about your journey from studying computer science to becoming a senior technical writer? What motivated this transition?

Answer: My journey from studying computer science to becoming a technical writer is a blend of passion for technology and communication. The turning point came when I secured a role as an Android engineer at a Belgium-based startup, Savics. One of my key responsibilities was migrating their Android apps from Java to Kotlin. During this project, I encountered a persistent bug that took days to resolve, with limited resources available online to assist. After countless efforts, I finally solved the issue and felt compelled to write about the entire process, hoping it would help others facing similar challenges. Surprisingly, the article received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many people expressing how valuable it was. This experience ignited my passion for writing as I realised how powerful technical content could be in helping others and driving problem-solving within the tech community.

Question: How has your background in software development influenced your approach to technical writing?

Answer: My background in software development gives me a strong foundation in technical concepts, allowing me to write from a deep understanding. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of poor documentation, I know exactly what developers need when looking at a product guide, documentation, or tutorial. I prioritise addressing those needs by creating straightforward, concise, and accessible content that simplifies complex processes, ensuring it serves as a practical resource for developers at all levels.

Question: What challenges did you face when transitioning from coding to writing, and how did you overcome them?

Answer: Transitioning from coding to technical writing came with its own set of challenges. The biggest hurdle was shifting from solving problems with code to clearly explaining solutions through writing. As a developer, I focused on logic, syntax, and efficiency, but writing demands a different discipline—one that prioritises clarity and accessibility. However, with constant practice, I gradually overcame this mindset shift. Another challenge was simplifying complex technical concepts without sacrificing essential details. Initially, I struggled to strike the right balance between thoroughness and conciseness. Still, over time, I discovered that analogies, real-world examples, and step-by-step explanations helped make even the most complex topics easier for readers to grasp.

Question: In your experience, what are the key differences between writing code and writing documentation?

Answer: Writing code and documentation are fundamentally different in purpose and approach. When writing code, the focus is on functionality—ensuring the code works efficiently and meets the technical requirements. It’s primarily about logic, problem-solving, and structuring the code in an efficient and scalable way. On the other hand, writing documentation is about communication. The goal is to make complex concepts easy to understand and to provide clear, concise guidance for users or developers. While code is written for machines to execute, documentation is written for people to comprehend, so it requires a focus on clarity, simplicity, and the reader’s experience. One of the most significant differences is that I need to anticipate the reader’s potential challenges with documentation and provide explanations or examples that help them navigate those difficulties. Essentially, code drives the product, but documentation drives understanding and adoption.

Question: You’ve been involved in various tech communities, such as Google Developer Group (GDG), Facebook Developer Circle, and KSIH. How has this involvement shaped your career?

Answer: Being involved with various tech communities has been a cornerstone of my career development, providing personal and professional growth. These communities allowed me to learn from and collaborate with like-minded professionals, expanding my technical knowledge and network. Engaging with diverse developers allowed me to gain new perspectives on problem-solving and to stay current with emerging trends in technology. More importantly, these communities helped me hone my communication skills by giving me a platform to share knowledge, mentor others, and speak at events. Through these engagements, I have contributed to the growth of others while also continuously growing myself in the technical writing industry.

Question: What role does technical content play in helping product companies scale? 

Answer: Technical content is critical in helping product companies scale by bridging the gap between complex technology and user understanding. Well-crafted documentation, tutorials, and guides make it easier for developers and users to adopt a product, reducing friction and shortening the learning curve. This, in turn, drives faster onboarding and product integration, enabling companies to scale more efficiently. It also enhances team collaboration by ensuring everyone is aligned on how the product works, boosting productivity. Ultimately, transparent and accessible technical content is not just an instructional tool but a strategic asset supporting product adoption, customer retention, and long-term growth.

Question: What are some common misconceptions about technical writing, and how do you address them?

Answer: One common misconception about technical writing is that it’s simply about translating technical stuff into plain language. While simplification is crucial, effective technical writing goes beyond that—it involves structuring information to guide users through complex processes, anticipating their needs, and providing clarity at every step. Another misconception is that technical writing is a secondary task that is less important than development or design. Good documentation is crucial for product success, enabling users and developers to fully understand and utilise a product. To address these misconceptions, I emphasise the value of well-crafted content by showing how it directly impacts product adoption, customer satisfaction, and overall business growth. I also advocate for including technical writers early in the product development, ensuring that documentation evolves with the product and reflects its full potential.

Question: In your opinion, what qualities make a great technical communicator, and how can aspiring writers develop these skills?

Answer: A great technical communicator possesses clarity, empathy, attention to detail, and adaptability. Clarity ensures complex information is easily understood, empathy tailors content to the audience’s needs, attention to detail maintains accuracy, and adaptability adjusts the approach based on feedback. Aspiring writers can develop these skills by studying diverse technical content, engaging with the technical writing community, and seeking feedback on their work to refine their approach.

Question: What are your goals for the next phase of your career, and how do you plan to continue impacting the tech industry?

Answer: As I advance in my career, my main goal is to further establish myself as a leader in the technical writing field. I aim to enhance my impact on the tech industry by focusing on developer education and community building. Through the Technical Writing Mentorship Program (TWMP), I am dedicated to supporting others by offering structured mentorship and informal guidance. I aim to help individuals navigate their careers, develop their skills, and make a meaningful impact. I believe that high-quality technical content is essential for empowering developers and driving innovation.