Skills as superpower: Tracing Damilola Adelekan exciting journey into product management

Damilola Adelekan’s journey into the tech space was far from conventional. Born with a curiosity that led her to explore diverse fields, she started her professional life in communications, where she honed skills that would later become the bedrock of her success in technology.

Early on, pictures of a determined young woman working on community projects captured her relentless drive. This drive propelled her into the heart of Africa’s burgeoning HealthTech sector.

“I always tell people that your existing skills are your superpower,” Damilola said. “Many professionals think they need to start from scratch when transitioning into tech, but many skills are transferable.”

Damilola’s career began modestly as a social media manager while volunteering for local causes. She soon transitioned into public relations and communications strategy. However, a conversation with her cousin, a seasoned product lead, sparked her curiosity to venture into product management.

With curiosity and determination, she began taking courses and acquiring the necessary skills.

In an interview with Technext, Damilola explained how she transitioned into tech. “I initially thought I would go into project management, but after a mentor on ADP List assessed my background, he said, ‘No, you’re a better fit for product management.’ That moment changed everything,” she recalled.

Today, Damilola is a product manager at Remedial Health, an organization revolutionizing access to quality healthcare in Nigeria by leveraging innovative digital solutions.

Breaking barriers in conventional workplaces and tech

For many women in tech, workplace culture remains one of the most significant hurdles.

Despite her successes, Damilola acknowledges that many women continue to struggle in environments where their voices go unheard. “I’ve been lucky to work in environments where my voice matters,” she noted. “But I know that’s not the case for many women. Company culture plays a huge role in whether women rise to leadership positions or remain in mid-level roles.”

An inclusive work environment does not happen by accident. It requires deliberate strategies such as effective HR policies, community-building efforts, and robust leadership training. Companies that invest in these areas perform better financially and foster innovation by harnessing a diversity of perspectives. 

Visibility, too, is a crucial element in this struggle. “If women in leadership positions are not visible, how do younger women aspire to be like them?” Damilola asked. “We need more representation in the media and industry events to show that tech leadership is achievable for women.”

In a media landscape often dominated by male figures, the rise of visible female leaders like Damilola breaks stereotypes and creates a pipeline of role models for future generations.

Driving Innovation in African HealthTech

Damilola has worked tirelessly and skillfully to be part of an organization that is transforming the healthcare landscape across Africa.

“Our goal is to bridge the gap between genuine medication and end-users,” she explained. “Nigeria has struggled with fake drugs and limited access to essential medicines, especially in rural areas. We’re solving this by improving logistics, offering credit facilities for pharmacies, and integrating health management systems for HMOs.”

Digital solutions are rapidly changing the face of healthcare. From drone deliveries and AI-powered diagnostics to electronic medical records, these technologies promise to improve efficiency and accessibility.

Yet, challenges remain. “The future of African HealthTech is bright, but we need sustained investment and local manufacturing to reduce dependency on international investments,” Damilola noted, hinting at the broader issues of infrastructure and funding that continue to hinder rapid progress.

Increasing gender diversity in tech is not only a matter of social justice, it’s a powerful economic catalyst. Research from McKinsey and the World Economic Forum has shown that companies with diverse leadership tend to perform better financially.

Diverse teams bring a mix of perspectives that drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and open access to new markets. In African HealthTech, where the stakes include improving healthcare outcomes for millions, the inclusion of women in leadership positions is especially critical.

Encouraging More Women to Lead in Tech

To bridge the gender gap in tech, aspiring female leaders must seize opportunities and take initiative.

Damilola’s journey is a testament to this ethos. Running a community that has already helped over 50 individuals, predominantly women, transition into tech, she leverages her own experiences to guide others. “It started with me sharing my journey on social media,” she recounted. “People began asking for guidance, and before I knew it, I was mentoring several women at different career stages.”

Her advice is simple and direct: “Just go for it. You don’t always have to see someone like you in the field before you make a move. Be bold, take risks, and trust in your ability to succeed.”

This message resonates deeply in an industry where visibility and representation remain scarce. By stepping into leadership roles and sharing their success stories, women can transform the tech landscape, inspiring others to follow suit and paving the way for a more inclusive future.

While the gender gap in Africa’s tech industry remains a pressing issue, progress is on the horizon. With leaders like Damilola Adelekan breaking barriers, advocating for inclusive work environments, and spearheading innovation in HealthTech, the future looks promising.

The combined efforts of forward-thinking companies, supportive government policies, and robust international collaborations are setting the stage for transformative change.

Damilola’s story is a beacon for the future of African HealthTech. With continued investment, supportive policies, and a commitment to inclusivity, Africa’s tech industry is poised to transform challenges into opportunities and unlock a future of boundless potential.