Episodi
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On this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we had data expert and Dataphyte CEO Joshua Olufemi with us.
Follow him on LinkedIn and follow Dataphyte on Twitter
We talked about:
How he went from a secondary school Economics teacher to the CEO of Dataphyte How data can drive change and social impact Nigeria’s data problem and the unique challenges of collecting and reporting with data The importance of having a focused and reliable teamBreakdown:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:00 Icebreaker game
00:03:32 Fun facts about Joshua
00:05:37 From economics teacher to CEO
00:09:39 Being a part of the National Endowment for Democracy Fellowship
00:14:44 Proudest achievements of Dataphyte
00:21:20 The Dataphyte and Goloka teams
00:28:54: Major challenges in collecting accurate data
00:37:37 How can Nigeria be more data-driven?
00:43:55 Joshua's dream for Dataphyte and Goloka
00:45:24 Advice for people building something around data
00:47:42 Final words
00:48:30 Outro
We referenced:
Dataphyte Goloka National Endowment for DemocracyDon’t forget to follow The Spotlight Podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to our YouTube and newsletter
If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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On this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we had product designer Ayodeji Olagbaiye with us.
Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter
We talked about:
What your portfolio MUST contain if you want to land a UX design role in 2024 What NOT to do when designing your portfolio How to get your first UX design job The best platform to host your UX design portfolio How often you should update your portfolio if you want to stay relevantBreakdown:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:52 Icebreaker
00:11:02 Deji's background
00:13:03 Working with developers
00:15:50 What media is Ayodeji consuming?
00:17:18 How Ayodeji got into UX design
00:25:34 Joining Kuda
00:29:06 Working remotely
00:30:05 What he would have done differently
00:34:00 Getting your first job and having a portfolio
00:36:30 What he wishes he knew when building his first portfolio
00:43:26 Key things in a portfolio
00:50:50 Updating your portfolio
00:54:46 Can you get a job without a big project on your portfolio?
00:58:40 What not to do in your portfolio
01:01:39 Is there a best place to host your portfolio?
01:09:06 Can AI help with your portfolio?
01:10:54 Unpopular opinion about design portfolios
01:13:45 Some of the best portfolios Ayodeji has seen
01:21:40 Resources to build your portfolio
01:24:10 Advice for designers
01:31:22 Outro
We referenced:
Tintype Daniel Abayomi Notion Framer Webflow Wordpress Wix Polywork Kuldar Ekemini's portfolio Dennis Snellenberg's Portfolio 90% of designers are unhirable? | UX Collective UX Collective Dribbble Behance LayersDon’t forget to follow The Spotlight Podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to our YouTube and newsletter
If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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Episodi mancanti?
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After a long hiatus, we're back with a new episode.
On this episode, the amazing Tochy Udunwa shared some insights on marketing, the unpredictability of the industry, and how to navigate it.
Follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram
We also we talked about:
Conversion and brand loyalty The role of branding in marketing Picking the right strategy for your organisation Defining success in marketing What to know/do if you want to become a marketerBreakdown:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:05) Icebreaker
(00:11:35) Digital Marketing vs Traditional Advertising
(00:12:43) Conversion and community building
(00:18:49) The role of branding in marketing
(00:22:30) Tochy’s background
(00:31:25) The importance of domain experience in marketing
(00:35:47) Tochy’s superpower (project management)
(00:36:37) Tochy’s career milestones
(00:47:25) How to pick the right strategy for an organisation
(00:51:45) What makes the industry so unpredictable?
(00:54:32) Navigating the uncertainties
(00:57:40) Tochy’s future publications
(00:59:31) Defining the success of your strategy
(01:05:10) Advice for aspiring marketing professionals
(01:13:42): Tochy’s online presence
We referenced:
Google Project Management: Professional Certificate | Coursera Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate | Coursera Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Coursera EDai MyShopLauncher GradientFI Microsoft Clarity Pretty Little Marketer Mad Over Marketing (M.O.M) Capturing the Moment: Maltina Cans Drop from a Billboard on a Lagos StreetDon’t forget to follow The Spotlight Podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also subscribe to our YouTube and newsletter
If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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In episode 15 of the podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Isaac Durotoye, a tech whiz who is deeply entrenched in the world of fintech. Our conversation revolved around the intriguing topics of Banking as a Service (BaaS) and APIs, and how they're reshaping the financial technology landscape.
Together, we dissected the unique challenges and opportunities facing fintech in Africa, broke down the opportunities presented by Baas, and reflected on the critical role of technical expertise in product management practice. If you're passionate about fintech, product management, and the future of digital finance, this episode holds insights you won't want to miss.
Book mentioned:
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nil Eyal
Subscribe now and engage with us on our social media, links below.
Don't forget to follow Isaac Durotoye on LinkedIn. Check out his blog at blog.jnrjose.org
Follow The Spotlight:
on LinkedIn (The Spotlight Podcast),
on Twitter (@_spotlightpod) and
on Instagram (@_spotlightpod).
Follow Iwalola Sobowale on LinkedIn and Twitter (@iwalolasobowale)
Also, check out and subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight”.
New episodes of the podcast will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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In our 14th episode, we uncover why Product Management can sometimes hit roadblocks in organisations with Nnamdi Azodo, a distinguished Product Manager with over 12 years of experience. Nnamdi, known for transforming the financial landscape in Nigerian banks and fintech startups, shares his journey, insights, and solutions.
We dig deep into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding Product Management, the impact of organisational structures, the power of clarity, and how to overcome resistance to change. Join us for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the intricacies of this vital discipline. If you're looking for inspiration and practical insights into Product Management, this episode is a must-listen.
Subscribe now and engage with us on our social media, links below.
Don't forget to follow Nnamdi Azodo on LinkedIn and Twitter. Check out his Substack newsletter WorkplaceHQ and his course The Complete Product Management Course
Follow The Spotlight:
on LinkedIn (The Spotlight Podcast),
on Twitter (@_spotlightpod) and
on Instagram (@_spotlightpod).
Follow Iwalola Sobowale on LinkedIn and Twitter (@iwalolasobowale)
Also, check out and subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight”.
New episodes of the podcast will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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In this episode, we discussed the importance of tech advocacy and community building with Elizabeth Okaome, a passionate Developer Relations Community Manager and founder of Empower Her Community. Elizabeth shares her journey, highlighting the crucial role of developer relations in the tech ecosystem.
She discusses community engagement, advocating for developers, and leveraging feedback for product improvements. We also talked about the importance of NOT comparing Tech to fraud “yahoo”.
This episode offers valuable insights and inspiring stories for tech enthusiasts and community builders. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on the significance of developer relations in tech.
Book mentioned: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson
Follow Elizabeth Okaome on LinkedIn and Twitter and be sure to check out Empower Her Community!
Follow The Spotlight:
on LinkedIn (The Spotlight Podcast),
on Twitter (@_spotlightpod) and
on Instagram (@_spotlightpod).
Follow Iwalola Sobowale on LinkedIn and Twitter (@iwalolasobowale)
Also check out and subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy”.
New episodes of the podcast will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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Join us as we take a look back into the inspiring journey of Evans Akanno, founder of Vzy. With a remarkable track record in entrepreneurship and design, Evans shares his experiences from bootstrapping ventures like Cregital and Disha to the creation of Vzy.
His insights reveal the power of strategic thinking, customer-centricity, and creativity in achieving impressive revenue milestones while overcoming budget constraints. Learn from Evans' stories of challenges, triumphs, and the potential rewards of bootstrapping, as he aims to democratise digital brand design through Vzy.
Don't miss this episode for valuable advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts. Subscribe now and engage with us on our social media, links below.
Follow Evans Akanno on LinkedIn and be sure to check out Vzy www.vzy.co to create websites 10x faster with AI!
Follow The Spotlight:
on LinkedIn, on Twitter and on InstagramFollow Iwalola Sobowale on LinkedIn and Twitter (@iwalolasobowale)
Also check out and subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy”.
New episodes of the podcast will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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Join us as we explore work-life harmony, conquer imposter syndrome, and navigate the comparison trap with the brilliant UX designer, Jennifer Daniel. Tune in for wisdom, inspiration, and growth!
Mentions:
Work therapy podcast
Follow Jennifer on Instagram @uxoamaka_
Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn
Check out UX Resource Hub: https://www.uxresourcehub.com/
'Designerbabe' Mitchelle Chibundu’s Instagram profile
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn for more UX research resources and insights
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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Two Truths and a Lie: Guess the lie and win 50% discount off a one-on-one with Grace AND a Filmhouse cinema ticket to see a movie of your choice - Follow The Spotlight on Twitter (@thespot_light) and send me a DM here
In this episode, we are joined by Grace Ademola-Adenle, LinkedIn's Top Voice in Design! Her journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring, from disrupting the tech education space to bagging those impressive 6-figure offers from top-notch companies like Meta. Want to know the secrets behind standing out in the competitive recruitment game and negotiating your dream salary? Grace spills all the beans! Plus, she'll show you how to maintain a stellar work-life balance. If you're an aspiring product designer, this is a must-listen episode! Tune in now to soak up all the wisdom and supercharge your UX career journey!
Mentions:
Get a free copy of Grace's book: From Zero to Overbooked
Book a free 20-minute discovery call with Grace here
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter for more resources and insights on user-centric product development.
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected].
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In this episode, we have a multifaceted guest, Hilary Umeche, who is a creative powerhouse in brand design. We discuss the role of creative brand design and the power of visual storytelling in crafting captivating brand experiences that resonate with customers and drive business success. Our guest brings a wealth of experience and expertise and provides valuable insights into his creative process and the challenges he navigates in his role. His expertise and passion for creating visually compelling designs are evident and truly inspiring.
Join us as we explore the art of branding, the power of visual storytelling, and the strategic approach to creating memorable brands.
Connect with Hilary Umeche on LinkedIn
Logo Design Course: From Concept to Presentation by Sagi Haviv on Domestika
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn for more UX research resources and insights.
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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In this episode, we have the opportunity to delve into the mindset of a talented Growth Marketer, Emmanuel Ojo, exploring his unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. We'll uncover the challenges he has faced, the lessons learned, and the intersection between product, research, strategy, and growth.
Emmanuel Ojo’s LinkedIn profile
Mentions:
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
The Product Podcast
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn for more UX research resources and insights
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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In this episode, we had another guest, Gloria Imevbore, a seasoned digital marketing manager with extensive expertise in building and nurturing brands in the digital space. We discussed the impact of digital marketing on brand development, its intersection with product research, and the strategies that can be employed to create memorable brand experiences. Gloria shared some valuable insights and advice for successful brand building in today's ever-evolving digital landscape.
Mentions:
Gloria’s LinkedIn profile
Niel Patel’s website
The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni
Google Hustle Academy
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn or Twitter for more UX research resources and insights
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form.
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I discussed the nuances and complexities of delivering tough news as a UX researcher, with the aim of sharing valuable insights and strategies for effectively communicating findings in challenging situations. I hope this episode is helpful in preparing you to navigate the delicate balance between honesty and diplomacy, foster collaboration, and deliver impactful user experiences.
“Unveiling User Experience: Applying Design Research to Enhance UX Design'' webinar by Research Bookmark
Currently reading: Zendesk CX Trends 2023 “Consumers expect AI to radically transform service.”
Podcast I’m listening to: HBR’s Women at Work
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter for more resources and insights on user-centric product development.
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]. -
In this episode we had a seasoned product manager Omotolani Ketiku, share the unique challenges and hurdles faced by product managers. From navigating regulatory frameworks to staying ahead of emerging technologies, Omotolani shares her firsthand experiences and insights, providing us with a glimpse into the exciting yet demanding world of product management in payment and financial services.
Podcast Mentioned: The Open Africa Podcast
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn for more UX research resources and insights.
New episodes of the podcast will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or shoot me an email at [email protected].
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Today, we are joined by Odun Odubanjo, the co-founder & CEO of Insight7. Insight7 is a customer insights AI tool that is revolutionising how product teams analyse customer feedback to make data-driven decisions 10 times faster.
Get a free trial of Insight7
We explore the impact of customer insights, product strategy, and innovation, gaining valuable knowledge from Odun's extensive entrepreneurial experience. From the transformative potential of AI-driven customer feedback analysis to the strategic importance of data-driven decision-making, we uncover the keys to success in product development.
Odun Odubanjo’s LinkedIn profile
The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick
The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Steve Blank
Y Combinator Channel on Youtube
Inspired and Empowered by Marty Cagan
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn for more UX research resources and insights
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form or send me an email at [email protected]
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In this episode, we talk to Dipo Apelehin, a B2B SaaS product designer to learn about his struggles and triumphs. Dipo shares how he navigates the unique obstacles to UX design in Nigeria and how he has managed to leave a mark with his work.
Mentions:
Dipo’s LinkedIn profile
C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan
Smashing magazine
NNgroup
The New Breed by Kate Darling
Nkowa Okwu Igbo English dictionary
Dipo’s Case study for Nkowa Okwu
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn for more UX research resources and insights. New episodes will be published weekly.
If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form.
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In the second episode of “The Spotlight” podcast, the host, Iwalola Sobowale, talks about a day in her life as a UX researcher. She talks about what she’s currently reading, podcasts she listens to, and interesting tidbits from her day.
Mentions:
Miro webinar titled “Reach next-level engagement in user research with Miro”.
Currently reading:
The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Sprint: How to solve big problems and test new ideas in just 5 days by Jake Knapp
Podcasts:
Mckinsey’s “Inside the strategy room”
Freddie Wong “Started from the bottom”
“Strategy Skills” by FirmsConsulting
I said what I said
234 Essential
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter “The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy” and follow me on LinkedIn for more UX research resources and insights
New episodes will be published weekly. If you have any suggestions or questions, please complete the Q&A intake form.
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In this first episode of The Spotlight Podcast, the host, Iwalola Sobowale, discusses trending topics in UX Research including: Dr Ari Zelmanow's post: "I hate the word 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 in UX research." and Jared Spool's post: "Product, Development, and Design should all report to UX Research."
I also shout out one of my favourite podcasts on UX Research "Awkward Silences".
Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter "The Spotlight: Product Research and Strategy" and follow me on LinkedIn.
I'll be posting new episodes weekly, and if you'd like to ask me any questions, please complete my Q&A form.
Till next time!