Ayobola Adedayo is a visionary innovator and digital transformation leader with over 17 years of experience across telecommunications, technology, FMCG, NGOs, edtech, and fintech sectors. She holds a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD Business School and an honorary doctorate in leadership and strategy. A strong advocate for AI with her AI use cases accepted into the NVIDIA Inception program. Awarded Product Leader of the Year 2024 and Community Award Local Winner for Nigeria by WomenTech Network. A thought leader, she has spoken at global conferences like MISK Global Forum and the International Labour Organization, and is the author of influential books, including Ayobola’s Success Equation and Ayobola’s Hierarchy of Career Fulfillment. She is dedicated to empowering women, communities and strong advocate for economic empowerment.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Dr. Adedayo shared her professional trajectory, insights into the future of digital transformation, the secret mantra behind her success, her favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Dr. Adedayo. What inspired you to pursue a career in digital transformation, and how have you navigated the evolution of the field over the course of your career?
I was driven by a passion to make impactful changes and help organisations thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can solve complex problems, enhance customer experiences, and create new growth opportunities. Seeing the potential for businesses to unlock untapped potential through digital transformation sparked my interest in the field.
Over the years, I’ve navigated the evolution of digital transformation by continuously learning and adapting to emerging technologies. My deep dive into sectors like telecommunications, technology, FMCG, NGOs, EdTech, and FinTech has exposed me to diverse challenges and innovative approaches. I’ve embraced a mindset of continuous curiosity, keeping myself updated on the latest trends, whether it’s through attending industry conferences, participating in tech communities, or leveraging data analytics to drive actionable insights.
One key strategy I’ve used to stay ahead in this rapidly changing field is combining strategic foresight with hands-on execution. I focus on aligning digital initiatives with the core business objectives, ensuring that each transformation is not only cutting-edge but also sustainable in the long run. Additionally, my cross-functional leadership experience has allowed me to bridge the gap between technology, business strategy, and customer experience, while delivering on digital solutions that create real value.
Throughout my journey, I’ve led transformative projects, like launching e-commerce channels for telecom companies and developing AI-driven tools to enhance decision-making in entrepreneurial ecosystems. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also reinforced my belief in the power of technology to drive meaningful change. As the field evolves, I remain committed to helping organisations navigate this transformation by fostering innovation, building strong teams, and driving impactful results.
What role do you believe AI plays in driving digital transformation, and how have you leveraged AI in your own work to deliver exceptional business outcomes?
AI is at the heart of modern digital transformation, serving as a powerful tool that drives efficiency, personalization, and innovation across industries. It has the potential to automate processes, analyse vast amounts of data, and provide actionable insights that help organisations make smarter decisions. AI enables businesses to not only enhance operational effectiveness but also deliver more personalised experiences to customers, which ultimately leads to greater satisfaction and loyalty.
In my own work, I’ve leveraged AI in various ways to achieve exceptional business outcomes. One notable example is when I led the development of an AI-driven predictive model to enhance grant application processes for entrepreneurs. This tool analysed data from past applications, identifying which applicants were most likely to succeed based on key indicators such as their business plans, market potential, and financial projections. By integrating AI into this system, we were able to significantly reduce the volume of applications reviewed manually, saving the company substantial time and costs leading to a 45% reduction in review expenses.
Additionally, I have worked on projects where AI-powered chatbots provided real-time customer support and personalised recommendations. These chatbots used natural language processing (NLP) to understand customer queries and offer tailored responses, which improved customer engagement and service efficiency. This technology not only streamlined customer service operations but also resulted in faster resolution times and a 25% increase in customer satisfaction.
I am also a strong believer in having hands-on skills, even in mostly supervisory roles. I believe it helps better communicate the vision among the team when you have a deep understanding of the technical requirements. After completing a course in Conversational AI, where I gained hands-on knowledge, I developed a faith-based bot to put my learning into practise. This bot was designed to provide personalised responses to users based on Bible scriptures, answering faith-based questions. I trained the bot using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and added a knowledge base, enabling it to understand user queries.
My approach to integrating AI into projects involves a combination of data-driven insights, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and continuous learning. I ensure that AI solutions align with business goals, are tested rigorously, and are seamlessly integrated into existing workflows to ensure maximum impact.
AI is more than just a technological tool; it’s a catalyst for transformation, and I believe its strategic application can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth.
What do you see as the future of digital transformation, and how do you think organizations can stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and growth?
The future of digital transformation is one of continuous evolution, driven by advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. To stay ahead of the curve, organizations must not only keep up with these rapid changes but also leverage them strategically to drive innovation and growth.
To guide organizations in this journey, I have crafted my 7 key pillars for successful digital transformation, which I use as my personal toolkit. These pillars ensure that organizations can effectively navigate disruptions, seize opportunities for growth, and achieve sustained competitive advantage. Here is how the 7 pillars support the digital transformation journey:
People – In this pillar, it is critical to focus on Identification, Attraction, Retention, and Development of the right talent. Organizations need a workforce that not only possesses technical expertise but is also aligned with the organization’s culture of continuous learning and development. According to Deloitte’s Engaging the Workforce survey, high employee engagement leads to increased productivity and innovation. The right KPIs are crucial for ensuring that people are focused on what they can directly control, such as performance metrics related to their roles, personal development, and their contributions to team goals. By aligning KPIs with individual capabilities, organizations empower employees to take ownership of their success and drive outcomes. A matrix structure, which fosters cross-functional collaboration, plays a crucial role here.
Customer – Digital transformation is ultimately about enhancing customer experiences. In the Customer pillar, we focus on Awareness/Interest, Attract/Decision, Engagement, Retention, and Loyalty. By leveraging data-driven insights, organizations can deliver personalized customer journeys that lead to higher engagement and long-term loyalty. AI and machine learning are powerful tools for tailoring experiences to customer needs, helping organizations to not only attract but also retain their customers more effectively, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Process – In this pillar, Automation and Data Management are central to achieving operational efficiency and flexibility. Automating routine tasks allows organizations to focus on more strategic initiatives, driving cost savings and improving speed. Effective data management ensures that organizations can harness data for decision-making, improve process workflows, and optimize performance. This streamlined process management enhances overall efficiency, enabling organizations to scale their operations while maintaining high levels of performance.
Culture – Fostering a culture of Innovation and an Engaged Workforce is essential in driving digital transformation. Organizations must create environments that encourage continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration. Leadership vision and commitment play a pivotal role in ensuring that the company’s digital strategy aligns with its culture. A matrix structure is crucial here as well, allowing for effective cross-functional collaboration, faster decision-making, and a stronger alignment between strategy and execution. McKinsey research has shown that highly successful agile transformations typically delivered around 30 percent gains in efficiency, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and operational performance; made the organization five to ten times faster; and turbocharged innovation. An Agile/Hybrid team structure, where employees work across both functional and project-based teams, supports the rapid adaptation needed for innovation and helps businesses meet evolving market demands.
Technology – The heart of digital transformation lies in leveraging Technology, especially in areas like Intelligence, Modernization, Scalability, Efficiency, Security, and Optimization. Organizations must invest in technologies that allow them to scale operations securely and efficiently. By modernizing their tech stack, businesses can ensure that they remain competitive and can rapidly adapt to market changes. Cloud computing, for example, allows for scalability and flexibility, which is essential as organizations seek to expand their reach and improve customer experiences.
Partners – Strategic Partnerships are vital for enhancing innovation capabilities and market reach. Partnerships enable organizations to tap into external expertise and resources that help drive their digital transformation forward. Whether through collaborations with technology providers, consultants, or other industry players, building strong alliances accelerates the development and deployment of innovative solutions, which in turn helps organizations stay competitive and expand their offerings.
Innovation – Empowering an Entrepreneurial and Innovative Culture is the final pillar in my toolkit. By fostering a culture of innovation, organizations can encourage employees to think outside the box, propose new ideas, and develop disruptive digital solutions. Creating spaces for experimentation, such as innovation labs, allows teams to test new concepts without the fear of failure. These environments are crucial for driving innovation, which in turn creates new business opportunities and revenue streams.
Finally, the right structure, including a matrix structure, and the right KPIs are essential for delivering business outcomes. People should only be responsible for what they can control, and KPIs must align with the organization’s overarching strategic objectives. By leveraging these 7 pillars, People, Customer, Process, Culture, Technology, Partners, and Innovation along with the appropriate team structure and partnerships, organizations can stay ahead of the curve and continuously innovate to achieve sustainable growth in the digital age.
What impact do you believe increased diversity and inclusion would have on innovation, creativity, and progress in your industry?
Increased diversity and inclusion have a profound impact on innovation, creativity, and progress in the technology and digital transformation industry. According to research by Mckinsey, diverse teams are more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts in terms of creativity, problem-solving, and driving innovation.
The People pillar of my 7 pillars of digital transformation emphasizes creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. By focusing on Diversity and Inclusion, organizations unlock new perspectives that inspire innovative ideas and solutions. When employees from varied backgrounds come together, they bring unique experiences, viewpoints, and skills that challenge conventional thinking, leading to more creative and out-of-the-box solutions. This diversity of thought is crucial for tackling complex problems and identifying new opportunities in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Diversity also fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, another key aspect of the People pillar. A diverse team encourages individuals to learn from one another, broadening their skill sets and perspectives. This exposure to diverse viewpoints improves collaboration and communication, which in turn strengthens the team’s ability to innovate.
From an Innovation standpoint, the inclusion of diverse voices leads to more effective problem-solving. A diverse team is better equipped to identify potential blind spots and offer solutions that reflect the needs and preferences of a broader range of customers, particularly in a globalized, interconnected market. As organizations work to implement hyper-personalized solutions and meet diverse consumer demands, having a team that reflects those demographics is invaluable.
Moreover, leadership commitment to diversity and inclusion, as outlined in my Culture pillar, sets the tone for the entire organization. When leaders embrace diversity as a core value, it cultivates an atmosphere where employees feel safe, valued, and motivated to contribute their best ideas. This creates an environment conducive to experimentation and risk-taking, both of which are essential for driving digital transformation and growth.
Additionally, the matrix structure I advocate for supports diversity and inclusion efforts by promoting cross-functional collaboration. Diverse perspectives from different teams and departments lead to more holistic solutions, driving creativity and progress. For example, a team working on a digital transformation initiative benefits from diverse input on aspects like user experience, technical implementation, and marketing strategies.
Diversity and inclusion are catalysts for innovation. When diverse perspectives come together, they challenge conventional thinking and inspire groundbreaking solutions. In the tech industry, greater representation ensures that products and services cater to a broader audience, fostering inclusivity and market expansion. Personally, I’ve witnessed how diverse teams drive creativity and adaptability, reinforcing the idea that inclusion is not just an ethical imperative but a business advantage.
In terms of progress, organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more likely to stay ahead of the curve in terms of digital innovation. The ability to think differently, approach problems from various angles, and integrate diverse cultural insights enables companies to lead in developing products and solutions that resonate with a global, multi-dimensional customer base.
In conclusion, the impact of increased diversity and inclusion on innovation, creativity, and progress is immeasurable. By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, organizations can spark creativity, improve problem-solving, and drive forward-thinking innovation. This leads not only to improved business outcomes but also positions organizations as leaders in the digital transformation space, ready to tackle future challenges with resilience and ingenuity.
You were recently recognized as a winner at the Women in Tech Global Awards 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
Yes, I was recognized as Product Leader of the Year 2024 and Community Award Local Winner for Nigeria by Women in Tech Network. It was such an honor to first be nominated, make it as a finalist and then win the Bronze award.. I am grateful for the opportunity. My success is driven by the principles that guide how I lead and engage with my team and the tech community.
One of the key elements of my leadership is transparency. I believe in having honest conversations with my team and colleagues. It’s about creating an environment where openness is encouraged and where feedback flows both ways, ensuring alignment and shared understanding of our goals and challenges.
Authenticity is equally important to me. I believe that true leadership is about being yourself, bringing your full self to your work. When you lead authentically, it inspires trust and enables others to do the same, creating a more supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
Another cornerstone of my approach is accountability. I believe in being accountable not only for my actions but also for inspiring accountability in my team. Everyone should be responsible for what they can control, and this drives results and ownership within the team.
Empowerment is another key mantra. I focus on empowering my team to take ownership of their work and decisions, enabling them to grow and develop in their roles. It’s about giving them the tools, trust, and space they need to excel.
I also place a high value on motivation. Understanding what drives each individual helps me ensure they remain engaged and passionate about their work. I believe motivated teams are the key to achieving outstanding results.
At the heart of all of this is transformational leadership; the focus is on long-term growth and improvement, both for the team and for the organization. This is paired with a strong emphasis on respect, fairness, and equality in everything we do.
Lastly, I believe in leading with objectivity and empathy. I always approach decisions based on data and facts, ensuring fairness and clarity. Meanwhile, I remain empathetic, understanding the challenges my team faces and offering support when needed.
Additionally, one of the most valuable principles I’ve embraced in my career is lifelong learning, something I learned deeply during my time at INSEAD Business School, where I completed my Global Executive MBA. I am a firm believer in Kaizen, the principle of continuous improvement. This mindset pushes me to always seek ways to better myself, my team, and the organizations I work with. I am relentlessly committed to being the absolute best in what I do and continuously evolving in this fast-paced world of tech and leadership.
Pattern recognition plays a critical role here, as I constantly look for emerging trends, anticipate challenges, and adjust strategies to remain ahead of the curve. This skill not only helps me recognize key opportunities but also allows me to be proactive, adapting quickly to changes in both technology and the market
These principles of transparency, authenticity, accountability, empowerment, motivation, transformational leadership, respect, fairness, objectivity, empathy, lifelong learning, and Kaizen are what guides my journey. They help me navigate challenges and continue to drive meaningful change, not just in my career but in the tech community as a whole.
Who has been a personal role model or mentor to you throughout your career, and what qualities or characteristics have you admired or emulated?
A former boss has been a significant mentor to me throughout my career, and I consider this person a key role model. One of the most valuable qualities I admire is their transformational leadership. It was not just about managing tasks; it also meant inspiring the team to think differently and pushing us to break boundaries and achieve our best. This leadership style emphasized the importance of empowerment, trust, and accountability. These are values I have carried forward in my own career.
What stood out the most was the empathy and ability to connect with people on a human level. A strong understanding that people are not just employees, but individuals with unique strengths and challenges. This helped foster an environment where everyone felt valued and motivated to contribute. It created a space where the team could be themselves, without the need to put up a façade. Authenticity was not only accepted but encouraged. My role model also embodies respect for everyone, which cascaded down to team members and fostered a culture of respectful behavior across the team.
In addition to these qualities, this person was also deeply objective and possessed a remarkable sense of discernment. The ability to see beyond surface-level actions allowed for a genuine understanding of people’s intentions, ensuring transparency within the team. This was especially crucial because it helped create an environment where the team could express themselves freely, without feeling the need to pretend or hide behind masks. The capacity to navigate situations with clarity and precision meant easy detection of subtle dynamics within the team, whether positive or negative, without being easily misled.
There was also a strong sense of ownership, taking full responsibility for both successes and challenges. This ownership wasn’t limited to direct tasks; it involved taking responsibility for leading the entire team toward success. Another key trait was knowing how to lead from the front, setting the tone and example for the team. The ability to influence management when necessary ensured the team had the resources and support needed to succeed. When it came to advocating for performing team members, there was unwavering support, always ensuring that top performers received the recognition and growth opportunities they deserved. This made every team member feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best.
Another admired quality was being incredibly decisive, never hesitating to make tough calls when needed. This decisiveness was coupled with a data-driven mindset, always relying on facts and objective analysis to guide decision-making. However, what made this leadership exceptional was that while being brilliant and strategic, there was never any compromise on kindness and honesty. There was never any cowering from difficult situations, leading with strength and integrity, all done with a remarkable balance of firmness and compassion.
Ultimately, their unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, excellence, and strong leadership has been a major influence on my own career path. I’ve learned to lead with authenticity, objectivity, and clarity. This mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the leader I am today.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
To keep my mind healthy and stay resilient, I prioritise mindfulness by taking time for reflection and relaxation, often using meditation or deep breathing to stay centred. Regular physical activity is another cornerstone of my routine, as even a short walk can help me refresh my mind and body. I also find joy and creativity in my hobbies, such as listening to jazz or watching inspiring films, which serve as a source of relaxation and inspiration. Having a clear plan is essential for me, as it reduces uncertainty and allows me to approach challenges with confidence and focus.
Building meaningful relationships is equally important, as they provide support, collaboration, and fresh perspectives during difficult times. I also remain committed to continuous learning, staying curious and open to new ideas through books, courses, or conversations. Finally, I ensure that I rest and recharge by prioritising sleep and taking breaks, which help me maintain clarity and avoid burnout. Together, these practices enable me to stay balanced, resilient, and ready to face any challenge with a positive mindset.
What is your favorite quote?
“My favorite quote is an original quote I developed: ‘The key is to be a faster version of myself, learning legitimate shortcuts from others who have walked a similar path, to grow my mind, develop my body to be faster, stronger, and more flexible. Placing priorities on things that are important while living in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, aiming for more development of social impact for the good of all mankind.’ – Ayobola Adedayo”
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I see myself as a driving force in impactful digital transformation on a global scale, continuously shaping and leading innovation in the technology sector. I plan to stay at the cutting edge of technological advancements, particularly in AI and digital ecosystems, while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity. By leveraging my experience, I aim to lead organizations through complex transformations, helping them adapt to rapidly changing landscapes and achieve sustainable growth.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. I believe in the power of leadership that empowers others, and I will work to create pathways for individuals to thrive in their careers, with an emphasis on values such as empathy, accountability, and ethical leadership.
Additionally, I foresee myself contributing to initiatives that drive social impact, focusing on areas like education, economic empowerment, and tech-for-good solutions. I’m passionate about helping communities harness the power of technology to create lasting positive change. My drive to solve problems and my strong desire to see communities succeed, especially those facing challenges, will continue to be at the heart of my efforts.
I will also focus on creating pathways to help organizations lead the way into the future of technology, ensuring that emerging technologies not only transform businesses but also bring about positive societal impact.
Ultimately, my goal is to have a legacy of not only championing innovation but also advocating for diverse and inclusive leadership at every level, ensuring that organizations grow sustainably while making a meaningful impact on society.
What advice would you give to organizations looking to drive digital transformation?
To drive successful digital transformation, organizations should focus on a clear vision, foster a culture of adaptability, place customers at the center, invest in emerging technologies, build strong tech foundations, encourage cross-functional collaboration, prioritize data, adopt agile practices, ensure strong leadership and change management, and continuously measure and optimize. By integrating these strategies, organizations can navigate change effectively, unlock new opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.