Beyond Her Desk - How Oluwatowo is Guiding Others into Tech with Clarity

At Interswitch, protecting digital systems requires vigilance, expertise, and a deep understanding of risk. It’s the kind of work that happens quietly behind the scenes, but it’s critical to keeping the payment ecosystem safe.

For Oluwatowo Akinbode, who works in Information Security Governance, safeguarding the Switch’s digital assets is part of her everyday role. But beyond her desk, she’s doing something equally impactful: helping people find their way into the tech industry.

Through mentorship and structured guidance, she supports aspiring tech professionals eager to transition into the industry but unsure where to begin.

In this edition of our Beyond Her Desk: Give to Gain spotlight series, she shares what inspired her to start giving back and why helping others find clarity in their career journeys has become such an important part of her life.

Q: Tell us a little about your role at Interswitch and the initiative you lead.

A: I work in Information Security Governance, where my role is focused on helping protect the assets of the Switch. I collaborate with teams across the organization to manage security risks and ensure adherence to applicable standards, policies, and best practices to keep our systems secure.

Outside of work, I run a community initiative focused on helping people transition into tech with clarity and direction. Through mentorship and structured guidance, we support aspiring tech professionals in making informed career decisions and identifying the path that best fits them.

For many people, the interest in tech is there; what’s often missing is clarity about where to start.

Q: What inspired you to start giving back?

A: Giving back has always been something close to my heart.

Even from a young age, I was drawn to initiatives that created impact beyond myself. Over time, it became natural, almost like a part of who I am. The most challenging part, however, has been managing expectations, both mine and others.

When people come to you for guidance, your instinct is to want to solve everything immediately. But meaningful impact takes time, patience, and commitment from both sides.

I’ve learned that building something sustainable requires consistency and a long-term mindset.

Q: Was there a moment that made you realise your impact could go beyond your professional role?

A: There wasn’t one dramatic moment. It was more of a pattern I kept noticing. I often spoke with people eager to enter the tech industry but unsure where to begin.

The interest was there. The potential was there. But the direction was missing.

Over time, I realised that simply sharing guidance and having honest conversations could make a real difference. That’s when I understood that beyond my professional role, I could help people find clarity in their journey.

Q: What does leadership look like when there’s no corporate title attached?

A: For me, leadership is about helping people become a better version of themselves.

Sometimes that means pointing someone in the right direction. Other times it’s simply sharing knowledge or encouragement. But I also believe leadership shows in the life you lead.

When you lead with integrity, humility, and love, people naturally feel inspired by that example. They see it, and it encourages them to grow in the same way.

Q: Can you share a story of someone who was impacted by your initiative?

One experience that stands out occurred years ago, when I was in my final year at university.

I organised a one-month web development bootcamp for people interested in learning tech skills.

One participant was a working professional in his mid-thirties seeking to transition into the tech industry. At the time, I was sharing knowledge and helping people learn.

But about two years later, he reached out to me with exciting news; he had successfully transitioned into tech and was now working as a software developer.

He thanked me for the initial training and said it broadened his perspective and gave him the confidence to keep learning. Honestly, I didn’t even realise the impact at the time. I was teaching.

But moments like that remind me how powerful small opportunities can be.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to make an impact?

A: Just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to have everything figured out.

What matters most is consistency. Impact often begins with small steps.

Q: If a young woman feels unsure about her voice or power, what would you say to her?

A: I would say: You can do it. You don’t need anyone’s permission to believe in yourself.

Start where you are and trust that your voice deserves to be heard.

Q: Why is it important for women in corporate spaces to give back intentionally?

A: Because representation alone isn’t enough. When women with experience in corporate settings intentionally mentor and support others, it creates meaningful access and opportunities.

It means the next generation doesn’t have to struggle through everything alone or learn the hard way.

Q: What change would you love to see for the next generation of girls?

A: I’m definitely a girl’s girl, so I would love to see more girls grow up believing they can pursue opportunities boldly. I want them to approach their ambitions without hesitation or self-doubt.

Confidence changes everything.

Q: How has leading this initiative changed you personally?

A: It has pushed me far outside my comfort zone. When people look to you for guidance, it makes you more aware of the responsibility you carry. It has challenged me to grow, stay disciplined, and show up consistently, even on days when I don’t feel like it.

Q: What ripple effect do you hope your work creates?

A: I hope the people who benefit from the guidance and support eventually go on to help others as well. Real impact multiplies when those who receive support become the ones offering it. That ripple effect is how communities grow, and opportunities expand.

Q: What is one uncomfortable truth about women’s advancement in Nigeria that we don’t talk about enough?

A: One truth we don’t talk about enough is that more opportunities are opening up than ever before. While challenges remain, there are also many opportunities for women today.

Sometimes, the most important thing is having the confidence to step into those spaces and own them.

Q: Finally, what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

A: Outside of work, I can honestly be the life of the party. I enjoy being around people, having great conversations, and creating fun moments.

But interestingly, I also enjoy spending time alone. I appreciate quiet moments to recharge and enjoy my own space. It’s a balance that keeps me grounded.

Beyond her desk, Oluwatowo is helping people find direction in an industry that can often feel overwhelming to break into.

Through mentorship, guidance, and simple acts of encouragement, she is proving that sometimes the most powerful impact begins with a conversation. And in doing so, she embodies the spirit of this year’s theme: When women give, the possibilities for others multiply.