Switching Gears In Fast Pace - Motolani's Take on Bridging IT Innovation & Real-Life Execution

The importance of modelling the way for girls in the field of engineering and technology can by no means be overemphasized.  For Motolani (Mo), a rising star in IT Project Management within our Technology & Operations Group here at #TheSwitch, that role model was none other than her dad. 

That said, she’s still not totally put paid to the prospects of exploring possibilities in culinary and fashion arts, as a chef and model, however... 

For us at #TheSwitch, we will #NeverStop challenging stereotypes and bias, and providing tangible examples of achievement and possibility, to inspire ambition, foster a sense of community, and demonstrate that diverse perspectives contribute to innovation as we continue to inspire Africa to greatness through innovation, value-creation, and excellence!  

Read her #SwitchStory below, where she shares with us what led her here, and unpacks how IT Project Management fits into the bigger picture of success at Africa’s leading integrated digital payments and commerce company. 

1. Hey Mo, let's start with a brief run-through of your career journey – in a minute or two

I started my career as a Customer Sales and Support agent at Smile Technologies right out of a first degree in Physics/Electronics in 2015, before joining the Technology division at Guaranty Trust Bank in 2017, where I became an IT project manager, totally by chance, as that was the team that needed to be filled at the time. I #MadeTheSwitch into a similar role here at Interswitch in 2019, and since then, I’ve built tremendous expertise in IT service management and leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful projects. 

 2. What sparked your interest in working in (fin)tech? 

I’ve always been interested in Technology in general; maybe I'd say 'charity' in this case came from nowhere else but home; because my Dad is an engineer, but also I became attracted to Fintech essentially because I saw first hand the impact we can have on people’s everyday lives regarding payments and access to financial services. 

3. Your first impression(s)/experience after joining Interswitch? 

Coming from a more formal work environment in banking (pre-COVID!). I'd say from the first day, I noticed how open and accessible people were, especially the executive and senior management. I came from a place where that wasn’t exactly the case, and I found it fascinating indeed...  

Another clear thing was that ISW wasn’t just about the technology, but about creating solutions that make a difference for the people in Africa. 

4. What has changed over the last 5–6 years you’ve been here?

I think the 'accessibility' culture of ISW has further become entrenched, especially with the onset of remote, then hybrid work, which has brought about more 'down-to-earthedness' (if there's anything like that!), but more striking for me have been the changes I've seen across the industry itself. I'd say the fintech landscape itself has matured; there are more competitors in the market, so business has to be more fast-paced, but there are also more opportunities being unlocked. 

Interswitch has also grown more agile, data-driven, and customer-focused in its delivery, I have to say. 

5. From a personal professional POV, what has ‘growth’ looked like for Motolani here at #TheSwitch? 

Growth has meant expanding from just managing tasks to leading people across cross-functional teams. Beyond the changes in role, job title, and description over the almost six years I've been here, I have developed deeper expertise in project management frameworks, leadership, and collaboration. 

6. Briefly describe IT project management to a layman; how does this fit into the bigger picture of Interswitch’s success?

Simply put, IT project management is making sure tech ideas actually work in real life, delivered on time and in a way that meets customer needs, across multiple countries in Africa, a steadily growing number in our case here – on time, on budget, and on (IT) strategy! 

For us at Interswitch, where we run one of the largest and most dynamic engineering and technology functions arguably in this part of the world, it’s the bridge between innovation and execution. We coordinate turning great ideas into working solutions that solve a customer’s problem. 

8. Your most memorable day/time here at The Switch? Feel free to pass if this remains a "God-When?" aspiration 😊 

The ‘Interswitch at 20’ grand finale in 2022 was quite memorable for me. I got to see and appreciate how far ISW has come and how the vision of a young man has grown into the company it is today, inspiring the ongoing emergence of a new generation of tech unicorns and champions across the continent. 

9. Any take from you for aspiring ‘tech sis’? 

Tech needs your voice, your perspective, and your ideas. You don’t have to know everything from the start, and here's the catch: you don't even need to know how to code! As long as you are curious and learning, don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms where you belong! 

10. What do you do outside of work, or if not in this role/industry? 

Outside work, I enjoy traveling, painting, and movies. 

So...I used to like to cook in earlier days (I’m re-including actively going back to this in my bucket-list BTW!) so if I weren’t in project management, I’d likely be a chef, and perhaps, I’d have more keenly explored a professional career in modelling (which I’ve actually done on a smaller scale in the past) - People still tell me constantly that I have the height and physique for it! 🤩