Starting out in tech does not mean your career has to stay confined to one niche forever. In fact, the flexibility to explore different paths, build on existing skills and take on new responsibilities is one of the many reasons women continue to build careers in technology. Transitions like the one from design into product management have become a recognisable route in the industry, as proximity to users and product decisions often gives designers a natural foundation for shaping product direction.

A good example is Oluwasekemi Adeyemo, whose journey began in Product Design and has since taken her into Product Management. At first glance the difference may seem small, but the roles are distinct. A Product Designer focuses on how a product looks, feels and works for the user, while a Product Manager helps define what the product should become, bringing together users, business goals and technology to guide its direction. For Sekemi, the opportunity to move from designing solutions to taking greater ownership of the decisions behind those solutions changed the game.

Today she is a Product Manager at Payaza, a fintech company focused on simplifying financial experiences through technology. Payaza operates in Africa's fast-growing payments space, where building intuitive, reliable digital financial products has become a priority as more people adopt online and mobile financial services. Her journey began with a background in Management Information Systems. She earned a bachelor's degree from Covenant University and later an MBA from the Business School Netherlands, where she developed a strong interest in understanding users, solving problems and creating meaningful digital experiences. That naturally led her into Product Management, where she now works at the intersection of users, business and technology to build and improve fintech products.

Beyond her product work, Sekemi is passionate about technology education, creativity and helping others grow. She has trained and mentored people through digital skills and technology programmes, helping young people explore opportunities in tech and develop practical skills. Her experience also extends across creative fields, including photography, videography and graphic design, which continue to shape how she approaches product, creativity and problem-solving.

Walk us through a typical workday

"My mornings are usually slow and intentional, with time spent planning and preparing for the day, checking important emails or messages, wrapping up anything left from the previous day, and getting ready for work, the gym, or simply spending time with God."

"I mostly work with my laptop, usually wearing my AirPods. I can work from almost anywhere, but when I need to focus and work faster, I connect it to my monitor and use desk lights to create a comfortable workspace."

What tools do you rely on most?

"I work mostly with my laptop, Slack, Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, and Meet), Jira, Figma, ChatGPT and Lovable."

Her toolkit reflects common product workflows: Figma and Jira for design and delivery, and AI tools like ChatGPT and Lovable increasingly used by product teams for research, brainstorming and rapid prototyping.

How do you find inspiration when you're stuck?

"When I need inspiration, I take a step back, rest, do something I enjoy, or work on something else before coming back with a fresh perspective. I also write down possible solutions or talk through ideas with friends, colleagues, other professionals, or AI. I use AI for brainstorming and research, and I look at other platforms or competitor products for ideas and different ways of solving the problem. Lastly, I pray. I've had many moments where God has guided me, given me a solution, or led me to exactly what I needed."

Which apps can you not do without?

"WhatsApp, Google Search, Instagram, and YouTube. WhatsApp keeps me connected, Google Search is my go-to for quick questions and finding information, while Instagram and YouTube are my go-tos for entertainment, music, inspiration, and discovering new things."

If you could build or improve one app, what would it be?

"I'd love a banking app that lets me receive and send money while automatically managing my finances. It would handle budgeting and allocate money for expenses, bills, tithes, savings, investments, emergencies, and other commitments. Transfers could happen instantly or on a schedule, and I could set flexible spending limits or ask the app to create a plan for things like repaying a debt or reaching a savings goal."

"I'd be able to see my financial progress, track my income and expenses, filter spending by category, and understand my financial habits. It could recommend better habits or investment options based on my trends, and I could adjust my plan with one click. The app would also connect to my other finance apps and bank accounts, allowing me to see my overall financial picture and take actions across them without having to open each app separately. It would also make it easy to contribute to shared goals, split expenses, or send money to friends and family instantly."

"Most importantly, I'd only see what I can actually spend, so I can spend freely without worrying about taking money away from my savings or other commitments. I'd get alerts when I'm approaching my limit while everything else is handled automatically. I think this would help people become more disciplined and confidently manage both small and large amounts of money without the constant mental load."

"I'd also love an event app that ensures every guest is served equally, so no one is overlooked or left out."

If you had unlimited time and money, what would you do?

"If I had unlimited time and money, I'd spend it spreading light and love and helping people experience the joy and wonder that life can offer. I'd create systems that reduce burnout, make healthcare and education more accessible, and give people the freedom to explore, learn, and pursue the things they've always wanted to do."

"I'd create free schools where students aren't locked into one career path but can explore and combine different disciplines based on their interests, with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to turn those interests into something meaningful. I'd also create spaces where people can disconnect from everyday pressure, find themselves, explore, or simply be pampered, feel loved, and enjoy life. I'd give people experiences they may never have had, from their first flight or public speech to a birthday surprise or trip to another country."

"I'd build creative tools and inventions that make everyday life easier, explore new ways of merging the physical and digital worlds, and work on bigger problems like mental health, hunger, corruption, and access to healthcare. I'd make professional therapy more accessible, invest in better solutions for depression, and find creative ways to help families and communities thrive."

"At the heart of it, I think many people have lost, or never had, their childlike wonder. I'd love to bring that back, so people have the freedom to dream, explore, laugh from their souls, and spend time with the people they love without having to choose between making ends meet and fulfilling their dreams. The goal wouldn't be to create a generation without ambition, but one that is mentally healthy, fulfilled, and unstoppable, with the freedom and support to do great things without limits."

Which woman in tech do you admire, and why?

"Seun Runsewe. She is a woman in tech whose career journey I find inspiring. I admire how she has built her career across fintech and product, while continuously learning, evolving, and taking on new challenges. Her willingness to explore new areas, make bold career moves, and keep growing is something I really admire."

What words or quotes have stayed with you?

"The words that have stuck with me are 'Opportunity meets preparedness,' the Nigerian slang 'We move,' or better said, 'Keep moving forward,' and 'Collaboration over competition.' But one of my favourites is from The Emoji Movie: 'What good is it to be number one if there aren't any other numbers?'"

"These remind me to stay prepared for opportunities, keep moving forward even when things don't go as planned, and be willing to take risks and challenge myself. Sometimes that means trying again, taking a break, or changing course. I've also learnt that I don't have to figure everything out alone. It's okay to ask questions, learn from others, and collaborate."

"The Emoji Movie quote reminds me that success is better when it is shared with the people around you. Family, friends, leaders, mentors, colleagues, and partners all play a part in the journey. It's important to grow with them, support each other, share knowledge and opportunities, and then celebrate together at the top."

Who would you like to read about next?

"I'd love to read about Eniola Adenuga, a cybersecurity and Identity & Access Management professional working in the financial sector. I'm especially interested in her journey in tech, her experience in cybersecurity, and how she mentors and inspires aspiring tech professionals. I also love that she explores her creativity through videography and visual storytelling."

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