We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oghenekome Igbogidi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Oghenekome with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My Personal Story: Unveiling Me Embarking on a journey as a Black woman in the spheres of technology, education advocacy, and leadership has been both challenging and rewarding. My commitment to living a life guided by God’s word on positivity and excellence served as the bedrock for transformative growth. Daily, I immersed myself in scriptures that reinforced a positive mindset, consciously choosing to reaffirm the power of God’s promises over my life and my work. This spiritual discipline became the lens through which I viewed every challenge, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
My story is not just about the hurdles I’ve overcome but also about the triumphs, the growth, and the relentless pursuit of making a meaningful impact. From my early days, imbued with the values of diligence and integrity by my parents, to navigating the complexities of my professional life, my story is one of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering faith.
My Work Routine: Excellence as a Standard
As a Co-Founder and Product Manager of a SAAS Company, an Education Advocate championing SDG 2 & 4, and a Staff Member of BLW Oasis USA Church, my daily routine is driven by a commitment to excellence. This ethos means not only initiating projects with enthusiasm but seeing them through with meticulous attention to detail, honesty, and unwavering dedication. Each task is an opportunity to reflect these values, ensuring that my work not only meets but exceeds expectations. This mindset has been pivotal in my journey, guiding me to innovate, inspire, and lead with integrity.
My Faith Work and Experiencing: The Foundation of My Drive
My faith is at the core of my being, which shapes my worldview and informs my approach to life and work. Inspired by my Pastor, Pastor Deji, I adopted a wellness and fitness lifestyle, learning that discipline in one area can spill over into others. His encouragement has been a cornerstone of my resilience, teaching me to maintain a positive outlook and demonstrating the transformative power of faith in action. This spiritual foundation has been instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities that come my way.
My Mentors: Embracing Guidance
Hebrews 6:12 has been a guiding principle in my life, urging me to follow those who, through faith and patience, have inherited the promises of God. This verse encapsulates my approach to mentorship, seeking wisdom from those who’ve paved the way and sharing the insights I’ve gained with those who walk the path behind me. Mentorship is a two-way street, where learning and teaching coalesce, fostering growth, and understanding.
Overcoming Challenges: Standing Tall as the Only Black Person in My Team
Navigating the professional landscape as the only Black person in my team has presented its own set of challenges. From overcoming implicit biases to asserting my voice and values, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, self-confidence, and the power of a supportive network. These experiences have not only strengthened my resolve but have also deepened my commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in every space I occupy.
My Family Involvement: A Pillar of Strength
The unwavering support of my family has been the backbone of my journey. My parents and siblings have been a constant source of encouragement, love, and wisdom, reminding me of the power of belief and the importance of staying true to one’s values. Their support has emboldened me to face challenges with courage and to embrace opportunities with open arms.
Essential Qualities and Habits: The Fabric of My Being
A commitment to continuous improvement, a thirst for knowledge, and the cultivation of positive habits have shaped the journey to where I am today. Embracing new challenges, dedicating myself to lifelong learning, and making a conscious effort to be better every day have been integral to my growth. Coupled with a lifestyle prioritizing wellness, these habits have molded me into a leader, advocate, and innovator.
My story is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of mentorship, and the strength found in a supportive community. It’s a narrative that celebrates overcoming obstacles, championing diversity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As I continue to navigate my path, I remain committed to using my voice, skills, and platform to inspire, advocate, and lead with purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In the vibrant tapestry of my professional life, I straddle roles that span technology, advocacy, and leadership, each thread woven to make a tangible impact in the world. As the co-founder of FuelIntellisense, a groundbreaking SAAS company, I’m at the forefront of driving innovation in software solutions that cater to the nuanced needs of our clients. Our mission is to harness the power of technology to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and ultimately, contribute to the sustainable growth of businesses globally.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to solve real-world problems through innovative technology. The landscape of technology is ever-evolving, and with it, the challenges and opportunities to make a difference. At FuelIntellisense, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve, continually updating our offerings to ensure they meet the highest standards of efficiency and effectiveness. It’s this pursuit of excellence and innovation that sets our brand apart.
Beyond my entrepreneurial endeavors, I am deeply passionate about advocacy, particularly in the realm of education and sustainable development. As an SDG Grassroots Champion, I work tirelessly to promote initiatives that empower underrepresented communities, with a focus on enhancing STEM education. This aspect of my work allows me to give back to the community and contribute to the creation of a more equitable world.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career is my involvement with BLW Oasis Inc., where I serve as a staff member. This role allows me to merge my professional expertise with my commitment to faith and community service, offering a platform to impact lives positively beyond the confines of traditional business.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the launch of a new platform within FuelIntellisense that promises to revolutionize the way businesses manage their operations. This innovation is the culmination of years of research, development, and collaboration with industry experts. Additionally, on the advocacy front, we are gearing up for a major initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide in STEM education across several underprivileged regions. These endeavors underscore our commitment to not only leading in the tech space but also making a lasting impact on society.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, the three pivotal elements that have profoundly impacted my path are resilience, continuous learning, and the power of networking. These core attributes have not only shaped my professional landscape but have also guided me through the intricacies of personal growth and achievement.
Resilience: The Backbone of Success
Resilience has been the cornerstone of my journey, enabling me to navigate challenges and setbacks with grace and determination. The ability to bounce back from failures and view obstacles as opportunities for growth is invaluable. For those early in their journey, cultivating resilience can start with adopting a growth mindset. Understand that setbacks are not indicators of your potential. Instead, they are stepping stones towards your goals. Embrace challenges, learn from them, and always keep moving forward.
Continuous Learning: The Key to Innovation
In a world that’s constantly evolving, the willingness to engage in continuous learning has been instrumental in keeping me relevant and innovative. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, understanding market trends, or developing soft skills, the pursuit of knowledge is endless. For newcomers, my advice is to cultivate a curious mindset. Seek out resources, be it through books, courses, or workshops. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to learn something new. Remember, the more you know, the more you realize how much there is to learn.
Networking: Building Bridges to Opportunities
Networking has opened doors to opportunities I could never have imagined. It’s through building relationships that I’ve found mentors, partners, and friends who have supported me and propelled me forward. For those starting out, understand that networking is not just about collecting contacts; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Attend industry events, engage with peers online, and don’t hesitate to reach out to those you admire. Be genuine, offer value, and remember that networking is a two-way street.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I am always on the lookout for like-minded individuals and organizations to collaborate with. I’m particularly interested in partners who share a passion for technology, education, and sustainable development. Whether you’re an innovator in the tech space, an advocate for education, or someone driving change towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, I believe we can create impactful synergies together. Ideal collaborators would be those who are not only experts in their field but are also committed to making a positive difference in the world. If you’re reading this and feel aligned with my vision and objectives, I would love to explore how we can work together to amplify our impact.
I’m currently looking for partners who are interested to collaborate with me in High Schools and Colleges in North and South America to begin a mentorship program towards Quality Education, Leadership and Development and Mentorship.
You can connect with me through professional social media platforms or directly via [email protected]. Let’s discuss how we can leverage our strengths, networks, and resources for greater good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fuelintellisense.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kome_igbogidi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kome-igbogidi/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJBfnhbJ6_E
