African Women In Technology (AWIT) conference 2019 preparations are in high gear. If you haven’t RSVP already, here’s a link for more details on how to do that. And, innov8tiv wants to introduce to you the speakers who will be gracing the podium and high table at this year’s event, which will be taking place in Lagos, Nigeria.
Our first interview will be with Amanda Obidike who will be in the Upgrade Your Skills — HR At Tech Firms panel. Here’s a snippet of the innov8tiv sitdown with Amanda
What does technology represent to you and why did you choose this field?
Thank you so much. For me, technology and innovation go hand in hand! My passion for innovation was to meet business needs through data analytics for Small and medium scaled businesses and societal/education challenge in STEM-related fields for children.
Throughout my life, I always found Technology to be the constant way of adding value in society. Delving into business intelligence and Data was an opportunity to apply varied experience and skills with confidence in proffering solutions for clients. There were needs in the service-market I needed to successfully fulfill with my personal values to inspire, uplift and help people succeed.
How has skill acquisition advanced with technology for you?
Skill acquisition is Paramount and at the same time, it is no secret that technology advancement has greatly impacted the value of human skills.
Part of my redirection and passion for business intelligence all began after a foundation training at the IBM. This transcended from being an entrepreneur to an entrepreneur with innovative solutions. I’d like to refer to it as “Innovpreneur”.
Technology change influences the rate at which human capital obsolesces and also increases the uncertainty associated with human capital investments. This trainings increase or decrease at higher rates of technological change.
What are some of the most important skills for the 21st-century workspace?
I love that we are concerned and geared towards imperative skills for today’s world. Cloud Computing, Data analytics, Innovation strategy…all these are Technology literacy skills needed for the 21st century…as for soft skills, I’d like to suggest Emotional intelligence and Collaboration! We can’t go wrong with these.
In the course of your work, how receptive have African women been to technological skills upgrade?
As women, we are our own motivation. I have been privileged to collaborate and share innovative ideas towards development amongst women in STEM fields, health and businesses. Likewise, women with little or no background knowledge in technology are willing to embrace new tools and technical skills we proffer just to upskill their businesses.
African women need more seasoned women/mentors to provide that encouragement, to take a risk, to go for it!
As an African woman in tech, what is the most significant challenge you have faced professionally?
In reality, women still remain underrepresented in the Technology space, especially in Africa. Sometimes I share with people what I do and see the shock on their faces. Some prospective clients seem reluctant, not because of the service intended to proffer, but if I have the capacity to deliver as a woman.
The journey has rather become enjoyable. Confidence and excellence go well for me, so I maintain my majesty.
Like Napoleon Hill said: “… what the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve“…
