This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Donaldson Okoye, a Product Manager at Termii, whose career journey is nothing short of remarkable. With a deep passion for technology and a unique blend of skills, Donaldson has transitioned from dreams of military missions to crafting innovative products that are making a real difference.
In our interview, Donaldson offers an inside look at his role overseeing Switch and Termii GO, sharing valuable insights on leadership, the power of effective communication, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He also reflects on how Termii's dynamic culture and diverse team have significantly contributed to his professional growth.
Curious about Donaldson’s thoughts on the future of the tech industry and his ambitions in the social and communication sectors? Read on to discover his vision for driving innovation and creating impactful solutions.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Termii.
My name is Donaldson Okoye, and I’m the Product Manager for Switch and Termii GO within the Termii product department.
What career did you imagine for yourself at 10, and what inspired your shift toward product management?
At ten, I dreamed of becoming a soldier and a technology CEO like Tony Stark. I envisioned myself working for the CIA, armed with a laptop on a mission. As I grew older, I realized I wasn’t ready for the rigors of military training, so I shifted my focus toward becoming a tech expert. I’ve always had a passion for building products. When I entered university, my goal was clear: earn a degree and start a tech company. While coding and doing social media marketing, I noticed that my programmer friends had ideas but struggled to bring them to life without making them seem like mission impossible. I’ve always loved business and technology, so when I stumbled upon a course on product management in school, everything fell into place.
What are the most essential skills you’ve developed throughout your career?
Four key skills stand out: research, presentation, selling, and leadership. I’ve honed my research skills to the point where if there’s something you need to know more about, I’ll find it. My presentation skills have improved significantly, and I’ve become more confident in selling ideas and products. My leadership abilities have also grown as I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams and projects at Termii.
What do you love most about working at Termii, and how has it contributed to your professional growth?
There are three things I love most about working at Termii: the vibrant work culture, the spirit of openness, and the people. The work culture here is genuinely admirable. When I joined the company, I was impressed by the transparency and the mutual willingness to support each other. Termii is home to a diverse group of individuals, each bringing their unique blend of humor, seriousness, and professionalism to the table.
Reflecting on your experiences, what changes or initiatives would you like to see in the tech industry?
I believe the tech industry could benefit from more diversity and inclusion, as well as a stronger focus on ethical and sustainable practices. I’d also love to see more initiatives that support innovation and creativity.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I start my days early to tackle pending tasks and make the most of my work hours. Outside of work, I have a monthly schedule that includes activities like watching movies, going to the gym, taking daily walks, or engaging in sports like football and lawn tennis. These activities help me unwind and maintain a healthy balance between work and life.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing people use the products I’ve worked on to make a positive impact. Watching something I documented and developed with the technology team come to life and be genuinely helpful to others brings me immense joy.
What are your long-term professional goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Over the next five years, I aim to make a significant impact in Africa's social and communication space. To achieve this, I plan to earn additional certifications in technology and operations, possibly pursue another B.Sc. or an MBA. In the next 10 to 15 years, I envision myself either starting a technology company or leading the technology arm of a private equity firm. One of my biggest professional goals is to take a local microfinance bank from nothing to the top 10 in the industry. Achieving this would likely require obtaining a degree related to banking or finance.
We’re excited to watch Donaldson achieve his goals and continue making a greater impact. Stay tuned for the next edition of our employee spotlight series to discover more inspiring stories from our dedicated team!
