Growing up, Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi was expected to follow a predetermined path, one that led to a career in medicine. With a mother in the medical field, the expectation was clear: he would become a doctor.
But Oyeniyi always had a knack for solving problems. Although medicine was one way to solve problems, it was not the only way. As he explored other possibilities, he discovered technology and, within it, a field that aligned with both his analytical mindset and his people-first approach: product and project management.
His career began at CreditPro, where he stepped into product management by working on a loan management system for SMEs. From there, he worked at Chillsbay before joining PalmPay, where he played a key role in expanding merchant services and improving development processes.
Now, as an experienced product manager, Oyeniyi reflects on his journey, how he broke into the field, the lessons he has learned, and what it takes to build impactful products.
Discovering Product Management
Oyeniyi’s fascination with technology started early. He always wanted a tool that could solve problems, not just locally but on a global scale. His passion led him to study Information and Communication Science at university, where he attended numerous tech meetups and conferences. One particular event changed his career trajectory, a conference where a lead product manager spoke about the role and its impact. From that moment, he knew he wanted to build a career in product management, not just in Africa but on a global scale. That ambition has been his driving force ever since.
The essential skills for Product Management
Succeeding as a tech product manager requires a balance of technical expertise and soft skills. Oyeniyi emphasises the importance of being data-driven, as every decision must be backed by customer insights, market trends, and analytics. At the same time, a strong product manager must be deeply customer-focused, ensuring that products truly meet user needs.
But beyond technical know-how, communication and leadership are just as crucial. Product managers work with cross-functional teams, bridging the gap between engineering, design, and business stakeholders. The ability to align everyone toward a shared goal is what separates a good product manager from a great one.
Measuring success in Product Management
For Oyeniyi, measuring a product’s success requires both qualitative and quantitative assessments. He looks at customer acquisition and retention rates, revenue growth, and user engagement to determine whether a product is performing well. But beyond these numbers, he also values qualitative feedback from users, conducting research to understand their experiences and pain points. This combination of hard data and real-world insights allows him to make informed product decisions.
Keeping pace with the Tech world
Tech is a fast-moving industry, and staying relevant requires continuous learning. Oyeniyi keeps up with trends by reading industry blogs, attending conferences, and engaging with other professionals on social media. He emphasises the importance of networking, as it provides access to valuable insights and opportunities. Additionally, he invests in self-improvement through online courses and mentorship, ensuring that he remains adaptable in an evolving industry.
Challenges in Fintech Product Management
Working in fintech comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest, Oyeniyi explains, is managing customer risk tolerance. Many users lack awareness of financial risks, making expectation management a critical part of the job.
Banking penetration and infrastructure also pose challenges, particularly in rural areas where financial services remain limited despite efforts toward financial inclusion. Regulatory complexities add another layer of difficulty, as fintech operates in a heavily regulated industry with laws varying across regions. Ensuring compliance while driving innovation requires strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the legal landscape.
Advice for aspiring Product Managers
For those looking to break into product management, Oyeniyi emphasises the importance of building a strong foundation in tech. The journey is not always easy, and challenges are inevitable, but persistence is key. Networking and seeking mentorship can open doors to opportunities and provide guidance along the way. While technical knowledge is important, developing soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving is just as critical. Staying curious, embracing challenges, and continuously learning will set aspiring product managers on the path to success.
What’s next for Ifeoluwa Oyeniyi?
Looking ahead, Oyeniyi is eager to take on more leadership responsibilities, mentor aspiring product managers, and explore new opportunities in emerging technologies. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, he remains committed to building impactful products and driving innovation in the tech industry.
