Oluwasekemi Akinbo, Product Marketing Manager is a marketing professional who thrives on collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive product adoption, enhance brand positioning, and deliver growth marketing strategies that scale quickly.
Her expertise in marketing has allowed her to oversee the ideation, strategy and execution of marketing campaigns and drive both business growth and revenue. In addition, her analytical skills have enabled her to draw actionable insights from marketing data, helping strategic marketing decisions. Oluwasekemi’s comprehensive skills, dedication and passion to excellence have made her an invaluable asset to every company and team she has been a part of. In this interview, we will be getting valuable insights into building a successful marketing career.
Can we get to know you
I am Oluwasekemi Akinbo but can be called Sekemi. I have worked in the marketing space for some time now. I have worked with cross functional teams and developed successful go-to marketing strategies for brands. I love it when my ideas come to live, it makes me happy. In my spare time, I love watching travel creators, because I love travelling and experiencing new cultures, also I enjoy having meaningful conversations.
What’s your educational background, where and what did you study?
I have a BSc in Economics from Landmark University Omu-Aran Kwara state Nigeria. I’m currently running my master’s program in Advertising and Marketing at the University of Hull, England.
Can you share your story on how you got into marketing
I had studied Economics for my BSc, unfortunately my school did not have marketing or brand management, which was what I really wanted to study, but coming from an African home, I knew I just couldn’t sit at home, so I had to go for what was in front of me which was Economics. Long story short. I had finished my BSc, so I started a side business, and as an entrepreneur you wear many hats. I was managing the social media platforms for my business and I really loved it from the name branding, down to running both paid social and paid search. I got interested in how social media and search engine analytics works.
Few Months later I got a job for a travel company as a Growth associate managing their social platforms and google ads. I loved it every step of the way, as I was responsible for driving the growth of the brand. Since then, I started to research more in other areas of marketing and decided to venture into product marketing.
Sounds interesting, how has the journey been so far?
My experience has been rewarding. I must say, I am always looking forward to learning more and making ideas come to life through brands. I am keen on providing go-to marketing strategies that will increase revenue and improve brand visibility.
Have you faced any difficulties so far in your career?
I have; difficulties are inevitable in any career. At some point in my life I had imposter syndrome, I never really believed in myself. I remember my first marketing roles where I had to learn how to use some analytics tools, and all hope was on me. I kept doubting myself and felt I could not learn it because I wasn’t a big fan of mathematics and numbers in secondary school. I had to learn it as the company relied on me at that time, as a marketing professional of course you must use data to give insights and measure campaign performance. Thankfully it’s a thing of the past and I have learned to believe in myself.
What’s the highlight of your career so far, and what lessons have you learned?
The major highlight of my career was when we successfully launched a product at a startup where I worked, I was happy to be part of the team. I worked on the go-to marketing strategy and was happy I saw my ideas come to live. This period taught me that hard work pays. Another highlight of my career would be my master’s program. I am so happy my dream is now a reality because at some point it felt like it wouldn’t be possible and it’s also in my dream course Advertising and Marketing.
I have learnt a lot in my career, be ready and eager to learn, get into more real-world experiences because theory in marketing is different when you get into the hands-on bit of marketing. Network and continue to network it’s going to go a long way in your career.
What do you do aside from marketing and studying?
Aside from marketing, studying, I mentor young women who are looking to come into Marketing. I also enjoy writing CV’s and cover letters. I have cracked the code, when it comes to CV writing. I realised I enjoy helping young people to achieve their dreams, so I want to make sure I have a positive impact on people I come across.
Can you share with us tips that make you stay productive?
I always divide my tasks in order of importance, I always set clear timelines and I rely on my google calendar, I make use of note apps on my phone and set reminders.
What are your favourite work tools?
My laptop, headphones and a cup of tea.
If you could master another skill, what would it be?
Cybersecurity, I am looking towards that part soon, maybe when I get tired of marketing.
What are some trends in the tech industry you are excited about?
I’d say artificial intelligence; I am fascinated about this trend and looking forward to what AI has in store in the near future.
Can you tell us some books that have impacted you or your career?
I love books, hmmm I’d say.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey
The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu
Finally what advice do you have for anyone aspiring to build a career in marketing?
- I’d say continuous learning, take more hands-on marketing projects. For starters take Udemy courses, google courses. Volunteer with businesses it could SME’s or even bootcamps who offer theoretical and practical projects.
- Always take risks and do not be afraid to fail, and always take every challenge as a learning curve
- Speak up confidently and seek out mentorship who support your growth and development
- Always believe in yourself, you can achieve anything you want to as far as you set your mind to it.
- Lastly, join career and development communities that will help you grow and make sure you network!