“In the ever-evolving field of data science, continuous learning is essential. I strive to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies because innovation never stops.” —Olayinka Olalekan Hamed
Meet Olayinka Olalekan Hamed; an accomplished Lead Data Science Analyst at Discover Product Inc., renowned for his expertise in data analytics, business intelligence, machine learning, and financial technology. With a solid academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Lagos and a Master of Science in Statistics and Computer Systems from Texas A&M University, Olayinka seamlessly combines academic rigor with practical insights to drive exceptional business outcomes.
At Discover Product Inc., Olayinka has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. He has led a team of analysts, streamlined reporting processes, and implemented data-driven strategies that enhanced organizational performance. Notably, his strategic initiatives led to a 20% boost in conversion rates for direct mailing campaigns and uncovered a $40,000 revenue opportunity through advanced analytics. His proficiency in creating dynamic dashboards using Tableau and Power BI has revolutionized decision-making across the organization.
Olayinka’s contributions extend beyond the workplace. He was honored with the prestigious BAT Award of Excellence in 2024 and has served as a judge for high-profile events like the Dratech Hackathon 2023 and the BAT Innovation Awards 2022. His passion for education is evident in his tenure as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Texas A&M University, where he taught statistical methods and developed cutting-edge e-learning modules.
What distinguishes Olayinka is his ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, underpinned by his strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Currently pursuing an MBA in Business Analytics, he aspires to further his influence on business strategy through innovative, data-driven solutions while mentoring emerging talents in the field.
Olayinka Olalekan Hamed is a data science leader whose career is defined by significant achievements, strategic innovation, and a relentless commitment to excellence. His vision is to continue leveraging analytics to propel organizational growth and nurture the next generation of data scientists.
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In this exclusive interview, Olayinka Olalekan Hamed shares insights into his inspiring journey, groundbreaking achievements, and vision for the future. From his roots in Nigeria to his impactful career at Discover Product Inc., Olayinka reflects on the transformative power of data and the importance of innovation.
Round Table Chat with an Industry Giant —Olayinka Olalekan Hamed
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in data science?
Olayinka responded: “I grew up in Nigeria, where I developed a deep interest in mathematics and technology from an early age. My upbringing fostered a natural curiosity for problem-solving, which only grew stronger as I advanced in school. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics at the University of Lagos, graduating with distinction. This academic foundation helped me hone my analytical thinking skills and reinforced my love for solving complex problems.
As I became more aware of the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing importance of data in decision-making, I realized the immense potential of data science as a field. This realization drove me to pursue further studies, leading me to Texas A&M University, where I earned a Master’s in Statistics and Computer Systems. It was during this period that I fully grasped the transformative power of data in solving real-world problems, from optimizing business strategies to addressing societal challenges. Witnessing firsthand how data-driven insights could revolutionize industries inspired me to dedicate my career to this ever-evolving field.”
2. What has been your experience working as a Lead Data Science Analyst at Discover Product Inc.?
Olayinka said: “My role as a Lead Data Science Analyst at Discover Product Inc. has been both challenging and rewarding. I lead a highly talented and motivated team of data analysts, and together, we focus on translating complex data into actionable business insights. One of the highlights of my time here has been automating our reporting processes, which reduced the time required for reporting by 25%. This accomplishment not only increased efficiency within the team but also allowed us to redirect our focus toward more strategic, high-impact projects.
Beyond the technical aspects, this role has given me the opportunity to mentor others, a responsibility I take very seriously. Mentorship is not only about sharing knowledge but also about empowering my team to innovate and approach problems creatively. Each project we undertake presents unique challenges, and I thrive on collaborating with my team to overcome them. The dynamic nature of data analytics keeps me constantly learning, adapting, and contributing meaningfully to the company’s growth.”
3. You received the BAT Award of Excellence in 2024. What does this recognition mean to you?
Olayinka reflected: “Receiving the BAT Award of Excellence in 2024 was an incredibly humbling experience. It felt like a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in my career. While it is an individual recognition, I see it as a celebration of the collaborative efforts of my team and the supportive environment at Discover Product Inc.
This award signifies more than personal achievement; it validates the impact of data analytics in driving business growth and fostering innovation. It also serves as a powerful reminder of why I chose this career path—to use data to create meaningful change. The recognition motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my work while also mentoring others in the field. I hope to inspire upcoming professionals, showing them that with dedication, the possibilities in data science are truly limitless.”
4. How do you approach mentoring junior analysts on your team?
Olayinka explained: “I believe mentorship is about fostering an environment where junior analysts feel empowered to ask questions and explore their ideas. I focus on hands-on training, encouraging them to take ownership of projects while providing guidance on best practices in data analysis and visualization. I find that sharing real-world examples helps them understand the practical applications of their skills. Additionally, I encourage them to challenge assumptions and think critically about the data we work with, which ultimately leads to more innovative solutions.”
5. Can you describe your experience as a judge for the Dratech Hackathon 2023?
Olayinka shared: “Judging the Dratech Hackathon 2023 was an exhilarating experience. It was inspiring to witness the sheer creativity and ingenuity of the participants, many of whom were addressing real-world challenges with innovative solutions. What stood out to me the most was the ability of these talented individuals to tailor their ideas to solve problems that are unique to Africa, such as improving access to education, healthcare, and financial services.
Being part of such an event allowed me to engage with emerging talents from across the continent and provide constructive feedback that could help refine their projects. I appreciated the opportunity to play a role in fostering innovation and supporting a new generation of thinkers and problem-solvers. It reaffirmed my belief in the potential of African youth to lead global innovation in technology and other fields.”
6. What insights did you gain from judging the BAT Innovation Awards in 2022?
Olayinka said: “Judging the BAT Innovation Awards in 2022 was a truly eye-opening experience. I was amazed by the diversity and practicality of the projects presented, many of which addressed pressing issues faced by underserved communities across Africa. From leveraging artificial intelligence for healthcare delivery to using blockchain for secure financial transactions, the submissions highlighted how technology can drive meaningful social and economic change.
This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of innovation. It also highlighted the importance of creating platforms that enable African innovators to showcase their work and gain the recognition and resources they deserve. These projects inspired me to contribute more actively to initiatives that support entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa, as I believe these efforts are critical to unlocking the continent’s immense potential.”
7. How do you utilize tools like Tableau and Power BI in your daily work?
Olayinka explained: “Tableau and Power BI are essential tools in my toolkit for visualizing data effectively. I use them daily to create dashboards that present complex datasets in an easily digestible format for stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making across departments. These tools help me communicate insights clearly, ensuring that our findings lead to actionable strategies that align with business objectives. I’ve found that well-designed dashboards can significantly enhance understanding among non-technical stakeholders, bridging gaps between data analysis and strategic planning.”
8. What challenges have you faced in your career, particularly as a Nigerian working abroad, and how have you overcome them?
Olayinka reflected: “One challenge has been navigating cultural differences and adapting to various workplace dynamics abroad. Initially, it was daunting as I had to acclimate not only to new professional standards but also different communication styles among colleagues from diverse backgrounds. However, I view these challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. By actively seeking feedback from peers and engaging with diverse teams, I’ve learned to appreciate different perspectives, which has enriched my approach to problem-solving and collaboration.”
9. Can you discuss a specific project where you identified significant revenue opportunities through your analysis?
Olayinka detailed: “In one project at Discover Product Inc., I utilized regression analysis and statistical methods to identify a $40,000 revenue opportunity within our marketing strategies. By analyzing customer behavior patterns through large datasets, we were able to refine our direct mailing campaign significantly, resulting in a 20% increase in conversion rates. This project demonstrated how data-driven decisions can lead directly to financial growth while also enhancing customer engagement strategies.”
10. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in data science?
Olayinka responded: “I prioritize continuous learning through various channels—attending conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with professional organizations like the American Statistical Association (ASA). Additionally, I regularly take online courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera to enhance my skills further and stay abreast of new tools and methodologies emerging in the field of data science.”
11. What role does critical thinking play in your work as a data analyst?
Olayinka explained: “Critical thinking is foundational in my role as it allows me to approach problems systematically and evaluate data objectively without bias or preconceived notions about outcomes. It helps me question assumptions inherent within datasets or analyses while analyzing patterns critically, leading us towards developing innovative solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable over time.”
12. What advice would you give young professionals aspiring to enter the field of data science?
Olayinka advises: “My advice would be twofold: first, build a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics while gaining practical experience through internships or projects; second, never underestimate the power of networking—connecting with industry professionals can open doors for mentorship opportunities that are invaluable early on in one’s career path.”
13. Looking ahead, what are your professional aspirations after completing your MBA focused on Business Analytics?
Olayinka shared: “After completing my MBA focused on Business Analytics, I aspire not only toward taking on more strategic roles where I can influence business decisions at higher levels within an organization but also aim towards starting my own venture focused on leveraging data for social impact across Africa—specifically targeting areas such as education or healthcare where analytics can drive meaningful change.”
14. How do you envision using your skills and experiences to contribute back to Nigeria or Africa as a whole?
Olayinka expresses: “I envision using my expertise gained abroad by mentoring young talent back home through workshops or online platforms focused on data science education tailored specifically for African contexts—addressing local challenges with local solutions through innovation! Additionally, collaborating with local startups will allow me not just provide insights but also empower entrepreneurs who seek impactful ways leveraging technology for economic development.”
Conclusion:
As we draw this enlightening interview with Olayinka Olalekan Hamed to a close, it is evident that his journey in the field of data science is marked by both significant achievements and a deep commitment to mentorship and community engagement. Olayinka has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a Lead Data Science Analyst at Discover Product Inc., where he has successfully automated reporting processes, created impactful dashboards, and identified substantial revenue opportunities through his analytical expertise.
His recognition by Bridge Africa Technologies as one of the Nigerians excelling in his field underscores not only his individual accomplishments but also his role as an inspiration for aspiring data professionals across the continent.
Throughout our discussion, Olayinka has shared invaluable insights into the importance of critical thinking, continuous learning, and collaboration in driving innovation within the data analytics landscape.
His experiences as a judge for prestigious events like the Dratech Hackathon and the BAT Innovation Awards highlight his dedication to fostering talent and supporting emerging innovators in Africa. These contributions reflect his belief in the transformative power of data to address real-world challenges and drive economic growth.
Olayinka’s story serves as a powerful motivation for young professionals looking to carve out their paths in data science and technology. His message is clear: with perseverance, a commitment to excellence, and a willingness to learn, anyone can achieve remarkable success.
As he continues to lead by example, Olayinka is not only shaping the future of data analytics but also inspiring the next generation of leaders who will undoubtedly follow in his footsteps. His journey exemplifies how one can leverage skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to both local communities and the global stage, encouraging youth everywhere to pursue their passions with determination and purpose.
