“Data is more than just numbers; it is the language of innovation, the key to informed decisions, and the bridge between ideas and impact.” – Oluwayemisi Owoade
Meet Oluwayemisi Owoade, a distinguished Business Intelligence Analyst, researcher, and public health data specialist with over six years of experience in transforming complex datasets into strategic business and health insights. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for data-driven decision-making, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency by 30% across various industries while also applying data analytics to inform public health policies and rehabilitation programs.
Specializing in business analytics, data visualization, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis, Oluwayemisi serves as a strategic partner in shaping data-informed business and public health decisions. Her innovative contributions earned her the 2023 BAT Award of Excellence (Data Innovation Excellence category), underscoring her role in advancing tech-driven business solutions and data analytics for public health. She further amplified her impact in the previous year as a judge for the 2022 Dratech Hackathon, a global platform celebrating African tech talent.
Beyond her professional achievements, Oluwayemisi is a dedicated researcher with multiple publications in renowned journals. Her works, including “Navigating the Digital Frontier: Empowering SMBs with Transformational Strategies for Operational Efficiency, Enhanced Customer Engagement, and Competitive Edge” and “Empowering SMEs: Unveiling Business Analysis Tactics in Adapting to the Digital Era”, highlight her thought leadership in business intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing for small and medium-sized enterprises, and data-driven public health interventions.
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A firm believer in the power of data to drive business success and public health improvements, Oluwayemisi continues to push the boundaries of innovation, aspiring to develop cutting-edge business intelligence solutions that bridge the gap between data and impactful decision-making.
Exclusive Interview with Oluwayemisi Owoade
Business Intelligence Analyst | Data Specialist | Public Health Data Analyst | Researcher
Question 1: Let’s start with your journey. Can you tell us about your early years in Nigeria, your educational background, and how those experiences shaped your career in business analytics and public health data science?
Response:
Thank you for having me. My journey began in Nigeria, where I developed a strong curiosity for numbers and patterns from an early age. Growing up, I was fascinated by how data could reveal trends and help solve real-world problems. This passion led me to pursue higher education in business analytics and public health data science, where I immersed myself in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and healthcare data modeling.
My academic journey took a pivotal turn when I enrolled at the University of New Haven, where I earned my Master’s in Business Analytics with a 4.0 GPA. My coursework covered database management, data mining, forecasting, machine learning, and customer segmentation, all of which refined my analytical skills. I was honored to receive the Beta Gamma Sigma Merit Award and the Provost Tuition Award, which validated my dedication and performance.
Nigeria’s business and public health landscape also played a significant role in shaping my perspective. I worked in various industries, including finance, aviation, and public health, where I saw firsthand how businesses and healthcare systems struggled to harness data effectively. This inspired me to develop solutions that empower organizations with data-driven strategies.
Question 2: You have built an impressive career in business intelligence, data analytics, and public health research. What challenges did you face as a Nigerian professional excelling abroad, and how did you overcome them?
Response:
Moving abroad and establishing myself in a competitive field came with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was adapting to a different corporate culture and proving my expertise in a global market. In the early stages, I had to work twice as hard to showcase my skills and ensure that my contributions were recognized.
Another challenge was navigating the evolving tech and healthcare landscape. Data analytics is a rapidly changing field, and staying ahead requires constant learning. I overcame this by earning multiple certifications, including:
- Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
- IIBA CBDA (Certified Business Data Analyst)
- Advanced SQL and Python for Data Science
These certifications gave me the technical edge needed to stay relevant.
Additionally, I found strength in my Nigerian roots. The ability to think innovatively, adapt quickly, and remain resilient has been invaluable in my journey. Today, I see myself as a bridge—bringing African talent and expertise into the global data analytics and public health space and proving that excellence has no borders.
Question 3: Winning the BAT Award of Excellence in 2023 in the Data Innovation Excellence category is a significant milestone. What does this recognition mean to you?
Response:
Winning the BAT Award of Excellence in Data Innovation was an incredibly humbling moment. It was more than just an award—it was a recognition of years of hard work, research, and dedication to transforming raw data into impactful business and public health strategies.
One of my notable projects resulted in a 30% increase in operational efficiency for businesses, showcasing how analytics can optimize business processes and improve healthcare decision-making. The award also reinforced my belief in the power of data to revolutionize industries and public health systems.
Most importantly, it served as an inspiration for others, especially young Nigerians aspiring to enter the field. It sends a strong message: we can compete on the global stage and lead the way in technological advancements.
Question 4: Beyond being an analyst, you have also served as a judge for the Dratech Hackathon. Can you share what that experience was like and why initiatives like these matter?
Response:
Serving as a judge for the Dratech Hackathon in 2022 was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Dratech International provides a platform that celebrates African excellence in tech and innovation, and I was honored to be part of such an impactful initiative.
The competition brought together some of the brightest minds in Africa, showcasing groundbreaking solutions in business intelligence, AI, and digital transformation. As a judge, I had the opportunity to mentor young innovators, provide feedback, and evaluate projects based on their potential for real-world impact.
Question 5: You’ve worked on high-impact projects, such as increasing operational efficiency and building predictive models. Can you walk us through a project that had a significant impact?
Response:
Certainly! One of my most impactful projects involved optimizing data-driven decision-making for a multinational company. The organization struggled with fragmented data, making it difficult to track performance metrics and predict future trends.
I led a team to develop a predictive analytics model using machine learning and Power BI, integrating datasets from various departments. Through statistical analysis and visualization, we uncovered inefficiencies and streamlined operations, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency.
Beyond business applications, I have also applied data analytics to public health through my work with CHES Empowerment Foundation (CHESFOUND) in Nigeria. As a Data Analyst, I played a crucial role in linking mental health patients, substance abuse victims, homeless individuals, and school dropouts to governmental resources. My work involved analyzing trends in public health data, identifying patterns of vulnerability, and making data-driven recommendations to policymakers. Through these efforts, CHESFOUND successfully informed government policies on rehabilitation programs, improving access to essential resources for underserved populations.
These experiences reinforced the power of data storytelling—not just presenting numbers but making them actionable. They also showcased how technology, when leveraged correctly, can transform both businesses and public health systems, ensuring that data-driven solutions impact lives beyond the corporate sector.
Question 6: What advice would you give to aspiring data analysts and business intelligence professionals, especially those from Africa looking to break into the global market?
Response:
The first thing I’d say is: never stop learning. The field of data analytics evolves rapidly, and staying relevant requires continuous upskilling. Invest in certifications, courses, and hands-on experience—I personally took advantage of platforms like DataCamp, Udemy, and Microsoft certifications to refine my skills.
Second, network aggressively. Find mentors, attend conferences, and join professional communities like IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis). Your network can open doors to opportunities you might never have considered.
Lastly, be resilient and confident in your abilities. African professionals have immense talent, but the global stage can be intimidating. If you focus on building expertise, proving your skills, and embracing challenges as learning opportunities, success will follow.
Additionally, I encourage aspiring data professionals to explore opportunities beyond business analytics by leveraging data analytics in public health and social impact projects. Data has the power to drive meaningful change not just in corporate environments but also in healthcare, government policies, and community development. My work with CHESFOUND is a testament to this, showing how data-driven approaches can help address public health challenges, shape policies, and enhance service delivery for vulnerable populations.
Question 7: Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations, and how do you see yourself shaping the future of business analytics and public health data science?
Response:
I see myself at the intersection of business intelligence, AI, and data-driven innovation. My goal is to continue developing cutting-edge analytics solutions that help businesses make informed decisions.
Beyond the corporate sector, I am deeply committed to advancing data analytics in public health. I aspire to work on large-scale data-driven healthcare initiatives that improve access to care, enhance predictive modeling for disease outbreaks, and optimize resource allocation for healthcare systems.
I also want to contribute to Africa’s data ecosystem by mentoring and empowering the next generation of analysts. Through workshops, research collaborations, and mentorship programs, I hope to create opportunities for young African talents to excel in this field.
Long term, I aspire to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policymaking, ensuring that data analytics is not just a tool for corporations but a strategic advantage for economic growth, public health, and social development worldwide.
Final Words: A Visionary in Business Intelligence, Public Health Data Science, and Digital Transformation
As we wrap up this insightful conversation with Oluwayemisi Owoade, it is impossible not to be inspired by her journey—a story of resilience, excellence, and groundbreaking innovation in business analytics and public health data science. From her early years in Nigeria to establishing herself as a force in the global tech and public health industry, Oluwayemisi embodies the essence of hard work, continuous learning, and strategic impact.
Through her award-winning contributions, including the BAT Award of Excellence 2023 in Data Innovation, she has proven that data is more than just numbers—it is a powerful tool for transformation.
Beyond her accolades, Oluwayemisi is a pioneer and thought leader, with research publications that delve into digital transformation, cybersecurity, business intelligence for SMEs, and public health data analytics. She stands as a beacon of what is possible when talent meets dedication, and her aspirations to mentor young professionals and bridge the gap between African innovation and global opportunities showcase her unwavering commitment to progress.
At Bridge Africa Technologies, we take immense pride in recognizing Oluwayemisi Owoade as one of the Nigerians excelling abroad, making an undeniable impact in her field and shaping the future of data analytics, business intelligence, and public health data science.
To the young minds looking to follow in her footsteps: let her story be your motivation. The world is evolving rapidly, and those who harness the power of data will lead the industries of tomorrow. Like Oluwayemisi, embrace learning, seek innovation, and never stop pushing boundaries—because success knows no borders.
