WIT Love Podcast

Adewunmi Ajike | Bridging Tech and Humanity

Our host Sanji Nnaji interviews Adewunmi Ajike, an AI product manager at Telus and co-founder of the nonprofit Women Economics. Adewunmi discusses how growing up Nigerian in Dubai and later living in North America shaped her adaptive, multicultural leadership style and her preference for building communities alongside products. She explains communicating AI to executives by focusing on stakeholder pain points, using simple language, and building trust to overcome fear of change. For successful digital transformation, she emphasizes early change management and adoption planning, supported by rollout timelines. She outlines moving AI from concept to enterprise impact through a strong leadership visionary sponsor and scalable, feedback-driven solutions. She also highlights key skills for leaders and underrepresented professionals — stakeholder management, influence without authority, negotiation, visibility, advocacy, and strong job fundamentals — and describes Women Economics’ growth, events, and personal goal to reach 1,000 students across 10 universities by 2026. Find them online: Sandra Nnaji: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrannaji/ Adewunmi Ajike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adewunmiajike/ Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witlovepodcast/

Saima Malik: Creating a community of innovation

Saima Malik, a transformation executive with over 25 years of experience, is a prominent advocate for women in technology, currently leading TD's Enterprise Automation Center of Excellence. Her advocacy emphasizes the creation of communities within organizations to foster peer learning and share best practices, rather than solely relying on leadership to drive change. Saima champions a human-centered and value-driven approach to technology innovation, particularly in the integration of AI and automation, ensuring that people remain at the core of decision-making processes. Through initiatives like TD's Women in Leadership pillar and the Move the Dial TD partnership, she has been instrumental in advancing the representation and impact of women in the tech industry, encouraging them to break barriers and contribute significantly to emerging fields. Takeaways: * Saima Malik emphasizes the importance of a human-centered approach in integrating AI and automation with workforce dynamics. * Leaders must cultivate an adaptability mindset to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of technology and AI adoption. * Collaboration and community engagement are essential for driving innovation and sharing best practices among colleagues in the tech field. * The integration of AI necessitates a careful balance to preserve trust and human connection in business relationships. * Founders should critically assess their operational workflows and seek innovative solutions that optimize their processes and resource allocation. Find them online: Feyisayo Enuiyin: linkedin.com/in/feyisayoenuiyin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/feyisayoenuiyin/] Saima Malik: linkedin.com/in/saimamalik [https://www.linkedin.com/in/saimamalik/] Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witlovepodcast/

Kimberlee West: Marketing with Purpose and Heart

The concept of purposeful and empathetic marketing stands at the forefront of this discussion, as it emerges as a catalyst capable of engendering profound impact within organizations and the lives of their customers. In this enlightening conversation, I, Sandra Nnaji, am joined by the esteemed Kimberlee West, a luminary in product marketing with over 15 years of experience. We delve into how intentional marketing strategies that are grounded in empathy and core values not only foster meaningful connections but also drive sustainable growth. Kimberlee explains her journey, sharing insights from her ventures, including Kids Swag, which exemplifies the significance of representation and mindful consumer engagement. Join us as we explore the transformative power of marketing with purpose and heart, and uncover how these principles can redefine success in the contemporary marketplace. Takeaways: * Intentional marketing practices foster deeper connections with customers, emphasizing empathy as a core value. * Successful marketing strategies require understanding diverse customer personas and their unique needs and motivations. * The journey of entrepreneurship is often marked by the necessity of starting imperfectly and learning from mistakes. * Representation in marketing is crucial, particularly for children, as it shapes their self-identity and worldview. * Utilizing technology, such as AI, can enhance marketing efforts by providing valuable insights and streamlining processes. * Valuing customer feedback and iterating based on their experiences is essential for sustainable business growth. Follow them online: Sandra Nnaji: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrannaji/ Kimberlee West: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleewest/ Follow us online: IG: https://www.instagram.com/witlovepodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowered-in-my-skin/

Natasha Patrick | The Intersection of Execution and Empowerment in Tech Leadership

The future of technology leadership is fundamentally intertwined with the principles of execution and empowerment, a theme thoroughly examined in this dialogue between Feyisayo Enuiyin and Natasha Patrick. As an accomplished IT leader with over two decades of experience, Natasha shares about the vital importance of fostering collaboration and cultivating an environment where diverse voices are both heard and valued. Throughout the conversation, we explore the transformative impact that women can have in technology, as well as the necessity for continued learning and adaptation in an ever-evolving landscape. Natasha's journey is emblematic of the potential that lies in embracing one's unique path, underscoring the significance of curiosity and resilience. Ultimately, this episode serves as an inspiring testament to the opportunities that await those who dare to pursue their ambitions in the realm of technology. Takeaways: * The podcast emphasizes the importance of women in technology, showcasing their contributions and leadership potential. * Natasha Patrick's journey illustrates how transferable skills can lead to success in tech leadership roles. * Continuous learning and upskilling are crucial in the rapidly evolving technology landscape, as highlighted by both speakers. * The discussion encourages women to pursue their aspirations without seeking permission, fostering a mindset of empowerment. * Networking and leveraging subject matter experts are vital strategies for overcoming challenges in the tech industry. * AI is identified as a transformative force in technology, with both excitement and caution expressed regarding its implications. Find them online: Feyisayo Enuiyin: linkedin.com/in/feyisayoenuiyin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/feyisayoenuiyin] Natasha Patrick: linkedin.com/in/npatrick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/npatrick] Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witlovepodcast/

Crafting Change: Liberty White on Women, Media, and Technology

This discussion centers on the importance of storytelling as a pivotal medium for empowering women in technology. Sandra Nnaji engages in a profound dialogue with Liberty White, a distinguished leader committed to diminishing the gender gap within the tech industry. Liberty, as the CEO of CHOZEN MEDIA, home to She Learns AI, is a seasoned expert in AI and digital marketing, elucidates her journey and the transformative role of representation in media. Throughout the episode, we explore the intersections of creativity and entrepreneurship, as well as the necessity of cultivating community and mental wellness amidst the challenges faced by women in the tech sphere. This conversation serves not only to inspire but also to illuminate the pathways available for aspiring female technologists and storytellers. Takeaways: * This episode explores how storytelling serves as a powerful tool for women in technology, fostering representation and inspiring future generations. * Liberty White emphasizes that bridging the gender gap in technology requires both innovative strategies and community support for aspiring women professionals. * The discussion highlights the importance of diverse voices in media and technology, showcasing how representation can shift perceptions and inspire action. * Liberty's journey underscores the value of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship, essential qualities for navigating the complexities of the tech landscape. * The episode illustrates how AI can be leveraged to enhance efficiency in business operations, encouraging women to embrace these tools for growth and empowerment. * Through personal anecdotes, Liberty shares the significance of mental health and community in sustaining one’s entrepreneurial journey, particularly for women in tech. Find them online: Sandra Nnaji: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrannaji/ Liberty White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlibertywhite/ Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witlovepodcast/