Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ayomipo George. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ayomipo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

I believe that, at its core, education should truly prepare students for the realities they will face beyond the classroom. Right now, education often focuses heavily on technical expertise in specific fields, which is valuable, of course. But technical knowledge alone doesn’t necessarily make someone a leading figure in their field. There are critical, essential skills that go beyond technical ability, skills that can actually set a person apart when combined with their knowledge.

For example, communication skills are crucial, yet they aren’t emphasized enough in our current educational system. Communication isn’t just about presenting information; it’s about thinking critically, responding on the spot, crafting solutions, and articulating ideas in a way that engages and persuades others. True communication goes much deeper—it involves the ability to build understanding and influence, which is often overlooked in formal education.

Another important skill is networking. Strong networking abilities can be as valuable, if not more so, than knowledge alone. It’s not just about having the best technical skills; it’s also about knowing how to connect with people, start meaningful conversations, and build lasting relationships. Education should help students develop these interpersonal skills to complement their technical abilities, as these relationships often open doors and create opportunities.

Lastly, I think our system tends to overemphasize merit in a way that can be limiting. Don’t get me wrong—I believe in merit and hard work, and they absolutely have their place. But often, merit is defined by rote learning or the ability to memorize and recite information, which doesn’t always translate to success outside the classroom. I think we need a more holistic approach that values diverse skills and ways of thinking, beyond traditional academic achievement.

In sum, I’d like to see an education system that balances technical knowledge with these essential life skills, preparing students not just to excel in their field, but to navigate and thrive in the real world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

First and foremost, I identify as both a product and business manager. By this, I mean I help organizations, individuals, and product owners transform raw ideas into user-friendly, relatable versions through detailed documentation. From there, I guide the process into production, managing a team of engineers to develop these products. I ensure we prioritize features in line with the product’s objectives and goals, working within budget constraints and set timelines. This is the essence of my role as a product manager.

On the business side, I emphasize my background in business development because, in most cases, these products are built with specific business objectives in mind. My experience in sales, market research, and scaling strategies adds a solid foundation that I bring into my product management work. This blend of business acumen and product expertise allows me to not only shape the product but also consider its market trajectory and growth potential.

In terms of my educational background, I’m a first-class graduate of urban and regional planning from the Federal University of Technology Akure. My academic focus was on climate change impacts, particularly flooding in major Nigerian cities like Lagos. I chose this field out of a passion for addressing global challenges through environmental policy and sustainable solutions. I’m deeply committed to problem-solving and exploring innovative approaches to environmental issues.

What I believe sets me apart is my approach to challenges and my perspective. I see myself as a thoughtful leader, someone who combines analytical thinking with creative solutions. This mindset has been a core part of my journey, helping me contribute meaningfully and drive impactful results.

I see myself as a thought leader who is deeply committed to achieving real, impactful results. For me, it’s not just about generating ideas; it’s about ensuring those ideas lead to tangible outcomes. I focus on translating concepts into actionable steps that align with both user needs and business goals. This mindset helps me drive innovation, whether in product management or business strategy, by ensuring that every decision and feature is purposeful and contributes to the overall vision.

One of the skills I bring to my product management career is my ability to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges. I’m especially proud of the work I do for my clients when they bring me raw, unstructured ideas or products. I help them figure out what features to prioritize, how to shape the product for market readiness, and ensure it aligns with their goals.

One of my current projects is an edtech solution with Namesetter, which aims to redefine how education is perceived and accessed. It focuses on reducing barriers to learning and enhancing skills development, making education more accessible and impactful. This project really embodies my commitment to building products that drive meaningful change.

Thank you!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’d like to share my educational journey—a story of resilience and learning from setbacks. This is the journey of someone who had to experience failure first and then make the most out of those lessons. Although I could have completed my academic path in about five years, it ultimately took me around ten to eleven years. But instead of dwelling on the length of time, I focused on the lessons that came with each step.

For example, despite graduating from high school as an iFlyer with high honors, I didn’t get into university on my first attempt. I spent two years in a polytechnic, followed by two more years waiting for university admission. Finally, when I did get into university, I could have let those years of waiting weigh me down, but I chose not to. Instead, I embraced the experience and stayed committed to learning and growth.

I didn’t let the delays discourage me. Instead, I focused on the lessons I could learn during that time. I actively sought out opportunities for personal and academic growth, engaging in projects and building relationships that would enrich my understanding. This mindset transformed my challenges into stepping stones, preparing me for success once I finally entered university.

This journey taught me that we don’t always get what we want right away, but resilience lies in making the most of the process, regardless of the timeline.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

When managing a team, it’s crucial to view yourself not just as a leader but also as a part of the team. This perspective emphasizes empathy, which is essential in leadership. As leaders, we should be attuned to our team’s feelings and experiences. It’s important to avoid positioning ourselves as distant figures; instead, we should engage in the same tasks as our team members when appropriate.

By doing this, we create a model for our team to follow. Leadership is not about being a celebrity; it’s about setting an example. When team members see their leader actively participating and understanding their challenges, it fosters a sense of unity and boosts morale. This approach cultivates a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: theayogeorge_
• Facebook: George Ayomipo Ayomide
• Linkedin: ayomipo george
• Twitter: theayogeorge_