We were lucky to catch up with Iyanuoluwa Odebode recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Iyanuoluwa, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission wasn’t born in a boardroom—it was forged through personal challenges, setbacks, and a deep realization that talent without opportunity is like a locked vault full of potential.
Growing up, I saw how bright minds struggled because they lacked access to the right tools, education, and opportunities. I saw how industries hesitated to adopt AI, not because they didn’t see its potential, but because it felt complex and out of reach. I saw brilliant ideas die because the people behind them didn’t have the support to bring them to life.
These experiences fueled my mission: to make AI accessible, practical, and empowering for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.
I believe AI isn’t just for massive corporations or elite engineers—it should be a tool that unlocks innovation for everyone. That’s why I’ve committed to empowering 1 million data scientists and helping businesses integrate AI in a way that’s practical, ethical, and impactful. Through Wokkah, Zeitios, and other AI-driven platforms, I’m not just building solutions—I’m building bridges between knowledge and application, between potential and opportunity.
This mission is personal. It’s about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that AI is not just shaping the future, but doing so inclusively, ethically, and for the benefit of all. That’s why I do what I do.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Dr. Iyanuoluwa Odebode—an AI expert, entrepreneur, and technology leader with a deep passion for bridging the gap between innovation and real-world impact. My journey into artificial intelligence and automation wasn’t just a career move; it was a calling that emerged from a strong desire to solve problems, make AI accessible, and help businesses unlock new levels of efficiency and growth.
At Wokkah, we provide a platform where businesses and individuals can hire vetted professionals across various fields. Our AI-driven matching system ensures that companies find the right talent quickly, avoiding the inefficiencies and risks of traditional hiring processes.
We solve key problems such as:
1. Time-Consuming Hiring Processes – Finding the right professionals can be daunting. Wokkah simplifies this by offering pre-vetted experts, saving businesses valuable time.
2. Mismatched Skillsets – Many businesses struggle with freelancers who do not meet expectations. Wokkah ensures that only highly qualified professionals are matched to the right projects.
3. Trust and Reliability Issues – Through our verification process, we guarantee that clients work with trustworthy professionals.
4. Project Execution Gaps – We streamline the execution process by ensuring professionals meet deadlines and deliver top-quality work.
What Sets Wokkah Apart?
AI-Powered Matching: Our intelligent matching algorithm connects clients with the best professionals based on skill, experience, and industry requirements.
Quality Assurance: We don’t just provide freelancers; we guarantee expertise by thoroughly vetting our professionals.
Global Reach, Local Impact: Whether you’re a startup in Lagos or a corporate entity in London, Wokkah provides access to world-class talent while ensuring local businesses thrive.
Diverse Expertise: We cater to a wide range of industries—from tech and marketing to business consulting and creative design.
Proud Achievements & Our Vision
One of my proudest achievements is seeing businesses scale faster and more efficiently because of the professionals they hire through Wokkah. We’ve helped startups find the right technical co-founders, assisted growing businesses in scaling their operations, and provided countless professionals with sustainable work opportunities.
Looking ahead, my vision for Wokkah is to become the go-to platform for professional services worldwide, ensuring that businesses of all sizes have access to top-tier talent without the hassle.
Final Thoughts for Potential Clients & Users
If you’re a business looking for trusted professionals, Wokkah is your best bet. If you’re a skilled professional looking for opportunities, Wokkah is your gateway to quality projects.
Wokkah is more than a platform—it’s a movement to redefine how businesses and professionals connect!
Visit us at www.wokkah.com to get started today!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Managing a team is more than just assigning tasks and tracking deadlines—it’s about inspiring people, creating an environment where they thrive, and building a culture of ownership and excellence. In my experience leading AI-driven projects, startups, and business ventures like Wokkah, I’ve learned that a high-performing team isn’t just made up of talented individuals—it’s built on trust, purpose, and a shared vision.
Challenges will always arise, but overcoming them is what defines strong leadership. In this video (https://youtu.be/8TzSs9ejxdY?si=Htug6NWZmNXSbe8R ), I discuss strategies for navigating obstacles and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Here are some of the key principles I follow to manage teams effectively and maintain high morale:
1. Lead with Purpose & Clarity
People don’t just want a job—they want to be part of something meaningful. The best way to keep a team engaged is to give them a clear vision of what they are working toward.
1. Communicate the “why” behind your company’s mission.
2. Help team members see how their contributions make a real impact.
3. Set clear expectations so they know what success looks like.
When people understand the purpose behind their work, they take ownership and go the extra mile.
2. Trust & Empower Your Team
Micromanaging is the fastest way to kill morale. Instead of controlling every detail, empower your team with autonomy and responsibility.
1. Trust them to take ownership of their roles.
2. Encourage creativity and innovation. Let them solve problems in their own way.
3. Provide guidance, not just instructions. A strong leader supports, rather than dictates.
The more trust you give, the more engaged and motivated your team will be.
3. Foster a Culture of Continuous Growth
High-performing teams thrive in environments where learning never stops.
1. Encourage team members to develop new skills and take on challenges.
2 .Offer mentorship, training, and growth opportunities.
3. Celebrate progress, not just results—because growth is a journey.
A team that continuously learns is a team that continuously wins.
4. Recognize & Reward Contributions
People want to feel valued. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
1. Celebrate small and big wins—publicly acknowledge good work.
2. Provide meaningful incentives (not just money, but career growth opportunities, recognition, or even just time off).
3. Show appreciation regularly—it builds a culture of motivation.
A team that feels valued will always give their best.
5. Create a Supportive & Collaborative Environment
The best teams support each other, not compete against each other.
1. Encourage open communication—let people share ideas freely.
2. Promote teamwork over individual success.
3. Make sure leadership is accessible and open to feedback.
People work best when they feel safe, heard, and part of a team that genuinely cares about them.
6. Lead by Example
Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do—it’s about showing them how it’s done.
1. Stay committed to your own growth.
2. Be accountable and take responsibility.
3. Show resilience and a positive attitude, especially during challenges.
When your team sees that you embody the values you preach, they’ll naturally follow.
My Final Thoughts
A successful team isn’t just made up of talented individuals—it’s built on trust, vision, growth, and recognition. When you lead with purpose, empower your people, and create an environment of collaboration and appreciation, you don’t just manage a team—you build a movement.
And when people believe in what they’re doing, they don’t just work for you—they work with you to build something extraordinary.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation in the AI and technology market wasn’t an overnight process—it was the result of a combination of consistent innovation, a focus on impact, and staying true to my values.
From the beginning, I knew that to stand out, I had to focus on solving real problems rather than just chasing trends. Whether it was developing transfer learning solutions for cybersecurity or pioneering AI-driven transformations in automation and robotics, I’ve always made it a point to create real-world solutions that deliver tangible results. This focus on delivering value, not just for the sake of innovation but for the people and businesses I serve, has helped me establish a reputation of trust and credibility.
Additionally, mentorship and education have been critical in building my reputation. I made it my mission to empower the next generation by creating educational programs and mentorship opportunities that demystify AI. By sharing knowledge, helping people see AI’s potential, and supporting startups with AI pipelines, I’ve built a community of learners, innovators, and leaders who see me not just as a technology leader, but also as someone committed to lifting others as I rise.
Lastly, I believe integrity and ethics have played a major role in shaping my reputation. In an industry that’s constantly evolving, I’ve always emphasized the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that my work is done with a focus on fairness and inclusivity. This approach has earned me respect within my market, as people know I’m not just about building the next big thing, but doing it the right way.
Ultimately, my reputation is the result of staying consistent in my mission to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, and leading with a commitment to innovation, education, and ethical responsibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wokkah.com/
- Instagram: wokkah
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wokkah/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Wokkah-7
