Mon Sep 11 2023
Learning at Utiva improved my Passion for Tech
By Nathanie Ike
Could you please introduce yourself and what you currently do?
My name is Falodun Ebenezer Tosin. I'm the Lead software engineer at Limestone, and I specialize in deploying scalable projects. Also, I’m an alumnus of Utiva and currently, I reside in Lagos, Nigeria.
How long have you been in the tech space?
I've been in the tech space professionally for about five years now, but my journey started way before then. I initially pursued a career in banking but had always been drawn to technology.
I didn't have a tech background, which is often a prerequisite in Nigeria, but my passion for tech drove me to start learning on my own.
In 2017, I decided to dive into application development, and by 2018, I was working for a tech company. During this time, I also studied data analysis extensively with the Utiva Data School. This diverse experience allowed me to transition smoothly into the tech world.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?
My passion for technology has been with me since childhood. I've always been fascinated by computers and the possibilities they offer. I vividly remember checking my first email when I was around 12 years old and being excited about the idea of receiving messages electronically. However, my academic background was in commerce, not science, which initially posed a challenge. Nevertheless, my determination to enter the tech space led me to start learning and eventually working in the industry.
What challenges have you faced in your tech career?
There have been several challenges along the way. One significant challenge is getting the products we worked on into the hands of users. In my experience, only a fraction of projects end up being widely adopted, which can be frustrating.
Another challenge is maintaining alignment between product owners or business stakeholders and tech teams. It's crucial to keep pushing a product until users genuinely embrace it.
Lastly, networking and finding opportunities were initially challenging, especially when I was just starting. However, I overcame this by actively participating in tech communities and seeking out mentorship.
Can you share some of the high and low points in your career?
One of my high points was when I founded my own startup. Shortly after the lockdown, I started generating income, and at one point, I hit the milestone of becoming a millionaire. This was a significant achievement for me. However, the lowest point was when I had to temporarily pause my business to focus on other aspects of my career. It was a difficult decision, but I believe it's a necessary step to come back stronger.
What are your goals for the near future in the tech space?
In the next few months, my goal is to build a strong team of engineers for the company I am currently working with. Beyond that, in the coming years, I plan to grow my business with the knowledge and experience I've gained and generate significant revenue. I'm particularly interested in developing products related to robotics and artificial intelligence.
Who has been your inspiration in the tech industry, and why?
I draw inspiration from various sources in the tech world. One notable figure is the CEO of Utiva, Eyitayo Ogunmola and I follow him closely online. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur resonates with me. He wasn't born with a silver spoon and worked hard to achieve his goals. Additionally, influential figures like Uncle Bob have inspired me to constantly improve my skills. I also draw inspiration from a few individuals outside of tech who have achieved great things.
What role did Utiva play in your tech journey?
Utiva played a pivotal role in my tech journey by providing me with a platform to collaborate and network within their community. Additionally, I was able to enhance my tech skills, particularly in the field of SQL.
What are your final words?
My advice to anyone entering the tech field is to start by finding a mentor, becoming part of a community, and then focus on learning and building. I firmly believe that Utiva is an excellent resource for achieving these goals.
Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. We really appreciate your time.
Tosin Falodun is a dedicated Software Engineer with a passion for leadership and innovation.
As a seasoned software engineer, he had the privilege of leading talented teams across diverse projects. Currently, he holds the role of Lead Engineer at Limestone Technology, where he spearheads a dynamic team focused on pioneering cutting-edge software solutions for the real estate sector.
In addition to his corporate journey, he co-founded Megathingo, a tech company dedicated to executing groundbreaking technology products. This venture has been instrumental in broadening my horizons and contributing to the tech ecosystem.
He finds immense satisfaction in mentoring and guiding junior engineers, nurturing a culture of continuous learning and growth within the tech community.
Connect with him on LinkedIn Here