Name: Temitope Hundeyin

Title: Cofounder/CEO

Organisation: Zoperpay

Tope is the Co-Founder/CEO Zoperpay, a financial technology company that is democratising information and access to finance for individuals and businesses that want to go global. she is a seasoned commercial leader, with a track record of success in business development, product development, growth, and efficient operations management across technology companies.

Tope’s experience spans across companies such as Glade Inc as Cofounder/COO, a financial technology where she led the growth and operations. Also, at Glenwater Limited, a civic tech company as General manager, launching the first civic tech platform in Nigeria and growing revenue by 10x in 1 year. She also worked at Jumia where she drove the acquisition and growth of small businesses to the top tier, growing their revenue from zero to millions with 100% month-on-month and developing programs like “Value-added services” and reward programs to increase revenue for the company. singlehandedly developed and launched Jumia University where she was responsible for training strategies, processes, and channels that trained over 5000 sellers and helped at least 40% of them move from startup to top sellers.

Tope also served as Head of User/Product Operations at Xgo Technologies, where she worked closely with the CEO and Director of Operations to develop the business by conducting user research and developing business roadmap and processes. drove marketing campaigns that helped launch the platform within 2 months and grew the user base by 50,000 within 3 months. Also developed safety initiatives that reduced fraud activities by 70%. Collaborated with the product team in China to build product features and improvements on the app and also created marketing campaigns to drive user growth.

Aside from a corporate career, Tope is also a Consultant that helps SME businesses build and maintain sustainable businesses using technology.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Temitope's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

A significant leadership challenge I've faced is motivating a team when their income doesn't meet their expectations. Balancing financial well-being with morale is complex. To address this, I focus on providing growth opportunities within the organization, encouraging personal and professional progress, and fostering creative problem-solving. Additionally, managing diverse personalities, effective communication, adapting to change, and maintaining resilience are ongoing leadership challenges. Navigating these challenges successfully is crucial for effective leadership.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Becoming a leader for me was a journey, shaped by skills development, experiences, and unwavering dedication. Early on, I had a clear vision of leading technology companies that would positively impact people's lives, and I identified the necessary skills to reach that goal. It all started with a commitment to learning and developing my expertise.

I worked diligently, consistently delivering results that led to promotions and opportunities to take on more significant roles. With growing expertise, I willingly assumed greater responsibilities, demonstrating my dedication and leadership capabilities.

Throughout this journey, mentorship, learning from both successes and setbacks, and a profound passion for making a positive impact were instrumental in my transformation into a leader. For me, leadership is an ongoing expedition of growth and continuous learning, driven by the pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to making a difference.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I structure my workdays with a focus on productivity and balance. An unplanned day for me is an unproductive day. As an early riser, I find it's the best time to tackle hands-on or brain-intensive tasks when distractions are minimal. Here's a typical day for me:

Early Morning:

Rise early to kickstart the day.

Create a detailed plan for the day to stay organized and maximize productivity.

Tackle hands-on or brain-intensive tasks to leverage the quiet morning hours.

Ensure my kids are prepared for school.

Begin with email management, addressing any urgent messages.

Late Morning:

I dedicate time to meeting with my team to understand the tasks and projects that need attention. Effective communication is key to our success.

I prefer to hold external meetings in the morning

Early Afternoon:

Take a break

Complete work tasks, address any pending issues, and ensure that all loose ends are tied up.

Late Afternoon:

Address any urgent matters that may have arisen throughout the day.

In the evening:

Take a short nap to refresh and recharge

Review what has been done at the day.

Spend time watching movies, talking to family and friends before i head to bed

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson I've been reminded of is the significance of active listening. It's easy to get caught up in the rush of leadership, but taking the time to truly listen to team members and colleagues can yield valuable insights and strengthen relationships. Whether it's during one-on-one discussions or in larger team meetings, being attentive and open to different perspectives fosters collaboration and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities at hand. This lesson reaffirms the importance of empathy and effective communication in leadership, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and a more cohesive team.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The book that significantly impacted my leadership is "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. It highlighted the importance of disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action within organizations. This lesson shaped my leadership by emphasizing the value of having the right team and unwavering commitment to a clear vision. It inspired a disciplined and persistent approach to leadership, which has been invaluable in my journey.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer just one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be this: Never stop learning. Continual self-improvement and growth are at the core of effective leadership. Embrace new experiences, seek out mentors, and stay open to feedback. Adaptation and learning are the keys to leadership success. Additionally, remember to cultivate empathy towards the people you work with. Show sincere care about their well-being, as a staff member today might be your helper tomorrow. Building strong, empathetic relationships is the foundation of lasting leadership impact.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story that stands out from my time as a leader involves a team member who was initially struggling to meet expectations. Instead of reprimanding or letting them go, I decided to invest time and effort in mentoring and coaching.

As I got to know this team member better, I discovered that they were going through a challenging personal experience that was significantly affecting their productivity. This insight prompted me to provide not only professional guidance but also support and understanding during their difficult time.

Over time, this team member not only improved their performance but also became a valuable asset to the team. Their transformation was not only rewarding for them but also a reminder of the power of patient leadership and the potential for growth in every individual.

This experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of providing guidance and support to team members, even when faced with challenges. It's a testament to the positive impact of nurturing and developing talent within the organization, rather than hastily letting go of those who may initially struggle.