Solape Hammond

Years in Tech

2

Current Role

Co-founder, Impact Hub Lagos

Core Skills

Consulting, Strategy.

Interview Date

14th December 2018

I have a background in management consulting, strategy development, social entrepreneurship, organizational transformation and financial advisory that spans almost 20 years. I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree from INSEAD.
Today, as Co-founder and CEO of Impact Hub Lagos, I work with entrepreneurs to accelerate their businesses, as well as on ecosystem initiatives such as hackathons, innovation roundtables and ecosystem studies.
I also serve as the Chairperson of KHAN Regenesis, a not-for-profit organization focused on bringing positive change to the vocational sector, particularly as relates to construction. KHAN specializes in concept development, programme management, vocational training support, placement services, policy development and advocacy.
I am passionate about positive social change and sit on the Boards of various organisations including the Handicapped Education Foundation (HANDEF), Gerocare, Page Financials and the Nigerian-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce.

What experiences led you to technology and how did you develop the skills to compete in the industry?

Technology is everywhere…and inevitable. I worked for one of the world’s largest technology consulting firms and saw firsthand how technology transforms businesses. This led to a determination to do the same for startups – to help new businesses solve problems in new innovative ways and scale fast.

How has your background helped/differentiated you in the tech industry?

The skills I bring to the table are strategy, finance and connecting different stakeholders to find a solution. It is one thing to write code or develop a technology solution – quite another to create a business model that works.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in technology? What do you wish you had known?

There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in technology – it’ll be hard, lonely and scary…but life at the top in any field is exactly that. So be bold and go for it.

Any other thoughts on women in technology?

I think the recent, commendable efforts to get more women into tech are sometimes misunderstood…it’s important to clarify that the point of getting getting more women into tech is not for them per se, but for the diversity of their views. Women will create solutions differently for men, and create solutions that men will not think of. In a sense therefore, it is for the benefit of all of us.