For the past fourteen weeks, we have talked to over a dozen amazing Africans across different organisations who have risen to the top of their careers. They’ve shared their inspiring career journeys, favourite tools, and productivity hacks with us. So this week, we’re going behind the scenes at Techpoint Africa to spotlight our founder and CEO, Adewale Yusuf, to find out how he works.
Current role: Founder/CEO Techpoint Africa
Location(s): Lagos and Nairobi
Current computer: MacBook Pro 13"
Current mobile device: Nokia 7 Plus
Describe how you work in one word: Agile
Tell us briefly how you started out and how you got where you are today
I started my professional career in 2010 as a field tester on the Nokia Ovi Life Tools project for Danami Nigeria. In 2011, I moved to Pace Solutions as a junior software developer and system engineer. Then I transitioned to tech blogging with OtekBits (now Bits.ng) as OEM and events reporter; I was there from 2011 to 2013.
Afterwards, I went into photography full-time before starting Techpoint Africa in January 2015.
Walk us through a typical workday
Usually, I wake up at 4:30 a.m and get to the office by 6 a.m. I start my day replying emails and chats from the previous weekend. Then I join our team meeting at 9 a.m and the editorial meeting at 9:30 a.m to listen to pitches.
Between 10 and 11 a.m, I take all my Skype calls and virtual meetings then spend time with the business team until about 3 p.m. Between 3 and 4:30 p.m, I receive guests and then receive more international calls between 5 and 6 p.m.
Afterwards, I head back home.
What apps, gadgets, or tools can’t you do without?
My mobile phone, MacBook, Gmail, Slack, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Google Calendar, Google Analytics, Google AdSense, Evernote, EventPrime, and Skype.
What’s your favourite shortcut or hack?
Using Google Maps to navigate traffic, even if I know the route. Disabling all notifications on my phone.
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What task(s) do you dislike but still do?
Generating sales and business.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I want to say to-do lists but I've been struggling. So, for now, Google Calendar is how I keep track of my plans.
How do you recharge or take a break?
On weekends, I hardly touch my phone so I can spend more time with my wife.
Besides work, what do you spend time doing? What do you enjoy?
I enjoy watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, and reading about business and tech.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to? What do you recommend?
I'm currently reading Hit Refresh co-authored by Satya Nadella. I'm watching Big Bang Theory all over again. I'm also listening to Business Wars podcast and Techpoint Africa podcast.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Money is never the problem, you just have to create value.” -- James Fowe.
What’s a problem you’re still trying to solve?
I want to democratise information and also get everyone to see people as humans before any other thing.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
Muyiwa Matuluko, Kola Aina, Juliet Anammah, and Chidi Ajaere.
If you will like to sponsor the How I Work series, send and an email to business@techpoint.africa or call +2348186016629.
