Reflecting on a Remarkable 2023: A Year of Milestones and Growth!

As I sit down to reflect on the year that sped by, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the whirlwind of experiences that made 2023 an incredibly productive and rewarding journey. This year stands out as my busiest and most fulfilling yet, and I am humbled and thankful to God for the abundance of opportunities and growth. The adventure took me across 8 countries, and 11 cities, encompassing 11 speaking engagements, 5 classroom training sessions, 9 hosted webinars, and 11 newsletters.

One notable highlight was the privilege of orchestrating and hosting our inaugural physical event with #TheDataMindMindset – a landmark moment in our shared journey."

The DataMind-Mindset: Webinars, Workshops, and Wisdom

In December 2022, we set the stage with our inaugural newsletter, and 2023 unfolded as a canvas of exploration and empowerment. Our monthly webinars became vibrant platforms, exploring pivotal topics like What's your data endgame?, Do I really need a Data Science Master's Degree? Building your Data Brand and Certifications! Yay, or Nay? If you missed the live sessions, worry not – our new The DataMind-Mindset YouTube Channel is now home to a wealth of insightful content, with more on the horizon.

November marked a significant milestone as we hosted our first-ever physical event, "The DataMind-Camp." This immersive day-long experience helped 25 participants chart their course in the realm of Data Analytics, leaving an indelible mark on their professional journeys.

Throughout the year, our newsletters served as beacons of wisdom, with thought-provoking insights on topics such as Why do Data Science Projects Fail? and How well can you tell a data story?

As we wrap up 2023, I invite you to delve deeper into our journey, exploring the rich knowledge, collaboration, and growth that defined this remarkable year.

Speaking Engagements Across Continents: A Journey Through 2023

In January, I kicked off the year by delivering a compelling talk on "Strategically Building your Data Team to Ensure the Team's Growth" at UrBizEdge Limited 's live webinar. The momentum continued in March as I found myself in Sandton, South Africa, addressing Datatechvibe Velocity Data & Analytics Summit, where I delivered the keynote addressing the pivotal question, "Does Success Hinge on Data Literacy?". Heartfelt gratitude to Farida Rateb and Blossom Menezes for the esteemed invitation. March also saw me participating in a panel discussion at Periculum 's webinar, shedding light on "Increasing AI Adoption across Industries in Africa."

April brought a memorable experience as I shared the stage with Ola Brown, MFR , at dbrownconsulting 's DAMC conference. There, I delved into the crucial theme of "Cultivating the Right Data Culture and Leadership Structure for Analytics." Heartfelt gratitude to David Brown for the gracious honor and invitation.

The excitement peaked in April when I had the privilege of presenting a paper on "Sentiment Analytics In The Financial Services Landscape: The Highs And Lows" at the INFORMS Business Analytics Conference in Aurora, Colorado, USA.

May witnessed my role as a guest judge at the 10Alytics Alumni Data Hackathon (Grand Finale), where I collaborated with esteemed colleagues Sebastian Obeta , Michelle Conway , and Sadeeq Akintola .

June brought another insightful session as I spoke at dbrownconsulting 's webinar, unraveling the nuances of "Building a Data-Driven Culture."

#DataFestAfrica2023 in October was an absolute joy. I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "Building High-Performance Data Teams" alongside my respected friends Ayodele Oluleye and Peter Olomolaiye and making new connections with the insightful Olutoyin Ogunmola and Adejoju Ajani . The month also saw me addressing The Young CISO Network on the critical topic, "Data Analytics Career Success," thanks to the invitation from Daniel Adaramola .

November marked engagements with the Agile Practitioners Association of Nigeria , on the invitation of my friend and sister Carol Ariyibi, Business Transformation Catalyst where I shared insights on "The Relevance of Data to Agile & Project Management Teams."

Wrapping up the year on a high note in December, I contributed to AMDARI 's product launch event by participating in the panel discussion on "Bridging the Skills Gap: Navigating the Future of Tech Careers."

Empowering Minds Through Teaching: A Journey of Impact

In the realm of education, my passion for teaching shone brightly throughout the year. I had the privilege of conducting four classes organized by FITC Nigeria , catering to professionals in Audit, Human Resources, Banking, and the Leadway Customer Experience Team.

At Wema Bank Plc. , fostering Data Literacy was at the heart of our initiatives. In a special storytelling session during the Design Thinking/Data Literacy Hackathon held in December, I had the opportunity to guide and inspire the participants contributing to a culture of knowledge-sharing and growth.

Celebrating Achievements: A Year of Recognition

This year brought incredible honors, marking a milestone in my journey. Grateful to be recognized in the 2023 Global Top 100 Innovators in Data and Analytics report by Corinium Global Intelligence , and to receive a prestigious LinkedIn badge as a Top Data Visualization Voice.

Additionally, the heartfelt acknowledgment from my female colleagues at Wema Bank Plc. as the most supportive male staff in the Head Office is a cherished accolade. It's been a year of recognition, and I'm thankful for the support and acknowledgment received on this incredible journey.

Articles and Write-Ups: From Dreams to Reality

Beyond the newsletters highlighted earlier, I had the honor of sharing my journey in Data Analytics with the esteemed team at INFORMS through their ORMS Magazine. Facilitated by my new friends Mary Leszczynski and Kara Tucker , this experience allowed me to reflect on the path that led me to where I am today. You can read My Journey in Data Analytics: From Dreams to Reality.

Additionally, being featured in Datatechvibe online magazine on the subject Use Spend Analytics to Provide Variable Rates in Lending Products provided a platform to share my unique perspective on the evolving landscape of analytics.

Embracing Growth: My Educational Journey and Insights

In 2023, my commitment to continuous learning reached new heights as I proudly completed my MSc in Data Science from the University of East London . This accomplishment, after a nearly two-year journey, was a deeply fulfilling chapter of my year. Stay tuned for a detailed account of this transformative experience in the coming days. Furthermore, I had the privilege of attending the Amazon Web Services (AWS) NLP Conference at their stunning London office and the enlightening PrivSec Data Governance Conference in Manchester, broadening my horizons with global insights in the dynamic field of data

Adventures and Tastes of 2023

Beyond the warmth of family, two passions close to my heart are savoring delectable cuisines and embarking on travel adventures. This year has been a delightful journey, allowing me to traverse various countries and cities, immersing myself in diverse cultures and relishing an array of new cuisines.

These experiences serve as a reminder of our shared humanity, celebrating our differences and expanding our global perspective. The images above capture glimpses of the incredible moments shared with friends and family, as well as the sumptuous meals that added flavor to my year.

Pacing My Fitness Journey: Strides Made and Goals Set

Despite missing this year's Lagos Marathon (10km) due to late registration, I maintained a somewhat consistent exercise and fitness regime. My focus was on strength training, incorporating intermittent running.

Looking ahead to the coming year, I intend to intensify my workout routine and may even share a before-and-after picture in my 2024 review.

Excitingly, I've already committed to participating in the 10km Marathon next year—locked and loaded.

Team Triumphs in 2023: A Gratitude Toast

I am truly fortunate to lead an exceptional team at Wema Bank Plc. steering the ship of AI, Data Literacy, Data Governance, and Business Intelligence through numerous initiatives in 2023. As this eventful year draws to a close, it's time to raise a toast to the many reasons we have to celebrate our collective achievements.

A warm thank you to Tunde Mumuni for creating an environment that nurtures both growth and expansion.

To Alexandra Ighodaro , Philip Ade-Akanbi FIMC , Folashade Adeyemo , Esther Anagu, MBA , and IJEOMA OLADARE (ALOZIE) , words fall short in expressing my gratitude for your unwavering support in driving #TheDataMindMindset throughout the year.

May God abundantly bless all your endeavors.

Cheers to an amazing team!

Guiding Your Data Journey: Personalized Coaching Available

Throughout the year, I've had the privilege of providing personal coaching services to individuals seeking guidance on their data career journey.

Feel free to reach out if you're looking for tailored coaching to kickstart and navigate your path in data analytics. Our extensive network within #TheDatamindMindset also addresses the technical training aspects, propelling you forward on your data career trajectory.

Let's shape your success story together!

Charting New Horizons in 2024: Exciting Plans Ahead!

In the upcoming year, I'm eager to connect with data professionals across all levels, from entry to senior roles.

At #TheDatamindMindset, we're actively seeking collaborations with startups, Fintechs, and organizations to fuel the growth and adoption of Data Analytics in Nigeria. Stay tuned for the rollout of our products, programs, and initiatives.

For more updates as we venture into 2024 fueled by curiosity and community commitment, follow me on LinkedIn (Olamide Jolaoso), reach out via [email protected], and join The DataMind-Mindset LinkedIn Community.

Subscribe to The DataMind-Mindset YouTube Channel and follow me on Twitter (Olamide Jolaoso), for additional resources and insights.

Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Best Regards

Olamide Jolaoso (Lamo)

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