From crafting social media campaigns to leading tech products that transform healthcare, Damilola Adelekan proves that unconventional career paths can lead to extraordinary impact.
As Lead Product Manager at Remedial Health she bridges the gap between engineers, executives, and end-users—leveraging storytelling, strategic planning, and user empathy to drive innovation.
Beyond scaling products, she’s committed to mentorship, helping 50+ aspiring tech professionals break into the industry.
In this exclusive #CareerQuickFive feature, Damilola shares invaluable insights on navigating product leadership, balancing startup growth with mentorship, and why your “non-tech” experience is actually your superpower.
Read the interview below to learn how she’s shaping Africa’s healthcare infrastructure, the mindset shifts that helped her transition into tech, and her go-to productivity hack for getting things done!
What skills from your social media background unexpectedly helped in your tech leadership?
My journey from social media to tech leadership is proof that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary impact. The skills I honed crafting campaigns and engaging audiences online became my secret weapon in building products that solve real-world problems. Designing Instagram graphics taught me the power of visual storytelling, which now shapes user-centric designs. Juggling multiple client accounts prepared me to navigate competing priorities, helping me bridge gaps between engineers, executives, and end-users. Planning content calendars evolved into strategic product roadmaps, breaking complex projects into actionable milestones.
Engaging followers revealed the importance of empathy, driving my obsession with user feedback loops. Analyzing Instagram metrics taught me to turn numbers into narratives, convincing stakeholders to invest in features that boosted retention by 25%.
Ironically, the skills I once used to grow Instagram followers now help me grow Africa’s healthcare infrastructure. It’s a reminder that every experience—no matter how unrelated it seems—can be a stepping stone to something greater.
How do you balance scaling a startup with making time for mentoring others?
Balancing my role as a product leader at Remedial Health with mentoring over 50 aspiring tech professionals comes down to intentionality and integration. I treat mentoring like a product—applying the same principles of planning, execution, and impact measurement. By dedicating specific time blocks (like Tuesday and Thursday evenings) and creating reusable frameworks like my “Product Management Starter Kit, I ensure both responsibilities get the focus they deserve.
It’s like a growth loop because the questions mentees ask often refine my thinking, while my startup experiences provide real-world insights for them. For example, launching the Pharmacy Benefit Management product became a case study on stakeholder alignment and iterative development. Over 70% of my mentees have landed tech roles, and many now mentor others, creating a ripple effect. Ultimately, both scaling a startup and mentoring are about empowering people to succeed—whether it’s pharmacists accessing better tools or aspiring product managers breaking into tech.
Which productivity hack has been most valuable in juggling product development and team leadership?
Time blocking has been my secret weapon. I dedicate my mornings—when my energy is highest—to deep work on product development, like designing features or analyzing user data.
This uninterrupted focus allows me to tackle complex problems with clarity. In the afternoons, I shift to team interactions and meetings. This structure ensures I’m fully present for collaboration while still making progress on strategic goals.
To keep my team aligned, I pair this with clear documentation and regular check-ins, which help us move forward without bottlenecks. It’s a simple system, but it’s been transformative for balancing leadership and execution.
What’s the most common advice you give women transitioning into tech?
I always start with this: Your existing skills are your superpower—not a liability. When I transitioned to product management, I felt like an imposter. However, I soon realized my ability to craft narratives and engage audiences made me uniquely equipped to advocate for user needs and bridge gaps between technical and business teams.
Reframe your “non-tech” experience: Project management from organizing campaigns? User empathy from community engagement? These are critical tech skills. List every transferable skill you have—you’ll be shocked by how much you already bring to the table.
My communications background became my edge in translating complex tech concepts into business value. Yours might be finance, education, or healthcare. Tech needs diverse perspectives to solve Africa’s problems—own yours unapologetically.
Who’s your go to female musician for a quick energy boost when working?
Lizzo, hands down.
