Oyinkansola Adebayo is the visionary CEO and founder of Niyo Group, a diverse collective of technology-focused brands. For nearly seven years, she has been at the helm of this dynamic company, leading with a mission to empower underrepresented groups to develop, leverage, and thrive within the tech industry. Niyo Group consists of two key brands: Niyo Labs, an educational firm designed to bridge the knowledge gap in tech education and provide accessible learning opportunities, and Niyo Hair and Beauty, a forward-thinking company that uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the beauty ecosystem.
In this exclusive conversation, Oyinkansola Adebayo, the CEO and founder of Niyo Group, shares her inspiring journey of leading a technology collective aimed at empowering underrepresented groups to thrive in the digital age, for nearly seven years.
During the conversation, Oyinkansola highlights the group’s broader vision to create meaningful impact across industries. She also highlights the significance of Niyofest, an annual festival that unites a global network of leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore trends, opportunities, and advancements in tech. With a passion for inclusivity, Oyinkansola shares the driving force behind her mission to ensure marginalized communities are not left behind in the digital revolution.
Her story is one of determination, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to using technology as a vehicle for social change. Through this candid exchange, Oyinkansola gives a glimpse into how Neo Group is transforming both the tech and beauty landscapes while empowering the next generation of tech builders.
Can we get to know you?
Yes, my name is Oyinkansola Adebayo, and I’m the CEO and founder of Niyo Group. I’ve been leading the business for nearly seven years, with a mission to empower underrepresented groups to build technology. We operate as a collective of technology brands, featuring two major companies: Niyo Labs, an educational firm, and Niyo Hair and Beauty, which focuses on using technology to enhance the beauty ecosystem. Additionally, we host Niyofest, a festival that brings together global speakers to foster an environment of innovation and opportunity.
Tea or coffee. What gets you going in the morning?
I’m a tea girl. I like tea.
Can you tell us about your journey in tech so far?
My journey into tech was quite accidental. I initially set out with the goal of impacting the lives of women, and that led to helping over 800 women transition into the tech industry. In addition to that, I’m currently building a beta tech business focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and augmented reality to solve some of the most pressing challenges in the beauty industry.
Did you have any role models or mentors who influenced your career or transition into tech?
Absolutely. When it comes to role models, I’ve drawn inspiration from a range of women who have excelled in various fields, not just in tech, but in building and leadership in general. For instance, Kamala Harris has significantly shifted the leadership narrative from a political standpoint, challenging the status quo. I’m also deeply inspired by people like Odunayo Eweniyi from PiggyVest, who has successfully co-founded one of Africa’s leading fintech companies. Women like them inspire me every day to keep building and motivating others for the long haul.
How did the Niyo group started? What’s the concept around it?
Niyo Group actually started with me braiding my sister’s hair and gradually growing my clientele to over a thousand women by the time I was 18. Alongside that, I also began helping women access jobs and other opportunities. That’s essentially how Niyo Group began.
As the founder of Niyo Group, what does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me as a founder is quite varied—no two days are the same. My day usually starts with a stand-up meeting with the sales, partnerships, and marketing teams to get an overview of what’s happening across the organization. I also engage in strategic alignment sessions with my senior management team and line reports, as well as the sales team. From there, I might attend client meetings, approve contracts or legal documents, and handle any urgent issues or challenges that need immediate attention.
What has been the most rewarding experience for you as the founder of Niyo Group?
I think the most rewarding experience has been the ability to change and impact the lives of so many women. Since 2022, I’ve been able to upskill over 800 women, which in itself has been a massive achievement for me. In addition to that, winning numerous awards and being featured in various press articles has affirmed the work we’re doing at Niyo.
Can you share an example of a partnership that has significantly impacted your company’s growth or trajectory?
Yes, definitely. Partnerships have been absolutely key to the growth of Niyo. Collaborating with large organizations like Goldman Sachs and Northrop Grumman, a defense company, as well as securing contracts with major government clients in the UK, has allowed us to significantly accelerate our growth. These partnerships have also empowered us to transform the lives of so many women.
How do you see the role of women in tech evolving in the next few years?
I believe the evolving role of women in tech will play a critical part in redefining how the industry operates. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done in enabling more women to enter the tech space. With less than 2% of Black women currently in tech, it’s clear that we need to focus on upskilling more women and providing them with opportunities to advance in their careers. The more women we have in technology, the more innovation we can drive, as they bring diverse perspectives to the table. To truly kickstart this change, we must invest in upskilling women.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a female tech founder and how do you navigate them?
For me, there are a few key challenges. One of the biggest has been accessing finance, which has been a struggle at times. Another challenge has been being taken seriously, especially as a female. I have a flamboyant personality—I’m outspoken and outgoing—which can sometimes lead people to not take me as seriously. Additionally, being in a tech industry that is still predominantly male, I often find myself having to work harder to prove my worth. Those are the two main obstacles I’ve faced.
What’s your favorite tech gadget or two that you can’t do without right now?
My favorite tech gadget that I can’t do without is probably my Airpods. Yeah, my Airpods and my iPhone.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?
Reading a book, and going to the gym.
As a startup founder what personal qualities do you think are essential when you want to hire someone?
For me, I look for a strong drive and passion in a potential hire. It’s important that they align with our core values: integrity, ingenuity, and care. I need to see these values reflected in their actions. Additionally, hard work is crucial—someone must be diligent and honest about their efforts.
If you were to collaborate with any African founder right now, who would that be?
If I were to collaborate with any African founder, I would choose the founder of Paystack. I admire his humility and have observed his work closely. I also see potential synergies between edtech and fintech that could make such a collaboration highly impactful.
Can you explain what Niyo Fest is about?
Sure. Niyo Fest is a global showcase of innovators, bringing people from around the world together in Birmingham for its first edition. We’re excited to feature headline speakers like Vusi Thembekwayo and the creator of Aquavision Pro. The event will also include the launch of a hackathon. Our goal is to gather up to 10,000 people from across the globe for this festival.
Finally, can you share a book, podcast, or resources that are significantly influenced your career growth?
The podcasts that have influenced my career growth include The Economist, Diary of a CEO, and Nudge by Hobsburg. There are many others, but these three stand out. As for books, The Great CEO Within has recently had a significant impact on my career development.
It’s been nice talking to you.
Thank you for having me.
