Banke Adebayo is dedicated to championing the cause of women empowerment. With a strong belief in the transformative power of self-leadership, personal governance, and emotional agility, she is working with women to cultivate these essential competencies that are key to their complete and wholesome empowerment. Through her EdTech startup, Adebayo is committed to empowering women through No Code Technology, Virtual Assistance and Self Leadership.She holds a degree in Mathematics Education from Lagos State University and has professional certificates in mentorship, leadership, management and cybersecurity.Through her expertise and guidance, she empowers women to harness the potential of Virtual Assistance and No Code Technology while simultaneously nurturing their self-leadership capabilities. By combining the practicality of no code tools with the power of self-leadership, Adebayo’s approach creates a solid foundation for women to thrive in the digital world. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, having honed her skills in Virtual Assistance, Self-leadership and no code tech, allowing her to navigate through challenging seasons and building innovative solutions from personal experiences. Also known as an accelerator, Adebayohas continuously challenged the status quo in women empowerment and is actively seeking ways to demonstrate to women why and how they can harness the power of technology and automation to their advantage. Her passion lies in helping women launch work-from-home businesses or agencies, achieve financial independence, and realise their full potential.Adebayo, in this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, speaks on her ultimate goal of eradicating feminisation of poverty by helping women thrive and succeed through the strategic use of technology.

Take us through your passion for virtual assistance and technology?
In January 2016, I experienced the birth of my baby through a cesarean section after waiting eagerly for a while. However, the joy quickly turned into the most devastating event of my life when my newborn baby, who was only two days old, passed away. It was an unimaginable loss.A few months later, I went for a medical check-up only to discover that I was expecting another child. In November 2016, my youngest child was born, arriving four weeks earlier than expected. Shortly after the birth, I started experiencing severe ulcer flares, leading to frequent hospitalisation.At that point, I was faced with a series of challenges. I was in the process of recovering from two c-sections within eleven months, grieving the loss of my baby, caring for my premature infant, suffering from constant pain due to the ulcer flares, and to add to it all, I was financially broke. I found myself dependent on my husband and parents for all my needs, gradually losing my sense of self-worth as I had lost my financial independence.After indulging in some pity party, I made the decision that although I couldn’t change most of the difficulties I faced, I could regain control of my finances, no matter how small the steps. Due to my illness, I was unable to leave the house, so whatever I pursued had to be a remote opportunity. It was during my search that I discovered the world of virtual assistance. In 2017, I officially launched my career as a social media manager, and since then, I haven’t looked back.Having experienced firsthand how virtual assistance can transform one’s financial situation, I made a commitment to teach as many people as possible how they too can become virtual assistants. As I operated my remote business, I found myself increasingly relying on technology to streamline processes and automate systems. When I realised that I could deploy various systems without any coding knowledge, I knew I had found my niche.

What is the concept behind the ‘No-code tech’ you are championing?
No-code technology refers to the ability to perform tech-related tasks that were traditionally limited to coders and programmers. The no-code tech industry relies on platforms specifically designed for non-coders to create elegant workflows, automate processes, integrate software, and deploy designs without the need for coding knowledge.Over the past five years, the popularity of no-code tech has grown alongside the rise of data analysis, product management, and other disciplines that do not require coding skills.As a virtual assistant coach who has utilised no-code tech platforms to create automations and integrations for clients through my business, A-List Tech Support LLC, I believe that other aspects of the no-code tech industry have yet to be fully explored. These areas include EdTech, e-commerce, mobile/web applications, and digital marketing, which present opportunities for virtual assistants to specialise in these areas.I strongly believe that virtual assistants, particularly those seeking to transition into the tech industry while operating home-based businesses, can significantly benefit from specialising in these areas. By focusing on tech, they can reduce their working hours, increase their earning potential, and establish themselves as experts in specific niches.

You are poised to ensure that more women are empowered through tech. What innovative solutions are you bringing to the table through your organisation?
Before launching my EdTech startup, I dedicated myself to providing tech support for online coaches and course creators. My motivation stemmed from a strong belief in the untapped potential of women to lead fulfilling and balanced lives by harnessing the power of technology and automation. I championed the idea that transformative experiences could be delivered without the limitations of real-time interaction.During this journey, I came to realise the glaring divide that existed among individuals when it came to technology. Many faced challenges or held reservations whenever the term ‘tech’ was mentioned. There was a prevailing misconception that success in the tech industry depended solely on coding or programming skills, which were often perceived as inaccessible for various reasons.In our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, we have recently integrated No Code Tech Training into our curriculum. This specialised training is tailored to aspiring women who may not possess coding or programming expertise. Our aim is to expand their horizons by introducing them to a wide range of No Code Tech Industries that extend beyond the commonly recognised domains of data analysis, product management, and Scrum. Through these efforts, we strive to make the tech field more appealing and accessible to women, fostering their success and advancement in this ever-evolving industry.

How would you rate the number of women in tech today?
It’s wonderful to witness the rapid growth of women in the tech industry. Just a few years ago, the gender ratio was significantly imbalanced, with only about one woman for every ten men. However, the landscape has shifted, and now we can clearly see the progress with four to five women in tech for every ten individuals. I’m hopeful that this positive trend will continue to accelerate exponentially over the next five years.In addition to the encouraging rise of young women in their 20s to mid-30s joining the field, I would also love to see women in the age range of 40-50 embrace tech as a fresh opportunity. It would be truly inspiring to witness their engagement and contributions to the industry.

What are some of the key challenges you are facing with your work and how are you dealing with them?
One of the significant obstacles I currently encounter is the lack of awareness among many women about the potential benefits of starting their own virtual assistant business, especially with the integration of no-code technology. My objective is to spread the message far and wide that they have the opportunity to make successful career transitions and achieve financial independence through virtual assistance. To accomplish this goal, I am consistently seeking opportunities to speak and collaborate with others who are also passionate about women empowerment, aiming to amplify our message and reach as many women as possible.

What drives you?
I am genuinely fulfilled when women in my programme successfully launch their businesses, unlock their potential, and experience transformative life changes. Witnessing their growth and the positive impact of my guidance and support ignites a deep passion within me to continue coaching.I firmly believe that every woman has the capacity to achieve financial independence, regardless of their current circumstances and I am committed to exploring innovative strategies and new avenues to empower women to break barriers, embrace their potential, and create lasting change in their lives. The opportunity to play a role in empowering women fills me with purpose and drives me to give my best as a coach, a woman and a human. It’s no woman left behind movement.

You have authored two books. What informed them, are you writing more?
In 2021, I authored my first book titled ‘Delicate Wings – Steel Spine,’ which beautifully chronicles my personal journey from pain to purpose. In my view, true empowerment and profound transformation are only possible through the integration of self-leadership and emotional agility.In my second book, ‘Met-Her-Morphosis’, I delve into the utilisation of scriptural models to explore contemporary concepts. I touch upon the significance of belief systems, thoughts, emotions, self-reflection, confessions, and actions as essential tools for complete evolution. I am currently working on additional books, including one focused on business-related topics. I candidly share the mistakes I made and the valuable lessons I learned throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

What is your advice to women who are struggling to combine career life with family life?
Recognising that different aspects of your life and career unfold in stages, each requiring varying levels of attention, is essential. Wisdom lies in the ability to balance your time and focus, giving priority to matters that require immediate attention. This skill of discernment is valuable in navigating the demands of life effectively.It is important to understand that no two situations are identical. You must find what works best for you and your family in each particular moment. This entails mastering the delicate art of compromise. For some women, the years of childbearing may involve a slower pace and require sacrifices to be made.By acknowledging the unique circumstances and challenges of different life stages, you can approach them with a thoughtful and adaptable mindset. This understanding allows you to make informed decisions about where to allocate your time, energy, and resources. Ultimately, embracing the ebb and flow of life and finding a balance that suits your individual needs is key to navigating through various stages successfully.

What is your life mantra?
He makes all things beautiful in his time.