20 March 2023
Founder, Coachli
Driven by the need to care for herself while in university, she ventured into tech and discovered her love for product design. Today, she is a senior designer at HubSpot, a tech creator, and the founder of Coachli, a startup that helps experts monetize their time and knowledge.
BY MITCHELLE CHIBUNDU
Tell us about your current role and the most rewarding part of your work
I am a Senior product designer at HubSpot, a tech-focused content creator and also, in my free time, I am the founder of Coachli, a startup that helps experts and creatives monetise their time and knowledge.
Knowing that your work makes someone’s life easier is so cool. Getting to talk to customers and hearing them express joy at what you helped build is sooo cool! I also love going from a very fuzzy product need and working with my teammates to define and build the solution.
Before fully entering product design, I was a graphic designer and front-end developer.
What did you do before what you stated above?
Honestly? I first got into tech because I was in university and needed to earn money to care for myself. I knew I didn’t want to build a career in what I was studying, so that was extra motivation to try something new. I had done graphic design and front-end development, and product design was the path with the perfect blend of my skills and interest. Once I started, it was tough, but I could keep going.
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
I am incredibly proud of many things in my career, but last year, I got to work on www.coachli.co. I am inspired by the concept and its impact on the lives of creatives.
What is something you designed, built or contributed to that you’re utmostly proud of?
How do you enjoy spending your time when you’re not working?
I like to cook, watch Real Housewives of Potomac and sleep. Sleep is very important.
Being a content creator and putting free information out there has helped people start their careers. I have been privileged to have my videos go to places I have never been to, and people see that if I can do this, they absolutely can too.
How has your work impacted the larger community or ecosystem?
“Women of colour still need the chance to be included and allowed to excel. More companies must actively hire more women of colour and help provide opportunities in marginalised communities.”
Give women more space, especially black women. We need representation in design and tech as a whole. More scholarships, boot camps and other types of opportunities are directed at women to encourage and elevate them and give them a headstart.
What, in your opinion, should be done to make more women in design visible?
Inclusion is critical because certain opportunities are only available to certain people. Women of colour still need the chance to be included and allowed to excel. More companies must actively hire more women of colour and help provide opportunities in marginalised communities.
What role does inclusion play in the design industry, and how can companies better prioritise it?
AI-powered tools are becoming a part of our toolkits as designers. I believe crafting beautiful designs will become much more accessible, and then more focus will be on soft skills and strategy. AI is not something to be scared of but something we can leverage while equally being aware that everything continually evolves, and we must stay as up-to-date as possible.
How do you envision the industry evolving in the next decade?
Sharon at a fair
I wish I knew that I should always speak up. It is better to ask a question or even say something wrong than to be silent. I also wish I was more comfortable getting feedback, but Thank God I am much better now.
Is there something you know now, that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
I am obsessed with perfumes and smelling good. I have almost 20 perfume bottles.
What is an interesting and possibly unexpected fact about you?
What would you wear to a meeting that could potentially change your life?
A turtle neck top. A black turtle neck and a pair of trousers and boots. Boots are my fave.
Don't give up. Take risks and bet on yourself.
You only know what you are capable of once you put yourself in a position where you have no choice but to do what you need to do. Leave your comfort zone and trust yourself. Also, research and don't let a few rejections discourage you. You can take a break if need be but don't quit. You have got this, and I am rooting for you.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing a design career who feel stuck in the journey?
Continue reading
Elizabeth Orayo
Elizabeth has worked on a range of exciting projects, including the emblem for Pope Francis's visit to Kenya and the Co-operative Bank of Kenya's omnichannel banking platform. She is making a difference with
her innovative ideas and dedication to user experience.