Tobi Oladimeji is a seasoned data professional dedicated to making data-driven decision-making accessible to small businesses. As the founder of Data Fellows, Tobi has built a thriving community of over 500 members from 15 countries, all focused on growth, learning, and collaboration in the fields of data engineering, data science, and data analysis. Since its launch on August 27, 2022, Data Fellows has been committed to equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in these areas.
The Motivation Behind Data Fellows
Tobi's motivation to launch Data Fellows was sparked by a desire to create a supportive environment for data professionals. "Many data professionals start off strong but eventually burn out because they lack a supportive community," Tobi explains. He envisioned a space where individuals could relate to each other, thrive, learn, share ideas, and grow. This vision is embodied in the name Data Fellows, which reflects the shared passion for data and the sense of fellowship among its members. "Equipping people with a community that adds value ultimately leads to significant social impact," Tobi adds.
The Excitement of Building a Community
For Tobi, the most exciting aspect of Data Fellows is hearing the positive feedback from community members. "It’s incredibly touching and rewarding to know that the community I’ve built is adding value to people’s lives," he says. Tobi's primary goal is to add value to people's lives, and through Data Fellows, he can achieve this using his expertise. "The only reason I’m living is to add value to people's lives, and through Data Fellows, I’m able to do it in my own way with the knowledge I have," he shares.
Overcoming Challenges in Team Building
One of the biggest challenges Tobi faced in growing Data Fellows was the initial feeling of having to do everything himself. "I was trying to be Superman, helping everyone," he recalls. Tobi had to learn to focus on his strengths and identify individuals who could contribute meaningfully to the community. Building the right team was crucial, and Tobi is especially grateful to the community leads who played significant roles in Data Fellows' growth. "Shout out to the OGs Damola, Agada, Nerat, Ayodeji, and my other amazing leads who have been instrumental in bringing this idea to life," he acknowledges.
Scaling the Team for Future Growth
Looking ahead, Tobi plans to scale Data Fellows by continuing to build a diverse and inclusive community. "We aim to leverage our partnerships and expand our reach to bring in more members from different backgrounds and expertise," he explains. Additionally, Tobi envisions evolving Data Fellows into both a community and a company. This transition aims to address an internal issue where beginners grow into experts or experts join the community but still have to look for jobs. "By becoming a company, we can provide work experience for beginners through internships and offer full-time positions to skilled members," he notes. Tobi hints that more details about this business idea will be revealed soon, encouraging everyone to stay tuned.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Founders
Tobi has valuable advice for aspiring founders: "Never give up in the early stages of your idea." He emphasizes the importance of taking the lead and doing most things yourself initially, as others will follow. "Focus on people who share your passion. Get used to carrying the bulk load at the beginning, and be clear about your vision so others can follow," he advises. Tobi also highlights the significance of continuous learning, networking with fellow founders, and stepping out of one's comfort zone to gain valuable insights. "Regularly upskill yourself, network with fellow founders, and try to be an extrovert when necessary, as knowledge often comes from the company of great people you meet at events," he recommends.
Connecting with Tobi and Data Fellows
For those interested in following Tobi Oladimeji's journey and learning more about Data Fellows, the community's website offers comprehensive information and opportunities to connect across various social media platforms. "You can personally connect with me on my LinkedIn page," Tobi says, expressing his eagerness to network with other professionals. Data Fellows is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where members can grow, learn, and collaborate, all while making data-driven decision-making accessible to small businesses globally.
Tobi Oladimeji's dedication to creating a supportive community for data professionals has led to the successful establishment of Data Fellows. Through his leadership, the community continues to thrive, providing valuable resources and opportunities for its members. As Data Fellows evolves and expands, Tobi's vision of a diverse and inclusive environment for data-driven decision-making will undoubtedly make a significant impact on small businesses and professionals worldwide.