INSIDE VELLA
Chief Product Officer, Segun Fagbami
Through our monthly series, Inside Vella, we shine the spotlight on the amazing humans of Vella who work tirelessly to ensure the growth and success of the brand. This week, we had a quick and interesting chat with our creative and highly talented Chief Product Officer, Segun, who oversees the design and development of all our cool products and services.
What do you do and what role do you play at Vella?
As a co-founder and the Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Vella, I play a pivotal role in shaping our company’s vision and product strategy. My responsibilities primarily revolve around defining and overseeing the design and development of our products and services. This includes collaborating closely with our product development teams, designers, and engineers to ensure that we create innovative and user-friendly solutions that meet our customers’ needs. I also work on aligning our product roadmap with our business goals and market trends to drive Vella’s growth and success.
What does your typical workday look like?
A typical workday involves a dynamic blend of strategic planning and hands-on product management. I usually start my day with strategic goal review and team check-ins, then follow up users feedback analysis. During the midday I try to refine our product roadmap and engage in various meetings. Afternoons are basically for product development and user testing. Evenings are reserved for strategic initiatives and team support, sometimes late evenings are for reflection. Throughout the day, open communication and adaptability are crucial to address evolving challenges and opportunities
What aspect of working at Vella do you enjoy the most?
The most enjoyable aspect of working at Vella lies in the fusion of creativity, innovation, and impact. This enjoyment stems from fostering a culture of product innovation, collaborating with a diverse and passionate team, prioritizing user needs, embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, and achieving financial sustainability through resourcefulness. In essence, it’s a workplace where creative ideas flourish, and the work has a meaningful and positive influence on our users.
Did you always want to be a product designer manager?
No, my career journey didn’t initially lead me to aspire to be a product designer manager. My career began as a digital graphics designer working in traditional media. However, like many professionals, my path evolved over time based on experiences, interests, and opportunities. I started my creative journey immersed in the world of visual arts, working with traditional media such as painting and illustration. It was a deeply fulfilling and tactile experience, but as I progressed, I became increasingly curious about the intersection of technology, design, and user experience. As I gained exposure to the tech industry, I witnessed the potential to create meaningful and impactful products that could reach a broader audience. This evolving interest led me to explore the realm of digital graphics design, where I could leverage technology to convey compelling messages and narratives. Over time, I found myself drawn to product design and management. The role presented a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership. It allowed me to shape the development of products that directly improved users’ lives. Collaborating with diverse teams to bring these products to fruition became a source of immense fulfillment. In essence, while I didn’t always envision this particular career path, I discovered a deep sense of purpose and alignment with my passion for creating innovative solutions and enhancing user experiences. My career journey has been marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and a willingness to explore new horizons, all of which have been instrumental in my role at Vella.
How has your journey been since you joined Vella?
Since the inception of Vella Finance, the journey has been transformative and filled with excitement. Challenges were embraced as opportunities for growth and learning. The emphasis on product development has yielded highly rewarding results, with ideas evolving into meaningful, user-centered solutions. Vella’s culture of innovation, sustainability initiatives, and strong team collaboration have stood out as notable highlights. Moving forward, the dedication to innovation and exceptional user service remains unwavering.
When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing??
I unwind by listening to music and having a chill time with my family. I also enjoy cooking.
What is the one thing you are most proud of??
The togetherness of the team amongst others.
Describe what you do to a five year old.
I help make really cool things on computers and photos.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your job?
Nothing really, i enjoy every aspect of the job
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Don’t give up and keep pushing.
How would you describe Vella’s work-life balance?
While working hard on project and achieving goals i also value time for personal life, family and relaxation.
