In an era where technology is rapidly reshaping industries, Tumilara Hassan stands out as a dynamic leader at the intersection of fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), and agriculture. With a unique blend of expertise and passion, Tumilara has carved out a niche for herself as a visionary product manager, thought leader, and advocate for technological innovation.
A Journey from Agriculture to Fintech;
Tumilara’s journey began with an academic background in agriculture, where she developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. However, her career trajectory took a transformative turn as she transitioned into the fintech industry, where she now serves as the Head of Mobile Banking at Fast Credit Limited. In this role, Tumilara has successfully led the development and implementation of cutting-edge digital products that have revolutionized customer experiences and expanded financial inclusion.
Championing AI-Driven Innovation;
In recent years, Tumilara’s interests have expanded to include artificial intelligence, a field she believes holds immense potential for transforming multiple sectors, particularly agriculture. Recognizing the pressing need to bridge the gap between small and mid-sized farmers and formal financial services, Tumilara has envisioned a groundbreaking digital platform. Leveraging AI and data analytics, this platform aims to assess farmers’ creditworthiness, provide tailored financial advice, and connect them with financial institutions willing to extend credit. Her vision is not just about creating a product; it’s about empowering farmers and driving sustainable growth in developing markets.
Thought Leadership and Advocacy;
As the convener of Product-AI Connect, a vibrant community dedicated to exploring the intersection of AI and product management, Tumilara has established herself as a thought leader in the tech industry. Through fireside chats, workshops, and networking events, she has facilitated meaningful discussions among industry experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Her expertise and insights have also been sought after in various high-profile forums. Tumilara was a distinguished speaker at the Lagos Start-up Week Conference 2024, where she shared her perspectives on the future of fintech and AI. Additionally, she served as the panel moderator for “The AI Advantage for Product Management” fireside chat, where she guided an engaging conversation on the impact of AI on product development and management.
Tumilara’s commitment to mentorship is equally noteworthy. She plays an active role as a mentor and advisory facilitator for budding entrepreneurs, particularly those in the Orange Corners Cohort, an initiative of the Government of the Netherlands. Her guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping the careers of young entrepreneurs in the tech space.
Similarly, Tumilara serves as a Guest Judge for the Utiva Product Management School’s Product Festival, an event where graduating students showcase their projects, and their hard work and achievements are celebrated. Her role as a judge highlights her dedication to nurturing the next generation of product management professionals and celebrating innovation and excellence in the field.
Her thoughts on Product development challenges and her perspectives on tackling them; Tumilara Hassan’s role as Head of Mobile Banking at Fast Credit Limited has given her deep insights into the challenges that product development faces in the digital and mobile banking space. While the potential for growth and innovation is vast, significant hurdles remain, particularly in creating customer-centric products.
The foremost challenge is ensuring customer-centric product development. Tumilara strongly believes that the key to successful product development lies in deeply understanding and integrating customer feedback into every stage of the development process. By engaging with users early and often, product teams can identify pain points, preferences, and unmet needs, allowing for the creation of products that truly resonate with users. Tumilara emphasizes the importance of continuous user feedback loops to refine and optimize products, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of all users. This approach not only enhances user satisfaction but also drives customer loyalty and long-term engagement.Additionally, another challenge is the scaling of products in a rapidly evolving market. She believes that agility in product development—being able to pivot quickly in response to market changes or new customer demands—is key to staying competitive. This requires not only a flexible development process but also a culture of innovation within the organization.
Finally, Tumilara addresses the challenge of building trust and transparency which is crucial in the digital banking space. As more customers transition to digital platforms, concerns about data privacy and security grow. Tumilara believes that clear communication about how customer data is collected, used, and protected is essential to building and maintaining trust. Transparency in operations and ensuring that customers are informed and comfortable with their data use are central to fostering a trustworthy relationship between the bank and its users.
A Vision for the Future;
Tumilara Hassan’s journey is far from over. With her keen eye on the future, she continues to explore the possibilities that fintech, AI, and agriculture can offer. Her work is driven by a vision of a world where technology serves as a bridge to financial inclusion, sustainable growth, and economic empowerment.
As Tumilara continues to break new ground, she remains a beacon of innovation and leadership, inspiring others to harness the power of technology for the greater good.
