In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas engages with Fisayo Oluwadiya, the brain behind OKAO, Inc., a platform where technology meets gastronomy. Fisayo, with a robust 16-year background in the tech world, having contributed to giants like Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Nordstrom, shares her unique journey from tech enthusiast to food industry innovator. Fueled by her deep-rooted love for food, inherited from a family lineage of chefs and farmers, and her serendipitous dive into technology, Fisayo has created OKAO to address the gaps in the food industry through a sophisticated AI-driven recommendation engine.
Fisayo recounts the genesis of OKAO, inspired by her desire to merge her two passions: technology and food. This revelation led to the creation of a platform designed to enhance dining experiences through personalized recommendations while also solving critical industry challenges such as real-time data accessibility for restaurants. OKAO aims to empower not only diners but also restaurateurs and chefs, particularly solopreneurs, by providing valuable insights to tailor their offerings to consumer preferences and trends.
Further delving into the impact of technology on the food industry, Fisayo discusses the pivotal role of efficiency, scalability, and innovation in bridging the gap between culinary arts and business acumen. She highlights OKAO’s commitment to fostering a space for chefs to connect with investors, aiming to transform culinary talents into successful entrepreneurs. Fisayo also touches on the future of food personalization, emphasizing the growing necessity for tailored dining experiences driven by AI and machine learning to meet individual dietary needs and preferences.
Concluding the episode, Fisayo offers sage advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to blend their technological skills with personal passions. Drawing from her own experience of building OKAO single-handedly, she stresses the importance of perseverance and the power of passion as the ultimate fuel for overcoming challenges. Through her story, Fisayo Oluwadiya exemplifies how innovative thinking and a relentless pursuit of one’s passions can lead to groundbreaking solutions that not only fulfill personal aspirations but also significantly contribute to industry advancements.