Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2024 Top 25 Women in Technology. Meet Irene Adepoju.
Title: Engineering Manager - Technical Infrastructure Vendor Services
Company: Bloomberg
Education: Bachelor’s degree in History; master’s degree in internet and multimedia engineering
Please list organizational affiliations: Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE); Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF); Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCDP)
What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in technology?
My dad is a mechanical engineer, and I always remember him analyzing, building, and fixing things. Even though my first degree was in history and politics, I always had a drive within me to pursue a career in technology, particularly in engineering. I started out working in the telecommunications and networks sector and then decided to go back to university after a few years to complete a Master’s degree in internet and multimedia engineering.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I am driven by the knowledge that any contributions that I or other members of my team make can help influence decision-making that helps define wider processes and strategies.
What role does sustainability play in your life?
It's all about the choices we make and how we can all contribute to saving the planet for our kids and the generations coming along behind us. I try to reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as I can. I also support a number of non-profit environmental organizations.
What is the most fascinating thing you have learned while working in this industry?
Technology evolves so quickly, so I am constantly learning new things, which is great!
What’s something unique about you personally?
I will always embrace an opportunity when it presents itself rather than regret it later on for not pursuing it.
What’s something unique about you professionally?
The feedback I often hear from my team is that I have the ability to visualize intended goals and utilize resources on the ground to get things done.
What’s your most admirable quality?
Based on the feedback that I have received, it is my ability to hone in on people's strengths and champion them so they feel confident and empowered.
Why is diversity, equality, and inclusion important to you?
I am acutely aware of the benefits of a diverse team, the necessity for equity in the workplace, and the importance of being – and feeling – included. A year ago, I was awarded a unique opportunity to create my own team. I consciously worked to source individuals from different backgrounds, being especially mindful to add contributors to the team who are at different points in their careers. I now experience on a daily basis how these choices have helped facilitate a collaborative team dynamic. Furthermore, each individual team member thrives by building upon shared knowledge and experiences, in addition to being empowered to learn and grow new skills and abilities.
What aspect of the industry do you think has the most potential for growth, and, on the other hand, which aspect do you think needs the most improvement?
Machine Learning is growing and evolving so rapidly. The biggest challenge I see is how AI may be regulated and how practitioners outline what it should be used for.
When you imagine the future of the technology industry, what does it look like?
I see a world where AI is at the forefront of everything humans do and every decision we make. During our day-to-day lives, as we go about our normal business, we create so much data which is then analyzed and used to predict trends.
AI will also aid in the development of medical breakthroughs, and future space exploration, while also hopefully helping us slow down the current pace of global warming and the long-term effects it has on climate change.
