Earning credibility in male-dominated tech industry is challenging – Dr Adaora Dagogo

Once immersed in the world of medicine, Dr Adaora Dagogo, took a bold step into the tech world and transformed into a trailblazing entrepreneur. As the driving force behind Stechad Ltd, an IT outsourcing firm that has collaborated with global giants like Shell and Amazon, she shares her extraordinary journey with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, dwelling on her passion for empowering young women to break barriers and thrive in tech

Give us a glimpse into the moment it became apparent that you wanted to transition from medicine to IT. Was there a particular experience that led to this shift?

The shift from medicine to IT wasn’t something I planned at all. In fact, I often say tech found me rather than the other way around. It all started while I was studying in Hamburg, Germany.

I completed my master’s degree in Public Health and worked as a medical doctor for about a year or two. One day, a colleague who was into IT asked me to stand in for him on a particular shift. He said I was capable and resilient, so it wouldn’t be a big deal.
I decided to take up the challenge. When I arrived on-site, I was completely out of my element—wires and cables were everywhere. I was so confused, thinking that pulling the wrong cable might shut down everything in the company! But at that moment, I trusted in myself and remembered the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What would normally take two hours ended up taking me six, but I eventually solved the problem. I thought that would be the end of my brief foray into IT, but to my surprise, I started getting more referrals. People saw me as an expert, and that pushed me to start taking IT courses. I loved the flexibility and the innovative problem-solving aspect of it.

That was how my journey into IT began—I embraced it fully and haven’t looked back since.
How do you manage to balance your career as a medical doctor with running an IT company? Do you ever find that one side of your career takes precedence over the other?

Currently, I’m not running both simultaneously. I practised medicine for a while before transitioning fully into IT. However, I’m using IT to address medical challenges.

I believe IT is a vehicle for advancement in all careers, especially medicine. So, while I’m focused on IT, I remain connected to the medical field, applying innovative solutions to tackle medical problems.

The phrase “Tech found me” is an interesting one. Can you elaborate on how you came to embrace technology?

“Tech found me” truly captures my journey. I didn’t abandon medicine; instead, I expanded my horizons. The problem-solving nature of both fields resonated with me, and I quickly realised that tech could offer practical solutions to challenges, especially in healthcare.

Embracing technology felt natural, but letting go of medicine wasn’t easy at first. Transitioning from one field to another was challenging. However, my passion for innovation and making an impact helped me move forward, allowing me to combine both fields in meaningful ways.

Having worked in countries like Germany, Ukraine, and Nigeria, how have these diverse environments influenced your approach to leadership and entrepreneurship?
These experiences have taught me to adapt my leadership style to various environments and have shown me the importance of diverse perspectives.

They’ve made me a more inclusive leader and a more innovative entrepreneur because I’ve come to understand that people from different walks of life bring something unique to the table.

Everyone has their own background, and recognising that all these perspectives contribute to a well-rounded outcome is key. As the saying goes, there are different sides to a coin—the head, the tail, and even the edge. Embracing diverse backgrounds fosters inclusion and sparks greater innovation, which has been crucial to my growth.

What was the biggest challenge you encountered while establishing Stechad Limited, particularly as a woman in the IT industry?

I think the first challenge I faced was the lack of role models. Coming from two perspectives; being a woman and a woman of colour, created additional struggles. Having role models would have been invaluable in navigating the unique challenges of setting up Stechad Ltd. There simply aren’t enough role models to look up to. However, if you do find any, they are often white women, and there are very few women of colour starting new ventures.

The second challenge was earning credibility in a male-dominated industry. The tech sector is predominantly male, so proving my credibility as a woman and demonstrating that I have something valuable to offer was quite difficult.

Establishing Stechad Ltd meant not only showcasing the company’s worth but also validating my expertise at the intersection of IT and tech. Staying committed to achieving results and focusing on the future helped me navigate these unique obstacles.
Reflecting on your journey in both medicine and technology, did you experience moments of self-doubt? If so, how did you overcome them?

When transitioning into a new field, questions inevitably arise: Am I doing the right thing? Am I on the right path? To be honest, I didn’t have many role models or supporters. It’s much easier to pursue something familiar; stepping into uncharted territory is far more challenging.

So, yes, I questioned myself numerous times. When you’re treading a path that few have taken, doubts can easily creep in.

However, one thing that kept me going was the knowledge that if I didn’t take this step, many other women might never consider this pathway. I see myself as someone creating a trail for young women after me—opening doors for others to flourish, which continually motivates me.

My spiritual mentors have also played a significant role. They’ve taught me that you can achieve anything in life, even within systems that seem impossible to break into. This belief, nurtured by my mentors, has been crucial in overcoming my self-doubt.

You’ve collaborated with major global brands. Were there specific moments during these partnerships when you felt especially proud of your company’s accomplishments?

Collaborating with companies like Shell and Amazon was a significant milestone for us. These partnerships confirmed that we were providing solutions that met global standards. Witnessing Stechad Ltd grow from zero revenue to six figures in USD within two years was an incredible achievement, demonstrating that hard work truly pays off. This was indeed a major accomplishment.
In a field often dominated by men, how do you navigate the challenges of being a woman in the IT industry?

For me, I view these challenges as part of the process. I concentrate on my goals and strive to deliver high-quality results and excellence in everything I do.

I’ve learned that confidence, competence, and persistence can overcome any biases. Staying focused, uplifting other women in tech, creating mentorship opportunities, and building a strong support network are all essential to my success. I am dedicated to ensuring greater female representation in tech and other fields. That is my goal, and I am committed to it; we simply want to see more women represented in tech.

You’ve led numerous leadership training programmes. What values or lessons do you aim to instil in young people through these initiatives?

Through my leadership programmes, which will be quite intensive next year, primarily for young women aged 15 to 25, with an additional group for ages 25 to 35—I would focus on resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of collaboration.
I want young people to understand that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being adaptable, empathetic, and always open to learning.

Integrity, accountability, and the courage to take calculated risks are essential qualities. My goal is to inspire them to lead with purpose and empower others as they rise.
Could you share a story about a young woman you’ve mentored who has gone on to achieve something that made you particularly proud?

There are many, to be honest, and knowing I’m making an impact keeps me going. One example is a young woman I mentored in leadership, who initially lacked confidence and doubted her abilities to succeed. I guided her, provided platforms for her to express herself, and helped her overcome her fears.

Today, I proudly refer to her as a “boss lady” because she has become a leader of leaders. Watching her grow into a confident and capable leader has been one of my proudest moments, and she is just one of many who have taken that pathway. This particular story is especially close to my heart.

Have you ever experienced failure in your career?

Failure has been a critical part of my growth. I always say that each failure brings a valuable lesson, so I embrace them as an integral part of the journey. You cannot succeed without encountering failure, as it provides the wisdom and experience essential for growth.

Stechad Ltd is four years old. One memorable moment occurred when it seemed like everything was going wrong. Deals were not materialising, and this was just two years into our journey. It was tough, but I used that time to analyse what had gone awry and refine our approach. I encouraged the team to refocus on our strengths and optimise our processes. Within six months of re-strategising, we bounced back, securing significantly larger deals, and achieving a 100 per cent turnaround, which was incredibly encouraging.

You’ve received numerous awards for your contributions. Which one holds the most personal significance for you, and why?
I would say winning the Diversity Champion of the Year award from The Channel Company holds significant meaning for me. It represents not only my technical and business acumen but also my dedication to fostering a more inclusive industry.

This recognition acknowledges my efforts to empower underrepresented groups, particularly women in IT.

For me, it goes beyond mere recognition; it’s about being part of something larger and genuinely paving the way for others.

My company also received the award for Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, which complements this achievement perfectly. It demonstrates that we’re not just in business for business’s sake but are committed to making a meaningful impact as we move forward.

As someone who has managed both startups and established companies, how do you determine the right moment to innovate compared to when it’s essential to focus on stabilisation?

It depends on the industry. A fast-paced field like IT requires constant innovation. However, I’ve learned that there are also times when stability and consolidation are essential for sustained growth.

The key is to strike a balance. For instance, at Stechad Ltd, we are introducing new business models while also reinforcing operational structures.
It’s crucial to listen to market demands, gather internal feedback, and discern when to advocate for change and when to optimise existing strengths.

Being aware of your surroundings and understanding your capacity is vital. It’s all about learning to balance both innovation and stability.

What advice would you give to women looking to break into male-dominated industries but who feel overwhelmed or underqualified?

My advice is to focus on your strengths and be relentless in acquiring knowledge. Surround yourself with supportive networks, and remember to believe in your capabilities—you belong in that room. Don’t hesitate to challenge the status quo; you bring something unique to the table.

Have you encountered any cultural or structural challenges while working across different continents, particularly between Africa and Europe?

Yes, cultural differences significantly influence how business is conducted, and navigating these can be challenging. For instance, in Europe, business systems are generally more formal and structured, whereas in Africa, flexibility and personal relationships often take precedence. Balancing these dynamics has been essential, particularly during negotiations. It’s crucial to respect and understand the operational styles of each region while fostering trust across borders.

What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about merging careers in health and technology?
I believe the biggest misconception is that health and technology are mutually exclusive. When discussing fields like health and tech or law and tech, many people think you must choose one path and stick with it. However, there’s a significant intersection between health and technology, and it’s one of the most exciting areas to be involved in. You don’t have to limit yourself to just medicine, law, or banking; you can blend them. IT serves as a vehicle for innovation across various career paths, whether in health tech or data analysis for healthcare. There are countless ways these fields complement each other.

Outside of work, what are some personal passions or hobbies that help you unwind and maintain balance in your life?

I love spending time with my family, as there are various aspects of my life that I hold dear—family, ministry, and career—so I make sure to dedicate time to each one. I enjoy going out with loved ones and cherishing quality moments together. I also have a fondness for sleep, which I consider a hobby because it allows me to recharge. Additionally, I enjoy listening to music and am actively involved as a minister at my church.

What legacy do you hope to leave in both the medical and IT fields? How do you envision impacting future generations?

I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, both in IT and healthcare. I hope to have inspired and created opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly women. I want future generations to recognise that it’s possible to blend multiple passions and make a meaningful impact.

How do you believe the tech industry can evolve to better support and elevate women leaders, and what specific actions are you taking to contribute to that transformation?

The tech industry needs to move beyond token representation and focus on creating environments where women can lead without barriers. This involves fostering mentorship, offering flexible career paths, and dismantling biases in hiring and promotions. I am contributing by providing training and mentorship, as well as actively working to create a more inclusive space for women.
What do you consider the greatest challenge facing women in tech today and how are you actively working to change that narrative?

The biggest challenge is breaking through unconscious and systemic barriers that still exist. Women are often overlooked for leadership roles or perceived as less technical, even when they possess the necessary qualifications. I am working to change this by being visible, demonstrating that women can thrive in leadership, and creating pathways for others through mentorship and gender equity initiatives. Visibility, education, and community support are crucial for changing the narrative.