From Uber to Goldman Sachs and Andela: How Shehu Lawal Mastered the Art of Product Management

Shehu Lawal’s career journey is a testament to the power of versatility and adaptability in the tech industry. From his early days as a real estate enthusiast to his rise as a respected product management expert, Shehu’s path has been anything but linear.

It all started with a chance encounter at a tech conference, where Shehu was captivated by the stories of entrepreneurs building innovative startups. Determined to carve his own path, Shehu set out to hone his software engineering skills, all while juggling a real estate venture and a part-time role with Uber.

It was during his time at Uber that Shehu’s passion for product management began to blossom. Tasked with training and onboarding drivers, Shehu quickly recognized the importance of understanding the user’s needs, crafting effective processes, and leveraging data to drive decision-making. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future success in the field.

“The Uber role was a pivotal moment for me,” Shehu recalls. “I realized that there was so much more to tech than just coding. The ability to bridge the gap between technology and business, to truly understand the user’s pain points and translate that into tangible solutions, that’s where my true passion lies.”

Shehu’s newfound enthusiasm for product management led him to AfriTickets, a ticketing startup that would become a crucial stepping stone in his career. As the company’s office manager, Shehu proved his versatility, taking on a range of responsibilities that included business development, marketing, and even coding.

“At AfriTickets, I had the opportunity to wear many hats,” Shehu explains. “It was a fast-paced environment that allowed me to hone my skills in product management, customer engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. The experience was invaluable in shaping my approach to problem-solving and decision-making.”

Under Shehu’s leadership, AfriTickets experienced a remarkable turnaround, with the company’s revenue soaring as Shehu forged strategic partnerships and integrated the platform with leading banks. Consequently, Shehu was offered a position as a partner engineering manager at Andela. This role represented a substantial leap in his career, both in terms of responsibilities and compensation.

Shehu was excited to join Andela, as the company had a prestigious reputation within the Nigerian tech community. He was drawn to Andela’s strong culture and the impactful projects he would be involved in. Upon joining, Shehu was immediately immersed in a collaborative and innovative environment, working alongside talented engineers and contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies.

One of the highlights of Shehu’s time at Andela was the opportunity to work on the Weather app project with IBM. This project allowed him to leverage his technical expertise and business acumen, as he navigated the complexities of working with a global tech giant. Shehu thrived in this environment, relishing the chance to make a tangible impact and be part of a team that was changing the landscape of the tech industry.

Eventually, the restless operator felt the need to explore new challenges that would allow him to further stretch his skills and take on greater responsibilities. This desire for growth and new experiences ultimately led Shehu to leave Andela and pursue other ventures. He found himself drawn to new challenges, co-founding a digital health and wellness platform called Balance Bowl. While the venture faced its share of obstacles, Shehu’s experience in product management and his ability to navigate complex landscapes proved invaluable.

“Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster ride, but it’s one that I’ve come to embrace,” Shehu says. “The lessons I’ve learned, from managing teams and resources to pivoting in the face of adversity, have only strengthened my product management skills and my ability to think strategically.”

Pocket Foods ended up acquiring Balance Bowl with Shehu appointed as the top technical advisor while the company expanded its operations to Abuja and Benin.

Shehu’s success at Afritickets and Balance Bowl caught the attention of industry leaders, and soon Shehu found himself at the doorstep of another prestigious opportunity – a role at Goldman Sachs.

“The move to Goldman Sachs was a chance to further expand my horizons,” Shehu says. “While the corporate environment was a stark contrast to the startup world, I saw it as an opportunity to learn from a global financial powerhouse and apply my product management expertise in a new context.”

However, Shehu’s time at Goldman Sachs was short-lived, as the systematic nature of the role and the bureaucratic processes quickly became a source of frustration. It was then that Shehu made the decision to return to the startup world, this time joining the renowned Andela.

“Andela was a homecoming of sorts,” Shehu reflects. “The collaborative, innovative culture and the opportunity to work on impactful projects with global clients – it was exactly the kind of environment I thrived in. As a partner engineering manager, I was able to leverage my diverse skillset to drive product development and foster a sense of community among the team.”

Shehu’s tenure at Andela was marked by a significant career milestone – a substantial salary increase that propelled him into the upper echelons of the tech industry. But for Shehu, the true reward lay in the fulfillment he found in his work and the impact he was able to make.

“At Andela, I wasn’t just a cog in the machine. I was part of a team that was changing the narrative around African tech talent, empowering individuals, and driving innovation on a global scale. That sense of purpose and the ability to see the tangible results of our efforts – that’s what truly energized me.”