What does it really take to break into tech, grow a global career, and help others along the way?
In this inspiring interview, Sharon—a senior product designer, founder of Coachli, and content creator—shares her journey from designing flyers in Lagos to founding a global tech platform. She opens up about challenges, wins, and the defining moments that shaped her career.
If you’re looking for motivation or direction in your own tech journey, you don’t want to miss this.
Watch the full video interview here
Starting Small: From Estate Management to Graphic Design
Sharon’s path into tech wasn’t conventional. She studied estate management at the University of Lagos, but while in school, she began doing graphic design to earn extra income. That side hustle soon grew into something more.
She realized her clients often needed not just designs, but websites. So she taught herself how to build WordPress sites. That decision opened up a new world and gave her the confidence to keep learning.
Pivoting to Tech: Discovering Her Space in UX Design
While exploring web design, Sharon ventured deeper into the world of development. She learned both front-end and back-end programming, but quickly realized she was more drawn to the visual and user-focused side of tech.
That’s when she discovered User Experience (UX) Design—a perfect blend of her artistic instincts and the technical skills she had developed. UX gave her a meaningful way to solve problems, build user-centered solutions, and stay creative.
Taking a Leap: The Job That Changed Everything
One of the most pivotal moments in Sharon’s life was applying for—and landing—a job in Germany while still living in Lagos.
She didn’t think it would happen. But it did. And that moment changed her mindset forever.
According to Sharon, betting on yourself—even when the odds seem stacked against you—is the first step toward real success.
“You only get the rewards from the risks you’re willing to take,” she says.
Overcoming Bias: Being a Black Woman in Tech
As Sharon’s career progressed, so did the challenges. In Nigeria, she faced skepticism from people who questioned her decision to pursue tech as a woman. One person even asked why she wasn’t doing makeup or catering instead.
Outside Nigeria, the challenges became more layered—this time around being both a Black person and a woman in tech.
Sharon learned to tune out the noise, hold herself to a high personal standard, and walk away when the environment didn’t respect her work.
“People will doubt you whether you do the best work or not. The key is to stay focused and protect your mental space.”
Her Superpower: The African Woman’s Edge in UX
Sharon believes being an African woman gives her a unique edge—especially in UX design. She points to traits like empathy, observation, and problem-solving, all of which are crucial for creating great user experiences.
She’s seen many African women thrive in UX roles because they bring an authentic and thoughtful approach to solving problems, designing products, and working with teams.
Impact Beyond Career: Mentoring the Next Generation
Sharon’s influence extends far beyond her day job. Through her YouTube channel and personal mentorship, she’s helped countless people land their first jobs in tech, figure out their career paths, and gain confidence in their abilities.
What started as a simple content experiment has grown into a movement, with mentees now working in top companies across the globe.
“Knowing I’ve played a small role in someone else’s success story—that’s what makes me proud.”
To see more about her journey and the lives she’s touched, watch the full interview
Building Coachli: A Platform for African Creators
One of Sharon’s proudest accomplishments is founding Coachli, a platform designed to help African creators monetize their skills and knowledge.
Coachli helps coaches, educators, and content creators sell their services and products online—solving major issues like payment barriers and accessibility that many Africans face when using international platforms.
The platform has grown to thousands of users and is now doing millions in transaction volume each month.
Inspiration at the Core: Her Mother’s Influence
When asked who inspires her the most, Sharon doesn’t mention a famous entrepreneur or tech giant.
It’s her mom.
“She taught me to grow wherever I’m planted,” Sharon says. “She also taught me to put my head down and learn.”
That mentality—of humility, resilience, and continuous learning—has shaped how she approaches her work and life.
Advice to Aspiring Women in Tech
For women trying to find their path in tech, Sharon offers three key lessons:
- There is no shortcut to hard work. Whether it’s learning new skills, networking, or building your own projects, you have to do the work.
- Have a clear vision of where you want to go. Vision keeps you focused and motivated, even when things get tough.
- Believe in yourself, even if it feels delusional. Confidence might feel unrealistic at times, but that belief is what sets successful people apart.
“Keep trying. Keep learning. Pick one or two things, focus on them, and see them through.”
A Bright Future for Women in Tech
Sharon is excited about the growing number of women leading in tech across Africa and the world. She’s especially proud of how women in leadership are helping others rise—reaching down to support the next generation.
“The level of excellence I’m seeing from women today is incredible,” she says. “And what excites me most is how committed they are to growth and lifting others up.”
Watch the Full Interview
Sharon’s story is one of grit, grace, and growth. From self-taught skills in Lagos to running a global tech company, she embodies what’s possible when you bet on yourself and lift others along the way.
Don’t miss the full interview. Watch it now on YouTube:
