Introducing Olu
Olu has worked with the council in the Resources Department since June 2022. He is responsible for optimizing the core networks to support critical business services for the public, ensuring minimal internet downtime at our libraries, social buildings, and other remote sites. Part of his role is to ensure Digital services and platforms have minimum network disruptions in order to prevent the impact on council operations.
In this interview, he talks about what inspired him to get into IT Management, how he manages his workday, and what advice he would give aspiring managers.
What inspired you to get into your job?
There's a real sense of purpose that comes with working in technology that directly impacts lives, and that's what drew me to this role. The council’s mission to improve daily experiences for the local community truly resonates with me. I have always strived to use my skills to make a difference, and the combination of that mission with the diverse challenges of a large public sector organization feels like the perfect opportunity to contribute meaningfully.
How does a typical workday morning start for you?
My mornings begin with being vigilant by keeping an eye on the network. I prioritize checking for any network or service disruptions before they can impact the council's operations. Depending on the day, I might be troubleshooting connectivity problems for a specific location, analysing network performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, or collaborating with security teams to address potential threats. Once urgent matters are settled, I shift gears to focus on the day's planned tasks. This might involve attending meetings to discuss network upgrades, overseeing project progress on new network implementations, or diving into user support tickets related to network connectivity or access issues.
What advice would you have liked to have had about your profession if you were just starting out now?
In hindsight, the biggest piece of advice I would give my younger self entering network management is this: prioritize communication and collaboration as much as technical skills. This role is all about working effectively with different teams – from security to end user. The need to translate complex network issues into clear, actionable information for everyone involved is a crucial skill to have.
What is the highlight of your role so far and what has been your biggest learn to date?
Optimizing the network has been a fantastic achievement but what truly excites me is our constant push to deliver top-notch customer service to our users. The network is more than just wires and switches; it's the bridge that connects the council residents to essential services, lets staff work together smoothly, and ultimately, helps the council fulfil its critical missions.
Maintaining a reliable network translates directly into a pleasant experience for residents using our services, more efficient workflows for staff, and a more responsive and efficient council overall. In a nutshell, my job is to ensure the network stays the invisible backbone that empowers the council to serve the community at its best.
Reflecting on my journey so far, my most significant learning has been the profound impact of collaboration. Sharing ideas with colleagues and talking to users about the issues they face has become the foundation of my approach. Every conversation, every shared perspective, makes me better at what I do.
What are your future professional aspirations?
My future aspirations are focused on expanding my expertise and taking on leadership roles within the technology field.
I am particularly interested in exploring areas like Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, as these technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize how organizations operate and deliver services.
Finally, I aim to utilize my skills and experience to make a positive impact, whether through contributing to large-scale projects, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, or participating in open-source initiatives.