My Tech Transition: How Adebola Zoe Williams Went From Content Marketer To Brand Storyteller

After working as a content marketer for a retail brand, Adebola Zoe Williams decided to take on a more challenging role and made the move to tech. She tells us how she made this happen.

My Tech Transition is a monthly ConTech series that shines a spotlight on Africans who have successfully transitioned into tech.

Written by David Onugha.

After working as a content marketer for a retail brand, Adebola Zoe Williams decided to take on a more challenging role and made the move to tech. As the brand storyteller at Moni, she’s using stories to shape brand perception and drive growth. She talks about her career journey and shares tips for people looking to transition into tech.

What’s your current role in tech and how long have you been in it?

I am the Brand Storyteller at Moni (YC W22). I lead the Brand Storytelling team, which is responsible for marketing, creative communications and PR. I have been in my role for a year and a half now.

What are the responsibilities of your position? 

Marketing, internal and external communications, product marketing, growth and PR.

What were you doing before you transitioned to tech?

I was a content marketer at a B2C retail brand. 

What made you decide to transition into tech?

I had done different works for brands in diverse sectors. The only sector I hadn’t even gone close to at all was tech. It was time to try something different and challenging. 

What was the transition process like, and what factors helped you ease into your new role?

It was difficult. Tech marketing is a little different from what other industries do, and this difference is the game changer. I had a lot to learn in so little time and I was overwhelmed. I also had to deal with imposter syndrome. I didn’t think I was assimilating all the information I needed to thrive at the pace I should have, but thank God for people and for shared stories.

I had people in the company who always helped me, and showed me the way and there is a program at Moni called Moni Buddi. As a new employee, you get to hang with and connect with an older employee. This older employee is to guide you, answer your questions, help you settle in, and help you stay level headed. I also shared my experience with other people on social media; there was even a Twitter Space about it. I realised I wasn’t alone and that also helped. 

What skill(s) crossed over from your previous role to your current one?

Every skill I had from my previous role crossed over with me to this. Writing, copywriting, content direction, strategy, social media, analytics; everything.

What new skills did you have to learn?

I had to be more data-driven. I had to learn how to pore through data and find which one was relevant to me and to the company’s bottom line. I had to learn how to find the right tools to help me automate my process. If you work at a tech startup, you know there’s so much data and so many things to do; I had to learn how to automate things effectively. 

What would you say is peculiar to working in tech?

The pace is fast. So much is happening at once and you have to put your eyes on the prize if you don’t want to get swept into the unnecessary stuff. 

What advice would you give someone looking to transition into tech?

Research. Research. Research. Research how to communicate that value to tech companies. Research the other skills you need to maintain the value flow as well. Research companies that would value what you are offering and bringing to the table.

Can you share any job search advice for individuals transitioning to a career in tech?

Use LinkedIn to connect with people working in tech and recruiters in tech. Use Twitter to connect with your community (#TwitterEngineers for example). Be in the conversation. Learn. Show your work. Show off your work. Put what you want out there.