Becoming an expert who can handle everything from AI development to consulting
Oluwatamilore O. OrojoConverging Technologies Laboratory

Discovering my passion
Before starting my undergraduate studies in financial mathematics, my father and I had a vision of me working at the World Bank, inspired by a prominent female figure. But as often happens, this goal changed after I completed my undergraduate degree. My initial interest in investment banking gave way to one of pursuing a PhD in computer science. My father's encouragement has always played a significant role in my career pursuit, he has always encouraged me to explore my full potential. After completing my PhD and gaining some work experience, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to join the Social Digital Twin (*1) team at Fujitsu Research of Europe. This team is pioneering the new field of Digital Twins and operates within a unique framework.
The power of explaining complex technology simply
Social Digital Twin is a technology that digitally recreates not only the states of both people and objects, but also economic and social activities, based on real-world data. My role involves developing various use cases (*2) for Social Digital Twin projects, such as contributing to net positive initiatives and decarbonization efforts. This requires a blend of customer-facing engagements and technical data analyses. I enjoy the customer-facing aspect, where I speak with customers to understand their needs and explore suitable use cases. Additionally, I liaise with our technical team, bridging the gap between customer requirements and technical delivery, ensuring that our solutions effectively meet customers’ needs.
Simplifying complex technical concepts, like Social Digital Twin or Digital Rehearsal (*3), for non-technical customers is particularly challenging. I need to translate the technical benefits into clear, relatable language using real-world examples to spark their interest. Currently, I'm actively learning how to do this effectively, by listening to the customer's language and adapting my communication style accordingly.

Driven by curiosity, guided by faith
Outside of work, I've explored a variety of interests, from playing squash to hitting the gym and even learning Japanese. Music holds a special place in my heart. I am still hoping to join a local choir – I do sing some Sundays for my local church service. My recent trip to Japan was truly inspiring, a captivating blend of rich culture and cutting-edge technology. I have always wanted to live abroad initially in Singapore now I am keen to live in Japan or the Caribbean. Family and friends are important to me, and I prioritize these connections. I am a Christian and I attend a local church where I engage with friends from different walks of life, these connections are a constant source of support and joy. My faith in Jesus guides me and empowers me to strive to live a purposeful life.

Inspired by great leaders
To be inspired by another is an interesting concept, in my late teens and early adulthood Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stood out. Her groundbreaking achievement as the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization as Director-General is truly inspiring. Her success serves as a powerful example of what Blacks, Africans and women can achieve on the global stage.
Closer to home, our Senior Director, Makiko Hisatomi, is an inspiration. Her leadership style is compassionate, empowering and insightful. She listens to the team, encourages us to grow, and leads with a focus on collaboration. I aspire to grow into a role similar to hers, where I am knowledgeable in both technical and business matters, possess insightful leadership, and demonstrate effective management skills.
Harnessing technology for human creativity
My aspiration is to become an AI Specialist and Consultant with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between AI tools and various domains. I'm also particularly interested in exploring how AI can be effectively applied to improve efficiency and free up people for more creative endeavors. One simple example of this potential in action is in the restaurant industry. AI can enhance the dining experience, streamlining tasks like table management and cleaning, and allowing staff to focus on their culinary artistry and create unique blends of flavours (I do love food!). A very simple example indeed but imagine this principle applied in other domains (it is already happening); healthcare, education, you name it - the potential is incredible. I believe that by advancing AI research and its application, we can unlock a new era of human creativity and innovation.
Messages from colleagues
Oluwatamilore has a precious talent with all the required skills for applied research, involving an ability to identify real issues from data and solve them using R&D technologies. She significantly contributes to grow the social digital twin research, applying her data-driven approach to lead co-creation activities while engaging customers' interests with her data driven approach. (Sachio Kobayashi, Converging Technologies Laboratory)
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(*1)
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(*2)
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(*3)Digital Rehearsal is the first technology in the world to enable the search for optimal policies and measures before applying them to the real world. It achieves this by reproducing the behaviors of people and society on an urban stage in a digital space, allowing users to gauge the effects and impacts of policies and measures under consideration.

Titles, numerical values, and proper nouns in this document are those reported when this interview was made.