Startup Spotlight
STARTUP FOCUS
8th March 2025
On the African Continent
What inspired you to start Remote WorkHER, and how does it address unique challenges in the remote work landscape?
Remote WorkHER was born out of my desire to empower women to break free from traditional work constraints and achieve financial independence Having experienced the benefits of remote work firsthand, I recognized a significant gender gap in access to remote opportunities. Many women, especially in Africa, face socioeconomic challenges, lack of mentorship, and limited resources to navigate this space
Remote WorkHER addresses these unique challenges by providing skill-building resources, mentorship, and a supportive community, helping women confidently transition into remote careers and excel in their professional lives
By Nwannukwu Stephanie 8th
March 2025
Can you tell us about your journey into the tech and remote work industry?
My journey began as a 16-year-old freelancer, assisting my dad in content writing for clients This early exposure to the remote work and freelancing set the foundation for my career. Over time, I expanded my expertise into social media strategy, brand building, and tech solutions
My personal success, coupled with my passion for creating impactful change, led me to establish Remote WorkHER, a platform to inspire and support women aiming to succeed in the digital and remote work-spaces
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What problem does Remote WorkHER solve for women in Africa, and what makes your approach unique?
Remote WorkHER tackles the barriers that prevent African women from accessing remote work opportunities, such as lack of knowledge, resources, and confidence The platform equips women with practical skills, job opportunities, and financial strategies while fostering a collaborative environment. What sets Remote WorkHER apart is its human-centered approach: it’s not just about teaching skills; it’s about building a supportive community, celebrating achievements, and creating lasting connections that empower women to thrive in their careers
What was the “aha” moment that sparked the idea for Remote WorkHER?
Remote WorkHER didn’t stem from a single “aha” moment but was rather a natural progression It began as a community on Telegram, initially called the Career and Growth Hub, where women could connect, share opportunities, and grow together. Over time, as the demand for resources and guidance specific to remote work grew, Adeife saw the potential to evolve the platform This led to a rebranding to Remote WorkHER, reflecting its focus on helping women transition into remote careers while building a supportive and empowering community
On the African Continent
How did your background and experiences shape your vision for Remote WorkHER?
My vision for Remote WorkHER is deeply rooted in my journey as a freelancer and content creator Coming from a background where remote work and digital opportunities were not mainstream, I had to navigate the challenges of building her career independently and realized a lot of young women were facing the same issues My early exposure to freelancing showed me the limitless potential of remote work but also highlighted the barriers that women, especially in Africa, face in accessing these opportunities These experiences inspired me to create Remote WorkHER My commitment to inclusivity ensures that every woman feels seen, supported, and empowered to achieve her goals
What qualities do you believe are most important for an entrepreneur to succeed in this industry?
I’d say resilience tops the list because, honestly, the road isn’t always smooth there are ups, downs, and unexpected turns. You need to be adaptable too, especially in an industry like remote work, where trends and technology evolve so quickly Having a clear vision is essential; it’s what keeps you grounded and focused, even when things get tough.
Empathy also goes a long way Truly understanding the needs of your audience helps you create solutions that matter to them. And let’s not forget strong communication it’s about building connections, sharing your vision, and forming partnerships that push your goals forward It’s a mix of heart, grit, and strategy
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How does Remote WorkHER empower women, and what impact do you hope to achieve in the African job market?
Remote WorkHER empowers women by providing them with tailored resources, skillbuilding opportunities, and mentorship to navigate the remote work landscape successfully The platform focuses on breaking barriers and equipping women with the confidence and knowledge to access roles in tech and other remote industries. Through a strong sense of community, it fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and support, ensuring that women are no longer underrepresented in remote workspaces. The goal is to increase the number of women in tech and remote work across Africa, thereby contributing to a more diverse and innovative workforce, closing gender gaps in professional spaces, and boosting economic growth through meaningful career opportunities for women
What milestones are you most proud of with Remote WorkHER so far?
One of the milestones I’m most proud of is the physical event we successfully organized It was a surreal moment to see the community we’ve built come to life real faces, real stories, and real connections beyond the screens. It reaffirmed the importance of what we’re doing and the impact Remote WorkHER has on so many women That event wasn’t just about gathering; it was about empowering and inspiring, and it reminded me why this
8th March 2025
On the African Continent
What have been the key challenges of building a startup in the remote work space, and how have you overcome them?
Money has been one of the biggest challenges, particularly when it comes to scaling operations, creating high-quality resources, and maintaining community engagement Another significant hurdle has been hiring people who truly understand the vision and are passionate about the mission of empowering women in the remote work space
To overcome these challenges, we’ve focused on building strategic partnerships and collaborations with brands that align with our goals, allowing us to access funding and resources Additionally, we’ve implemented a more intentional hiring process prioritising individuals who not only bring expertise but also share the passion and commitment to Remote WorkHER’s mission
What key metrics do you track to measure Remote WorkHER’s growth and impact?
Currently, we focus on social media and website metrics as indicators of our organic growth and conversions These help us see how effectively we’re engaging our community and turning that engagement into action. For example, during our recent event, we had about 110 RSVPs, and nearly 100 people showed up, that’s an incredible success rate and a clear reflection of the trust and connection we’ve built with our audience. These numbers remind us that we’re moving in the right direction and making a meaningful impact
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How do you approach building a team that aligns with Remote WorkHER’s mission and values?
I believe in empowering my team by giving them autonomy and making them feel like they are an integral part of what we're building Rather than micromanaging, I focus on fostering a sense of ownership with their tasks. When team members feel responsible for their work and know their contributions matter, it enhances their commitment and drives better results This approach helps create a collaborative environment where everyone feels aligned with our mission to empower women in the remote work space
How do you balance the demands of running Remote WorkHER with your personal life and well-being?
The key to balancing the demands of running Remote WorkHER with my personal life and well-being is having a great team I’ve built a team that I trust, which allows me to delegate tasks and know that things are in good hands. This gives me the freedom to prioritize my personal life when needed while still ensuring the organization thrives It's all about creating a supportive environment where everyone is aligned with the mission and where I can step back when necessary, knowing the work is still getting done
8th
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from launching Remote WorkHER?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that you can't do everything by yourself It’s crucial to delegate tasks and surround yourself with people who can support, help, and grow with you. Building a business is a team effort, and relying on others who share your vision is essential to scaling and sustaining long-term success
What role do you see Remote WorkHER playing in reshaping traditional work structures in Africa?
Remote WorkHER is focused on empowering women to break free from traditional work structures, offering them the flexibility to build careers that fit their lifestyle We are particularly passionate about helping women transition into remote work, allowing them to achieve better work-life balance Our community includes women from all walks of life, creatives, 9–5 workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of work in Africa by embracing remote opportunities. We aim to provide a supportive environment that enables women to thrive, regardless of their career paths
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Are there any upcoming initiatives or goals you’re excited about for Remote WorkHER?
Absolutely! We’re looking forward to some exciting events we’ll be partnering with next year, which will allow us to expand our reach and impact Additionally, we’re planning to transition some of our bootcamps into physical workshops. Moving from just online sessions to in- person gatherings will provide an even more immersive and hands-on experience for our participants It’s a new chapter we’re thrilled to explore as we continue to grow and empower more women.
Has Remote WorkHER been a part of any startup accelerator or corporate program? If so, how has it benefited your growth?
No, we haven’t because the company just started, but we are looking forward to opportunities like that next year
8th March 2025
On the African Continent
What advice would you give to women in Africa looking to enter the tech and remote work space?
Take it slow and steady, and don’t let the fear of missing out push you into making hasty decisions Especially for women, it’s important to remember that the tech and remote work space isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or do what everyone else is doing focus on exploring what truly aligns with your interests and strengths. Find your niche, stay curious, and build your path with intention and passion.
How do you navigate and prioritize the unique needs of African women seeking remote work opportunities?
We prioritize the unique challenges African women face in remote work, like balancing responsibilities and limited access to resources, by providing tailored resources, affordable training, and a supportive community Our goal is to empower women to build sustainable careers while fostering growth and inclusivity. What role has mentorship played in your journey, and how do you approach mentorship for others?
Mentorship has been instrumental in my journey, shaping my decisions and helping me navigate challenges At Remote WorkHER, we’re committed to paying it forward by connecting women with affordable or even free mentorship opportunities led by industry experts Having a mentor with experience can truly guide you in the right direction, which is why I also create content and offer programs to support and empower others.
How do you maintain motivation and resilience, especially during challenging times?
Staying motivated during tough times comes down to my incredible team they always keep me on my toes and ensure tasks get done. Knowing I’m responsible for paying my staff and sustaining their jobs drives me to stay focused and push through challenges Their dedication and support inspire me to keep going, no matter what
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What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact in their communities?
Focus on solving real problems within your community, impact starts with understanding the needs around you. Start small, be consistent, and don’t underestimate the power of collaboration Surround yourself with a strong team, stay true to your mission, and always be open to learning and adapting. Most importantly, remember that success isn’t just about profit; it’s about the value you bring to others
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to build in public and document the process Sharing your journey, both the wins and challenges, not only helps you grow but also creates opportunities to connect with people who can support and inspire you along the way It’s a powerful way to learn, teach, and create impact simultaneously.
What’s a personal interest or hobby you pursue outside of your professional life to stay balanced?
I love spending time with friends, and I’ve found a way to blend my personal life with my work as a content creator. Often, when I’m out enjoying time with friends, it’s also a part of my work There’s a blur between business and personal life, and I enjoy how they seamlessly intertwine, allowing me to stay balanced while still being productive.
8th
How do you see technology influencing the future of work in Africa, particularly for women?
Technology is transforming the future of work in Africa, especially for women, by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities that weren’t accessible before Remote work, online learning, and digital tools are leveling the playing field, allowing women to participate in the workforce regardless of location or traditional societal constraints
At Remote WorkHER, we see this shift as a chance to empower more women to embrace flexible careers, build sustainable incomes, and achieve work-life balance With the right resources and support, technology can help women in Africa redefine success and thrive in a global marketplace.
What’s something you’re constantly thinking about when it comes to growing Remote WorkHER?
I’m constantly thinking about how to grow Remote WorkHER in a way that stays true to our core values. Scaling while maintaining the community’s authenticity and purpose is a priority. Remote WorkHER wasn’t started with profit as the primary goal, it was born from a desire to create real impact Balancing growth with that mission keeps me focused on building something sustainable and meaningful.
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FOUNDER FOCUS
AninterviewwithAdeifeAdeoye
ADEIFEADEOYE
AdeifeAdeoye-firstateenagewonder,kickstartinghercreative journey in her teens and evolving into a visionary entrepreneur withapassionforredefiningthefutureofworkandempowering womenintheremoteworkspace
Founder of Remote WorkHER, a platform dedicated to creating opportunities, fostering community, and equipping women with thetoolstothriveinremotecareers.
With over a decade of experience spanning human resources, career coaching, and digital work solutions, Adeife has been at theforefrontofenablingworkforcetransformationacrossAfrica. She has built a vibrant network that connects women to global work opportunities, advocates for workplace flexibility, and provides professional development resources tailored to the remoteworkecosystem.
A certified career coach and social media expert, Adeife has worked with professionals and businesses across diverse industries Equipping women with the skills and confidence to excel in remote careers has made her a thought leader in the futureofwork.