About Me

Hi, I'm Olalekan (Lekan) Akinsande.

I am a Data, Analytics and AI leader, behavioural scientist, and technology-for-development practitioner passionate about helping organizations and societies make better decisions through data, technology, evidence, and systems thinking.

My work sits at the intersection of analytics, public policy, technology, human development, and institutional effectiveness. I am driven by a simple but powerful question: How can we build better systems that enable more people to thrive?

Over the past decade, I have worked across analytics, artificial intelligence, software engineering, digital innovation, and international development, helping organizations transform information into intelligence, strengthen performance, and create greater impact.

Today, I lead Program Performance and Insights at the Mastercard Foundation, where I support evidence-informed decision-making across one of Africa's largest youth employment portfolios. Beyond my professional role, I am building platforms and ideas that explore the future of work, technology, public policy, and systems transformation in emerging markets.

My Journey

My journey began with a foundation in Psychology and Behavioural Science, driven by a curiosity about how people think, learn, make decisions, and create change.

Early in my career, I worked in Human Resource Management and became a Chartered Human Resource Professional. However, my curiosity about problem-solving and innovation led me to explore the world of technology, data, and analytics.

In 2017, I made a bold transition into data and technology despite having no formal technical background. Through continuous learning, experimentation, and countless hours of building and solving real-world problems, I developed expertise across data analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation.

What began as a career transition soon evolved into something much larger: a desire to understand not just people or organizations, but the systems that shape opportunity, prosperity, and development.

That journey continues today as I explore how data, technology, policy, and institutional design can be leveraged to address some of the most pressing challenges facing emerging markets.

My Mission

To help individuals, organizations, and societies make better decisions, strengthen systems, and create opportunities through data, technology, evidence, and strategic intelligence.

I believe that better decisions lead to better outcomes, and that sustainable progress is achieved when people and institutions are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and systems needed to thrive.

My Vision

To contribute to building a future where opportunity, prosperity, and human development are accessible to all.

Over the long term, I aspire to help shape labour market systems, public policy, and institutions that enable millions of people to participate meaningfully in economic and social progress.

What Drives Me

• Data, Analytics & Intelligence

  Transforming information into actionable insights that improve decision-making, performance, and impact.

• Technology & Innovation

  Exploring how emerging technologies can solve complex challenges and expand opportunities at scale.

• Public Policy & Systems Change

  Understanding how institutions, incentives, and policies shape outcomes and how they can be improved.

• Human Development

  Advancing ideas and solutions that enable people to learn, work, prosper, and realize their potential.

• Lifelong Learning

  Continuously exploring new disciplines, perspectives, and ideas that contribute to personal and societal progress.

Areas of Interest

My current interests include:

• Future of Work

• Artificial Intelligence

• Youth Employment

• Technology & Public Policy

• Behavioural Science

• Systems Thinking

• Human Capital Development

• Digital Public Infrastructure

• Institutional Effectiveness

• Economic Transformation in Emerging Markets

I am currently building and exploring several initiatives that reflect my long-term interests:

LytixLab

A strategic intelligence and policy innovation lab focused on helping emerging markets solve complex challenges through data, technology, evidence, and systems thinking.

SkillVyb

A platform dedicated to helping people build relevant skills, discover opportunities, and navigate the future of work.

Analytics Watchman

A newsletter exploring the intersection of data, technology, leadership, public policy, and social impact.

A Few Things About Me

• My name, Lekan, means "increase" in Yoruba—a meaning that resonates deeply with my passion for growth, progress, and transformation.

• I enjoy simplifying complex ideas and making them accessible to diverse audiences.

• I am fascinated by the intersection of people, technology, and institutions.

• I believe systems determine outcomes, and improving systems is one of the most effective ways to create lasting impact.

• I am a lifelong learner who is constantly exploring new ideas, disciplines, and possibilities.

Let's Connect

This website is a space for sharing ideas, insights, experiences, and experiments at the intersection of data, technology, policy, and human development.

If you're interested in building better systems, exploring emerging technologies, discussing public policy, or creating meaningful impact, I'd love to connect.

Together, we can build a future where more people have the opportunity to thrive.