Bukola Osuntuyi:Driving change and championing women in tech leadership across the UK and Africa

The technology sector remains one of the most dynamic yet male-dominated industries, where critical decisions on innovation, strategy, and customer experience often lack diverse perspectives. However, Bukola Osuntuyi is challenging this status quo. As a seasoned leader in scaling tech startups, a corporate board executive, and a thought leader in business management, she is driving a crucial conversation on leadership inclusivity and the need for women in top decision-making roles.

Armed with a Master’s in Business Leadership and Management from Robert Gordon University, UK, Osuntuyi has built an impressive career spanning roles at Konga.com, Migo, Indicina, Accounteer, and Swipebill Technologies. As Director of Operations at Swipebill, she was instrumental in driving operational efficiencies and business strategy. Today, she supports UK-based tech startups through Enterprise Nation’s “Help to Grow” program, an initiative backed by the UK government. Beyond the corporate world, she has shared her expertise in business and technology as a guest lecturer at Abertay University, Scotland, where she mentors the next generation of business leaders.

Osuntuyi’s mission is clear: to bridge the gender gap in leadership by equipping women with the skills, networks, and strategies needed to thrive in executive roles. “Gender diversity in tech leadership isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a necessity for building a future that works for everyone,” she asserts. With artificial intelligence reshaping industries, she warns that excluding women from key decision-making processes risks creating technology that lacks broad societal relevance. “Innovation thrives when leadership is inclusive—women must not only participate but also lead in shaping the future of technology,” she adds.

Beyond mentorship: driving systemic change
Osuntuyi’s influence extends beyond mentoring tech professionals and advising early-stage founders. As the Acting Board Chair of MISS (Miscarriage Support) in Aberdeen, Scotland, she is spearheading technology-driven initiatives to enhance internal communication, cybersecurity, and strategic planning within the organization. Her leadership also focuses on policy advocacy, particularly in pushing for miscarriage leave in the workplace.

“When I experienced my first miscarriage in 2018, I had to personally explain my situation to my CEO to get time off. He was understanding, but the reality is, no woman should have to justify taking time to grieve and recover. Miscarriage leave should be a fundamental right, not a discretionary favor,” she explains.

Her advocacy reflects a broader vision—one that integrates corporate leadership with policies that acknowledge the realities of women in the workforce. By championing institutional change, she is ensuring that leadership structures are not just inclusive in rhetoric but in practice.

From Nigeria to Scotland: A global approach to leadership
Osuntuyi’s deep commitment to leadership transformation stems from her firsthand experiences in Africa’s tech ecosystem. Having navigated Nigeria’s corporate and startup landscapes, she understands the structural barriers preventing women from rising to executive positions. Talent, she argues, has never been the problem—it is the absence of self-leadership, structured mentorship, and inclusive corporate policies that stifle female advancement.

Now based in Scotland, she continues to work with tech startups across Africa and the UK, advising executives on sustainable growth strategies. “I have seen startups with groundbreaking technology fail simply because leadership, communication, and strategy were overlooked,” she notes. For her, funding alone is not the answer; the success of any tech venture hinges on strong leadership, financial discipline, and data-driven decision-making. “The industry is obsessed with innovation, but long-term sustainability comes from visionary leadership, strategic execution, and a workforce motivated by more than just hype,” she adds.

Osuntuyi’s approach is pragmatic. Whether she is working with African tech entrepreneurs or mentoring professionals in the UK, her message remains the same: strategic leadership is the foundation of sustainable business success.

Building the next generation of women in tech leadership
Osuntuyi is not content with just raising awareness—she is taking action. She actively mentors emerging female leaders, guest lectures at universities, and partners with organizations to highlight high-performing women in tech.

“We often celebrate startup founders, but what about the women driving these businesses behind the scenes? The COOs, product managers, operations strategists—those ensuring these companies survive and scale?” she asks. Her work aims to spotlight these professionals, ensuring their contributions are acknowledged and rewarded.

Beyond individual mentorship, she advises tech-driven organizations on leadership frameworks that integrate diversity and inclusion as strategic imperatives rather than corporate buzzwords.

Osuntuyi’s advocacy aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.” She emphasizes that creating a gender-balanced leadership structure is not just a moral imperative but a business advantage. Studies consistently show that companies with diverse leadership outperform their competitors in revenue, innovation, and employee engagement.

“The tech industry must take succession planning for women seriously. Policymakers need to push for stronger diversity initiatives, and women must actively seek mentorship and leadership training to position themselves for executive roles,” she stresses. But she also warns that breaking into leadership comes with challenges. “Cultural biases will always exist. Some will question our qualifications, our decisions, or our leadership styles. Instead of being held back by these obstacles, women must focus on what they can control—developing their skills, building strategic networks, and pushing past limitations with confidence,” she says.

A lasting impact on tech leadership
Osuntuyi’s career, spanning Nigeria’s tech industry to Scotland’s corporate and academic circles, exemplifies leadership without borders. Her work is a blueprint for systemic change, rooted in three core principles:

-Elevating women into leadership positions
-Driving sustainable business growth in tech
-Ensuring Africa’s tech industry benefits from diverse perspectives

As she continues her advocacy, Osuntuyi is not just part of the conversation—she is shaping the future of tech leadership. With leaders like her at the forefront, the industry is moving toward a more inclusive, dynamic, and opportunity-rich future.