Meet the woman of the hour, Nono Bokete, a data strategist, transformation leader, CEO, and Founder of Data Sentinels, who is helping organizations leverage data and technology to achieve their goals.
As the CEO and Founder of Data Sentinels, Nono provides consulting and training services to SMEs, start-ups, and large-scale organizations internationally, applying her expertise in data analytics, IT solutions, and talent development.
The Beginnings
“When it’s dark, you may think you are being buried but you are being planted.”
Nono studied International Business with a Minor in Japanese because she wanted to work worldwide. Except for the winter term in Japan, she realized her globetrotting escapade was going to take her to a very different part of the world. She finds herself lucky enough as her first job was in tea-loving London, UK, at one of the largest tech consulting firms globally. By the time she started working, she had completed her Master’s in Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis and felt ready to kick the doors down with a bang.
Nono fondly says, “I was humbled very quickly!” The main lesson here was that technology is a tool that can leapfrog one’s competitors. Due to the organization’s sheer size, she was fortunate to immerse herself in various industries, gaining a wealth of experience. This phase was crucial as it exposed her to different business models, operational challenges, and technological advancements available at the time.
Nono adds, “Fast forward, and I find myself still globetrotting, thankfully, working in Africa. At this point, humble is my middle name as I continue to learn by trial and error. In short, just because a solution works in one context does not mean it will work in another.”
In the last four years, Nono and Data Sentinels have been fortunate to conduct business across three continents, North America, Europe, and Africa, as companies trust them with AI, Data Science, and large-scale transformation projects. The barrier to entry has lowered due to the introduction of technologies like open AI, and Nono is excited to see how other technocrats leverage this tool to unlock more innovation. But most importantly, Nono still gets to travel the world, even if it does not mean going to Japan.
All about Data Sentinels
Digital Transformation is the need of the hour and Data Sentinels is digitally transforming organizations by leveraging AI and Data Science.
The vision remains simple, create a company that offers disruption as a solution for social good. Data Sentinels are walking their talk with their offerings:
• Dare to Deliver: Data Science and Analytics consulting is how the company started and this remains its core offering. The company provides comprehensive data science services, including data mining, analysis, and visualization. We help companies turn their data into actionable insights, which can drive business growth and improve customer experiences.
• Be the Disrupter: Digital Transformation Consulting is fast becoming a popular service. The company helps businesses navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation. It assists companies in integrating advanced technologies into their existing systems, ensuring they are well-equipped for the digital era. This includes strategic planning, system assessment, and roadmap development for digital adoption.
• Be the challenger: AI and Machine Learning Solutions allow the company to implement algorithms tailored to the specific needs of its clients. These solutions range from predictive analytics to automated decision-making systems, helping businesses leverage data for strategic insights and operational efficiency.
Integrating a Customer-Centric Approach
Data Sentinels’s focus is on bringing disruptive, transformative changes to the business landscape through innovative technology solutions and ecosystem building. The company is committed to providing solutions tailored to each business’s unique needs and challenges. This approach ensures that the company’s clients receive the most relevant and effective solutions, maximizing their return on investment. Additionally, the company also facilitates meaningful collaborations across industries with its clients, further increasing ROI for all parties involved.
Clients Who Can Benefit:
• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs looking to scale and compete in the digital marketplace will greatly benefit from our digital transformation and AI solutions.
• Large Corporations: We offer large organizations the opportunity to digitally transform with a unique and innovative flair.
Nono’s Take on the Primary Challenges of the Industry
Navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology, especially in AI and data science, poses one of the greatest challenges. The tech world is in a constant state of flux, demanding businesses to perpetually refresh their knowledge and tweak their strategies. As dependence on data skyrockets, its accuracy, privacy and security become critical. The real test is safeguarding sensitive information against breaches and cyber-attacks, all while staying in step with the ever-changing data protection laws.
Another significant hurdle is the shortage of skilled talent. There’s a widening chasm between the soaring demand for experts in AI, data science, and digital transformation, and the available pool of such professionals. Moreover, ensuring that digital solutions are not just effective in the short term but also scalable and sustainable in the long run is a formidable task. Businesses are pressed to devise strategies that meet current needs yet remain agile enough to adapt to future expansions and shifts in the market.
Staying a Notch-Up with the Modern Day Advancements
As a leader, founder, and CEO, Nono places a high priority on continuous learning and professional development for her team. To this end, Data Sentinels has partnered with the Transformation Leader, www.t4leader.com, ensuring that its employees’ development stays current and comprehensive. Additionally, the company forges strategic partnerships and alliances with other leading technology companies and collaborates with universities and research institutions to stay at the forefront of innovation. Nono believes that one needs to try new things, step away from the comfort zone, and keep challenging oneself with different questions and scenarios continuously.
Active participation in tech communities and forums is a key part of Data Sentinels’ strategy. The company has established feedback loops both with their clients and within their team, recognizing that this ongoing feedback is essential for continuous improvement. This approach allows the company to fine-tune its services in alignment with the latest industry developments.
Finally, the company fosters a culture of creativity and forward-thinking, principles that are encapsulated in its core values, D.A.R.E. These values guide Data Sentinels in its mission to deliver cutting-edge, effective solutions to its clients.
Driven by Purpose, Passion, and People
Data Sentinels is not just about building solutions; but rather about building ecosystems. The company’s approach involves fostering and facilitating cross-industry relationships with its clients, leading to more innovative solutions, increased profits, and expanded client reach.
Data Sentinels cultivates a diverse company culture that brings together African and Western technocrats for innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. This diversity enables its talented team to develop solutions uniquely tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the markets it serves.
A key differentiator of Data Sentinels is its unwavering commitment to social impact and sustainability. The company integrates these values into its business model, appealing to clients who seek more than just technological solutions. They are looking for partners who align with their values and contribute to broader societal goals, a criterion the company proudly meets.
Leaving Behind a Legacy
“I am, because we are.” – Nono Bokete
Every visionary wants to be remembered by their peers, their respective industry, and many others. And when asked Nono what she wants to be remembered, she fondly says, “Besides a globetrotter? My vision extends beyond leveraging technology merely as a profit-making mechanism; I see it as a tool for social good.”
Nono’s ultimate goal is to impact a million African lives positively and to create hundreds of business owners. This goal is not just a personal milestone; it’s a beacon of hope and inspiration She wants to resonate with and inspire future generations. Her legacy, she hopes, will be one of empowerment, innovation, and meaningful change, both in the business world and in the lives of individuals, no more than in underserved communities.
The Next Five Years- A Bright and Mighty Future
Over the next five years, my vision is to grow both personally and to expand Data Sentinels’ influence. This includes enhancing Data Sentinels’ leadership in digital transformation, with a focus on AI and data science, and breaking into new, underserved markets. Nono is committed to a sustainable business model for Data Sentinels, one that harmonizes profit with social and environmental responsibility.
Alongside this, Nono is passionate about mentorship and community involvement. She plans to invest more time in guiding young professionals and participate more in community activities. After having faced many hardships, Nono believes that nobody’s journey should be as difficult as hers. And hence, she is always willing to go the extra mile to help and nurture young minds.
On a personal level, Nono aims to prioritize health and wellness. Regular exercise, mindfulness, and a balanced lifestyle are key, as they’re the foundation of Nono’s personal and professional achievements.
Nono’s Golden Words for Budding Professionals
View networking as more than just collecting contacts; it’s about building genuine, meaningful relationships. Collaborate and share knowledge with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. The strength and quality of your network can significantly influence your success.
Approach problems not as obstacles but as puzzles waiting to be solved, think about how and challenge yourself to work through the problem. This problem-solving mindset isn’t just invaluable in any role; it also fuels your creativity and innovation.
Integrity and ethics should be at the core of your actions. Seek out mentors who value this as well and be open to offering mentorship in return. Learning from those with experience is invaluable, and in turn, mentoring others can provide new insights and perspectives.
