Fisayo Oluwadiya Feature
Fisayo Oluwadiya is the Founder of OKAO, Inc., the maker of Resactly.
OKAO Inc. is the brainchild of Fisayo Oluwadiya, a visionary who combines a love for food with an extensive 17-year career in technology.
Fisayo’s technological expertise has been honed at Fortune 500 companies such as Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, and Nordstrom. Her work has encompassed innovative projects, leadership roles, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, contributing to cutting-edge solutions that have shaped the industry. Parallel to her tech career, Fisayo Oluwadiya embarked on a gastronomic journey, exploring the intricate tapestry of global cuisines, local flavors, and culinary traditions. Her food blog has become a destination for food lovers, where she shares thoughtful reviews and personal foodie adventures.
[Q U I C K N O T E S]
- Position: Founder, CEO
- Industry: Technology, Culinary
- Location: New York, NY, USA
- Website: Resactly
- LinkedIn: Fisayo Oluwadiya
- Instagram: N/A
- Facebook: N/A
Fisayo, can you start off by telling us about yourself and why you chose entrepreneurship?
I am Fisayo, the CEO of OKAO Inc., where my love for engineering and food converge. My journey into entrepreneurship stems from a realization that my most profound dedication arises when my work feels like an extension of my passions—almost as if I am not working at all. Embracing entrepreneurship allows me the liberty to innovate beyond conventional boundaries, infusing creativity and a unique approach to both development and strategic planning.
Can you tell us what drives you to be successful as an entrepreneur?
My drive as an entrepreneur is fueled by the exhilaration I experienced during my time as a developer in larger organizations, particularly at the moment of deploying to production. This pivotal event—releasing months of hard work for public use—provides an unmatched rush, symbolizing both completion and new beginnings. As an entrepreneur, I chase this thrill daily, finding it in every meeting, delivery, and ultimately, in the grand reveal of our final product to the world. It is this continuous cycle of anticipation and achievement that keeps me motivated.
Tell us about your vision of your company in the next 2-3 years.
Over the next few years, I aim to grow Resactly into a bustling hub for 100,000 diners and 50,000 verified restaurants, all managed single-handedly by yours truly. My vision is to lead a revolution in dining that emphasizes extreme personalization, setting a new standard in the industry. Alongside establishing Resactly’s unique place in the market, I’ll be laying the groundwork for our next venture, ensuring it’s as impactful and innovative, tailored specifically to meet the evolving demands of the hospitality sector.
What’s the one or two accomplishments that you’re proud of?
Reflecting on my journey, a couple of moments really shine. The first big win was climbing to the role of Principal Software Engineer by 33, hitting the peak at my then workplace. Next up, diving into the world of food writing, I was thrilled to connect with about 50,000 unique readers. This path led me to my latest venture: creating Resactly, an AI/ML recommendation engine for restaurants, under my company OKAO Inc. Think of it as the Netflix for dining out. Starting OKAO Inc. and developing Resactly have been my proudest achievements. They mark the beginning of what I believe will be an exciting adventure with even more milestones to celebrate.
What advice do you have for other up-and-coming entrepreneurs?
For fellow entrepreneurs on the rise, here’s my slice of advice: Keep your day job for as long as you can to bootstrap your venture. Self-funding means you can grow at your own pace and the commitment hits differently when it’s your own money on the line. But equally important, make sure you’ve got a grasp on every aspect of your business, from marketing to coding, right through to the nitty-gritty of business negotiations. Not to say you should go it alone, but being equipped to step in when needed is crucial. It’s not just about protecting your vision; it’s about ensuring you’re never at a disadvantage because you’re out of the loop.
Are you active on social media professionally? If so, what platforms work best for engaging your followers?
Yes, I’m active on social media, especially when it comes to my food writing adventures on Instagram. That’s where I share my latest culinary explorations and connect with fellow food enthusiasts. While OKAO Inc. and Resactly are still in the early stages of developing their social media presence, Instagram has been a fantastic platform for engaging with my audience. I do have a Facebook page, but it’s not as actively managed. My main focus remains on building a solid readership on my website, as that’s where I’ve cultivated a significant following. The engagement and community on Instagram have been invaluable, and as we refine our content strategy for OKAO and Resactly, I anticipate exploring other platforms to broaden our reach and deepen connections with our audience.
Who was your biggest influence?
It might come off a bit self-reliant, but honestly, I’ve been my own biggest influence. Throughout my life, I’ve tackled challenges head-on and come out on the other side stronger for it. Building my company hasn’t been any different. Whenever I face a new hurdle, I just remind myself of all the obstacles I’ve already overcome. This self-reflection gives me the confidence boost I need to keep pushing forward. It’s a reminder that I’ve got what it takes to succeed, based on my own track record of navigating through tough times and coming out victorious.
What is the most challenging part of your work as a CEO?
The toughest part of being a CEO, for me, has been defining what that role actually entails. After 17 years in the tech field, coding is like a second language, but venturing into the realms of marketing, business strategy, legal matters, and finance? That’s a whole new world. Remember, it’s just me here, so I’m wearing all the hats. There are moments when I question if I’m making the right moves, but seeing how far I’ve come, I’m reassured that I must be on the right path. The challenge isn’t just in mastering these areas, but in ensuring they harmonize to move my company forward.
What do you have your sights set on next?
Right now, my primary focus is on steering Resactly towards becoming a self-sustaining, profitable entity. In addition to enhancing the core product, I’m innovating in the restaurant space by providing unique data analytics tools. These tools will empower restaurants to make data-driven decisions about their menus, a service that’s currently missing in the market. Looking ahead, I’m committed to pushing the boundaries of AI and ML to continuously elevate the dining experience. My ambition stretches beyond my current scope, with plans to introduce Resactly to international markets, adapting to global dining cultures and preferences. Alongside these business goals, I’m personally dedicated to growing as a leader—learning from peers, engaging with industry innovators, and seeking new knowledge to guide my journey forward. Together, these efforts will not only expand my product line but also ensure that Resactly remains at the forefront of technological and market evolution.
What is a day in your life like?
My day kicks off with the first alarm at 5 AM. Depending on my meeting schedule, I might hit snooze until 6 AM. Once up, I dive into my morning workout and prep for the day ahead. By 7 AM, I’m on a daily standup call with my globally dispersed engineering team, followed by sessions with my data and design teams. After these calls, I take a 30-minute break to enjoy some black coffee—my only companion during my fasting period, which lasts until 1 PM.
Then, it’s straight into my day job, a whirlwind of tasks and collaborations until the evening. After work, I dive back into my own projects, reviewing the engineering team’s progress and tackling my own tasks. Dinner around 7 PM is usually a working affair, as I’m often evaluating restaurants for the writing. By 9 PM, I wind down to keep up with my fasting schedule. My evening routine involves some Netflix, playful moments with my cat, and usually dozing off on the sofa around 10 PM. The midnight meow from my cat is my cue to officially head to bed. And then at 5 AM, it all begins again. It’s a packed schedule, but it’s exactly how I love it.
Do you have any hobbies?
Absolutely, I have a few hobbies that keep me grounded and inspired. Dining out isn’t just part of my work; it’s a passion. Exploring new restaurants and culinary experiences is something I deeply enjoy. Traveling is another big one for me, and I always travel solo—it’s the best way to fully immerse myself in new cultures and experiences. I’m also a big fan of the arts, with a special place in my heart for opera. Broadway shows and orchestra performances are high on my list, too. However, dedicating time to build my company means I haven’t been able to indulge in these artistic escapes as much as I’d like. But when I do, they’re incredibly rejuvenating.
What makes you smile?
Nothing brings a smile to my face quite like a divine glass of wine, its rich flavors dancing on my palate. But then there’s my cat, who, in a bid to make mornings more ‘exciting’, decides my feet are a bull worthy of a rodeo at 5 AM sharp. And let’s not forget the thrill of touching down in a new country or revisiting one of my favorites.
What are you never without?
My cellphone.
What scares you?
Failure is my fear, yet it’s also my biggest motivator. It’s a unique paradox that the very thought of not succeeding instills a sense of fear in me, but simultaneously, it’s what lights a fire under me. The moment I sense that fear creeping in, I’m spurred into action, driven by a refusal to let failure be the end of my story. It’s this dance with fear that keeps me pushing boundaries, always striving for more. So yes, while fear of failure is very real for me, it’s also a crucial part of why I keep moving forward, making it a fascinating aspect of my journey.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot depends on my mood, but it usually comes down to Paris, San Sebastián, or the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic sees me more often due to the convenience of a shorter flight, but all three have their own way of helping me switch off and truly relax, which I don’t manage to do often elsewhere. Whether it’s soaking in the artistic ambiance of Paris, indulging in the culinary wonders of San Sebastián, or unwinding on the serene beaches of the Dominican Republic, each place offers its own unique retreat that rejuvenates me in a way few other places can.
Other work, published articles, interviews or accomplishments:
- The Digital Executive Podcast
- Killer Innovations – Startup Stories: Resactly – AI Meets Gastronomy
~ Fisayo
