Binary Hearts

36| Shifting Paradigms 🧭

The news of Spark Technologies' meteoric rise spread like wildfire through the tech community. As the company continued to set new benchmarks, one of the most remarkable achievements was its recent record-breaking performance, surpassing even Paystack in terms of the speed and reliability of domestic transactions. Tunde Adeyemi’s vision for Spark Technologies was finally coming to fruition, and the tech world was taking notice.

Despite Spark Technologies' growing influence, Paystack remained the dominant force in international transactions. With their seamless integration with global platforms and a trusted reputation, they continued to hold the upper hand in cross-border payments. Tunde, ever the strategist, knew that this was one area where Spark needed to improve, but he also understood the value of building a strong domestic foundation first.

It was during one of those cool evenings, after another long day at the construction site in Lekki, that Tunde decided to take the next step in expanding his company's reach. With the new Spark Technologies HQ in Lekki nearing completion, Tunde knew it was time to transition his staff into their new workspace. He arranged for the best employees to start working at the new headquarters while simultaneously recruiting fresh talent for both the Ojo branch and the new Lekki HQ. The goal was clear: Spark Technologies had to be the best, not just in Lagos, but across Nigeria.

In the midst of all this, Tunde found himself being invited to various platforms for interviews. From tech blogs to national television, everyone wanted a piece of the man behind the most disruptive tech company in Nigeria. Each interview was a new opportunity for Tunde to share his vision, but also a reminder of the enormous responsibility he carried on his shoulders. His phone buzzed continuously with messages and calls, and though the attention was gratifying, there was a part of him that longed for simpler times.

Meanwhile, at Paystack, the mood was far from celebratory. The boardroom was tense, the air thick with frustration as the chairman, Mr. Okoye, paced back and forth. The rapid success of Spark Technologies had not gone unnoticed, and while Paystack still reigned supreme in international transactions, the threat posed by Spark was palpable. The chairman knew they needed to innovate or risk losing their edge.

"We need to dive into blockchain technology," Mr. Okoye, the Chairman said, his voice firm as he addressed the room. "Bybit, the popular crypto company, has shown interest in our system. We cannot afford to be complacent. Mr Thompson, you should start employing blockchain developers immediately."

Chidi Okoye, the head of the tech department, nodded in agreement. "Bybit will be sending their blockchain developers to work with us, but we need to have our own team in place. We can't let them overpower us in this field."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but it was quickly silenced when Chidi dropped his next bombshell. "I want Adaora to lead the blockchain developers' team."

The room fell silent, all eyes on Adaora. Mrs. Abosede, who had always been skeptical of Adaora’s rapid rise within the company, was the first to speak. "On what terms is she qualified to lead blockchain?" she questioned, her tone laced with disbelief. "Just a senior UI/UX designer wants to lead a team of blockchain developers... What a joke!"

Chidi remained calm, but there was a steely edge to his voice as he responded. "Adaora, why don’t you introduce yourself?"

Adaora, who had been quietly observing the exchange, rose to her feet. "My name is Adaora, and aside from my role as a UI/UX designer, I’m also a certified blockchain developer." She began to list her qualifications, providing different certifications she had earned in blockchain technology, each one more impressive than the last.

Paul, who had been listening intently, couldn’t hide his surprise when she mentioned her expertise in the Move programming language. He knew a little about blockchain, but hearing Adaora speak, it was clear she had gone far beyond what he had expected.

Five hours earlier, Chidi had called Adaora over phone. He had informed her of what would transpire in the meeting and advised her to bring all necessary certifications to prove her qualifications. He was eager for her to lead the team, believing she had the potential to guide Paystack into the future of blockchain transactions.

Back in the meeting, Mr Thompson , the COO interrupted the discussion. "I agree with Chidi’s decision," he said, looking directly at Adaora. "But I’m concerned that Bybit's CEO won’t be convinced by Adaora unless she proves herself. We’ll have a chance to do that soon". "We have a business collaboration deal in Singapore with Bybit. Adaora, you’ll be going on this trip along with Chidi and the COO. Chidi will also represent me as chairman." Mr Okoye added.

Mrs. Abosede wasn’t pleased, her discontent written all over her face. However, the chairman’s decision was final, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Later that evening, as Adaora returned home, she began packing for the trip. She carefully folded her clothes and gathered the essentials, her mind wandering as she realized that almost all the clothes she was packing had been bought by Tunde. Memories of their time together at the boutique flooded her mind, and she found herself torn between nostalgia and the uncertainty of their future.

As she zipped up her suitcase, she sat on the edge of her bed, contemplating whether or not to inform Tunde about the trip. The decision weighed heavily on her, but there was no time for hesitation. The best entrepreneur of the year award ceremony was the next day, and Paystack had delayed their trip to Singapore to attend it.

The nomination list for the award had been announced, and it was a tough competition. Among the names were Tunde Adeyemi, Hack Sultan, Seun Bola, Chidi Okoye, and several other prominent entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The air was thick with anticipation, and as the event drew closer, the tension only grew.