Valerie E. Oyiki
Available for contract work
Creative consultant experienced in business, product and brand strategy.
With 7 years experience in product and 10+ years working with successful businesses across strategy and creative design, I can find smart solutions for your business' problems, get the right people and systems in the right place to turbocharge growth and bring clarity to your vision. I have fintech and digital healthcare experience but open to new industries. Available for writing and speaking engagements.
Recent projects
2024
'the apothecary network' - UX Strategy
Leading the UX strategy and design of The Upsetters 'the apothecary network' project as part of Watershed Bristol's More Than AI Sandbox exploring the connections between natural, plant intelligence and artificial intelligence and the impacts on climate change, community sentiments and access to green space.
Facilitated community workshops to gather feedback on AI technologies and inform strategic decisions.
Expanded brand elements to assist production of a physical companion to the web app, collaborating with cross-functional teams (illustrator, product designer, AI technologist, developer) for a seamless collaborator (user) experience.
UI design of web app powered by a solar power web-server.
Role
UX Strategist
Deliverables
Screen Design, Workshops, User Interviews, Artificial Intelligence, Component Library
Company
The Upsetters
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The Upsetters
2024
Brand Strategy and Identity
Leading workshops to explore and establish brand direction and define brand strategy.
Exploring market and competition analysis to identify chosen brand positioning.
Creating brand identity and all visual assets including logo, colours, typography,
illustration.Designing including journey mapping, wireframing and development of website and product.
Leading operations to establish automated processes to reduce time and friction for all
business processes, increasing productivity and satisfaction for both founders and team members.Testing our MVP leading to sign up of 18 new club members in two weeks.
Awarded the NDRC Feasibility study grant to continue development of our technology.
Role
Co-Founder, Product Lead
Deliverables
Web Design, Brand Design, Pitching, Brand Strategy and Identity, Workshops, Product Development
Company
Jolt Club
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Jolt Club
2024
Credit Club Redesign
Owning and leading redesign of group brand MoneySavingExpert's Credit Club product as they moved from Experian to Transunion as their credit score partner; collaborating with product managers and visual designers, the editorial team and the founder directly. Initiative now live.
Winner of Moneysupermarket Group's 'Innovate to Deliver' Product and Tech award for “doing what you promise, putting customers and users first and embracing constant change” for work on Credit Club using Build Measure Learn framework.
Advocating for the user and prioritising a user-centred approach for product solutions, initiating communication with tech teams to understand limitations and dependencies.
Leading design of new product card solution resulting in increased comprehension of information for the end user, increased ease of use for the editorial team as its secondary user, while meeting the business' goals.
Voluntary work representing the group at a secondary school career fair to encourage girls to explore STEM paths as part of their collaboration with InnovateHer.
Role
Product Strategy, Product Designer
Deliverables
Product Designer, Brand Strategy, Product Strategy, Product Discovery, Product Launch, User Journeys, User Experience Testing, Stakeholder Management
Company
Moneysupermarket Group
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Moneysupermarket Group
2022
Internal Transformation at Black Girls in Tech
Researching and interviewing team members past and present, facilitating workshops to identify points of pressure in the business and creating new systems and artefacts that would establish a solid foundation for the organisations' continued growth.
This project did not get to implementation stage.
Role
Project Manager
Deliverables
Org Chart, Interviews, Workshops, Research
Company
Black Girls in Tech
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Black Girls in Tech
What others have to say
About
I’m Valerie - an entrepreneur and consultant experienced in business, product and creative strategy.
I'm deeply invested in people, our relationships and the wider community. I channel my curiosity into writing, entrepreneurship and exploring current and future uses of technology which you can read more about on Taking Shape.
As a business strategist from a product design background, I find the path that connects user needs to business objectives. This is evidenced by receiving Moneysupermarket Group's 'Innovate to Deliver' Product and Tech award for “doing what you promise, putting customers and users first and embracing constant change” for my work leading the redesign of MoneySavingExpert's Credit Club (now live).
I pride myself most on being a lover of a good time, a friendly face and a listening ear, championing positive mental health initiatives, increased awareness of neurodivergence in underrepresented communities and equity for marginalised groups.
Work Experience
Strategy Consultant
Koie Solutions
2024
Co-Founder and Product Lead
Jolt Club
2024
Product Designer
Moneysupermarket Group
2022
-
2024
Founder and Head of Community Growth
Black Girls in Tech
2020
-
2023
UX/UI Designer
Perci Health
2021
-
2022
Skills
I have a wide range of technical and soft skills across business, creative, strategy, technology and product.
Product Discovery
Workshops
Management
Product Strategy
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Partnerships
Brand Strategy
Product Development
Data-driven Decision Making
Customer Experience
Creative Direction