A Moment With Ikechukwu Chilaka
Being a creative person in a technical field is a bonus for me; they truly complement each other.
This week’s guest is a systems thinker and creative problem-solver. Meet Ikechukwu Chilaka, a Data Engineer at Carbon Microfinance Bank. From automating tedious data processes to uncovering overpayment trends in financial products, Ikechukwu doesn’t just work with data, he builds the systems that make it speak.
🔥 Key Takeaways 🔥
How automating a manual task transformed Ikechukwu’s perspective on scalable data solutions
A surprising discovery in repayment data that led to better customer communication
Why formal learning and adaptability are underrated but essential in data roles
How being creative in a technical role adds value and originality to every project
Lessons from navigating setbacks and the importance of voicing your impact
Let’s explore Ikechukwu’s journey and the thoughtful balance he brings to the world of data engineering.
What inspired you to pursue a career in data, and how has your motivation evolved over time?
My journey into data wasn’t sudden or dramatic, it began even before 2018 when I was working with spreadsheets, building dashboards, and automating tasks using VBA and macros. At the time, I wasn’t officially a ‘data analyst’ or even aware of such a title, but I naturally grew into the field as I realized how valuable data is for solving problems and driving decisions.
Over the years, my motivation has deepened as I’ve seen the tangible impact of my work, whether it’s streamlining processes, empowering better decision-making, or creating tools that enhance efficiency. It’s gratifying to transform raw data into meaningful and impactful outcomes.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped your approach to data?
A pivotal moment in my career was when I worked on automating a repetitive data process for the first time. Initially, I was used to handling data manually, cleaning, analyzing, and reporting everything step by step. It was tedious, and mistakes would sometimes creep in.
When I discovered how automation could transform that process, it was like a lightbulb moment. I realized that data isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building systems and structures that make information more reliable and accessible. That shift taught me to think beyond immediate tasks and focus on creating sustainable solutions, which has shaped my approach to data ever since.
How do you balance the technical aspects of your role with the need for creative problem-solving?
Anyone who knows me knows I don’t like the ordinary. If I handle a project or task, I want it to have that touch of je ne sais quoi.
Being a creative person in a technical field is a bonus for me; they truly complement each other. The technical side gives me the tools and frameworks to work with data, while creativity helps me think outside the box when challenges arise. I see every problem as an opportunity to blend logic with innovation, ensuring both accuracy and adaptability in my work.
Can you discuss a project where data insights led to unexpected outcomes or revelations?
One project that stood out was when I analyzed repayment patterns for a financial product. The goal was straightforward: identify customers likely to default. But as I dug into the data, I noticed a trend that wasn’t part of the original scope, some customers were overpaying consistently.
This led to deeper analysis, revealing that these overpayments often stemmed from confusion about the repayment terms and a system auto-debit issue.
This unexpected insight prompted a review of our communication strategy, leading to simplified messaging and updated tools to help customers track their payments more clearly. It was a reminder that data often tells stories beyond the initial question, and paying attention to those stories can lead to meaningful improvements.
How do you foster a culture of data-driven decision-making within your team or organization?
As a data engineer, I make data easy to access and understand by building user-friendly tools, clear reports, and reliable pipelines.
What role does mentorship play in your career, and how have mentors influenced your journey?
Personally, I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own to get results, and that’s been fine. It’s taught me to be resourceful and spontaneous.
But I’ve also seen how remarkable change can happen with the right guidance or advocate. That support has played a huge role in helping me identify opportunities I might have missed on my own. Now, I hope to pay it forward by sharing what I’ve learned and being a source of support for others.
Can you reflect on a setback in your data career and what you learned from it?
For me, a setback has been realizing that I naturally prefer working behind the scenes, building solutions, solving problems, and letting the work speak for itself.
But in the data field, I’ve noticed that the most successful people are often the ones who can communicate their ideas effectively and confidently. This has taught me the importance of balancing the technical side with clear communication.
So I’ve been working on sharing my insights more openly and confidently. It’s a journey, but I’ve learned that good work needs a good voice to back it up.
What are some key skills that are often overlooked in your field of data?
I would say one often overlooked skill is the impact of formalized learning. Many approach analytics as something you can jump into without building a strong foundation.
Learning the fundamentals like math, statistics, and basic computer science makes a huge difference in problem-solving and accuracy.
Another key skill is adaptability. Tools and techniques in data evolve quickly, so staying open to learning and adjusting is essential for long-term success.
👋 Wrapping Up
From automating repetitive processes to uncovering patterns hidden in repayment data, Ikechukwu’s story is a testament to how thoughtful engineering and creative thinking can unlock smarter, more human-centered decisions.
Inspired by Ikechukwu’s journey? Follow him on LinkedIn to keep up with his work and reflections in the world of data engineering.
If this interview sparked something for you, share it with a fellow data enthusiast or subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the people turning raw data into real-world impact.
Best,
Ayoade Adegbite
Founder, Behind the Data