#HumansOfZest : Israel Owolabi - Our Payment Solutions Product Manager

In this episode of #HumansOfZest, we spotlight our Product Manager, Israel.
This glimpse into his daily work and contributions shows how he plays a pivotal role in driving Zest’s success. From coordinating teams to ensuring seamless product launches, Israel's day is a blend of strategy, collaboration, and execution.

A Product Manager plays a key role in shaping the seamless experiences we enjoy with our favourite apps and services. At Zest, the Product Manager plays a crucial role in the brand's success, acting as the bridge between technical teams, business strategy, and customer needs. They ensure that Zest's products not only meet market demands but also push the boundaries of innovation.

Now, let’s step into the shoes of Israel, our Product Manager, and get a glimpse of his typical day.

Israel kicks off his day early, sometimes with a set of push-ups to get the blood flowing. This morning ritual sets the tone for the day, giving him a moment of calm before the whirlwind of responsibilities begins.

Once at the office, Israel’s first port of call is his email inbox. He scans through his messages to identify any pending engagements or follow-ups that need immediate attention. This routine ensures that nothing falls through the cracks.

Next up is his calendar. Israel checks for any scheduled meetings or critical deadlines, preparing mentally and logistically for the day ahead.

A typical day for Israel involves a mix of several key tasks:

• Integration Follow-Ups: Whether it’s with Zest’s internal engineering team or third-party engineers, Israel ensures that product integrations are on track and deadlines are met.

• Partnership Management: He collaborates with third-party companies to explore new product features that enhance Zest’s offerings to its Partners.

• Stakeholder Agreements: Working closely with Zest’s stakeholders and the legal teams of partnering companies, Israel navigates through the complexities of agreements to keep everything with operationally efficiency.

Beyond these core activities, Israel’s role often involves strategic planning, market research, and coordinating cross-functional teams to align on product goals.

By midday, Israel is ready for a well-deserved break. He heads to the popular Law School restaurant, where he’s known as a regular. This lunch spot is a favourite among the Zest team, offering a chance to recharge and refuel.

As the workday winds down, Israel sometimes hits the office gym, a bi-weekly routine aimed at staying fit and keeping up appearances. On gym days, he skips the staff bus and heads home by hopping on the chaotic Danfo buses.

Israel arrives home, where he reflects on the day’s accomplishments and what remains on his to-do list. He often ends the day with a call to his siblings, catching up and staying connected.

Weekends are a mix of relaxation and recreation. Saturdays are reserved for football, a beloved pastime that lets Israel unwind. Sundays are for spiritual nourishment at church, preparing him for the week ahead.

Israel’s day as a Product Manager at Zest is a testament to the dynamic nature of this role. Balancing technical oversight, partnerships, and team coordination, he ensures that Zest’s products remain at the forefront of innovation. Stay tuned for more stories in the next episode of #HumansOfZest, where we continue to highlight the incredible individuals powering our brand.