

Ep 124: Ojonimi Bako Talks AI, Leadership, and the Evolution of Mission-Critical Talent
Jun 2, 2025
Ojonimi Bako, CEO and co-founder of Kaya AI, shares his unique journey from Nigeria to leading a tech venture in the U.S. He explores the integration of AI in the construction industry, emphasizing its role as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement. Leadership in a changing workforce is a highlight, with insights on nurturing young talent and fostering adaptability. Ojonimi discusses the balance between mission-driven work and financial goals, advocating for community support and continuous training to navigate the future of work.
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Founder’s COVID Construction Challenges
- Ojonimi Bako owned a construction company during COVID facing financing, supply, and schedule challenges.
- This prompted Kaya AI's focus on supply chain visibility and predictability for mission-critical construction.
AI Shortens Experience Gaps
- Technology can distill decades of institutional knowledge into actionable insights quickly.
- AI helps accelerate learning curves and enables teams to deliver greater value with less experience.
Data-Rich But Insight-Poor Industry
- Construction is data-heavy but insight-light, creating opportunities for AI to deliver actionable intelligence.
- Much knowledge resides headlocked in individuals, hindering scalability and decision-making.