There are moments in life when the path ahead feels invisible, when hope alone isn’t enough to break free from uncertainty and fear.
For Ibiyemi Fasipe, arriving in a new country with dreams but no clear direction was one of those moments. She found herself trapped in jobs that didn’t reflect her true potential, held back by a lack of information and guidance.
But Ibiyemi refused to settle. She fought her way through doubt, confusion, and countless obstacles until she discovered a new world of opportunity in tech roles she never imagined, without needing to code.
Today, she’s not just living her dream; she’s lighting the way for thousands who feel stuck, showing them that transformation is possible.
Founder of InnovatePath Consulting Limited, Ibiyemi’s mission goes far beyond career coaching. It’s about restoring hope, building confidence, and rewriting stories.
In this powerful interview, she opens up about her struggles, her breakthroughs, and why she’s so determined to help others believe that more is possible.
CA: Ibiyemi, your work as a digital creator and tech career coach has empowered so many. Can you take us back to the beginning? What sparked your passion for helping others break into tech?
Ibiyemi: Thank you! Honestly, this work is super personal to me. When I first arrived in the UK from Nigeria, I was honestly lost. I didn’t have the right info or guidance, so I ended up in low-paying healthcare jobs, not because I lacked skills, but simply because I didn’t know what else was possible.
Then one day, I stumbled across the idea that there were roles like project management and business analysis, tech-adjacent jobs that don’t need coding, and that blew my mind. That moment made me realize, if I had this info earlier, my path would’ve been different.
So I started showing up online to share what I learned, hoping to guide others who feel stuck like I did. That’s how InnovatePath started, because I wanted people to know they’re capable of way more than they think.
CA: Interesting! Helping people transition to tech with hands-on experience and mentorship is no small feat. What was your own journey like, and did you have any key mentors or turning points along the way?
Ibiyemi: Oh, it wasn’t straight at all. Like many immigrants, I came full of hope but quickly realized hope alone won’t pay the bills. So yeah, I worked in care jobs, honest work, but far from what I knew I was capable of.
The real turning point came when I stumbled across someone on social media talking about Business Analysis, and that was a total lightbulb moment. I’d never heard of it before, but as I dug deeper, I realized my past skills actually fit well. I signed up for my first tech training, and doors started opening.
I didn’t have one mentor, but I was very intentional, I asked questions, joined groups, connected on LinkedIn, and I just kept showing up, even when I felt like I didn’t belong. Volunteering on small projects helped me gain hands-on experience and confidence, which is exactly what we focus on at InnovatePath now.
It wasn’t easy or overnight, but every bit shaped me. Now, I get to help others build that confidence and step into roles they once thought were impossible.
CA: That’s so relatable. The tech industry evolves rapidly. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building Innovate Path Consulting, and how did you overcome them?
Ibiyemi: Oh wow, there were plenty! First, standing out in a sea of coaches and tech educators was tough. But I stayed true to my story and made sure to deliver real value, not just selling dreams. When my students started landing jobs and sharing their wins, that became my strongest proof.
Another challenge was keeping up with what employers want, it’s a moving target! So we constantly update our programs and bring in industry experts to keep things practical and relevant. Also, I quickly realized people need more than skills, they need confidence, mindset shifts, and community support to really thrive.
Building that into InnovatePath was a must. And, of course, wearing all the hats myself, coach, marketer, operations, was a challenge, but I’m grateful for every lesson. What kept me going was knowing lives were changing, seeing people who felt stuck walk into global tech roles confidently, that’s priceless.
CA: I hear you. You consistently show up online to guide and encourage others. What kept you going, especially in the early tough days?
Ibiyemi: For me, it’s always been about responsibility, not just visibility. I got the right info at the right time and kept thinking, what if I hadn’t? I couldn’t keep that to myself. Also, sometimes people don’t need a full course; they just need to hear a story that says, “You can do this.” So every time I show up, whether on social media, webinars, or private groups, I’m offering leadership and hope. I truly believe digital platforms are today’s classrooms. Even when my audience was small, I kept showing up because real leadership happens even when no one’s watching.
CA: Very inspiring. How has your background and experience shaped the way you coach others and shape your content?
Ibiyemi: My background is the foundation of everything I do. I started from no advantage, new country, no networks, no clear direction. That experience keeps me grounded and empathetic.
I don’t just coach from theory; I coach from real, lived experience, navigating uncertainty, career changes, starting over, building credibility where I was overlooked. That helps me break down career transitions in ways people actually get and can do. My content is practical, human, and meant to shift mindsets, helping people stop settling for less and unlock their potential.
My story shapes everything I do because I know what’s possible when the right guidance meets readiness.
CA: That’s powerful. You’ve built a trusted platform for career mentorship. How does it feel knowing that your guidance is helping people gain real experience and confidence to transition into tech?
Ibiyemi: Honestly, it’s humbling and so rewarding. What started as me sharing my journey has grown into a team of 20+ passionate people, all dedicated to helping others rewrite their career stories.
Seeing people go from self-doubt to confidently leading projects and thriving in roles they never imagined, that’s the real impact. At InnovatePath, we don’t just teach theory, we equip people with hands-on experience and the confidence to own their space in tech.
Being part of that and supporting a global community is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s more than a business now, it’s a movement.
CA: Amazing! What inspired you to take your knowledge beyond personal success and start offering mentorship programs and resources to others?
Ibiyemi: Success for me was never meant to be just mine. After my career transition, I got messages from people I knew, struggling quietly with the same barriers, lack of info, fear, no roadmap.
I saw myself in them and knew if I didn’t share what I’d learned, many would stay stuck. So I started showing up with practical, step-by-step guidance backed by real mentorship and resources.
Over time, I realized this was bigger than individuals, it’s about bridging a wider gap between talent and opportunity, especially for immigrants and underrepresented groups. That’s what drives InnovatePath and what I’m committed to for the long haul.
CA: What’s next for you? Any exciting projects, or milestones we should look forward to?
Ibiyemi: The journey’s just beginning! We’re expanding beyond individuals to help startups and corporate teams upskill in project management, business analysis, and product management.
We are also deepening our commitment to personalised mentorship, especially for those who have already secured roles but feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to deliver confidently.
Our 1-1 coaching programs provide tailored support and hands-on, real-world guidance to help professionals succeed beyond landing the job they learn how to show up, deliver, and lead.
Additionally, we will be hosting a series of career-focused webinars and live events throughout the year, bringing in industry specialists and thought leaders to share.
We’re also excited to introduce CSR partnerships and collaborative community initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented groups helping to remove barriers and create pathways to meaningful work for those who might otherwise be left behind.
Whether it’s through corporate partnerships, hands-on mentorship, or community events, the vision remains the same: to equip more people with the confidence, skills, and experience they need to thrive in careers they never thought possible.
So yes, there’s a lot on the horizon and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s next.
CA: What’s one common misconception about breaking into tech or building a career as a digital creator that you wish more people understood?
Ibiyemi: That you have to “know it all” before you start. Nobody feels 100% ready, not even pros. Growth happens when you take action, not when you wait for perfection.
For creators, it’s not about having millions of followers or perfect videos; authenticity and showing up consistently is what truly matters.
CA: That’s a great reminder. Finally, if someone reading this is stuck or scared about transitioning to tech, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them right now?
Ibiyemi: First of all, thank you for reading this. The fact that you’ve stayed with me to this point tells me something you’re ready for more, even if you don’t fully believe it yet. And I just want to remind you that you are not alone
My advice is, start by recognizing the skills you already have. You don’t need to become someone else; learn how your transferable skills fit in tech. Whether you’ve worked in education, healthcare, retail, or admin, you have something to offer.
Tech is broad, you don’t have to code. There are tons of roles like project management, business analysis, product management, even virtual assistance that don’t start from scratch. All you need is willingness, courage, and the right guidance.
Don’t be afraid to become someone new, every expert began as a beginner. Your story isn’t finished. So start small, ask questions, get support, and believe in yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
